The 12 Myrtle Beach Golf Courses People Are Dying to Play
As a mystery writer, I spend a lot of time thinking about where the bodies are buried. As a golfer, I spend even more time thinking about Myrtle Beach.
Turns out the two overlap more than you'd expect, because the Grand Strand is loaded with courses pretty enough to plot a story around and a few good enough to be worth dying for.
Consider this my case file: a rundown of my favorite Grand Strand courses, some I've played myself and others I know by their sterling reputations, plenty of research, and a lot of conversations with fellow golfers. No spoilers, just the dozen I'd tee up first.
Topping the list is the apex of golfing luxury in the Grand Strand, Dunes Golf and Beach Club. Offering an unmatched combination of pristine course conditions, oceanfront holes, and a rich history, this Robert Trent Jones masterpiece remains the crown jewel of Myrtle Beach golf. This course consistently ranks in the Top 100 courses in nearly all major golf outlets. It has hosted top end tournaments, including the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship on PGA TOUR Champions from 1994 to 1999 and the USGA Women's Open.
This year, the club plays host to the Myrtle Beach Classic on the PGA Tour. The inaugural tournament takes place from May 9-12, 2024. It will be the first PGA Tour event in Myrtle Beach history, solidifying it's claim as "The Golf Capital of the World."
Coming in at 2nd place is the regal King's North at Myrtle Beach National. Boasting a visually stunning layout and the iconic "SC" bunker, this Arnold Palmer-designed course provides a golfing experience that's both challenging and breathtaking. This course also features "The Gambler" that pays homage to Kenny Rogers. A unique par-5 6th hole with an alternate island fairway. This is one of those "bucket list" courses that players say every hole would be a signature hole on a normal course.
Ever dream of playing on some of the most famous golf courses in the world? World Tour Golf Links does just that by paying homage to some of the world's most iconic courses. Offering a unique golfing journey across the globe, this course is a testament to Myrtle Beach's diverse golfing landscape. The "Open 9" includes holes from some of North America's top-ranked courses while the "Championship 9" features holes inspired by the four majors: the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, PGA Championship, and The Masters.
Claiming the 4th spot is another Pawleys Island iconic course in the True Blue Golf Club, where wild beauty meets golfing excellence. This Mike Strantz masterpiece takes golfers through expansive fairways surrounded by native vegetation, providing a challenging yet visually captivating round. This course is annually ranked in publications like Golf Magazine, Golfweek, and other “Top 100 Lists.”
The Grande Dunes Resort Club offers golfers a taste of grandeur. With panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and expertly designed holes, this course promises an indulgent golfing experience against the stunning backdrop of Myrtle Beach. I spoke at the Women's Club of Myrtle Beach at their Terazza 19 restaurant overlooking the 18th green recently. It struck me how much the hole resembled the 11th and fateful hole on the fictional Swaying Palms Golf Club in Death on the Back Nine. I didn't mean it that way, but it was fun to see.
Pine Lakes Country Club stands out as a true classic in the Grand Strand. Known as the Granddaddy, this course exudes history and tradition, providing golfers with a nostalgic journey through beautifully manicured fairways and challenging greens. Photographers love this course.
Fun fact: it was at Pine Lakes where Henry Luce founded "Sports Illustrated" in 1954.
Ranked 7th, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club on the Hammock Coast in Pawley's Island captures the essence of southern charm. Majestic oak trees, blooming azaleas, and strategically placed hazards make every round a picturesque journey. A must-visit for those seeking a touch of elegance on the greens. This course has ranked in the Top 100 Best Golf Courses in Golf, Golf Digest and Golfweek Magazines since opening in 1994.
Barefoot Resort earns the 8th spot on the list, providing golfers with a choice of four championship courses. They offer Myrtle Beach's most popular "Stay & Play" packages. I haven't played here, but with the courses being designed by legends like Norman, Love, Fazio, and Dye, the experience has to be incredible. It is a golfing experience that seamlessly blends tradition with modern amenities.
Bringing together a perfect blend of challenging holes and breathtaking views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Cherry Grove Inlet, Tidewater Golf Club gets the 9th spot. Their motto is "Where Championship Golf Meets Coastal Charm", and players couldn't agree more. Its unique layout, meandering through saltwater marshes and maritime forests, offers an unforgettable golfing experience. I haven't played this one (yet), but I hear it's superb.
Nestled among the pristine woodlands, the South Creek Course at Myrtle Beach National Golf Club is my #10. Composed of three Arnold Palmer Signature courses, Myrtle Beach National offers a serene escape and challenges golf enthusiasts with its strategically placed hazards. Perfect for players seeking both tranquility and excitement in their golf rounds. I played the South Creek Course once. My brother and I had a tee time one morning after a night of heavy rain. Although soggy, the course was in pristine condition, and we had an enjoyable time. Another member of the Myrtle Beach National Golf Club appears later in this list.
Another masterpiece from Pete and P.B. Dye. It has the look and feel of a private club, but it's open to the public. Prestwick is also part of the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail, a lineup of 23 Grand Strand courses you can book and package in one place. So if this one hooks you, you can plan a whole trip's worth of rounds without ever wandering off the Trail.
Garden City Beach area
When you visit Myrtle Beach and don't have time to spend on a full 18-hole course, the hybrid Par 3/4 Executive Course at Tupelo Bay offers golfers a quicker (about 3 hours), but still challenging round that's good for experienced golfers and beginners. Like with many courses, rental clubs are available. This is the course I play the most!
Caleb is the Pinnacle Award-Winning author of the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series. His fast, fun, clean series centered on Myrtle Beach Boardwalk bookstore owner, Clark Thomas, has gained local and national attention. Women's World Magazine dubbed the first book in the series, DEATH ON THE BOARDWALK, as "The Book to Read When Visiting Myrtle Beach." (June, 2022). The newest entry in the series, DEATH ON THE CAUSEWAY, explores the restaurant scene along the Grand Strand in thrilling fashion. He lives in Surfside Beach with his wife and son. You can learn more about Caleb on his website, https://calebwygal.com/.