Welcome to the Golfing Paradise
Myrtle Beach, known globally as the golf capital, boasts over 100 golf courses that delight players with lush greens, picturesque landscapes, and challenging fairways. As a Myrtle Beach local and avid golfer myself, I have handpicked the top five golf courses that promise an unforgettable golf staycation.
1. Dunes Golf & Beach Club
Ranked as one of America’s Top 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest, the Dunes Golf & Beach Club is a must-visit. Robert Trent Jones, a renowned golf course architect, masterfully designed it. The course’s signature hole, Waterloo (No. 13), is notable for its rigorous challenge that even the most professional golfers appreciate.
2. Caledonia Golf and Fish Club
Situated on a former rice plantation, the Caledonia Golf and Fish Club captures the raw beauty of Lowcountry golf with splendid features. The course is attractively speckled with centuries-old live oaks, flowers, and fresh waterways. Course architect Mike Strantz utilized the land’s natural terrain, creating 18 diverse and compelling holes.
3. Tidewater Golf Club
Perched on a peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Tidewater Golf Club offers not just an exceptional golf experience but also breathtaking oceanic and salt marsh vistas. Known for its pristine playing conditions and versatile layout, which calls for a balance of precision and creativity, Tidewater remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
4. Barefoot Resort & Golf – Dye Course
Barefoot Resort & Golf – Dye Course is another spectacular creation of famed architect Pete Dye, showcasing his signature design elements. The course presents a challenging test of golf, lined with deep pot bunkers, vast waste areas, and undulating greens. Despite the inherent challenges, multiple teeing grounds make it accessible and satisfying for golfers of all skill levels.
5. True Blue Golf Club
True Blue Golf Club, designed by Mike Strantz, is essentially a sister course to Caledonia. True Blue is known for its wide fairways and large, undulating greens. The course also features several impressive par-3s and par-5s, with the back nine boasting of the most exceptional layout and visuals.
Planning Your Golf Staycation
Now that our top golf courses are outlined let’s dive into planning your golf staycation. Be informed that all the recommended golf courses provide great booking flexibility with numerous play-and-stay packages. Depending on your schedule and preferences, you can enjoy either a single-round day trip or an extended stay.
Consider seasons while planning your golf staycation. Myrtle Beach flaunts comfortable weather throughout the year, making it the perfect golf destination. However, spring and fall seasons are an absolute delight for golfers due to the pleasant temperatures and course conditions.
Rounding up the Experience
Although golf is the main attraction in Myrtle Beach, there’s a lot more to explore. Immerse yourself in the Southern charm; indulge in the fantastic culinary scene, explore the pristine beaches, or visit the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel for a panoramic view of the city.
Conclusion
Whether you are a novice, an avid golfer, or traveling with your family, enjoying a golf staycation in Myrtle Beach will leave you with delightful memories. So grab those clubs and get ready to tee off at the best golfing paradise!
Great picks on the golf courses! I’m a regular at Dunes Golf & Beach Club – never gets old. There’s always a new challenge every time you step onto that course. But, I was quite surprised the Grande Dunes Resort didn’t make your list? Thoughts on that one?
This post was such a joy to read! My husband and I are planning our anniversary trip to Myrtle Beach and, as golf enthusiasts, we were looking for recommendations. We’ll definitely include Caledonia Golf and Fish Club on our list, it seems so enchanting. Any idea about the price range for the play-and-stay packages?
‘Golfing paradise’ is the perfect way to describe Myrtle Beach! I’ve always enjoyed my rounds at the Barefoot Resort & Golf. Pete Dye’s design simply stands out. Thanks for this write up – it’s given me some new courses to consider. PS: The post-round beers taste better with views of the Atlantic, just saying! ?
Completely agree with your top pick! I’ve played at Dunes Golf & Beach Club before and the Waterloo hole gave me a definite run for my money. The landscape is just unrivaled. You feel like you are in a different world. And the quality of the grounds is totally top-notch.
Sensational list! I’ve played at Dunes Golf & Beach Club before and had a phenomenal time. Your other recommendations look just as promising. Are there any notable restaurants or bars at these clubs for a post-round meal or drink?
Great list! I’ve been thinking of a solo golf trip and Myrtle Beach sounds enticing. However, I am curious about how the crowd is like. Are these courses always busy or can one find less crowded times? Also, curious about the ‘play-and-stay’ packages and what they generally include? Thanks in advance!
This article was a hole-in-one! Heading back to Myrtle Beach this year and your post made me add Barefoot Resort & Golf – Dye Course to my itinerary. I take it, Pete Dye likes to keep us golfers on our toes, huh? Looking forward to it!
Ha! Waterloo at Dunes Golf & Beach Club is my nemesis, but I’m drawn to it like a moth to a flame! Thanks for this well-written and informative post.
Amazing post. I’ve been planning a trip to Myrtle Beach for some time now, so this comes in very handy. I’ll definitely check out Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, the history and terrain paint quite an appealing picture. One quick question, which course would you suggest for a beginner golfer?