7,618 yards, par 72;
Green fees: $99- $209;
888-886-8877, grandedunes.com;
Architect: Roger Rulewich
The huge fairways and gigantic greens — all guarded by colossal bunkers — suggest the scale of the challenge at this course, the longest one in Myrtle Beach.
The real difficulty comes in the profusion of water hazards that drown nearly every hole, most alarmingly at the 8th and 14th, a pair of all-carry par-3s that clock in at more than 240 yards from the back tees.
Ball retrievers were invented for holes like the par-5 13th, which features two forced carries, and the par-5 17th, where water lurks for any shot tugged even slightly left. On the bright side, six sets of tees allow you to limit the pain.
If you're still not down for the count, here are another fistful of courses that pack a mean punch.
Legends (Moorland)
6,799 yards, par 72;
Green fees: $58-$124
800-299-6187, legendsgolf.com
Panther's Run at Ocean Ridge Plantation
7,089 yards, par 72;
Green fees: $54-$93
800-233-1801, big-cats.com
St. James Plantation (Players Club)
6,947 yards, par 72;
Green fees: $80-$100; 800-281-6626,
theclubsatstjames.com
Tidewater Golf Club
7,078 yards, par 72;
Green fees: $109-$209
843-249-3829, tidewatergolf.com
True Blue
7,062 yards, par 72;
Green fees: $92-$159
843-235-0900, truebluegolf.com
