This 18-hole championship golf course is the signature attraction of Hickory Knob State Resort Park. Designed by Tom Jackson, the course winds its way through 6,560 yards of pine forest, with holes that offer spectacular views of Lake Thurmond. Golfers of all levels will enjoy the course layout, as well as the driving range, practice green and lounge.

The Guardian -- 331 yards, Par 4
The first hole is set beside scenic Lake Thurmond, and should be a good opportunity for a birdie if you are ready to play Hickory Knob. Be aggressive with your tee shot and keep the ball in play. Hit a good approach shot and make your putt.

Lay Up -- 552 yards, Par 5
This unique par 5 is bordered on the left by Lake Thurmond, which also wraps around the first landing. From tee to water could be as close as 220 yards with little to no chance of driving across the lake from the tee. Be strategic with your second shot. Your third shot will be to a blind pin placement, to a green that is elevated 52 feet above the fairway.

Picturesque -- 177 yards, Par 3
This beautiful hole is never camera shy and is photographed often. Downhill and guarded by sand, this par 3 requires a precise shot to a green this is difficult to putt.

The Rock -- 397 yards, Par 4
Lake Thurmond sneaks its way down the left side of the fourth, out of play, and reappears in front of the green to capture the approach shot. It is critical to reach the top of the plateau in order to view the green and the lake some 60 feet below.

The Breather -- 326 yards, Par 4
Players can catch their breath for a moment with a rare birdie opportunity on this short, dogleg left par 4. The green will accept a short iron shot, with care given to fly the guarding bunker.

Down Hill -- 195 yards, Par 3
This challenging par 3 requires a difficult downhill tee shot to a two-tiered green that is well-guarded by bunkers. There is no bail out for an errant shot to this hole that is longer than it appears from the tee.

Strategies -- 349 yards, Par 4
Trouble lies both to the left and right with a small target to hit. The dogleg right hole requires a long enough tee shot to clear the trees on the right side of the fairway, giving you a view of the green. Too long and you will find the woods. Be careful. There is a guardian bunker protecting the green.

Player's Dream -- 542 yards, Par 5
The eighth hole is an opportunity for the accomplished player to reach the green with the second shot. Less skilled players can consider this hole a birdie possibility. Clear the pond with a long tee shot down the right side of the fairway so that you will be able to see the green.

Coming In -- 445 yards, Par 4
The first nine ends with a challenging tee shot that must be struck well enough to stay within the tree line and past the fairway bunker on the right. The second shot will be into the smallest green on the course with a bunker in front.

Five Par -- 574 yards, Par 5
The second nine begins with a straight away tee shot positioned left of the maple tree on the right side of the fairway. There is a possibility for the skilled player to reach this green, but most will lay up within 100 yards of this well-bunkered green.

Double Tees -- 320 yards, Par 4
The eleventh hole was designed with two sets of tees that control the options available to the player. This short par 4 can be reached from the tee if the green's bunker can be avoided in front. The eleventh is a true risk or reward - decision to be made.

Signature -- 337 yards, Par 4
The first hole visible to players on their way to the Pro Shop is this par 4. The vista from the road is much photographed and the passing players are already preparing a strategy to successfully navigate this beautiful golf hole.

Lucky -- 148 yards, Par 3
More skill than luck is required to find the green on this challenging par 3. Tee shots that are short will find the bunker. Shots that are right of the bunker will find the rocks and woods of Hickory Knob.

Heading Home -- 359 yards, Par 4
This hole turns back towards the clubhouse. You must clear the pond and avoid the bunkers that guard both sides of the fairway. A well-placed tee shot will leave a challenging approach shot into a blind, two-tiered, well-bunkered green.

Broken Arrow -- 403 yards, Par 4
This is a 90 degree dogleg left, so you will need to make sure that your tee shot is long enough to get around the turn. Broken Arrow is a true strategy hole with a second shot downhill into a very narrow green.

Opportunity -- 511 yards, Par 5
This par 5 can be reached in two shots by the skilled player if there is no fear of the water. A lay up shot for the approach may be wise. The green is a small target with water guarding the front and right sides. The bail out is left for an errant shot and will result in a difficult up and down for par.

Water & Woes -- 176 yards, Par 3
This beautiful par 3 is elevated from the tee and guarded by Lake Thurmond on the left side. The winds will change the hole dramatically from day to day.

Coming Home -- 418 yards, Par 4
The home hole is a challenge from tee to green with length and obstacles at every point. The cypress trees on the left must be passed, and the water of Lake Thurmond must be avoided with the tee shot. The second shot is demanding in length with the lake to be crossed for the final time. Check closely on the location of the pin. The green is wide from left to right, but is not deep.

South Carolina Golf Insider Robert Gilbert visits the beautiful and challenging Tom Jackson-designed golf course at Hickory Knob State Resort Park in McCormick, SC.