Azalea Sands Golf Club
Located in the heart of North Myrtle Beach, Azalea Sands Golf Club shines as one of the oldest established courses on the Grand Strand. Managed by the Neptune Family, this 18-hole course stands as a testament to classic golfing in South Carolina, drawing both locals and tourists alike with its natural appeal and challenging design. The course’s signature ambiance is defined not just by its fairways but also its mature Carolina Pines and azaleas, creating a picturesque backdrop that offers a touch of tranquility amidst the high-stakes golfing action.
Course Design and Layout
Designed by renowned golf course architect Gene Hamm, Azalea Sands Golf Club opened its doors in 1972, some 48 years ago. Gene Hamm envisioned a course that emphasized accuracy over strength, a philosophy reflected in the course’s strategic bunkers, tight fairways, and well-protected greens.
Azalea Sands Golf Club boasts a par of 72, stretching over 6902 yards from the longest tees. The course features a combination of four par threes, ten par fours, and four par fives, ensuring a diverse playing experience catering to golfers of varied proficiency. From the inviting fairways of the front nine to the water hazards experienced in the back nine, Azalea Sands will put your strategic golfing skills to the test.
Green Conditions and Maintenance
Maintaining a golf course on the coastline is no small feat, and the credit for Azalea Sands’ impeccable fairways and greens go to its diligent ground staff. The Bermuda Grass greens and fairways are carefully manicured throughout the year, maintaining a fast, consistent pace of play across seasons. The club replaced all its greens with Champion Bermuda in 2017, ensuring a golfing experience consistent with PGA standards.
Amenities and Facilities
Beyond the course itself, Azalea Sands Golf Club offers several amenities to enhance your golfing experience. Its full-service pro shop is stocked with a wide variety of golf essentials, covering everything from apparel to equipment, catering to all your golfing needs.
The AZ Bar and Grill located within the club features a casual dining menu. Golfers can recharge with a hearty meal before teeing off or unwind after an exciting game. With a large variety of sandwiches, snacks, and cold beverages offered, the AZ Bar and Grill brings its own fair share of charm to the Azalea Sands experience.
If you’re looking to improve your swing or learn the game, the Azalea Sands Golf Academy offers lessons from PGA-certified teaching professionals. They stand ready to finely tune your game, whether you’re a seasoned player or a novice. From individual lessons to group clinics, the academy provides a comprehensive range of learning options under expert guidance.
Final Thoughts
The Azalea Sands Golf Club captures the authentic spirit of Myrtle Beach golfing. The course leverages its natural coastal surroundings, providing golfers with a unique blend of challenge and beauty. Combining technicalities and aesthetics, Azalea Sands Golf Club’s allure lies not just in its fairways but also in its panoramic views. Whether you are a golf enthusiast visiting Myrtle Beach or a local resident, Azalea Sands should undoubtedly feature on your golfing itinerary. From its lush greens to the welcoming onsite amenities, every aspect of this club promises an enriching golfing experience.
Loved the AZ Bar and Grill, great place to unwind after a round. Go for the club sandwich! Trust me.
Azalea Sands is a treasure! I’ve been a regular here for years and the lush landscaping and the challenge each game brings never gets old.
Has anyone else experienced a slower pace of play during peak seasons? Just curious.
Those fairways may look inviting, but they can be challenging. Do not underestimate them!
There’s nothing like playing a round surrounded by Carolina Pines and azaleas in full bloom.
Beware the water hazards on the back nine! They’ve got me more than once.
The pro shop here has saved me on more than one occasion when I forgot my gloves or tees!
Can’t think of a better way to spend a weekend morning in Myrtle Beach.
Difficult but rewarding course. Always manage to lose a couple of balls in those strategic bunkers!
The breakfast sandwich at AZ Bar and Grill can’t be beat.
Does anyone else make Azalea Sands’ AZ Bar and Grill the last stop after a tournament like I do?
It’s all about precision at Azalea Sands. Hamm really outdid himself with this design.
Does anyone have recommendations for a good caddy at Azalea Sands?
Looking forward to my first round there next week.
I can’t say enough about the maintenance crew at Azalea Sands. Impeccable greens every single time.
As a newbie to golf, I really enjoyed my lessons at the Azalea Sands Golf Academy. Highly recommended!
Azalea Sands is on my bucket list. Can’t wait to play those par 5’s.
Coming back from the Bermuda Greens at Azalea Sands to the ones at my home course is always a hard transition.
Just booked my first lesson at the academy! Excited to improve my game.
I love the par threes here, they offer an interesting mix of risk and reward.
I need to visit more often! There’s nothing like the smell of the greens and the pine. So relaxing!