Enjoyable, Truthful, and Stuffed with Character: The Enduring Attraction of Arcadian Shores

When Arcadian Shores Golf Club opened in 1974, it marked the start of Rees Jones’ profession as a solo architect, and the debut of a structure that has greater than stood the take a look at of time.

It left little doubt that the person who would come to be often known as “The Open Doctor” for his work renovating U.S. Open venues was a rising star on the structure scene.

Five a long time later, Arcadian Shores stays a testomony to Jones’ timeless contact with a structure that’s enjoyable, honest, and filled with character.

“You can see everything you’re supposed to do from the tee,” mentioned General Manager Frank Coughlin. “There aren’t any trick holes or blind shots. It’s all right in front of you, which is what makes it a proper golf course, as my English friends say.”

Arcadian Shores options tree-lined fairways, raised greens, and strategic bunkering that calls for accuracy off the tee, making a problem that rewards shot making and creativity. The course was ranked amongst “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” by Golf Digest by the early Eighties, and whereas it now not occupies that lofty territory, Arcadian stays extremely regarded, particularly amongst Myrtle Beach locals.

The property underwent a serious renovation in 2017, that includes a brand new irrigation system, rebuilt greens, and a very redesigned clubhouse. While that mission occurred years in the past, it laid the groundwork to permit Arcadian to keep up its status as one among Myrtle Beach’s finest worth layouts.

Beyond the standard of the design, a major a part of the course’s attraction is its unpretentious ambiance. Coughlin and his workers deal with each other — and their friends — like household.

“We talk about that every year at our Christmas party,” he says. “There’s no job that’s more important than another. The GM isn’t more important than the bag attendant. Everyone just has different responsibilities. That’s how families work — and that’s how we work.”

Arcadian gives loads of memorable moments, from the picturesque par-3 eighth to the downhill strategy on No. 13, a par-4 with its inexperienced fronted by a pond that’s residence to an alligator that has resided there for almost 20 years. No. 17, one other quick par-3, gives a respite earlier than a troublesome par-4 finisher.

Like so many Myrtle Beach space golf programs, Arcadian Shores invitations gamers to get pleasure from their environment, whether or not it’s a household of red-tailed hawks, a bald eagle close to the water tower, or the enjoyment of a well-struck iron shot.

“Golf’s about more than the score,” Coughlin mentioned. “It’s about having fun with friends, and we want everyone who plays here to feel that.”

After 50 years, that easy philosophy continues to outline Arcadian Shores, a course that honors its previous and embraces its folks.