Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, fondly known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” is a golfer’s paradise with over 100 golf courses spread across the Grand Strand. With a selection of courses designed by renowned architects like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Fazio, Myrtle Beach offers an unparalleled golfing experience for both amateurs and professionals. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself on the greens, enjoy picturesque views, or simply indulge in a relaxing golf vacation, Myrtle Beach has a course for everyone. In this article, we will explore the top 10 must-play golf courses in Myrtle Beach that should be on every golfer’s bucket list.
1. The Dunes Golf & Beach Club
Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr., The Dunes Golf & Beach Club has been a Myrtle Beach staple since it first opened in 1948. The course boasts a challenging layout with undulating greens, elevation changes, and strategically placed bunkers. The signature hole, the par-5 13th, known as “Waterloo,” is an awe-inspiring dogleg right that wraps around Singleton Lake, demanding golfers to make precise shots.
The Dunes Club offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, with several holes running parallel to the beach. Ranked among the top 100 public courses in the United States by Golf Digest, this classic course is a must-play for anyone visiting Myrtle Beach.
2. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, located in Pawleys Island, is an exquisite, low-country gem designed by Mike Strantz. The course is set on a historic rice plantation, surrounded by centuries-old live oak trees draped with Spanish moss, creating a serene and picturesque setting.
Caledonia is known for its well-manicured fairways, strategic bunkers, and challenging greens. The par-4 18th hole stands out, with its green guarded by a pond and a magnificent antebellum-style clubhouse serving as the backdrop. Caledonia has consistently been ranked among the top courses in South Carolina and is a must-play for golfers seeking a true southern golf experience.
3. Tidewater Golf Club
Tidewater Golf Club, located in North Myrtle Beach, is another stunning course that offers a perfect blend of challenging golf and breathtaking views. Designed by Ken Tomlinson, Tidewater is set along the Intracoastal Waterway and the Cherry Grove Inlet, offering unparalleled scenic beauty.
Tidewater’s layout features a mix of tight, tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and marshland carries. The par-3 12th hole and par-4 13th hole offer panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and are considered two of the most challenging holes on the course. Tidewater has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the top 100 public courses in the United States by Golf Digest.
4. Barefoot Resort & Golf – Dye Course
The Dye Course at Barefoot Resort & Golf is a Pete Dye masterpiece that provides golfers with a challenging and visually stunning experience. The course features Dye’s signature railroad ties, undulating fairways, and well-guarded greens, making it a true test of golf.
The par-4 9th hole, with its split fairway and imposing bunkers, is one of the most memorable holes on the course. The Dye Course has hosted several prestigious events, including the Hootie & the Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am, and has been ranked among the top 100 public courses in the United States by Golf Digest.
5. Grande Dunes Resort Club
The Grande Dunes Resort Club, designed by Roger Rulewich, is set atop a high bluff overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, offering stunning views and a challenging golf experience. The course weaves through maritime forests and along the waterway, providing a diverse and picturesque landscape.
The par-3 14th hole is one of the most memorable, with its elevated tee box and panoramic views of the waterway. Grande Dunes Resort Club has been recognized as the “National Golf Course of the Year” by the National Golf Course Owners Association and has consistently ranked among the top courses in Myrtle Beach.
6. True Blue Golf Club
True Blue Golf Club, located in Pawleys Island, is another Mike Strantz creation that offers a unique and challenging golf experience. The course features vast fairways, massive bunkers, and large, undulating greens, providing ample opportunities for golfers of all skill levels.
The par-4 4th hole, with its dramatic elevation changes and strategic bunkers, is one of the most memorable on the course. True Blue has been ranked among the top public courses in the United States by Golf Digest and Golfweek and is a perfect complement to its sister course, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club.
7. King’s North at Myrtle Beach National
King’s North, an Arnold Palmer-designed course, is a Myrtle Beach favorite known for its unique and challenging layout. The course features several signature holes, including “The Gambler,” a par-5 6th hole with an island fairway that tempts golfers to take a risky shortcut over the water.
The par-3 12th hole, known as “The Island Green,” is another standout, with its green almost entirely surrounded by water. King’s North has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the top 100 public courses in the United States by Golf Digest and one of the “Top 10 Public Courses in South Carolina” by Golfweek.
8. TPC Myrtle Beach
TPC Myrtle Beach, designed by Tom Fazio, is a championship-caliber course that has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the Senior PGA Tour Championship. The course features rolling fairways, large, undulating greens, and an abundance of water hazards, providing a challenging test for even the most skilled golfers.
The par-5 18th hole is one of the most memorable, with its green guarded by a large lake and offering a stunning view of the clubhouse. TPC Myrtle Beach has been ranked among the top 100 public courses in the United States by Golf Digest and is a must-play for golfers seeking a top-tier golf experience.
9. Heritage Club
The Heritage Club, located in Pawleys Island, is set on the site of a historic rice plantation and offers a classic, low-country golf experience. Designed by Dan Maples, the course features towering live oak trees, marshland carries, and well-guarded greens.
The par-4 4th hole, with its tee shot over water and approach shot to an elevated green, is one of the most challenging on the course. The Heritage Club has been ranked among the top courses in South Carolina by Golfweek and is a perfect complement to the nearby Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and True Blue Golf Club.
10. Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club
Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club, a Jack Nicklaus signature course, offers a challenging and scenic golf experience along the marshes of the Waccamaw River. The course features narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and several memorable holes, including the par-3 13th hole, which requires a precise tee shot over marshland to a narrow green.
Pawleys Plantation has been ranked among the top courses in South Carolina by Golfweek and is an excellent addition to any Myrtle Beach golf itinerary.
Conclusion
With its diverse selection of top-notch golf courses, it’s no wonder that Myrtle Beach is known as the “Golf Capital of the World.” Each course listed above offers a unique and memorable golf experience, appealing to golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself on the greens, enjoy breathtaking views, or simply indulge in a relaxing golf vacation, Myrtle Beach has a course for everyone. So, pack your clubs and tee off at these top 10 must-play golf courses in Myrtle Beach for a truly unforgettable golfing adventure.