Tidewater Golf Club is renowned for its natural coastal beauty, prompting one golf writer to go so far as to call the course the Pebble Beach of the East.

With eight holes that play along the marshy waters of Cherry Grove or the Intracoastal Waterway, Tidewater enjoys views that no amount of architectural genius can replicate, and therein lies a significant part of its appeal.

A pair of par 3s, nine holes apart on the scorecard but located just yards from each other, occupy Tidewater’s most breathtaking real estate.

The third and 12th holes are the best pair of par 3s along the Grand Strand, both stunning in their beauty and devilish in their challenge.

After the playing the first two holes inland, the beauty of Cherry Grove comes into full view heading to the third tee box. Golfers take a minute to admire nature’s work before confronting the 146-yard (from the white tees) hole called Stranded, which is how many feel when they are in the wrong spot on the multi-tiered green.

The putting surface, which rests against the waters of Cherry Grove, has two tiers and runs from back to front. The hole plays longer when the pin is on top but it’s an easier shot due to the size of the target. Miss the green short and a pair of cavernous bunkers await.

Golfers that hit the proper spot on the green will have a reasonably good shot at birdie, otherwise making par will be a challenge.

The 12th hole is similar in length – playing 145 yards from the white tees – but the peninsula green is surrounding on three sides by the waters of Cherry Grove, meaning the tee shot is all carry.

As pretty as No. 3 is, the view from the 12th tee box might be the best the Myrtle Beach golf scene has to offer. It’s a visually intimidating shot on the calmest of days and when the wind picks up it can be knee-knocking. It’s also great.

The hole is called Wishing Well and with the majority of the danger lurking between the tee and green, the name is certainly appropriate.

Which hole is better? That’s the eternal question among Tidewater golfers.

The course has been ranked among America’s top 100 public courses by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine since its 1990 opening, and the third and 12th holes are primary reasons for Tidewater’s continuing acclaim.

For more information, go to www.TidewaterGolf.com.