This one is for the vacationers. Local golfers definitely know all about the Barefoot Resort golf courses. They’re some of the top golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area, especially if you’re looking for high-quality golf on the north side of town. But the focus today is on the 14 million people who visit the Myrtle Beach area each year. Here’s the big picture when it comes to the Norman, Love, Dye and Fazio courses.
What You’ll Get on All of the Courses
These courses are a part of the Barefoot Resort, so you’re going to get some consistencies no matter what courses you play. First things first, expect consistently fast greens. I’m talking about putting on glass. Another trend at Barefoot is large landing areas and small greens. On most holes you’ll need laser-like precision with your approach shots. Recently, the Fazio, Love and Dye courses hosted the Golf Channel’s Big Break Myrtle Beach.
The Greg Norman Course
Stretching to 6,888 yards from the platinum tees, the course presents a good challenge to golfers of all skill levels when it comes to distance. There are five sets of tees, so play the tees that best fit your game. The course features a lot of variety when it comes to sight lines and visuals. Picture a lot of nature, views of the Intracoastal Waterway on some of the holes. You’ll notice that some of the greens are a bit bigger than greens on other Barefoot courses. Some golfers consider the Norman course the weakest of the Barefoot courses, so consider playing this course first if you’re playing all four.
The Tom Fazio Course
This course is a true Lowcountry beauty. You are greeted by a variety of native trees, plants and vegetation throughout the course. There’s quite a bit of aesthetically pleasing water on most of the holes. Playing 6,834 yards from the back tees, the bunkers and forced carries help make the Fazio course a bit of a challenge, at least from this distance. The five par 3s are unique and will test your skills. Consistently rated as one of the top courses in South Carolina, most visitors will enjoy their experience at the Fazio course.
The Davis Love III Course
The Love course sets itself apart at Barefoot by featuring intriguing ruins of an old Lowcountry plantation. These are not authentic ruins, but they provide a stunning backdrop for some outstanding Carolina golf. The course plays at more than 7,000 yards from the back tees. If you play the correct tees for your game, you should find the course quite enjoyable. As with most holes at Barefoot, you’ll need accuracy to keep your approach shots on the greens.
The Pete Dye Course
As you may have guessed, we saved the best for last. It’s also the longest Barefoot course at more than 7,300 yards. The Dye course is the semi-private course of the group. Because of that, you will typically find the course in pristine condition. Darius Rucker hosts his Monday After the Masters charity event at this course featuring pros and celebrities every April. The course consistently receives top accolades as one of the best courses in South Carolina. In terms of the layout, it’s quite challenging, but if you’re accurate and trust your distances, you can have a solid round. The Dye course is a must-play if you get the opportunity during your visit.
The Verdict
If you’re coming to Barefoot to golf, you should have quite an enjoyable experience. The courses are all of the championship variety. The discerning golfer may not like the Norman course as much as the other three, but it’s still a playable track. If you’re golfing in the Myrtle Beach area this year, my advice to you is to make plans and tee times to play Barefoot while you're here!