Tidewater Golf Club, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina ? Known as the ``Pebble Beach of the East''

Tidewater Golf Club is the design of Ken Tomlinson, whose goal was to create a course with the qualities that could attract a national championship or even the Ryder Cup Matches. The course opened to public play in 1990 and immediately assumed its position as one of the best courses in South Carolina and the country, even being described as the "Pebble Beach of the East.''

The course is situated in the Tidewater community, which sits high atop a peninsula bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. A saltwater marsh and ocean inlet adjoin the course on the east, while the Intracoastal Waterway runs alongside several holes on the north and west sides.

The course plays along the natural contours of the land and features a variety of elevation changes not typically found in seaside South Carolina. The course also features a number of heavily wooded holes, and thick stands of hardwoods may even have players thinking they're playing one of the finer courses in New England.

The 18-hole, par-72 course plays to more than 7,150 yards from the longest tees, with a USGA rating of 74.9 and a slope rating of 140 on Bermuda grass. The design is considered classic, yet contemporary, and the course is said to be tougher than most. The course has also been described as a "journey,'' as it twists, turns and winds from one hole to the next.

Tidewater is also said to be a beautiful course, with impeccable TifEagle grass greens that rival any in the country, and lush, well-manicured fairways and bunkers. Some of the most noteworthy holes include No. 3, which was voted the "Best Par-3 on the Grand Strand.'' The hole is not especially long, playing to only 157 yards from the Black tees, but wind could impact club selection. The green is undulating and guarded by several large bunkers, however, as well as marshland long and left.

Hole No. 12 is the signature hole for the course, a very intimidating par-3 that plays to 198 yards from the longest tees. Depending upon the wind, the hole can play even tougher as tee shots must carry the marsh and avoid the bunkers that surround the front and right side of the green. The green also slopes away toward the marsh, adding to the difficulty.

Since its opening, Tidewater Golf Club has been accorded many honors and awards. It achieved a rare feat being named Best New Course by both Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine, as well as being ranked among the Best Courses You Can Play in 2007 by Golfweek Magazine.

The practice facilities at Tidewater have been described as "exceptional,'' and include a driving range and short-game practice area. The course also features an expansive clubhouse, which is home to the Tidewater Clubhouse Grille restaurant and other amenities.