Story and Photos by Ian Guerin
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<td>FARMSTEAD NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT A BEAR
You’re not reading the scorecard wrong.
Yes, that is a 679-yard, par 6 to close the day.
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Farmstead’s finishing hole is the only par 6 on the Grand Strand. You need a straight (and long tee shot), a solid second with a 3 wood that takes you from South Carolina back into North Carolina, and then another possible long iron or hybrid to reach the green. And that’s if you’re lucky enough to keep your ball in the middle of the fairway.
			Measuring as long as 767 yards from the championships and as “short” as 635 from the ladies’ tees, No. 18 also includes a large expanse of water down the left-hand side that tempts players to – usually unsuccessfully – cut some of the distance off a dogleg left. &#8211; Ian Guerin</td>
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CALABASH, N.C. | There’s a good reason Farmstead Golf Links doesn’t receive more statewide awards.
As beautifully laid out as Farmstead is, its indecisive location actually splits the golf course between North Carolina and South Carolina. The front nine is located in the Tar Heel State, while the majority of the back nine rests in the Palmetto State.
Don’t let online directions to Farmstead fool you. The course is not as far off the beaten path as you may think. Several major thoroughfares can take you from the heart of Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach to Farmstead in less than 20 minutes.
It just enough distance to reduce some of the walk-in traffic and keep up the mystique and allure of one of the most original Grand Strand golf courses. Because from the time you’re greeted by an 8,000 square-foot Georgian style clubhouse, it’s clear this unique, bi-state residence is home to one of the Myrtle Beach area’s hidden gems.
Farmstead is a finely manicured course that strives on consistency. The 18 greens roll as true as the pre-round putting green. The fairways are accurately and aptly marked, and the rough includes some of the thickest grasses regardless of the length of each hole.
The course plays anywhere from 7,242 yards (championships) down to just shy of 5,000 yards from the ladies’ tees. Five sets of tee boxes give players some flexibility there, as well, with average players hitting a collective 6,097 yards.
What also stands out is a natural environment that neither original designer Willard Byrd nor enhancement specialist Dave Johnson messed with. All 18 holes feature some type of water hazard, although some aren’t in play for even the average player. There are also slight patches of native grasses and plenty of contouring and mounding prevalent throughout.

Course Spotlight: Farmstead Golf Links

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