Five Longest Golf Holes Along the Brunswick Islands

There is much more to golf than pounding the driver, but there are holes where brawn is a prerequisite for success. For players who relish the opportunity to unsheathe the big stick and swing from the heels, a Brunswick Islands golf trip offers more than a few opportunities to flex your muscle.

Here are the area’s five longest par 5s.

No. 1 - Pearl West, No. 7, 604 yards: The Calabash River glides along the entire right side, adding beauty to the substantial challenge. The fairway cants from left to right, pushing balls toward the marshy waters of the river while often forcing golfers to play from an uneven lie. In addition to being the longest hole along the Brunswick Islands, this is also among the most daunting. Par is an outstanding score.

No. 2 - Tiger’s Eye, No. 18, 592: Once ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, Tiger’s Eye helped make architect Tim Cate a household name, and the 18th hole was a big reason why. Water, mounding and a sprawling waste bunker all factor into play on this unforgettable finisher. Playing from the left-center of the fairway will help minimize the risk from a waste bunker that runs along the final 160 yards. This is a finish worthy of one of the area’s best layouts.

No. 3 - Magnolia Greens, Magnolia No. 2, 592 yards: A fairway bunker lurks 271 yards from the tee on this dogleg left but danger is otherwise limited. There is no water around the green and there is some room to run the ball up, allowing players to be aggressive.

No. 4 - Magnolia Greens, Camellia No. 9, 589 yards: This monster dogleg left requires plenty of strength on the first two shots and precision on the approach. Water runs along the left side of the hole over the final 140 yards, waiting to swallow shots that are pulled. If the pin is on the center left of the green, players that get greedy bring the possibility of a big number into play.

No. 5 - Carolina National, No. 9, 587 yards: Long hitters can consider cutting part of the dogleg left, but there is considerable risk, especially when one takes into account how difficult it is to reach the green in two. There is no need to take an unnecessary chance. Avoid the large bunker that fronts the green or you will be required to demonstrate finesse and power to make par.

If your golf group digs the long ball, these five holes need to be part of your next itinerary. Visit NCBrunswickGolf to start making plans.

Chris King is a nationally published freelance writer whose work has appeared on GolfChannel.com, ESPN.com and various other outlets dedicated to golf and sports.