

Stephen Szurlej








Overview
Strantz returned to Pawley’s Island just a few years after Caledonia opened, nearly to the exact same place, in fact. True Blue is Caledonia’s sister course, located on an inland property that sits just across the street, though sequestered from any marsh views. But what it lacks in scenery it makes up for in volume. Everything at True Blue is bigger and more heroic. Greens erupt out of sand barrens, fairways are 60 to 90 yards wide and holes take on the form of ambling caterpillars. The abrupt, hi-contrast shaping, made possible by the sandy terrain, is a not so subtle nod in the direction of Pine Valley.
About
Awards


Ranking history:
100 Greatest Public: Ranked 2003-'08.
Highest ranking: 87th, 2007-'08.
Best in State: Ranked inside the top 10, 1999. Ranked inside the top 15, 2001. Ranked inside the top 25, 2003-'05. Ranked inside the top 30, 2011-'16, 2021-'22. Ranked 31st, 2023-'24.
2023-'24 ranking: 31st.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Unlike Caledonia, True Blue felt very much like a Strantz layout with creative bunkering and green complexes leading to a very unique experience. Strantz did an excellent job of making some of the holes on less interesting land feel differentiated and added unique challenge. The green complexes on 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, and 18 were world class. Conditioning overall was excellent, albeit a bit soft which took away from some of the strategic value. Fantastic finishing hole rounded out the experience."
Read More2024
Review
“It just a lot of fun. Not quite Tobacco Road, but on the way there."
Read More2024
Review
“Shot options: On many holes, there are some great options, but for the player to choose, and the superintendant to set up (2/3/4/6/10/14/18), and a number of holes that require a precise approach; Hole by Hole comments: Hole #1: fun starting hole; Hole #2: narrow green; Hole #3: pretty hole, needs good approach; Hole #4: very good risk/reward hole, particularly going for it in 2; Hole #5: good driving hole; Hole #6: good green; Hole #7: ok hole; Hole #8: good driving hole; Hole #9: another good risk/reward hole; Hole #10: a good solid par 5, need strong approach to get there in 2; Hole #11: ok par 3; Hole #12: need good approach; Hole #13: great green contours; Hole #14: so many ways this hole could play, depending on which tee and pin position; Hole #15: strong 3-shotter; Hole #16: tough par 3; Hole #17: good driving hole; Hole #18: good finishing hole, need good drive and approach; : Challenge: I think the wind wouldn't play a big factor in most rounds given the big trees, and with the width off the tee, I don't think this would give a great challenge. Would have to make some tough pin positions to make this a big challenge. ; Layout variety: Great variety in green complexes, some that are very narrow, some that are wide; Aesthetics: Its just very enjoyable to go around this course, with trees and water that are in view; Conditioning: I found the conditions strangely average, thought they would be much better; Character: This isn't as unique as Stranz' Tobacco Road, but its up there. I think this Character is quite good for a contemporary design; Fun: All of us, which widely varying handicaps, all greatly enjoyed this course"
Read More2024
Review
“Really enjoyed this course. This is a relly good Mike Strantz design. A definite must play if you are near Myrtle Beach."
Read More2024
Review
“Small and large greens which is inconsistent and some unusual slopes. Par 3's best group on this public course that is lots of fun."
Read More2023
Review
“Layout is fun but the condition was not great. Friendly pro shop"
Read More2022
Review
“Challenging yet really fun to play. Generous fairways but playing the angles creates much better approaches to greens."
Read More2022
Review
“Fescue speckled sand traps feed into water hazards beautifully lined by palm and pine trees. Holes #1, 4, 14, 17 and 18 great examples of shot options and challenge."
Read More2021
Review
“True Blue is my kind of golf course. Very wide off the tee, visually exciting but tough enough around the greens to ensure you need to play well if you want score. One of the most enjoyable golf days you'll ever have."
Read More2018
Readers
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