Burning Ridge: A comfortable golf challenge in Myrtle Beach

A comfortable challenge. That’s a great way to describe Burning Ridge Golf Club.

The 2006 Myrtle Beach Golf Course of the Year, Burning Ridge is still a has a splendid 18-hole layout sure to become a favorite when you visit the area.

A Gene Hamm creation, Burning Ridge brings beauty and serenity to an appealing round of golf. It’s rolling fairways, majestic trees, and tranquil ponds are an ideal setting for a day on the links, especially in the fall and winter seasons. Opened in 1980, this course was once 36 holes, divided in an east and west course. Burning Ridge closed the west course for residential development, and upgraded the east coast, in 2005.

It’s little wonder Burning Ridge is a common destination for travelers and locals, regardless of experience level. Greens have plenty of cover and the fairways are forgiving. This facility has recently undergone an upgrade to its clubhouse, grill, and pro shop, in addition to a spacious outdoor deck for a cocktail with your foursome. We’ll take a look at particulars of playing at Burning Ridge, from tee to green and everything in between (and afterward, too – from starter to post-round drinks.)

Online review

We found this review online for Burning Ridge Golf Club:

Fairways were in amazing condition. The speed of play was very good. Staff was friendly and welcoming. The value was very good.

Burning Ridge was in the best shape I have ever seen it. Fantastic rates to go with it. I would certainly recommend this course!

The greens

The greens at Burning Ridge roll true and are conditioned for easy putting all the way through.

For all the other pleasant factors here, not much would matter without true greens. On some holes, they were slow, but still true – and it was an easy adjustment to make. 

The pace was great, and so long as you hit it well, you could expect fair results – the putt will stay online. Bunkers were fine, and well marked. Your attention will be on the strategy of the putt, not wondering how the green will treat you, and that’s a huge plus.

The fairways

You’ll find perfect lies in the Burning Ridge fairways. 

Be advised: the staff mark water hazards in the fairways with flags, so don’t get confused about where you’re aiming. 

You’ll need your A game, but won’t likely find yourself bending any clubs over your knee in frustration. The rough was as expected – fair, cut slightly longer than the fairway. Bunkers were well-stocked with compacted sand. Hazards were part of a thoughtful approach to each hole, but not a huge detractor to the experience of the round.

Tees

Hamm built a beauty, starting at the tee box. First-time players benefit from mounding holes you can get a sense of how to play right off the tee. We’d guess boxes are rotaed well, as they don’t show a tremendous amount of wear and tear. 

Tee boxes are easily accessible, level, and feel like they help give you a fair start to each hole.

 

Service

Inside and out, the Burning Ridge staff is extraordinary, and genuinely cares about the experience you come away with. They’ll load your cart and set you up for a great day of golf – and even got our clubs out of the trunk for us. The groundskeeping staff here also should be commended for maintaining the course at every turn. We would have loved to see the refreshment cart a bit more frequently. 

Our starter was patient and respectful. It’s a pleasure to stop in the grill for a bite and drink. Fridays, there’s happy hour from 4 to close, with a special menu that changes weekly.

Conclusion

Burning Ridge has all the elements to become a beloved course in Myrtle Beach, for those of you who’ve yet to have played. You’re not going to find better conditioning on any level course. Even after heavy rain, the course plays well. 

Women we know also rave about the course, from their perspective, and you’ll see a good mix out on the links of men and women. 

It’s the kind of place that makes you wonder out loud what it’d be like to be a member. 

Prices are reasonable, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself recommending the course to friends and strangers. It’s a place that beckons you to get creative in your play, with high rewards for such, and not such a steep consequence. Pace of play was steady, not rushed. It’s a nice fit for a variety of styles of play, so a foursome of varying handicaps can enjoy a day on the links together. Definitely a spot to return to again and again in Myrtle Beach!