Located in the heart of coastal North Carolina, just a few minutes north of Myrtle Beach, Pearl Golf Links – East Course is a course that presents a golfing experience draped in natural beauty and challenged by strategic layouts. The course is set on the Calabash River, providing players with stunning panoramic views that enhance your golfing experience.
The Course Design and Play
Renowned architect Dan Maples designed this par 72 course. It stretches out to over 6800 yards from the back tees, providing a true test for golfers of all skill levels. The layout navigates through the marshland and forest, creating an inspiring journey through verdant landscapes, strategically placed bunkers, and meticulously manicured fairways. Players will find that the course’s layout is comprised of a mix of both traditional and contemporary golf designs. The East Course is well known for its consistent quality conditions and putting surfaces that are often regarded as some of the finest in the region.
Fairways
Each hole is unique in its design, presenting a succession of challenges as you navigate the course. Fairways are generally wide and inviting, but accuracy is still key if players want to avoid the bunkers and water hazards that are strategically placed along several holes. Contouring and elevation changes play a significant role on certain holes, challenging you to use every club in your bag and deploy different strategies.
Greens
The greens on the East Course are known for being quite large, most of them well protected by bunkers and various water hazards. These greens are typically firm and fast, but they roll true and offer some of the best putting surfaces in the area, and maybe even the state. The challenge lies in navigating the subtle undulations and reading the breaks correctly.
Tee Boxes
There are four sets of tees, giving golfers of different skill levels the diversity they need for their game. This makes the course not only a place for the experienced and proficient golfers but also a beautiful and challenging haven for beginners still learning the ropes of the golfing world.
The Natural Surroundings
The East Course’s natural surroundings elevate the golfing experience from a game to an outdoor experience. As it is sculpted around untouched marshland, you’ll feel as if you’re in a nature preserve when you’re playing on this course. Wildlife abounds in the area, providing players opportunities to see deer, birds, and even the occasional alligator. Combine this with the stunning views of the Calabash River that are available on several holes, and you have a course that is both visually and physically engaging.
18th Hole
One of the standout features of the East Course is the majestic 18th hole. This closing par 5 hole is a real test with water bordering the entire right side, demanding precision and accuracy from your drive all the way to your final putt. With its elevated green and striking views of the marshland, the 18th hole perfectly sums up the unique blend of beauty and challenge that characterizes the East Course.
In conclusion, the Pearl Golf Links East Course is an outstanding golfing destination that shines with lush green fairways, strategically placed hazards, and stunning natural views. This course combines the best elements of North Carolina’s coastal layouts into one incredibly enjoyable golfing package. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for a worthwhile challenge or a newcomer seeking to better your game, the East Course offers an unforgettable golfing experience.
I hear the East Course’s fairways are very forgiving for the wide hitters. Is that true?
Maples is a legend. His holes are always intriguing and well thought out.
There’s nothing better than a combination of a good golf game and a view. Can’t wait to visit!
Can beginners handle this for their first course, or should we start somewhere else?
Played here last year, green’s conditions were superb. Would definitely recommend.
North Carolina in the fall plus golf…sounds like a dream!
Anyone know if they offer twilight rates?
Sounds like a challenging course – just the way I like ’em!
Looking forward to playing the 18th hole. Sounds like a great challenge!
This place sounds amazing. Any recommendations for good B&Bs nearby?
This sounds like a fantastic place to tee off. Who’s up for a trip to North Carolina?
How does this course compare to the West Course?
I’ll be heading down south in two weeks. Consider this course on my to-play list!
Thinking of taking my buddy here for his bachelor party. Animal sightings will add some nice distractions for him!
Love the sound of the natural surroundings! It’s like golfing and sightseeing all in one.
Is it just me, or are finishing holes like the 18th here always the most challenging?
Never been more excited to test my skills with different club uses. This sounds like the perfect course for strategy play.
6800 yards of pure challenge – sign me up!
You had me at ‘untouched marshland’ and ‘alligator.’ ??
Got my first eagle on the East Course’s 7th hole. Definitely returning soon!
I played here last month, the greens are large and roll true indeed!