26 King’s North reopens at Myrtle Beach National TEE BOX The King’s North course at Myrtle Beach National Golf Club in South Carolina has reopened following a renovation by Brandon Johnson. Work on the front nine was completed by contractor Henderson Construction and reopened in October 2024, with renovation of the back nine beginning in summer 2025. Key alterations focused on playability, strategy and improved maintenance. Highlights of the renovation include the par-five tenth, where expanded fairway lines and a reworked green approach introduce multiple second-shot options, rewarding aggressive lines with feeding slopes while retaining safe avenues for conservative play. The green complex was reimagined, replacing a single dominant bunker with varied contours, a counterbalancing landform and expanded surrounds that support both aerial and ground approaches. Existing sandy waste areas were expanded and blended across holes nine, ten and eighteen to eliminate intrusive cart paths, while tree removal has improved agronomic conditions and opened views across the property. A huge transformation occurred on the finishing where 45 bunkers were removed and replaced with a broad landform that feeds shots toward the green, screens the parking area and creates funnelling lines into newly restored pin positions. First released in 2018 and now reprinted, The Evolution of Golf Course Design by golf course architect Keith Cutten offers a detailed look at golf architecture from the 1830s to the 2010s and explores how historical, cultural and environmental factors have shaped design approaches over time. The book profiles the work of influential architects and examines the evolution of layout strategies, bunkering, green complexes and overall course aesthetics. It integrates historical research with analysis of key movements and trends, providing context for the development of both classic and modern courses. Cutten’s book is the perfect reference for understanding how strategy, artistry and site considerations intersect in golf course design. The go-to guide on the history of golf course design GOOD READ Photo: Founders Group International Currently available on Amazon for $149 (£110).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=