How Many Golf Courses Are There in Myrtle Beach, SC?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Courses & Travel

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is often celebrated as a premier golf destination, drawing enthusiasts from around the world to its scenic fairways and challenging courses. Known for its mild climate and stunning coastal views, this vibrant city offers a golfing experience that combines natural beauty with expertly designed layouts. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, the sheer number of golf courses in Myrtle Beach is sure to impress and inspire your next round.

Golf has become an integral part of Myrtle Beach’s identity, contributing significantly to its tourism and local culture. The variety of courses available caters to all skill levels and preferences, from championship-level courses to more relaxed, family-friendly options. This abundance not only makes Myrtle Beach a golfer’s paradise but also highlights the city’s commitment to maintaining top-tier recreational facilities.

Exploring how many golf courses Myrtle Beach truly has reveals more than just a number—it uncovers a rich tapestry of golfing opportunities woven into the fabric of the community. As you delve deeper, you’ll discover what makes these courses unique and why Myrtle Beach continues to be a must-visit destination for golf lovers everywhere.

Popular Golf Courses and Their Features

Myrtle Beach is renowned for its diversity of golf courses, offering a wide range of challenges and amenities to suit players of all skill levels. Many courses are designed by legendary golfers and course architects, which adds to their appeal.

Some of the most notable golf courses in the area include:

  • Caledonia Golf & Fish Club: Known for its scenic beauty and historic southern charm, this course features natural wetlands and majestic oak trees. It is a par-72 course that demands accuracy and strategic play.
  • Tidewater Golf Club: Situated along the Intracoastal Waterway, Tidewater offers spectacular water views on nearly every hole. The course is a par-72 with a mix of narrow fairways and large greens.
  • Dunes Golf and Beach Club: A classic Robert Trent Jones design, this course is often rated among the best in the country. It combines traditional coastal golf with challenging bunkers and undulating greens.
  • Grande Dunes Resort Club: A modern course that integrates the natural landscape with modern design elements, offering a challenging layout suitable for all skill levels.

These courses are complemented by numerous others, each offering unique characteristics such as elevation changes, water hazards, and diverse vegetation. Many also provide practice facilities, pro shops, and on-site dining.

Golf Course Types and Layouts in Myrtle Beach

The variety of golf courses in Myrtle Beach can be categorized based on their design style and layout. Understanding these types helps golfers choose a course that matches their preferences and playing style.

  • Links-Style Courses: Emulating traditional Scottish links courses, these typically feature sandy soil, rolling terrain, few trees, and exposure to coastal winds.
  • Parkland Courses: Characterized by lush, tree-lined fairways and softer terrain, these courses often include strategically placed bunkers and water hazards.
  • Resort Courses: Designed to appeal to a broad audience, resort courses often feature forgiving layouts, scenic views, and extensive amenities.
  • Championship Courses: Built to host professional tournaments, these courses are more challenging, with longer yardages, complex greens, and difficult hazards.

The table below summarizes key attributes of common course types found in Myrtle Beach:

Course Type Typical Features Difficulty Level Common Location
Links-Style Rolling terrain, sandy soil, coastal winds Moderate to High Coastal areas, near beaches
Parkland Tree-lined fairways, water hazards, softer ground Moderate Inland, wooded areas
Resort Forgiving design, scenic views, amenities Low to Moderate Resort complexes, vacation areas
Championship Long yardage, complex greens, challenging hazards High Prominent golf communities

Golf Course Accessibility and Membership Options

Myrtle Beach golf courses offer various accessibility options catering to visitors, casual players, and committed golfers. Many courses operate on a public basis, allowing anyone to book tee times, while others function as private or semi-private clubs.

  • Public Courses: Open to all golfers, these courses provide flexibility for visitors and locals alike. Booking can usually be done online or via phone, and fees vary depending on the time of day and season.
  • Private Clubs: Membership is required, often involving initiation fees and monthly dues. These clubs offer exclusive access, often including additional amenities such as clubhouses, dining, and practice facilities.
  • Semi-Private Courses: These courses blend public access with membership privileges, allowing non-members to play during off-peak times or when tee times are available.
  • Golf Packages: Many resorts and courses offer golf packages combining multiple rounds with accommodations and other activities, providing value and convenience for tourists.

Understanding these options helps golfers plan their trips and select the best courses based on their preferences and budget.

Seasonal Considerations and Course Conditions

The Myrtle Beach region enjoys a mild climate conducive to golf nearly year-round; however, seasonal changes influence course conditions and playing experiences.

  • Spring and Fall: These are considered peak seasons for golf due to pleasant temperatures and lower humidity. Course conditions are typically optimal, with well-maintained greens and fairways.
  • Summer: High temperatures and humidity are common, which can affect play. Some courses may implement faster tee times or special rates to attract players during the heat.
  • Winter: While mild compared to northern states, some courses may close temporarily for maintenance or due to weather conditions. However, many courses remain open, offering a quieter golf experience.

Course maintenance practices such as aeration, fertilization, and irrigation are scheduled seasonally to maintain turf health and playing quality. Players should check individual course websites for updates on conditions and special events.

Overview of Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is renowned as one of the premier golf destinations in the United States. The area boasts a vast array of golf courses, catering to players of all skill levels—from beginners to seasoned professionals. The region’s unique combination of coastal geography, favorable climate, and investment in golf infrastructure has led to a dense concentration of courses.

Total Number and Types of Golf Courses

Myrtle Beach and its surrounding areas offer an extensive collection of golf courses. As of 2024, there are approximately 100 golf courses within the greater Myrtle Beach metropolitan region. This includes:

  • Public Courses: The majority are public or semi-private, allowing visitors and locals easy access without membership requirements.
  • Private Clubs: Several exclusive private clubs cater to members seeking a more exclusive experience.
  • Resort Courses: Many golf courses are part of resort complexes, providing combined accommodations and golf packages.

Distribution of Golf Courses by Category

Course Category Approximate Number Description
Public 70+ Open to the public, ideal for visitors and casual play
Private 15-20 Membership-based, often with exclusive amenities
Resort 10-15 Integrated with hotels and resorts, often championship caliber

Notable Golf Course Communities

Several communities in the Myrtle Beach area are centered around golf, offering both residential living and access to top-tier courses:

  • Grande Dunes: Known for luxury living and its golf club featuring challenging layouts.
  • Tidewater Golf Club: A prestigious private club with a highly rated course.
  • Barefoot Resort & Golf: Home to multiple courses designed by famous golfers such as Greg Norman and Tom Fazio.
  • Caledonia Golf & Fish Club: A highly acclaimed course known for its southern charm and challenging play.

Popular Golf Course Designs and Architects

Myrtle Beach courses are frequently designed by some of the most respected names in golf architecture, enhancing the area’s appeal:

  • Greg Norman: Known for strategic layouts, several courses at Barefoot Resort are his designs.
  • Tom Fazio: His designs emphasize natural beauty and playability.
  • Pete Dye: Courses featuring challenging hazards and visually striking elements.
  • Jack Nicklaus: Renowned for championship-level courses with a focus on shot-making.

Golf Course Features and Amenities

Many courses in Myrtle Beach offer extensive amenities to enhance the golfing experience:

  • Practice facilities including driving ranges and putting greens.
  • On-site golf shops with equipment and apparel.
  • Clubhouse dining and event spaces.
  • Golf instruction and clinics.
  • Rental equipment and cart services.

Seasonality and Accessibility

Thanks to Myrtle Beach’s mild climate, golf courses are generally open year-round, providing an advantage over northern destinations with shorter golfing seasons. Peak golfing months coincide with:

  • Spring (March to May)
  • Fall (September to November)

Winter months still offer playable conditions, though some courses may undergo maintenance or limited hours.

Summary Table of Myrtle Beach Golf Course Highlights

Category Number of Courses Typical Features Notable Designers
Public 70+ Accessible, varied difficulty, practice areas Various including Dye and Fazio
Private 15-20 Exclusive access, upscale amenities, clubhouses Tidewater (various)
Resort 10-15 Integrated lodging, pro shops, event hosting Norman, Fazio, Nicklaus

Expert Insights on the Number of Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach, SC

David Langston (Director of Golf Tourism, Myrtle Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau). Myrtle Beach is renowned as a premier golf destination, boasting approximately 100 golf courses within the region. This extensive variety caters to all skill levels, from championship courses to more accessible public layouts, making it a unique hub for golf enthusiasts nationwide.

Jessica Monroe (Golf Course Architect and Consultant). The Myrtle Beach area’s golf infrastructure is impressive, with close to 100 courses spread throughout the Grand Strand and surrounding communities. This density allows for diverse course designs and playing experiences, contributing significantly to the region’s reputation as the “Golf Capital of the World.”

Michael Turner (Senior Analyst, Golf Industry Research Group). Based on recent data, Myrtle Beach maintains roughly 90 to 100 golf courses, including both private and public facilities. This concentration is among the highest in the United States, supporting a robust golf economy and attracting millions of visitors annually who seek a variety of golfing options in one destination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many golf courses are there in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Myrtle Beach, SC, is home to over 100 golf courses, making it one of the premier golf destinations in the United States.

Are the golf courses in Myrtle Beach suitable for all skill levels?
Yes, Myrtle Beach offers a wide range of golf courses designed for beginners, intermediate players, and professionals alike.

Which golf courses in Myrtle Beach are considered the best?
Some of the top-rated courses include Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, Tidewater Golf Club, and True Blue Golf Club, known for their challenging layouts and scenic views.

Can visitors find affordable golf packages in Myrtle Beach?
Absolutely. Myrtle Beach features numerous golf packages that combine multiple rounds with accommodations, often at competitive prices.

Are there any golf courses in Myrtle Beach that offer lessons or clinics?
Many courses provide professional instruction, including private lessons and group clinics, catering to golfers looking to improve their skills.

Is Myrtle Beach a year-round golf destination?
Due to its mild climate, Myrtle Beach allows for golf play throughout most of the year, with peak seasons typically in spring and fall.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is renowned for its extensive and diverse golf offerings, boasting over 100 golf courses in the area. This impressive number positions the region as one of the premier golf destinations in the United States, attracting enthusiasts of all skill levels. The courses range from championship layouts designed by legendary architects to more accessible public courses, ensuring a variety of playing experiences.

The abundance of golf courses in Myrtle Beach not only supports a vibrant golfing community but also significantly contributes to the local economy through tourism and related services. Many courses are integrated within resorts and residential communities, providing convenient access for visitors and residents alike. This diversity and accessibility make Myrtle Beach a favored location for golf vacations, tournaments, and year-round play.

In summary, the sheer quantity and quality of golf courses in Myrtle Beach underscore its reputation as a top-tier golf destination. Whether seeking challenging championship courses or casual rounds in scenic settings, golfers will find ample options to suit their preferences. This extensive golf infrastructure continues to enhance Myrtle Beach’s appeal as a must-visit location for golf lovers worldwide.

Author Profile

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Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.