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<p>The 18th at <a href="https://www.mbn.com/course/river-club">River Club</a> in Pawleys Island epitomizes a classic risk-reward par 5, offering a couple options off the tee and throughout the hole. As you stand on the tee, the opportunity for a dramatic finish is as enticing as the risk of a misstep. Here&#8217;s a guide to navigating this thrilling closer.</p>
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<figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18-Behind-Green-2-ND-031424-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-12330" style="object-fit:cover;width:300px;height:275px" srcset="https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18-Behind-Green-2-ND-031424-1024x576.png 1024w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18-Behind-Green-2-ND-031424-300x169.png 300w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18-Behind-Green-2-ND-031424-768x432.png 768w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18-Behind-Green-2-ND-031424-1536x864.png 1536w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18-Behind-Green-2-ND-031424-2048x1151.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>

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<p><strong>Tee Shot: Risk vs. Reward Begins</strong><br>The tee shot on the 18th presents players with a crucial decision: take the aggressive line over the water on the left for a shorter approach or play conservatively to the right, avoiding trouble but adding distance.<br>Aggressive players who challenge the water and aim left can potentially set up a chance to reach the green in two, but the margin for error is razor thin. A slight miss-hit could find the water or leave you with a challenging recovery. For those seeking a safer path, a well-struck drive to the right-center of the fairway provides a wider landing area and positions you for a manageable layup.</p>
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<figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18-Fairway-Mid-ND-031424-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-12331" style="object-fit:cover;width:300px;height:275px" srcset="https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18-Fairway-Mid-ND-031424-1024x576.png 1024w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18-Fairway-Mid-ND-031424-300x169.png 300w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18-Fairway-Mid-ND-031424-768x432.png 768w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18-Fairway-Mid-ND-031424-1536x864.png 1536w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18-Fairway-Mid-ND-031424-2048x1151.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>

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<p><strong>Second Shot: What You Got Left?</strong><br>If your drive is in prime position, the temptation to go for the green in two is undeniable. The green is reachable for long hitters, but it&#8217;s guarded by water short and left, and bunkers lurking long and right. The wind, pin position, and your confidence in your long game all come into play here.<br>For players choosing to lay up, the fairway narrows as it approaches the green, with water on the left and a cluster of bunkers right. Precision is key; aim to leave yourself a comfortable wedge distance to attack the pin while avoiding the hazards.</p>
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<figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18th-Green-Clubhouse-and-Putting-Green-ND-052924-1-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-12333" style="object-fit:cover;width:300px;height:275px" srcset="https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18th-Green-Clubhouse-and-Putting-Green-ND-052924-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18th-Green-Clubhouse-and-Putting-Green-ND-052924-1-300x169.png 300w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18th-Green-Clubhouse-and-Putting-Green-ND-052924-1-768x432.png 768w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18th-Green-Clubhouse-and-Putting-Green-ND-052924-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18th-Green-Clubhouse-and-Putting-Green-ND-052924-1-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>

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<p><strong>Approach Shot: Strategy and Precision</strong><br>The 18th green at <a href="https://www.mbn.com/course/river-club">River Club</a> is well-protected, with water directly in front and bunkers guarding the rear. This design places a premium on distance control and accuracy.<br>If you’ve laid up, position your ball on the right side of the fairway for a clear angle to the pin. Your approach shot requires precision to avoid both the water hazard short and the bunkers lurking behind the green. The target area is forgiving enough for a well-struck shot, but overcommitting to avoid the water risks a tricky recovery from the sand.<br>Pin placements near the front bring the water into play, so consider aiming slightly past the hole for a safer landing zone. For pins at the back, focus on controlling your distance to avoid overshooting into the bunkers. A conservative play to the center of the green is often the smartest strategy, setting up a solid two-putt opportunity for par or a birdie chance.</p>
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<figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="512" src="https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18th-Hole-Blue-sky--1024x512.png" alt="" class="wp-image-12335" style="object-fit:cover;width:300px;height:275px" srcset="https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18th-Hole-Blue-sky--1024x512.png 1024w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18th-Hole-Blue-sky--300x150.png 300w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18th-Hole-Blue-sky--768x384.png 768w, https://admin.mbn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/River-Club-18th-Hole-Blue-sky-.png 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>

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<p><strong>On the Green: Finishing Strong</strong><br>The green features subtle undulations, so take your time with the read. Uphill putts tend to be more forgiving, so consider this when planning your approach shot. A two-putt for par caps off a strong finish, but aggressive players might find themselves with a realistic birdie opportunity if they&#8217;ve managed the hole well.</p>
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<p><strong>Final Thoughts</strong><br>The 18th at <a href="https://www.mbn.com/course/river-club">River Club</a> is the ultimate test of strategic thinking and execution, offering a range of options to suit different playing styles. It rewards those who take calculated risks but also provides a path for conservative players to finish with a solid score. Whether you’re going all-in for a dramatic close or playing it safe, this hole ensures your round ends on an unforgettable high note.</p>
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<p><em>All photos for this feature from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/myrtlebeachgolftrips/">@MyrtleBeachGolfTrips</a> Instagram Account</em></p>
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Risk-Reward at Its Finest: Mastering the Par-5 18th at River Club

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