About the Norman Course
Who knew sharks could come inland? Well they certainly can and this shark has taken a bite out of the bluffs that border the Intracoastal Waterway at Barefoot Resort. With multiple holes along the scenic waterway, Greg Norman’s par-72, 7,000-yard masterpiece is highlighted by the surrounding natural beauty, which frames a majority of his designs. With GN-1 on the tees and fairways, Tifdwarf grass on the approaches and A-1 bentgrass on the greens, the gently undulating terrain will remain as memorable as the course’s most challenging holes.
You may be feeling pretty good about your round at the Norman Course until you reach No. 6, a strong par-4 measuring 448 yards from the platinum tees. A narrow fairway must be found in order to traverse a waste area which guards the green. There is no doubt this is the No. 1 handicap on this course.
Making the turn on the Norman Course, golfers are treated to one of the most picturesque scenes in Myrtle Beach. No. 10 is a healthy par-3 measuring 176 yards from the black tees, but the yardage will be the last thing on your mind. To the right lies the Intracoastal Waterway, along with four imposing bunkers that protect all other sides of the green. All we can say here is good luck and enjoy.
Similar to his colleagues’ work at Barefoot, Norman does not disappoint on the final hole of his design. Another stellar par-5 serves as the dessert for this great layout. Strong players will have the opportunity to reach this hole in two, but a crowned green will hold only the best shots. Whether you attack it with a wood or a wedge, beware of the shark.
The Award
4 Stars in Golf Digest’s “Places to Play”
The Architect
What a nickname. The Great White Shark. Few men could embrace and live up to such a moniker, but Greg Norman certainly has. Norman is the engineer of not only a stellar career on the course, but his success off the course may be even greater. From golf course design and wineries to apparel and turf sciences, Norman’s enterprises stretch far and wide.
Norman spent 331 weeks as the world’s No. 1 golfer and has compiled victories all over the globe, including two major victories. Today though, Norman plays in only a handful of golf events each year, but nearly pulled out an unlikely victory at the 2008 British Open. Norman’s focus is geared on his many businesses, which also include course design. Similar to his exploits in his playing days, Norman’s course portfolio is an international item. From South America to Africa, the Shark has taken a bite out the global golf market once again. His most notable designs include: Championsgate in Florida; Ellerston in Australia; The Medalist in Florida; and Mission Hills in China.
