The Lockwood Folly River flows into the Intracoastal Waterway of the Atlantic Ocean on the inland side of this windswept barrier island in Brunswick County. For years, local oystermen have known that this nutrient-rich brackish water produces some of the Carolina coast's most scrumptuous shellfish.

Indeed, there are few courses in the Grand Strand that require more precision off the tee. The 14-year-old layout was routed through an old hunting plantation, and a good portion of the Live Oaks, pines and Cypress trees remain in tact.

Lockwood Folly really tightens its grip on the 380-yard par-4 ninth hole where the fairway landing area narrows to the size of a gnat's eyelash. Hit it too long or spray it right and you are in the water; pull it left and your tee shot will either find one of two fairway bunkers or the woods.