One of the best-kept secrets on the Grand Strand golf scene is no longer a secret. But if you haven’t discovered Prestwick Country Club during your golf getaways to Myrtle Beach, you and your playing partners are missing out.
Previously serving as a private and semi-private course, Prestwick Country Club opened its gates to public play beginning in 2016, allowing many golfers the opportunity to play the Pete and P.B. Dye layout for the first time.
The reviews have been pouring in ever since as golfers increasingly add it to their “courses to play” list. Many are finding out first-hand what they had been hearing for years – Prestwick is one of Myrtle Beach’s top tracks.
Featuring well-maintained grounds both on and off the course and a beautiful clubhouse overlooking a lake along the ninth and 18th holes, Prestwick provides a private-club experience for the cost of public-course greens fees.
But you don’t have to take our word for it. Below are some of the comments by our community of Fairways Insiders since Prestwick became a public layout, along with some explanations about everything the facility has to offer:
“I was pleasantly surprised. Great course. The fairways were generous, but with the undulations and water hazards made for a tough test. … I love this course, it’s just so appealing and naturally beautiful. (I) hope to play it again in the future and shoot better scores.”
Like many Dye designs, Prestwick presents golfers a true challenge with plenty of water hazards and waste bunkers surrounding the well-protected greens. However, Prestwick offers six sets of tees, many of them elevated, to match your handicap.
“The greens were in wonderful condition, putted true and fast. We will return again and again!” Another golfer agreed: ” We were pleasantly surprised with the course today. The greens were very fast and putted true.”
Prestwick’s TifEagle Bermudagrass greens are smooth and immaculate, but some say the crowned surfaces and challenging pin placements put a disproportionate premium on accurate putting. Of course, one golfer’s “true” is another’s “unfair,” but at least one Fairways Insider seemed to like everything else about Prestwick.
“The course was in good shape from tee to green. Greens rolled great. Staff was friendly and helpful. Nice pro shop and grill. But this is a very difficult golf course. Tough greens and mean pin locations.”
Hey, golf wasn’t meant to be easy. Try the putt-putt place course around the corner if you want simplicity. But most of the comments are along these lines:
“Prestwick is a fun, well conditioned golf course with a variety of memorable holes. The staff is friendly and hospitable.”
“I’ve played Prestwick several times (Fall, Spring, Winter and Summer) in the past few years and the course is always in great shape. the greens were rolling around 11, smooth and true. The pro shop is well stocked, and the staff is friendly and inviting. This is must-play in the Myrtle Beach area. Definitely a favorite.”
“Course is a joy to play and can be one of the more challenging layouts in the area. In very good shape with fast greens. Very beautiful 9th and 18th holes sharing a lake coming back towards the clubhouse.”
In fact, the 336-yard par-4 18th is considered one of the best finishing holes in Myrtle Beach, and the clubhouse and 19th hole are real treats as well. Golfers also can start and finish their rounds at the driving range and practice facility. There’s also a nice tennis center and other amenities one might expect to find at a private club.
Now that the secret is out, it’s time to add Prestwick Country Club to your to-do list. Book your next Myrtle Beach Golf vacation and put Prestwick on your package itinerary for a private-club experience at a public-course price.
