Disclaimer: I played this course before the idea of ISO came about, so this will be broader review rather than hole by hole detail
For as long as my family has been going to Myrtle Beach (20 years now!), an annual tradition is a 3 hour outing at Captain Benjamin’s buffet, known for their all you can eat crab legs.
In what will be viewed as a cardinal sin by many of you, I don’t eat seafood despite numerous attempts of trying to like it.
I know, I know!
As I duck for cover from the comment section, bowing out of the annual Benjamin’s foray gave me the opportunity to play and review one of Myrtle Beach’s 90+ options.
On the menu today rather than crab legs was Man O’ War, so let’s see if I was in for a battle as the name suggests!
First Impressions
There’s a defining factor that any Google image search for Man O’ War will reveal: water!
Pulling up to the course showed the swath of water on the property and I was eager to take this test on.
I had no trouble booking my 3:30pm tee time online and fortunately the course wasn’t overly busy so I checked in at the unassuming clubhouse and was on my way.
The Course
Design: Dan Maples
Yardage: 6967 (Championship), 6402 (Regular), 5729 (Senior), 5033 (Ladies)
Slope: 141 (Championship), 130 (Regular), 120 (Seniors), 114 (Ladies)
Accessibility: Public
Cost: $70 (Summer weekday afternoon)
As I mentioned at the top, I played Man O’War before the idea of ISO Fairways was born so I didn’t approach my photo and note taking with the detail you’ll see in the rest of our reviews, but there are plenty of takeaways from the relaxing 18 I enjoyed at this course.
Playing through the holes here, water was noticeable on almost every hole, but not in a malicious way.
The majority of the water is placed in a scenic rather than hazardous way off the tee. An example is the 3rd above, where anything other than topping the ball gets you over the water with ease.
However, the back 9 features several holes with water guarding the greens so approach play is crucial on this track.
What this setup led to was plenty of picturesque rides between holes and over water. Having the place basically to myself on this late afternoon made this aspect really tranquil and the most relaxing setting/layout I’ve experienced in Myrtle Beach.
The layout at Man O’ War is friendly overall. Most of the fairways are wide and welcoming, and the greens don’t feature too much undulation. Plenty of scoring opportunities are available for the taking if you execute your shots here.
The back 9 featured more standout holes than the front and includes more water in play as well.
While many holes at Man O’War are thought provoking from a distance/strategy perspective, the signature hole is the island green 15th.
Playing just 125 yards, it represents the course well. Picturesque water that is fairly placed and avoidable.
I was fortunate to not get wet on this hole and actually didn’t put one into the water at all during the round.
Final Thoughts
Man O’War is a great course to relax and enjoy a round in Myrtle Beach. Having played difficult tracks in the area such as Dunes Club, Prestwick, and Tidewater, it was nice to experience a more forgiving layout that upheld the Myrtle Beach standard of great conditions and value.
Pros
-Scenic design and integration of water
-Forgiving fairway width with scoring opportunities plentiful
-Very nice conditions
Cons
-Some monotonous holes, would enjoy a little more variety on the layout
Favorite Holes
The 15th and 18th were standouts
What Would We Pay?
$70 is the most I’d pay for my first time at Man O’War. I felt the value was fair, and would prioritize coming back to play at $55 and under. This is more of a testament to the surrounding competition than the course itself, as $70 for this course would represent a great value here in New Jersey.
Final Score
4.75
See how we score here
Have you played Man O’ War? Let us know what you thought of your experience in the comments below!