Myrtle Beach is renowned as a golfer’s paradise, boasting some of the most impressive courses along the East Coast. With its stunning coastal views, expertly designed layouts, and various challenges for players of all skill levels, it’s no surprise that the area is a top destination for golf enthusiasts. This list highlights the top 10 golf courses in Myrtle Beach, evaluated based on course quality, design, staff friendliness, conditions, and overall value. Each course offers a unique experience, making it a perfect addition to any golfer’s bucket list.
So, let’s explore these golf courses one by one.
10. TPC Myrtle Beach
TPC Myrtle Beach, a 1999 Tom Fazio design, was initially created to host the Senior Tour Championship. While it did serve this purpose for four or five years, it faces challenges such as poor drainage and a few tight holes that make it difficult to play. Despite its challenges, TPC Myrtle Beach remains a popular choice, although its price point might not be the most appealing.
Despite these drawbacks, TPC Myrtle Beach continues to attract players with its impressive layout, challenging design, and reputation as one of the area’s premier courses. However, its relatively high price point might make it less appealing for budget-conscious golfers, especially with many other quality options in the Myrtle Beach area.
9. Avocet Course at Wild Wing Plantation
The Avocet Course at Wild Wing Plantation is an underrated gem that delivers a delightful golfing experience for players of all skill levels. Designed by three-time major champion Larry Nelson in 1993, this course stands out for its playability and unique layout. One of its most appealing features is the absence of homes on the entire back nine, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the surroundings.
The course’s wide fairways and a fun design make it approachable and enjoyable, while signature holes like the drivable par four and the short par five add excitement and variety to the round. These elements make it especially appealing for vacationers seeking a relaxed yet engaging golf experience without the frustration of losing too many balls. The Avocet Course offers something special that often goes overlooked, whether it’s for its creative design, forgiving layout, or peaceful ambiance.
8. Thistle Golf Club
In Sunset Beach, North Carolina, Thistle Golf Club is a standout destination for golfers seeking a blend of challenge, beauty, and comfort. Designed by Tim Cate in 1999, this Scottish-inspired course features 27 meticulously crafted holes, each showcasing sodded bunker lips reminiscent of traditional links courses. The attention to detail extends beyond the course design, with amenities like extra-comfortable cart seats ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Offering three distinct nines, Thistle provides endless variety, allowing golfers to mix and match layouts for a fresh challenge every time they play. The course is further enhanced by its stunning scenery, which includes rolling fairways, sparkling water features, and a serene atmosphere that feels a world away from the bustle of everyday life.
With its unique design, exceptional conditions, and a nod to the traditions of Scottish golf, Thistle Golf Club is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Myrtle Beach golf scene.
7. Caledonia Golf and Fish Club
Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, designed by the late Mike Strantz in 1994, is often celebrated as one of the most visually stunning golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area. From the moment players drive through the picturesque entrance lined with centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss, the course sets an elegant tone for what’s to come. Strantz’s artistic touch is evident throughout the layout, with holes that blend seamlessly into the Lowcountry landscape, featuring lush marshes, pristine water features, and abundant wildlife.
Despite its beauty, the course is not without its limitations. Its high price point makes it less accessible for some, and its gimmicky layout can feel overly stylized to certain players. Additionally, the course’s short length, coupled with the design of hole nine—which gives the impression that space was running out—affects its overall ranking.
While many golfers hold Caledonia in high regard for its charm and aesthetics, these factors place it at number seven on the list, as other courses offer a better balance of challenge, value, and flow.
6. Pawleys Plantation
Pawleys Plantation, a Jack Nicklaus masterpiece from 1988, received a significant upgrade during its 2023 renovations, elevating its status as one of the premier courses in the Myrtle Beach area. Known for its strategic design and breathtaking views, the course is a must-play for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding golf experience. The back nine is particularly memorable, winding its way along the marsh and offering unparalleled scenery that perfectly complements the demanding layout.
Holes 13 and 17, two standout par threes, are highlights of the round, testing precision and nerve as players navigate shots over expansive marshland. The course’s blend of natural beauty, intricate design, and improved playing conditions following the renovations make it a standout choice for golfers of all skill levels.
Whether for the challenge’s thrill or the marshland vistas’ serenity, Pawleys Plantation offers an unforgettable golfing experience that continues to captivate locals and visitors alike.
5. The Resort Course at Grande Dunes
Built in 2001 by renowned architect Roger Rulewich, the Resort Course at Grande Dunes is a standout destination for golfers seeking a picturesque and memorable round. Perched along the Intercoastal Waterway, the course takes full advantage of its stunning natural surroundings, with six or seven holes offering breathtaking water views.
The layout combines beauty with challenge, featuring wide fairways, undulating greens, and well-placed hazards that test players without feeling overly punitive. Adding to its allure is the exquisite Spanish-style clubhouse, which provides an elegant setting to relax before or after a round. Known for its consistently pristine conditions, the Resort Course is meticulously maintained, ensuring a top-tier experience for golfers year-round.
Its scenic beauty, exceptional design, and reliable quality make it a worthy contender, earning its spot at number five on Myrtle Beach’s best courses. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or simply seeking a picturesque round, Grande Dunes delivers on every level.
4. Prestwick Country Club
Prestwick, co-designed by the legendary Pete and P.B. Dye in 1989, is a course that has earned a reputation for its challenging greens and timeless design elements, such as the iconic railroad ties that define many of its holes. This design choice adds aesthetic appeal and strategic depth to the course, making it stand out in the Myrtle Beach area.
Prestwick is especially known for its fast, undulating greens, which provide an actual test for golfers of all levels. The combination of tricky slopes and subtle breaks makes putting both fun and frustrating, rewarding players who can master the intricacies of each green. Despite its undeniable quality, Prestwick often flies under the radar regarding rankings, adding to its allure as a hidden gem. Offering excellent value for its high-level design and challenging layout, it remains a must-play course for golfers seeking a more authentic, less commercialized golfing experience.
Its place at number four on this list reflects the respect it garners from those who appreciate the blend of classic design, strategic challenges, and superb conditions.
3. Tidewater Golf Club
Tidewater Golf Club, designed by Ken Tomlinson in 1990, is often dubbed the “Pebble Beach of the East” due to its striking resemblance to the iconic course in California, with dramatic coastal views and challenging holes that demand precision and strategy. The course is unique in that it features no out-of-bounds areas, allowing for more forgiving play while offering a significant test of skill.
The layout winds through lush landscapes and along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, providing golfers with breathtaking views on nearly every hole. The course’s coastal beauty, challenging design, and thoughtful placement of hazards make it a memorable experience for players of all skill levels. Its championship-caliber layout, which features water on multiple holes and strategic bunkering, adds an exciting dimension to the game. At the same time, the reasonable price point ensures it remains accessible to a wide range of golfers.
Whether for its beauty, the challenge, or excellent value, Tidewater Golf Club stands out as a top choice and rightfully earns its spot at number three on Myrtle Beach’s best courses.
2. True Blue Golf Club
True Blue, a sister course to the renowned Caledonia, was designed by the talented Mike Strantz in 1998, showcasing his signature creative and bold design style. The course is known for its unique layout, including five par fives and five par threes, offering a rare combination of long and short holes that challenge distance and precision.
The wide fairways allow for a forgiving tee shot, but the real test comes on the greens, where undulating surfaces and strategically placed bunkers require careful planning and execution. True Blue’s design balances playability and challenge with multiple risk-reward opportunities that keep golfers engaged throughout their rounds. Its stunning Lowcountry setting, with lush wetlands, scenic views, and a mixture of open and wooded areas, adds to its visual appeal and enjoyment.
The course’s reasonable price point, its exciting layout, and excellent playing conditions make it a must-play destination for golfers seeking an unforgettable experience. These qualities earn True Blue its well-deserved spot at number two, offering value and a memorable round for golfers of all skill levels.
1. Dunes Golf and Beach Club
The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, a timeless Robert Trent Jones design from 1947, is widely regarded as the crown jewel of Myrtle Beach golf. Renowned for its rich history and exceptional design, the course has hosted prestigious events such as the U.S. Women’s Open and the Senior Tour Championships, solidifying its reputation as a premier golfing destination.
With its meticulously maintained, fast greens and challenging layout, the course offers an unforgettable test for golfers of all skill levels. The stunning clubhouse, perched above the course with panoramic water views, is an elegant backdrop to the golfing experience. Players are treated to a perfect blend of strategic shot-making, natural beauty, and history at every turn. The Dunes continues to be the top choice for those seeking the best of Myrtle Beach’s golfing scene, combining tradition, luxury, and world-class conditions.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an avid enthusiast, this iconic course promises a memorable round that genuinely showcases the essence of coastal golf.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, Myrtle Beach offers various golf courses with unique charm and challenges. Whether you’re looking for a scenic round, a challenging layout, or great value, there’s something for every golfer.
While you’re in Myrtle Beach for the golf season, why not enhance your experience by staying in one of our amazing beach houses? Explore our properties to find the perfect getaway, with options conveniently located near your favorite golf courses. Make your stay memorable by combining world-class golf with the comfort and relaxation of a beautiful beach home.
All the best on your golfing adventures!
