A Golfers Itinerary to Myrtle Beach

One thing that Myrtle Beach prides itself on is its golf culture. It’s a sport that continues to grow in popularity and brings people to South Carolina from all over the country. Myrtle Beach alone has eight golf courses, which excludes those in neighboring cities such as Surfside, North Myrtle Beach, or Pawley’s Island. However, golf isn’t only about the game, it’s also about the camaraderie and spending time with others who have similar interests. Usually, the best way to form these bonds is by going to a restaurant or playing something lighter, and fun for everyone to participate and relax.  

We’ve rounded up the top golf courses to play in Myrtle Beach, the best restaurants for golfers, and other “golf” games that are less traditional than the sport played on the green lawn.  

Golf Courses 

Legends Golf Resort: Legends has five courses to play in both North and South Carolina, but all of them are categorized within the Myrtle Beach area. Three courses, the Heathland, Moorland, and Parkland, are centrally in the heart of Myrtle Beach off Highway 501, making it an easy destination to find. Legends offers different packages for visitors to purchase, the most popular being the “All Inclusive Golf Package” where you’ll receive access to the resort, unlimited access to the practice area, driving range, a breakfast buffet each morning, lunch, and some beverages of choice. Since Myrtle Beach continues to draw in golfers, it’s recommended by Legends to book your spot a season in advance, or even a year in advance, to ensure you have the best service and tee times possible.  

The Grande Dunes Resort Club: A course that lines the Intracoastal Waterway and has been listed among “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” continuously amazes people with its dazzling views. It’s an 18-hole course, seven of which line the waterway, that was designed by the Roger Rulewich Group. The resort club is nestled between the Intracoastal, Grande Dunes Marina, and the company’s resort. Most people know this course by its links-style design and greens that have the new Champion Bermuda. After playing, you can head to the clubhouse with a Mediterranean-themed golf shop, locker rooms, and dining rooms that overlook the 9th and 18th parts of the golf course. Prices will vary depending on the date and time you and your party intend to play.  

Myrtle Beach National: Myrtle Beach National has three courses specifically designed by Arnold Palmer. The first one, constructed in 1973, was King’s North, then West Course, and South Creek followed the next two years, finishing in 1975. King’s North is an iconic one with “‘The Gambler’, a par five that features an alternate island fairway.” The West Course is out in the open, surrounded by trees and nature, so you don’t have to worry about nearby houses or establishments. Then there’s South Creek which has holes tailored more towards precision rather than raw play. Each course is uniquely designed and created with the local scenery in mind. Myrtle Beach National has a full-service clubhouse, driving range, and practice greens for visitors. 

Restaurants 

Walk-ons: A restaurant started by two LSU basketball walk-ons, opened the first location of their restaurant in Louisiana in 2003. Since then the small chain has spread, making its way to Myrtle Beach a few years ago, and was named by ESPN as the #1 Sports Bar in America. Serving Cajun and Louisiana-themed food like boudin balls, fired alligator, gumbo, and voodoo shrimp and grits, it’s a great place to visit for a casual setting. Walk-ons also have one of the best happy hours around with discounts on craft beer, house wines, and liquors, as well as appetizers for as low as $6. Walk-ons has two locations in Myrtle Beach, off Highway 501 and Surfside Beach.  

Boardwalk Billy’s: In North Myrtle Beach, there’s a local place that opened in 2013 that makes sure everyone who visits tastes some Carolina seafood. Boardwalk Billy’s is on the Intracoastal Waterway, offering amazing views with a cozy atmosphere between the restaurant and the deck. You can have your pick between crab legs, oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, po boys, seafood baskets, or steam pots. To add flavor, Billy’s does live music almost daily and has a large happy hour menu every day from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. where you can purchase sushi and seafood and a discounted price (liquor discounts start at 4:00 p.m. per South Carolina law). 

Greg Norman Australian Grille: If you’re searching for a nice, upscale dining experience after a day of golfing, Greg Norman has you covered. Located in Barefoot Landing, an outdoor shopping area, Greg Norman has been a visitor favorite since it opened its door in 1999. The restaurant offers an award-winning wine and bourbon menu with beautiful views of the water. Specialty dishes include broiled escargot, Aussie kangaroo, lobster ravioli, and an extensive grilled menu. You also can’t miss out on the desserts, either pavlova, an Australian favorite, or one of the dessert cocktails. Happy hour is served daily from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and hours vary slightly by day, so be sure to check and make a reservation before your trip.  

“Off-Course” Golf 

Top Golf: If you’re not a pro golfer but still like to try your hand while hanging out with good company, Top Golf may be up your alley. This attraction has three floors with climate-controlled bays so you can play year-round without disruptions. When you rent a bay, you have access to a huge outfield with various targets depending on where you want to try and hit. The establishment has balls and clubs that they provide, although you are more than welcome to bring your own club. In each bay, there’s a screen that keeps track of scores, so you can play competitively or for a good time. Top Golf also has a sports bar and restaurant, so you can order food and drink while you’re playing. They’re open Sunday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m.  

Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Goff (Mini Golf): You can never go wrong with a classic game of miniature golf. Myrtle Beach has various courses to choose from, each with different themes and holes, however, Mt. Atlanticus is a classic, located only blocks from the boulevard. This location has two courses, each with its own difficulties and scenic views. The best part is the 19th hole which everyone gets a chance at – it’s the ultimate test for visitors, and if you make it, you get your photo taken with a lifetime pass to the course. The attraction has a parking lot so it’s convenient for customers, and it’s located only a 10-minute walk away from the beach, perfect for the summertime.  

Splinter City Disc Golf Course: Right off the popular shopping district of Market Commons, disc golf is another activity to engage in when looking for something different. This sport is slowly rising in popularity, and Splinter City opened its yard to Myrtle Beach full-time in 2020. There are two different layouts, the more family-friendly Blue, and the more challenging Gold. Each one is 18 holes and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Splinter City also holds events throughout the year that are fun to attend, including this year's “Master Splinter City” on April 6 and the “2024 Innova Discs Myrtle Beach Open” from November 1st to 3rd.