Destination Guide: The golf courses of Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand

By Brandon Tucker,
Staff Writer

Myrtle Beach, S.C. anchors the "Grand Strand," which spans from Brunswick County in North Carolina, to historic Georgetown to the south. Within this stretch of about 70 miles there are more than 100 golf courses, making Myrtle Beach one of the most golf-rich regions in the world.

It also ranks at the top in variety, garnering the nickname, the "supermarket of golf." Myrtle Beach long ago shed its reputation as a bargain-basement destination and today there are more than a dozen ultra high-end courses ranging from $150-200 in the peak season - still a tremendous bargain versus most other destinations in the world.

Golf Digest has been especially kind to the Grand Strand, ranking 10 of its courses in its "Top 100 You Can Play" list, more than any other destination in America.

The Dunes Golf & Beach Club, located right off the beach, is the area's most prestigious golf course, while the Barefoot Resort up the road features an all-star foursome of designers on its courses: Dye, Fazio, Love III and Greg Norman. Many of the world's top architects have at least one design somewhere along the Grand Strand.

The Grand Strand can be divided into three regions: the North and South Strand, and Myrtle Beach itself.

The South Strand begins around Murrells Inlet, a small fishing village home to world-class seafood restaurants along the Marshwalk. It's also here where the lowcountry comes to life, filled with centuries-old oaks on historic Carolina plantation properties. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, Pawleys Plantation and the Heritage Club highlight the South Strand.

The North Strand, comprised of North Myrtle Beach to Sunset Beach in North Carolina seemingly has a golf course on every block. Multi-course resorts such as Ocean Ridge Plantation, Barefoot and Sea Trail dazzle, while River's Edge and Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links boast natural, waterfront beauty.

Myrtle Beach itself is home to plenty of golf courses in its own regard, from historic Pine Lakes International, the area’s first course, the Dunes Club nearby, and glamorous Grande Dunes along the Intracoastal Waterway. Myrtle Beach’s main artery, Highway 501, features two multi-course facilities, Legends and Myrtle Beach National, home to the renowned King's North course.

How to stay in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach-area resort properties have also embraced the condo concept over hotels - a perfect fit for a family of four or a foursome. There are limitless options, from four-bedroom oceanfront condos to one-bedroom on-course condos. The advantages are numerous: bigger living spaces mean more room for the whole group, and a fully-furnished kitchen means plenty of space to store your cases of libations.

Climate and golf seasons

You can golf year-round on the Grand Strand, and there are up to a dozen different rate seasons annually for golf courses in Myrtle Beach. While Myrtle Beach is its busiest during the summer months, golf's peak season ranges from mid-March through the last week of April. At this time, courses are in their best condition, greens are fast and smooth, the azaleas are in full bloom and the weather is perfect.

Courses are their cheapest during the summer. At this time of year, you can find tee times for as low as $35-50 at many of the lower-end courses that charge $70-90 during peak season.

Courses are also very busy during the fall and winter months, filled with sun-starved northeasterners and Canadians - many of whom you’re certain to see on the beach in their swim trunks despite 60-degree highs. There certainly is a season - and a golf course - for everyone in the Grand Strand.