Myrtle Beach is a golfer’s dream, offering some of the best public courses in the country.
Here are the top five: Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, True Blue Golf Club, Tidewater Golf Club, King’s North at Myrtle Beach National, and Dunes Golf & Beach Club.
Keep reading for a detailed look at each course and what makes them stand out.
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, located in Pawleys Island, SC, is a gem designed by the renowned Mike Strantz.
This course is set on a former rice plantation, offering golfers not only a challenging game but also a journey through a landscape steeped in history and natural beauty.
Overview
Caledonia is situated in the picturesque town of Pawleys Island, blending seamlessly into its historical surroundings.
Designed by the innovative Mike Strantz, the course occupies land that was once a thriving rice plantation.
The rich history is palpable as you navigate through the course, with majestic live oaks draped in Spanish moss lining the fairways and greens.
Course Highlights
One of the standout features of Caledonia is its stunning landscape and natural beauty.
The course's design makes excellent use of the existing topography, creating a layout that feels both challenging and harmonious with its surroundings.
As you play, you'll encounter a variety of scenic vistas, from the serene Waccamaw River to the lush marshlands.
A signature element of Caledonia is its 18th hole.
This final hole is a par-4 that demands precision and strategic thinking.
The approach shot is particularly memorable, requiring you to carry over water to reach the green, which is guarded by bunkers.
It's a hole that tests your skills and leaves a lasting impression.
The clubhouse at Caledonia is another highlight. With its classic Southern charm, the clubhouse offers a perfect place to relax before or after your round.
Inside, you'll find top-notch facilities, including a pro shop stocked with the latest gear and apparel, as well as dining options that let you savor the local cuisine.
Why Play Here?
Playing at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club is a unique experience due to its meticulous maintenance.
The groundskeepers ensure that the fairways and greens are in impeccable condition year-round, providing a consistently high-quality playing surface.
The course offers a blend of challenges and rewards that cater to golfers of all skill levels.
Beginners will appreciate the wide fairways and forgiving roughs, while more experienced players can test their skills on the strategically placed hazards and undulating greens.
One of the unique features of Caledonia is its historical significance.
As you play, you're walking in the footsteps of history, with every hole offering a glimpse into the past.
The live oaks and old plantation ruins add to the sense of stepping back in time, making your round not just a game of golf but a historical journey.
True Blue Golf Club
True Blue Golf Club, located in Pawleys Island, SC, is another masterpiece designed by Mike Strantz.
Known for its bold and innovative design, True Blue offers a distinct golfing experience with wide fairways, large greens, and a layout that creatively utilizes the natural landscape.
Overview
Situated in the charming Pawleys Island, True Blue Golf Club is the sister course to Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, but it presents a completely different challenge.
Designed by the imaginative Mike Strantz, True Blue is characterized by its modern and audacious approach to golf course architecture.
The course is carved out of a former indigo and rice plantation, giving it a unique historical context.
Course Highlights
True Blue is celebrated for its expansive fairways and large, undulating greens.
Unlike the tighter, more traditional layout of Caledonia, True Blue embraces a more open design, encouraging players to take bold shots.
The fairways are wide, allowing for a variety of shot options, which can be both forgiving and challenging depending on your approach.
The greens at True Blue are particularly noteworthy.
They are large and feature significant undulations, requiring precise putting and a good read of the terrain.
This adds a layer of complexity to the game, making each hole a unique challenge.
Strantz's creative use of the natural landscape is evident throughout the course.
The layout incorporates the area's natural sand dunes, native grasses, and water hazards, blending seamlessly with the environment.
This design philosophy not only enhances the visual appeal of the course but also provides strategic elements that keep golfers engaged.
Why Play Here?
True Blue’s bold and challenging design is one of the main reasons to play here.
The course encourages aggressive play, rewarding those who can take risks and execute their shots well.
The wide fairways offer a sense of freedom, but the strategic bunkering and water hazards require careful planning and precision.
The course layout is both strategic and fair.
The bunkers are strategically placed to challenge your approach shots and require thoughtful navigation.
The variety in hole designs ensures that no two holes feel the same, keeping the round interesting from start to finish.
When comparing True Blue to Caledonia, the differences are quite apparent.
While Caledonia offers a more traditional and historically rich golfing experience with tighter fairways and a focus on natural beauty, True Blue pushes the boundaries with its open layout and modern design elements.
Both courses provide top-notch golfing experiences but cater to different styles of play.
Tidewater Golf Club
Tidewater Golf Club, nestled in North Myrtle Beach, SC, is a celebrated course designed by Ken Tomlinson.
Known for its breathtaking views and challenging layout, Tidewater combines the natural beauty of the coast with a strategic golfing experience that appeals to players of all levels.
Overview
Located in the scenic North Myrtle Beach, Tidewater Golf Club offers golfers a spectacular setting along the Intracoastal Waterway, with several holes providing stunning ocean views.
Designed by Ken Tomlinson, the course is renowned for its harmonious integration with the coastal landscape, making it one of the most visually appealing courses in the region.
Course Highlights
One of the defining features of Tidewater is its scenic views.
The course is laid out along the Intracoastal Waterway, with multiple holes offering panoramic water views that are both beautiful and challenging.
Golfers can enjoy the serene backdrop of the water, marshlands, and distant ocean views as they navigate the course.
The course’s design makes excellent use of the natural marshland hazards, adding both visual appeal and strategic difficulty.
These hazards require precise shot-making and thoughtful planning, as wayward shots can easily find the water or dense marsh areas.
Elevated greens are another hallmark of Tidewater.
These greens add an extra layer of challenge, demanding accurate approach shots and careful consideration of club selection.
The elevation changes throughout the course keep golfers on their toes and ensure that no two holes play the same.
Why Play Here?
The stunning coastal beauty of Tidewater Golf Club is a primary draw for many golfers.
The combination of water views, marshland, and ocean vistas creates a serene and captivating environment that enhances the overall golfing experience.
The natural beauty of the course makes it a pleasure to play, regardless of your score.
Tidewater’s challenging holes with unique features make it a favorite among golfers seeking a test of their skills.
The marshland hazards and elevated greens require precise play and strategic thinking, rewarding those who can navigate the course with accuracy and finesse.
Playing at Tidewater offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and strategic play.
The course’s layout takes full advantage of the coastal landscape, creating a golfing experience that is both visually stunning and technically demanding.
The thoughtful design by Ken Tomlinson ensures that each hole presents a unique challenge, making every round at Tidewater a memorable one.
King's North at Myrtle Beach National
King’s North at Myrtle Beach National, designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, is a must-play course in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Known for its innovative design and memorable holes, this course offers a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Overview
Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, King’s North is one of three courses at Myrtle Beach National and stands out for its unique design by Arnold Palmer.
The course has been celebrated for its imaginative layout and the variety of challenges it presents to players.
With its combination of natural beauty and strategic complexity, King’s North is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Course Highlights
One of the most notable aspects of King’s North is its innovative design elements.
Arnold Palmer’s influence is evident in the creative and strategic nature of the course.
The layout incorporates a mix of wide fairways, strategic water hazards, and extensive bunkering, making each hole a new adventure.
Among the many standout holes at King’s North, the par-5 6th hole, known as “The Gambler,” is perhaps the most famous.
This hole offers a unique risk-reward opportunity with an island fairway that tempts players to take a shortcut over the water.
Successfully navigating this bold shot can lead to a significant advantage, but the risk is equally high, making it a thrilling challenge.
Why Play Here?
King’s North offers a collection of memorable and strategically designed holes that keep players engaged throughout their round.
The course's layout ensures that no two holes feel the same, providing a diverse and exciting golfing experience.
Arnold Palmer’s design encourages players to think creatively and strategically, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the game.
The risk-reward opportunities at King’s North are a major draw for many golfers. Holes like “The Gambler” challenge players to weigh their options carefully, offering the chance for great rewards but also significant risks.
This dynamic aspect of the course adds an extra layer of excitement and strategy, making each round a unique experience.
Extensive bunkering and water hazards throughout the course demand precision and thoughtful play.
The bunkers are strategically placed to challenge approach shots and protect the greens, while the water hazards require accurate drives and careful course management.
These features not only add to the visual appeal of King’s North but also test the skills and decision-making of every golfer.
Dunes Golf & Beach Club
Dunes Golf & Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, SC, is a prestigious and historic course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Known for its challenging layout and beautiful setting, it has earned a reputation as one of the top courses in the region.
Overview
Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Dunes Golf & Beach Club is a historic course with a rich tradition.
Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, Sr., this course has been a staple of the Myrtle Beach golfing community since its opening in 1949.
The course's classic design elements and beautiful coastal scenery make it a favorite among golfers seeking a traditional yet challenging experience.
Course Highlights
Dunes Golf & Beach Club boasts a prestigious and historic reputation.
Over the years, it has hosted numerous championships, cementing its status as a premier golfing destination.
The course layout is a masterpiece of design, blending natural beauty with strategic challenges that test golfers of all skill levels.
One of the most notable features of the course is the 13th hole, famously known as “Waterloo.”
This par-5 hole is a classic example of Jones’s design philosophy, incorporating a double dogleg around Lake Singleton.
The hole demands precise shot placement and strategic thinking, making it one of the most memorable and challenging holes on the course.
Why Play Here?
The championship pedigree of Dunes Golf & Beach Club is a major draw for golfers.
The course has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the PGA Senior Tour and the US Women’s Open, showcasing its ability to challenge the best players in the world.
Playing on a course with such a storied history adds an extra layer of excitement and prestige to your round.
The challenging water hazards and classic design elements are another reason to play at Dunes.
Robert Trent Jones, Sr.’s design incorporates water hazards strategically, requiring accurate drives and thoughtful course management.
These hazards not only add to the beauty of the course but also present significant challenges that test your skills and decision-making.
The classic design of Dunes Golf & Beach Club, with its undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging greens, provides a timeless golfing experience.
The course’s layout demands a variety of shots and thoughtful strategy, ensuring that each round is both challenging and rewarding.
Tips for Planning Your Myrtle Beach Golf Trip
Planning a golf trip to Myrtle Beach can be an exciting yet daunting task.
With so many fantastic courses to choose from and a variety of logistical details to consider, it's important to plan ahead to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Best Times of Year to Visit
Myrtle Beach offers excellent golfing weather for most of the year, but the best times to visit are during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November).
During these months, the temperatures are mild, and the courses are in prime condition.
The summer months can be quite hot and humid, while winter, though generally mild, can be unpredictable with occasional cold snaps.
How to Book Tee Times
Booking tee times in Myrtle Beach is straightforward, but it's best to plan ahead, especially during peak seasons.
Many courses offer online booking through their websites, allowing you to choose your preferred time and date.
You can also book through golf packages that bundle tee times with accommodations, often providing better rates.
Additionally, calling the courses directly can sometimes yield special offers or last-minute availability.
Accommodation Recommendations Near Each Course
Finding the right accommodation can enhance your golf trip.
Here are some recommendations near the top courses:
- Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and True Blue Golf Club: Stay at The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn, which offers comfortable accommodations and easy access to both courses.
- Tidewater Golf Club: The North Beach Plantation provides luxury lodging with convenient access to the course and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- King's North at Myrtle Beach National: Consider the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes for upscale accommodations close to the course.
- Dunes Golf & Beach Club: The Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes is a great option, offering both luxury and proximity to the course.
Packing List for a Golf Trip
Packing for a golf trip requires a bit more thought than a regular vacation.
Here’s a list of essentials to ensure you’re prepared:
- Golf clubs and bag
- Golf balls and tees
- Appropriate golf attire (collared shirts, golf shorts/pants)
- Golf shoes and extra socks
- Rain gear (jacket, umbrella)
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Rangefinder or GPS device
- Refillable water bottle
- Personal items (medications, toiletries)
- Travel-sized golf toolkit (spare gloves, divot repair tool, ball markers)
Travel Tips for Golfers
Transportation and local attractions can greatly influence your trip experience.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Transportation: Renting a car is highly recommended to easily travel between courses, accommodations, and other attractions. Most major rental companies operate out of Myrtle Beach International Airport.
- Local Attractions: Myrtle Beach is known for its entertainment options. Consider visiting Broadway at the Beach for dining and shopping, or take a stroll along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. For a break from golfing, try a deep-sea fishing trip or explore the beautiful Brookgreen Gardens.
- Dining: Don’t miss out on local seafood. Restaurants like The Sea Captain’s House and Drunken Jack’s are favorites among visitors for their fresh catches and scenic views.
- Golf Packages: Look into golf packages that offer bundled deals on multiple courses. These can provide significant savings and simplify the booking process.
Conclusion
Myrtle Beach offers some of the best public golf courses, each with unique features and challenges.
By planning ahead and following these tips, you can ensure an unforgettable golfing experience.
Whether you're seeking stunning scenery, historic courses, or innovative designs, Myrtle Beach has it all.
