Pros:
I'm typically viewed as a harsh reviewer. I typically find faults that others don't. So, it's rare that I think other people are being way too harsh on a course. Such is the case with Waccamaw Park.
- This was a fun, creative layout considering the grounds they had to work with. There's only a small area of tree/shaded area? Make two holes out of that area. Thin rows of trees and tall grass throughout a field? Create fairways and some obstacles.
- Hole #1 is a fun starting point. Open fairway to a basket on the back of the trees. It wasn't until I got to the hole that I noticed the basket was on the edge of a several-foot deep ravine. Somehow my tee shot skipped over the ravine. Better to be lucky than good.
- Hole #2 is a complete 180 from #1. Tee off from behind the trees, throw through the trees to a basket back by the first tee. If one or two trees were cleared out to create a clear line, it would turn this into a quality tee shot rather than the poke-n-hope view. Plus, I like the bridge over the ravine here.
- Remaining holes all used tall grass as rough, mowed fairways, and some trees to come into play. Each tee shot requires a fair degree of accuracy if you're wanting to see birdies. Throw in a decent variety in lengths, layouts (doglegs, straight shots, etc.) and you're getting to throw different shots throughout.
- Of these holes, #3, 6, 7, & 8 were all fun. #8 is the best multi-shot hole at 450 feet. If you avoid the trees, a 3 should be expected. Get your disc knocked down, and you're fighting for your 4.
- Excellent tee signs. Tee pads were in pretty good shape too. As were the baskets.
- For a park in the middle of nowhere, it was in great shape overall. When I had to turn at the abandoned gas station, I started picturing a rundown course. Quite the opposite.
Cons:
As stated above, I wish the fairway was more defined on #2. On this hole, you're either throwing a 75-foot tee shot (hitting one of the trees), or you're in the clear having thrown a 250-300-foot shot. There's really no middle ground.
- #9 was probably the most boring hole on the course. Once you get past the tree line fairway, the second half of the hole is a wide-open shot to the basket. Just slam your disc into the fence behind the basket, and you're left with a rather simple 15-foot putt. Easiest way to make a 3, especially if you're not good at judging distances.
- How recently the fairways have been mowed will determine the quality of the course when you play here. Also, some of the thorns and other nuisances need to be kept at bay.
- The course isn't close to anything. Even coming back from the Wilmington area (Southport) headed back to Charlotte, it was a detour to get here. Again, it's a HUGE credit to the P&R department that this park is in such great shape considering where it's located.
Other Thoughts:
This is a fun course. I'm a big fan of Waccamaw Park.
- There's also a Waccamaw River Park just outside of Myrtle Beach. This Waccamaw Park is leaps and bounds better.
- Very good course to play through multiple times. Location may have something to do with it. But quality is the main reason.
- An obvious comp for me to this is Park Circle in North Charleston. Between the open and flat, coastal layout, similar vibes throughout.
- I enjoyed holes 4 & 6. Both offered better chances to make runs at the basket.
- With a lack of shade, this course can where you down in the summer. I played on a hot Sunday morning in August. My shirt was soaked after a single round.
- Good reason to take a detour. And honestly, I avoided more traffic going this way than the more direct way every other car was taking. Glad I played it. Hope it's not a one-and-done for me.