Title: The Golfer’s Bucket List: Must-Play Courses in Myrtle Beach
If heaven is a fairway, every golf enthusiast’s paradise should certainly be Myrtle Beach. Known as the ‘Golf Capital of America’, this sandy slice of South Carolina is home to more than 100 golf courses, each enveloped in its beauty and charm. It’s the quintessential place where coastal mystique meets the thrill of the game. So grab your clubs, and let’s delve into the must-play courses of Myrtle Beach that deserve an eminent place on every golfer’s bucket list.
1. TPC Myrtle Beach: Acclaimed as a masterpiece by Tom Fazio, the Tournament Players Club (TPC) is a must-visit. The par 72, 18-hole golf course is defined by fairways framed by magnificent oaks, jubilant pines, red-tinged maples, and a smattering of serene water bodies. This challenging course, once graced by the legendary Greg Norman, provides a robust test of golfing skill inviting players to embrace its distinctive layout.
2. Barefoot Resort & Golf: Named after renowned designer Pete Dye, Barefoot Resort & Golf houses some excellent courses known for their strategic bunkers and complex, sharp-angled greens. The resort claims four masterly designed courses, including the Love Course, the Dye Course, the Fazio Course, and the Norman Course, each offering a distinct treat for the golf aficionados.
3. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club: Experience Southern charm married to a breathtaking Lowcountry landscape at the Caledonia Golf & Fish Club. Designed by Mike Strantz, celebrated for his unconventional course design, Caledonia captivates both the eye and spirit. The course is marked by Spanish moss-draped oaks, blooming flowers, and historic rice fields, taking the golfing experience well beyond the game.
4. Dunes Golf & Beach Club: Nestled by the ocean, Dunes Golf & Beach Club’s par-72 course is a Robert Trent Jones design, revered for its notorious ‘Waterloo’ hole. The layout here is demanding yet awe-inspiring, making it a favorite among local experts and touring pros alike. Splendid seaside vistas coupled with consistent course conditions ensure a fulfilling play for all.
5. True Blue Golf Club: A sister to Caledonia, True Blue Golf Club is another Strantz gem crafted out of a once-thriving indigo and rice plantation. It offers vast fairways, dynamic terrain, and water hazards converging to create a visually striking and tactically demanding course. This course engages golfers with the history of the region while challenging their skill set.
6. Grande Dunes Resort Club: With its holes boasting views of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and Marina Inn, the Grande Dunes Resort Club is both a scenic delight and tactical test. Roger Rulewich’s design features wide Bermuda-grass fairways and subtle, undulating greens that present a fair challenge to golfers of all capabilities.
7. Myrtle Beach National – King’s North: Replete with ‘The Gambler,’ an island fairway and other unforgettable holes, King’s North at Myrtle Beach National is an Arnold Palmer design that needs to be in every golf lovers’ must-play list. Creative risk-reward strategies paired with meticulous greens ensure every round here resonates King’s legacy.
8. Pawleys Plantation: Jack Nicklaus’s vision takes shape at Pawleys Plantation, where time-honored tradition gives way to modern golfing brilliance. Framed by giant moss-draped oaks and characterized by marshy challenges, the course commands respect from seasoned golfers, making it a memorable part of the Myrtle Beach golf experience.
The rich tapestry of these golf courses in Myrtle Beach offers a feast for the senses and a challenge for the spirit. Each course, layered with its own history and character, intensifies the game’s narrative. Unravel your golf journey in this eastern coastline city and let every swing capture the essence of Myrtle Beach – where golf is not just a sport, but a celebration.