Golfers Guide to Myrtle Beach: Best Courses, Post-Round Meals & Things To Do!

North Myrtle Beach

Pete Dye is arguably golf's greatest living architect and his work at Barefoot Resort is another substantial addition to his legacy. The Dye Course, which has been ranked as America's 100 Greatest Public Courses by "Golf Digest" and the area and state "Golf Course of the Year," is one of the best and most challenging Myrtle Beach golf courses. The host golf course for the annual Monday After the Masters Pro-Am and Big Break Myrtle Beach.

Pawleys Island

Lowcountry charm with a bite. Caledonia winds through soaring live oaks draped in Spanish moss and feels like you’re teeing it up inside a painting. It was the late Mike Strantz’s first solo design, and he didn’t exactly ease into it. Strategic angles, bold shaping, and greens that reward nerve over ego define the round. The entrance alone sets the tone, a half-mile oak-lined drive that feels more like arriving at a private estate than a public tee time. And then there’s 18. Playing back toward the clubhouse porch is pure theater. Beautiful, demanding, unforgettable. If you’re building a serious Myrtle Beach golf itinerary, this one is a must-play.

Carolina Forest

The Arnold Palmer statue out front sets the tone before you even tee it up. Three Arnie designs, one unforgettable stop. Myrtle Beach National features King’s North, SouthCreek, and the West Course, each offering a distinct personality. King’s North is the headliner, opening in 1996 to national acclaim as one of America’s Best New Courses and later earning a spot among Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Public Courses. It’s home to the legendary par-5 “Gambler,” complete with its bold island fairway that dares you to take the risky route. This is classic Myrtle Beach golf with variety, pedigree, and at least one heroic decision you’ll be talking about long after the scorecard is signed.

Myrtle Beach

Known as “The Granddaddy,” Pine Lakes is where Myrtle Beach golf truly began. Opened in 1927 as part of the historic Ocean Forest Hotel and designed by Robert White of St. Andrews, Scotland, this classic layout helped spark the rise of 80+ courses across the Grand Strand. It’s also where magazine executives from Time Inc. first conceived Sports Illustrated during a golf retreat at Pine Lakes. Today, it plays as a refined parkland-style course with rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and a classic feel that rewards smart shot-making over sheer power.

Murrells Inlet

TPC Myrtle Beach delivers a true tour-caliber experience for everyday players. This Tom Fazio design winds through Carolina pines and natural wetlands with pristine conditioning, strategic bunkering, and greens that demand focus. It hosted the 2000 Senior PGA Tour Championship, won by Hall-of-Famer Tom Watson, and continues to carry major-event credibility. The course is also home to the Dustin Johnson World Junior Golf Championship each year, bringing elite international talent to the Grand Strand. If you want to see how your game stacks up on a layout built for the big stage, this is the tee time to book.

Pawleys Island

Designed by the late, visionary architect Mike Strantz, True Blue is bold, artistic, and built to stand out. Set among twisted live oaks, towering pines, tidal creeks, and salt marshes, it has earned national acclaim, including recognition from Golf Digest as the No. 1 Public Course in the Myrtle Beach area and a spot among America’s Top 100 Public Courses. With wide fairways, dramatic bunkering, and massive, contoured greens, it encourages aggressive swings while demanding thoughtful shot-making. If you’re looking for a visually striking, risk-reward round that feels both expansive and unforgettable, True Blue is a must-play.

Myrtle Beach

Grande Dunes delivers a round that feels both naturally coastal and unmistakably refined. This links-style design rolls across expansive Bermudagrass fairways with subtle movement, leading into large Champion Ultradwarf greens that demand a confident touch. Several holes trace the Intracoastal Waterway, adding both scenery and strategic tension. Polished, scenic, and impeccably conditioned, Grande Dunes is a must for golfers who want championship-level visuals with a playable but rewarding challenge.

North Myrtle Beach

Located within North Beach Resort & Villas, 21 Main delivers a polished steak and sushi experience with an upscale coastal setting. For golfers, it’s a step-up dinner move with premium steaks, fresh sushi, and a strong wine list make it perfect for celebrating a low round or closing out a competitive day at Barefoot. It’s refined without feeling stiff, ideal for crews who want to keep the golf-trip momentum going while upgrading the vibe.

Myrtle Beach (Restaurant Row area)

A Myrtle Beach institution since the 1970s, Chuck’s pairs classic steakhouse vibes with a laid-back coastal feel. Known for its legendary salad bar, hearty cuts, and strong pours, it’s long been a favorite of golfers who want a no-frills, satisfying meal after a long day on the course. The relaxed atmosphere, generous portions, and easy group seating make it perfect for buddies trips where the scorecards get debated as much as the ribeyes.

Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach

Set along the Intracoastal Waterway at Barefoot Landing, Greg Norman’s carries serious golf pedigree thanks to its namesake, The Shark himself. For golfers, it’s more than just an upscale dinner spot — it’s a chance to dine inside a brand built on championship swagger. Prime steaks, fresh seafood, and an award-winning wine and bourbon list make it a natural choice for celebrating a big round or closing out a buddies trip in proper golf fashion.

Murrells Inlet

For something more relaxed, the MarshWalk features eight waterfront restaurants, including local favorites like Drunken Jack’s, Dead Dog Saloon, Bovine’s, and Wicked Tuna. Known for some of the area’s freshest seafood, unbeatable marshfront views, and one of the best live music scenes on the Grand Strand, it’s a lively yet scenic way to wind down after a day on South Strand courses.

Pawleys Island

A local favorite known for house-brewed beers and creative Southern comfort food, Quigley’s is a go-to after rounds at Caledonia, True Blue or any of our great south end courses. Casual, welcoming, and consistently good, it fits perfectly into a Lowcountry golf itinerary. Do yourself a favor: Try the chicken and waffles.

Throughout the Grand Strand

Some of the best meals are waiting right where you finish your round. Spots like Ailsa Pub at Legends Resort, the historic Pine Lakes Clubhouse, Terraza 19 at Grande Dunes, and Wild Wing Plantation’s clubhouse offer elevated bites, cold drinks, and unbeatable 18th-hole views. Sometimes the smartest move is simply staying put.

Myrtle Beach

Topgolf is where competitive range time meets full-blown golf-trip energy. Climate-controlled bays, microchipped balls that track distance and accuracy, and interactive games make it easy to turn a practice session into a leaderboard battle. Add in full food and drink service, TVs, and music, and it becomes the perfect spot to warm up before a big round or settle the day’s bets after 18.

Broadway at the Beach

PopStroke takes putting seriously, just not too seriously. With two 18-hole courses designed with real golf elements like fairways, bunkers, and rough, it feels like a short-game test disguised as a night out. The open-air layout, sports bar atmosphere, craft beer garden, and casual dining make it a natural extension of a golf day, especially for groups with mixed skill levels who still want a little friendly competition.

Garden City Beach

A true golfer’s playground just south of Myrtle Beach. Tupelo Bay features a lighted driving range, a 36-hole miniature golf complex, a scenic par-3 executive course perfect for sharpening your short game, and even footgolf for groups looking to mix things up. It’s ideal for squeeze-in practice sessions, family-friendly competition, or a low-pressure round after tackling the area’s championship layouts.

Across the Grand Strand

With more than 30 miniature golf courses across the area, Myrtle Beach has earned its reputation as the mini golf capital of the world. The Myrtle Beach Mini Golf Trail connects a wide range of themed courses, from prehistoric adventures at Jurassic Golf to swashbuckling fun at Captain Hook’s and glow-in-the-dark challenges at Ripley’s Crazy Golf. And then there’s Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Goff, often considered the crown jewel of the area’s courses, delivering skyline views and a legendary 19th hole that keeps competitive spirits alive long after dark.

Across The Grand Strand

Indoor golf simulators let you play and practice rain or shine, making them a great option no matter the weather. Golfers can try the Topgolf Swing Suite at Twin Peaks in Myrtle Beach Mall or work on their game at dedicated facilities like the Mashie Golf Institute, Precision Golf, and Golfluent. Each offers high-tech simulators designed for players of all skill levels, whether you’re dialing in your swing, playing virtual courses, or just looking for a fun indoor golf experience.

Right in the heart of the Grand Strand action, Myrtle Beach puts you in the middle of everything. Close to well-known courses like Pine Lakes, Grande Dunes, Myrtlewood, and multiple entertainment districts.

Stay oceanfront at places like Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes, Anderson Ocean Club, or one of the many full-service resorts along the Boardwalk, including Hilton Grand Vacations Ocean 22, Bay View on The Boardwalk, and Caribbean Resort & Villas.

You’ll be near plenty of nightlife options, Broadway at the Beach, and tons of great dining options. Perfect for first-timers and groups who want to be right in the action.

A little quieter, a little more spread out, but still loaded with world-class golf including Barefoot Resort’s four courses.

Stay at Barefoot Resort villas for walkable access to multiple layouts, or book oceanfront at Avista Resort or North Beach Resort & Villas for upscale coastal comfort near Ocean Drive.

Prince Resort in Cherry Grove is another strong option for groups who want beach views with easy access to North Strand courses like Tidewater Golf Club in Little River, Diamondback Golf Club in Loris or Thistle Golf Club in nearby Sunset Beach, N.C.

The north end is ideal for buddies trips that want golf by day and relaxed evenings by the water.

Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet, and the southern stretch offer Lowcountry atmosphere and some of the most acclaimed courses in the region like Caledonia, True Blue, and TPC Myrtle Beach.

Look to Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort for classic golf villas near multiple top courses, or consider boutique-style stays like Inlet Sports Lodge in Murrells Inlet for a refined, golfer-focused home base near the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk.

Vacation homes and rental properties throughout the Surfisde Beach and Garden City Beach areas are also a good option for golfers who want access to south end courses while staying closer to the fun in Myrtle Beach.