Picking up a kings north scorecard for the first time is usually a mix of excitement and a tiny bit of "what have I gotten myself into?" If you've ever played golf in Myrtle Beach, you know that King's North at Myrtle Beach National is one of those bucket-list courses that everyone talks about. It's an Arnold Palmer masterpiece, and honestly, the scorecard tells a story long before you even tee off on the first hole. It's not just a piece of paper for recording bogeys; it's a roadmap through some of the most creative and challenging holes in the South.
When you look at the card, the first thing you'll notice is the variety. This isn't a course where every hole looks the same. Palmer really went out of his way to make sure you're using every club in your bag. Whether you're a scratch golfer or someone who's just happy to break 100, understanding the layout of the scorecard is the secret to not losing a dozen balls in the water.
What the Numbers Actually Tell You
Let's talk about the raw data first. On the kings north scorecard, you're looking at a par-72 layout that can play quite long if you aren't careful. From the back tees (the Professionals), you're staring down over 7,000 yards. That sounds intimidating, and it is. But the beauty of this course is the flexibility. There are multiple sets of tees—Blue, White, Gold, and Red—meaning you can find a yardage that actually fits your game.
If you're a mid-handicapper, you'll probably find yourself gravitating toward the White tees, which sit around 6,200 yards. It's a comfortable length that allows you to reach the par-4s in two while still feeling the bite of the par-5s. The slope and rating are also something to keep an eye on. With a slope rating that can go as high as 136 from the tips, the scorecard is basically warning you that there are plenty of places to get into trouble.
The Legend of 'The Gambler'
You can't talk about the kings north scorecard without mentioning Hole 6. This is "The Gambler," and it's probably the most famous par-5 in all of Myrtle Beach. On the scorecard, it looks like a standard par-5, but the yardage is only half the story.
When you stand on that tee box, you have a choice. You can play it safe down the right side, which is a long, winding path to the green. Or, you can take the shortcut—an island fairway in the middle of a massive lake. If you hit that island fairway, you've got a legitimate shot at reaching the green in two. It's the ultimate "risk-reward" hole, and it's why people come back to this course year after year. Every time I mark my score on that hole, I'm either celebrating a daring birdie or shaking my head at a double-bogey that started with a splash.
Navigating the Signature Par 3s
The scorecard lists four par-3s, and none of them are "gimmies." The most iconic one is definitely the 12th hole. If you look at the yardage on your kings north scorecard, it doesn't look overly long—usually around 140 to 160 yards depending on the tees. But the green is an island, and not just any island. It's shaped like the state of South Carolina, complete with "sand trap" bunkers representing the neighboring states.
It's one of those holes where the number on the card doesn't reflect the mental pressure. You're hitting over water to a green that feels way smaller than it actually is. When you're writing down your score for the 12th, you'll either feel like a hero or be reaching for a fresh ball. It's a classic Palmer design—visually stunning but strategically demanding.
Strategic Plays for a Better Score
One thing I've learned from staring at the kings north scorecard is that you can't always drive for show. There are several holes, especially on the back nine, where the yardage suggests you should rip a driver, but the hazards say otherwise. Hole 18 is a perfect example.
The 18th is a beast. It's a par-4 with over 40 bunkers. Yes, you read that right. Over 40 bunkers on one single hole. If you look at the scorecard, it's a relatively long finishing hole, but the key is accuracy, not distance. If you try to overpower it, you'll end up playing beach volleyball in the sand. I always tell people to look at the handicap rating for each hole on the card. If it's ranked as one of the hardest holes, play it for a bogey and move on. Trying to be a hero on the 18th at King's North is a quick way to ruin a decent round.
Why the Yardage Matters for Your Approach
The yardage on the kings north scorecard is incredibly precise, and you'll want to pay attention to the "distance to center" markers on the course. Because many of the greens are large and multi-tiered, being on the wrong side of the green can lead to a dreaded three-putt.
When you see a hole that's 400+ yards on the card, don't panic. The fairways are generally wide enough to give you a fair shot. The real challenge comes with the approach shots. Arnold Palmer loved to protect his greens with water or deep bunkers. So, while the scorecard tells you how far it is to the hole, it doesn't tell you how much club you need to carry the trouble. Always take an extra club if the wind is blowing off the coast—you'll thank me later.
Using the Scorecard for Match Play
If you're playing a match with friends, the kings north scorecard is your best friend. The handicap rankings (1 through 18) are well-distributed, making it a fair course for strokes. Usually, the par-5s like "The Gambler" are where the match is won or lost. Since those holes offer so many different ways to play them, you can really put the pressure on your opponent by taking the aggressive line while they play it safe.
I love using the back of the card to keep track of side bets or "skins." There's something about the prestige of King's North that makes even a $5 bet feel like you're playing for the Green Jacket. Just make sure someone is actually keeping track of the strokes correctly, because with all the water hazards, the math can get a little fuzzy after a few holes.
Finishing Strong at Myrtle Beach National
By the time you reach the end of the kings north scorecard, you've likely been through an emotional rollercoaster. You've faced island fairways, island greens, and more sand than a day at the actual beach. But that's the draw.
Writing down that final score on the 18th hole brings a real sense of accomplishment. Whether you shot your career best or struggled to stay out of the water, the experience is what sticks with you. The scorecard becomes a souvenir of sorts—a reminder of that one time you actually hit the island fairway on "The Gambler" or that lucky par you saved from the bunkers on 18.
Ultimately, the kings north scorecard is more than just a tally of your hits. It's a testament to a well-designed course that respects the game while pushing you to be a bit more adventurous. So, next time you find yourself at the starter's hut at Myrtle Beach National, grab that card, take a deep breath, and get ready for a round you won't soon forget. Don't let the numbers scare you—just enjoy the ride.