Golfing with a View: Myrtle Beach’s SkyWheel and Golf Courses

Discover the Best of Myrtle Beach at Its Prime Golf Courses and SkyWheel

Myrtle Beach, located along the South Carolina coastline, is widely recognized not only for its breath-taking beaches and leisurely lifestyle but also for its offering of world-class golf experiences and the iconic SkyWheel.

The Myrtle Beach Golf Scene

Robert White, the first president of the Professional Golfer’s Association (PGA) of America, designed the first golf course in Myrtle Beach in 1927. Since then, this beachfront city has evolved into a primary destination for golf enthusiasts, housing over 100 golf courses catering to all player levels.

Each golf course in Myrtle Beach provides varying challenges and unique spectacular views. The Dunes Golf & Beach Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones, for instance, is a premier golf course that opened in 1948 and remains a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Its signature hole, the par-5 13th, or ‘Waterloo’, requires a well-placed drive to avoid Lake Singleton and provides an unforgettable challenge.

The Barefoot Resort & Golf, designed collaboratively by four hallmark names in course architecture – Davis Love III, Tom Fazio, Greg Norman, and Pete Dye, has won many accolades for its innovative designs and appeal. Each course offers a distinctive playing style, ranging from Greg Norman’s links-style course that features seven holes along the Intracoastal Waterway to Pete Dye’s semi-private Space Age links course, distinguished by abundant water hazards and pot bunkers.

A Sky High View – The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

Adding an unexpected but delightful contrast to the serene greens is Myrtle Beach’s SkyWheel. Standing at an impressive 187 feet – equivalent to about 20 stories – the SkyWheel opened in May 2011 and is the second-largest Ferris wheel in North America. It offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, the sprawling cityscape, and yes, several golf courses.

The SkyWheel has 42 climate-controlled and fully enclosed gondolas, ensuring comfort regardless of the weather. Each flight, as rides are called, lasts approximately ten minutes, during which riders take three full revolutions. There are also VIP gondolas available, which feature leather seating, laminated, glare-reducing glass floors, and shorter wait times.

By day, one can catch sight of the enchanting azure Atlantic Ocean and verdant golf courses stretched out as far as the eye can see. By night, the illuminated skyline punctuated by the SkyWheel’s 1 million LED lights presents an entirely different but equally mesmerizing view. The SkyWheel’s LED lights shows are orchestrated to music and are run nightly, creating a delightful spectacle that can be enjoyed from vantage points across the city.

Combine Golf and SkyWheel for an Unforgettable Experience

The amalgamation of golf with the added trill of a SkyWheel flight provides a matchless fusion of tranquility and excitement. The links and the SkyWheel together make Myrtle Beach an unconventional but compelling golf destination.

In conclusion, Myrtle Beach, with its robust combination of beautiful beaches, high-quality golf courses, and one-of-a-kind attractions like the SkyWheel, provides a multi-faceted experience that draws millions of visitors each year. A trip to Myrtle Beach is likely to leave a long-lasting impression, with its unique ability to blend the calmness of golf rounds with the thrill and stunning aerial views of the SkyWheel.