An important day in Myrtle Beach history

It’s hard to believe such a renowned landmark like the Dunes Golf & Beach Club could ever be in jeopardy of not making it.

But believe it or not, its place as a forefather in what has become one of the biggest golf destinations in the world wasn’t a given.

This day 60 years ago, local Myrtle Beach businessmen met in Chapin’s Cabin just off of where the 11th now sits. They wanted more recreational options in town and decided a golf & beach club on this property would be a good start.

The early going was rough for the club. Funding was tough to come by, and shares of the club were sold throughout the community to help finish it. Head pro Jimmy D’Angelo’s job wasn’t so much to keep member’s swings on plane, but to promote the club and sell shares.

It wasn’t until a few years later, when sports writers from the north and Midwest were invited down, did the club begin gaining national notoriety. Writers returned to their winter tundras gushing of a golf oasis far closer than Florida, and the rest is history.

Today Myrtle Beach is one of America’s most visited destinations, it was the birth of the “golf package” through Golf Holiday, and over one hundred of courses from Pawleys Island to Brunswick County make it an ideal buddy trip.

This little meeting 60 years ago went a long way.

Members of the Dunes Club and the Myrtle Beach golf community are quietly celebrating the anniversary, probably just teeing it up on this sunny autumn afternoon.

The good news for 21st century golfers is that The Dunes Club offers up to 10,000 rounds of public play each year. Simply ask for participating hotel & condominium partners.

Stay tuned for a full review of the Dunes Club, or click here to take a look at the famous “Waterloo” hole.

The 11th hole, “Salt Marsh” is where the Dunes Club was originally conceived 60 years ago to this day.