Thistle Club

July 12, 1999  (I was 54)

Thistle Club

         We were ready to play at 7:30 a.m. but it poured rain, so we

skipped our tee time and waited it out for a couple hours.  As soon as it

stopped, they got us out .  We played 27 holes without a drop. 

         Thistle is a beautiful fun course, particularly for one only open about

four months.  Much water and marsh and more bridges than I’ve seen on a course.  We played the middle of five sets of tees to a slope of 126.  The

track began mildly with short par fours, fairly easy water crossings, and avoidable  traps that guided you toward more optimal locations.

         Sections were a bit raw, but planted with colorful flowers and varieties

of blooming thistle. Later holes were longer and tougher.  The bent greens

were large and well-tended.  They rolled smooth and true, increasingly quick

as they dried.

         It will be interesting to compare them to the superb bent greens at

Surf Club later in the week.  I played well (83), so of course I liked the place,

but it got favorable comments from the both foursomes. 

         The staff was courteous and helpful, and the food was reasonable. 

This is a great addition to the Myrtle Beach Strand (actually in North Carolina).  It will be a continued favorite for future trips, I’m sure.  They loaded our vans

and attached complimentary bag tags.  It will be a pleasure to promote

the place to friends.