Not everyone comes to Myrtle Beach for the kind of fun in the sun that puts sand in your toes. Some come because Myrtle Beach is a mecca of golf. (Depending on your time in bunkers, sandy toes aren’t out of the question, actually.)
With more than 70 courses in the area, there are plenty of tee times to go around. With a little research, you can even find golf packages that include nearby lodging. There are so many links options that many golfers schedule a weekend getaway with multiple courses.
There’s a good chance some of your golf buddies have made recommendations. Word of mouth goes a long way. Here are five area courses we enjoy. We’ve included facts about the course and a few words from golfers who’ve given them high praise.
1-Prestwick Country Club
Par 72 | Rating: 74.7 | Bar, club rental, carts, instructors, shop, restaurant
Golf Digest calls Prestwick Country Club one of the “Top 5 Best-Kept Secrets in America.” This Pete and P.B. Dye-designed course fits any skill level. We love the thick pine forest that surrounds Prestwick, with picturesque, natural water hazards and other challenges throughout.
Signature hole
No. 5 (par 3, 195 yards): You’re all right if you stay right. No. 5 features a winding creek that leaves you precious little leeway. It’s a high-risk, high-reward challenge.
What they’re saying:
“Great shape and great place to go play golf like across the water like in Scotland.”
“Typical Pete Dye track. Super fast greens, very challenging course.”
“I love this course. It’s just so appealing and naturally beautiful.”
2-Tidewater Plantation
Par 72 | Rating: 74.3 | Bar, club rental, driving range, carts, instruction, shop, restaurant
This Ken Tomlinson design rests atop Intracoastal Waterway bluffs north of Myrtle Beach. Classic in design and modern in details, Tidewater Plantation has earned distinction as “Pebble Beach of the East.” It’s a 15-minute ride north of Myrtle Beach.
Signature hole
No. 7 (par 4, 300 yards): Striking scenery makes every hole incredible. There’s a birdie in your sights if you can keep it straight on this short hole with bunkers hemming in the green.
What they’re saying:
“Course is in immaculate condition from tee to green and arrival to departure.”
“A little tough but very enjoyable. Would play it again.”
“The best course we played on our week long golf holiday. Highly recommended.”
3-Arrowhead Country Club
Par 72 | Rating: 136-111 | Bar, driving range, carts, shop, restaurant
Arrowhead Country Club welcomes all skill levels with a special junior program. It’s so close to the airport you can play right on your way in town – or out. This Ray Floyd and Tom Jackson course earned S.C.’s Golf Course of the Year in 1988. It’s three unique 9-hole courses in one.
Signature hole
No. 3 (par 3, 175 yards): Strike for the island green, or play it safe? Four bunkers also surround the green. You’ll have to distinguish the risky play and safe landing on your own.
What they’re saying:
“Great course challenging but very nice also greens were well taken care of!”
“Each hole was demanding but offered several options for your shots.”
“Absolutely one of the finest gems on the Strand.”
4-Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
Par 70 | Rating: 132 | Bar, carts, instruction, shop, restaurant
This Mike Stranz course sits on a Pawleys Island rice plantation. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club made the Golf Magazine Top 100 Courses You Can Play list. The live oaks and Spanish moss create an unparalleled experience as an exquisite challenge on 18 unique holes.
Signature hole
No. 14 (par 4, 415 yards): This long hole begins with an approach that runs parallel to water. A stately southern oak threatens your sightline if you place your tee shot left.
What they’re saying
“In my humble opinion, more interesting and more beautiful than Augusta.”
“Fantastic greens and fairways, even after heavy rains and it being the winter.”
“The entire course was pristine. Lived up to the hype and then some.”
5-Colonial Charters Golf Club
Par 71 | Rating: 71.5 | Driving range, carts, instruction, shop
Colonial Charters Golf Club isn’t wrought with challenges all around. Close to favorite North Myrtle Beach attractions, it’s a casual golfer’s dream. The immaculate grounds provides a comfortable Rich Robbins design wrapped in the region’s beautiful woodlands.
Signature hole
No. 1 (par 5, 526 yards): At Colonial, you start with perhaps your biggest challenge. Long and picturesque, it will call on your best decision making and accuracy.
What they’re saying
“The layout is nice. Reachable Par 5s. Four reachable Par 4’s with perfectly hit drivers.”
“It’s our go to course for enjoying our week of golf in Myrtle Beach.”
“The golf is challenging and the value is unbeatable.”
Seasons, conditions and preference play roles in determining which courses are the best. Ask friends, check online, and give some of these courses a try. Myrtle Beach area courses are great in so many seasons, with scenery, challenges and southern hospitality along the way.