Myrtle Beach’s Scenic Coastal Greens
Myrtle Beach, affectionately known as the ‘Golf Capital of the World’, is a golfer’s paradise. This coastal city is lush with verdant landscapes, mild climate, mesmerizing ocean views, and not fewer than 80 golf courses. The southern side of Myrtle Beach, also known as the South Strand, is a treasure trove of world-class golf courses that are a must-play for any golf enthusiast. Here are some eminent courses you should consider teeing off in.
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
Renowned golf course architect Mike Strantz sculpted this masterpiece in Pawleys Island. From entering through an avenue of oaks cloaked with Spanish moss to the plantation-style clubhouse, Caledonia exudes southern charm. The course layout, featuring twisting live oaks, fragrant flowers, wide fairways, and imposing green complexes, guarantees a challenging, yet delightful round of golf. The par-70 course, meandering through a former rice plantation, seamlessly integrates the area’s natural beauty. The 18th hole, a 383-yard dogleg-right around a natural marsh, offers a splendid finish.
True Blue
Sitting nearby Caledonia, True Blue, another Mike Strantz creation, boasts vast fairways, large greens, and dramatic elevation changes, making it distinct. Drawing inspiration from Pine Valley and Pinehurst, this course has natural waste areas, sprawling bunker complexes, and pristine water features that, when coupled with the imaginative course design, create a memorable game. Amid the challenging playability lies the stunning aesthetic beauty with native flora creating a continually changing tableau.
Dunes Golf & Beach Club
A Robert Trent Jones Sr. original design, Dunes Golf & Beach Club is a Myrtle Beach mainstay. Since 1948, it has been offering golfers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, a rare sight on East Coast courses. A par-72 course with a slope rating of 139, Dunes Club promises a challenging round marked by Jones’ signature bunkers, water hazards, and tactful design. The crown jewel is the par-5 13th named “Waterloo”, infamous for its sharp dogleg around Lake Singleton.
Tidewater Golf Club
This unrivaled course design accomplishes the feat of giving players views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Cherry Grove, and saltwater marshes. Tidewater Golf Club boasts a layout that ensures no two holes are alike, delivering both variety in play and unending visual appeal. Praised for its well-maintained greens and fairways, hospitable staff, and natural splendor, Tidewater indeed enriches the South Strand golf experience.
Prestwick Country Club
The collaboration between Pete and P.B. Dye fashioned this demanding yet exciting course. Kings of innovative design, the father-son duo created a layout with continually changing holes, on-course mounding, and extensive bunkering, challenging all levels of golfers. The Dyes utilized the natural topography and mature trees of the land, accentuating the beauty of the course, now a favorite among locals and visitors.
Conclusion
Myrtle beach’s South Strand is a haven for golfers. The plethora of unique designs and picturesque landscapes make it a must-visit destination for avid golf travelers. From a challenging game at Prestwick Country Club to the visually arresting layouts of Caledonia and True Blue, each course narrates its tale, enchanting every golfer who visits. So, pack your clubs and venture to Myrtle Beach, where every round of golf is an extraordinary adventure.