Arcadian Shores Features Two of Myrtle Beach’s Dream 18

Arcadian Shores Golf Club is a staple of many Myrtle Beach golf vacations.

The course opened for play in the mid-‘70s with its traditional layout designed by an offspring of legendary architect Robert Trent Jones. No one could have predicted in 1974 that Rees Jones would transform his career out of the shadows of his father to be known as the U.S. Open Doctor.

Arcadian Shores is where Rees Jones got his start.

Nearly 40 years later, Arcadian Shores continues to be a “must play’’ for Grand Strand golfers.

Two holes are so popular they were Dream 18 selections by the Myrtle Beach Sun News, a feature that identified the 18 best Myrtle Beach golf holes.

The most memorable Arcadian Shores tests are the par-3 No. 2 and the par-4 13th.

After facing the challenge of a player-friendly par-5, players step to the tee on No. 2 and quickly focus on a daunting task. Players must avoid all kinds of trouble – water from tee to green; menacing bunkers; and a small green where occasionally a risk-reward pin placement on the front right is in play – on the 201-yard hole.

If you’re shaking in your shoes on No. 2, the same nervous sensation will be felt on the approach shot on No. 13. Players may opt to leave the driver in the bag on this not overly long par-4. The longer the tee shot the more likely you’ll face a downhill lie over water. Nothing makes golfers sweat more than hitting a wedge from an awkward stance. But the overall frame of this particular shot, while extremely difficult, is above all easy on the eyes.

This intriguing layout consists of tight, tree-lined fairways and elevated greens. Arcadian Shores is also popular because of its “surf and turf’’ proximity within hub of the Grand Strand.

Arcadian Shores is within minutes of Restaurant Row and even a closer distance to the beach.