The Average Joe's Review of Meadowlands Golf Club

By Joe Derus-NorthMyrtleBeachONLINE.com

Calabash, N.C October 25, 2007--Well it has been a while since The Average Joe has written a review of a local golf course. Like most guys I had a break down of the body and had to sit it out for a while. However the good guys at Myrtle Beach Golf Directors who arrange my tee times have been most patient with me and said just get well and come back soon. A couple of weeks and I should be back in full swing.

[Editor’s note – yea! He’s back!!!]

Meadowlands, by the way, is tucked neatly in the Calabash area of NC. Head North  on US 17 out of North Myrtle Beach to route 179 in North Carolina,  hang a left and follow the signs to Meadowlands.

I’ve played Meadowlands numerous times so this review is easy to do.

Meadowlands as its name implies is a wide open course for the most part.

The number one hole is a par four of 379 yards from the white tees looks invitingly easy; just hit it down the middle.

Get off to a good start, because the front nine plays a lot tougher then the back on this course.

Meadowlands has a couple of “unique” holes that challenge your mind as well as your swing and club selection. Whenever I play this course two holes get my attention more than any other. 

My two unique holes are on the front nine.

The first unique and number one handicap at Meadowlands is hole number three.

It is a par four 408 yards. Water becomes the nemesis on this hole. There are two water hazards to contend with. You should get over the first water hazard as it is close in 100 or so yards. 

But we all occasionally crank up the swing to get near the second hazard and wind up in the first water hazard.  Even with a good tee shot of 200 + yards, your second shot must fly over the pond in front of the green or you’re in water again.

Look carefully at the next photo and there is a way around the second pond.

A small opening up the left will take the water out of play.

This shot requires extreme accuracy. One of our players took this route and a great third chip shot put him within three feet of the hole. Yeah!  

The other unique hole on this course is number six.

This is the one with an elevated fairway. Yes that right - the tee box is below the fairway.

It is not an uphill drive. It is to an elevated fairway.  It is my most frustrating hole, but fun to play.

Photos unfortunately do not show the terrain characteristics of this hole. The sign board however gives you better idea.

Once on top of the fairway, one still has a difficult second to the green.

Yes! It is over water again.

Most time we try to play the tee shot off the side of the elevation for a second shot along the edge of the pond.

Either way, this hole will have you thinking if not cussing. Take another look at that sign board and you will get a better idea.

Minus the two “unique” holes the back nine plays a bit easier and just maintaining a good swing will do wonders for your score. Good, consistent stokes and keeping the ball in play on the back nine can easily knock 6 stokes off the score.

We played Meadowlands at the end of a long hot summer, but the course was in good shape. Even though the ponds are down, it looked as if some relief is on the way; maybe the rain will actually come …if not we’ll just get some relief at the club house.