Tidewater Golf Club

Former Lady Saint tees off in US Open

Nansemond-Suffolk alum Lauren Doughtie is playing in her second U.S. Women’s Open, three years after making the national championship as an amateur at N.C. State, this week at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Co.

Doughtie reached the major going through local and sectional qualifying events. In May, Doughtie was one of two golfers to shoot 145 in two rounds and advance through a sectional at Carolina Trace Country Club in Sanford, N.C.

Doughtie struggled to a nine-over par round of 80 in the first round at The Broadmoor (par 71, 7,047 yards) on Thursday. Doughtie shot rounds of 78 and 87 in two rounds at the 2008 U.S. Open in Edina, Minn.

At the time of her first U.S. Open, Doughtie was a rising senior for the Wolfpack. In her collegiate career, she was an All-ACC golfer multiple seasons and made the NCAA Tournament.

Doughtie won the 2008 Virginia State Amateur Championship at Bayville Golf Club in Virginia Beach. Along with that title and the U.S. Open in ’08, Doughtie made the U.S. Women’s Amateur and the quarterfinals of the U.S. Women’s Public Links Championship.

Going back to Nansemond-Suffolk, Doughtie was All-Tidewater Conference in 2004 and ’05 as well as the 2004 Virginia Junior Girls Golfer of the Year.

Doughtie’s in her third year playing on the LPGA Futures Tour. She’s played in seven tournaments this year, making the cut in five. The top 10 players on the Futures Tour at the end of the season earn LPGA Tour cards for the upcoming year.

Playing in a major on a 7,000-plus yard course is a different beast though, at least through 18 holes. On the Futures Tour, Doughtie ranks high in driving accuracy (64.3 percent) and driving distance (255 yards).

Doughtie hit only five of 14 fairways in Thursday’s first round. She played in the first group off the first tee, teeing off at 7 a.m.

Doughtie is one of two former Saint golfers playing in major championships this summer. Sean Dougherty, NSA class of 1997 who’s now the head professional at a club in Overland Park, Kan., qualified for August’s PGA Championship through his finish in the PGA Professional National Championship two weeks ago.

Tidewater Golf Course - Myrtle Beach Golf

As of recently, Tidewater golf course has been making moves to the top of our Top 10 Ranked Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach list, and is currently ranked #8. I recently had the opportunity to play 18 holes at Tidewater Golf Club & Plantation , which is quietly tucked away in beautiful North Myrtle Beach, SC.  Upon first arrival to the Tidewater community, you’re immediately greeted by the friendly people at the guard gate that provide you with entrance authorization and a parking pass. Along the your short drive to the clubhouse, you’ll appreciate the forest-like landscape of this community that is extremely well-kept, as well as the gorgeous homes and condos that are encompassed within. As you approach the very first tee, passing the driving range and practice putting green area, you’ll immediately understand what Tidewater golf course is truly about. Boasting mostly narrow fairways with tattered sand bunkers,fast greens that are closely guarded by sand traps; this course can definitely prove to be a challenging one, but not so difficult that it will leave the average golfer throwing clubs and ready to swear off the game of golf for life. I believe this is one of the many reasons that people choose Tidewater as one of the top 10 golf courses in the Grand Strand. The most memorable hole on this golf course for me was #12. This happens to be Tidewater’s signature hole, and upon my approach I immediately realized why. Hole #12 is an intimidating 149yd par 3 (from the whites), strategically surrounded almost entirely by sand on the front and right side of the green. Your eyes will definitely trick you on this hole, leading you to believe it is really closer than it is. With the wind coming off of the ocean, you definitely need to analyze how you want to make your approach. I couldn’t help but to be captivated by the stunning views of the low-country marsh and gorgeous homes located directly across the way. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself forgetting completely about the game of golf, and simply spending a few minutes admiring the view. This is truly what golf in South Carolina is all about. All-in-all, Tidewater golf course is one my absolute favorites of the Grand Strand. It’s kept in immaculate condition, it can challenge highly-skilled golfers, and accommodate the average golfer as well.

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