My Personal Top 10 Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach

On the home page of our website, golfers get to vote on their favorite courses.  Well, I thought I would put in my two cents and give you my Top-10 courses along coastal North and South Carolina.

Plantation style Clubhouse

#10  Heritage Club  —– comes in at the #10 spot on my countdown to  #1.  The Heritage Club is a great layout that is surrounded by huge magnolias and moss-filled live oaks that are over 300 years old.  Built on an old plantation, the clubhouse resembles that of an old Southern Plantation home.   Located in Pawley’s Island, it’s no more than one hour from most Grand Strand accommodations.   Buffet breakfast, lunch, and 2 free draft beers accompany each round of golf at this course.

Hole #9 Peninsula Green at River’s Edge

#9 River’s Edge —– joins the list at #9 on the countdown.    River’s Edge Golf and Beach Club, designed by Arnold Palmer, is one of the gems of coastal North Carolina.  This private community graciously opened itself to play, allowing golfers from all over the world to see the breathtaking views the members see everyday.  Nestled along the Shallotte River, River’s Edge is a must play on your bucket list.

#8 Green at Cape Fear National

#8  Cape Fear National  —– the newest course in the area comes in at #8.  Cape Fear National, a Tim Cate design, has a phenomenal layout with some of the best bent grass greens in coastal North and South Carolina.  Great golf holes, beautiful homes, and wildlife abound at this amazing property located 10 minutes south of Wilmington, NC in one of the areas most up-and-coming developments.

View of the 9th and 18th shared green

#7  Glen Dornoch  —-  I refer to the #7 course on the list as “the Jewel of the Nile.”  This shot- shaping course, designed by Clyde Johnston, is one of my favorite courses to play.  Located in Little River, SC, this course is one of the few courses along the Grand Strand that features a double green.  The green for holes #9 and #18 is tucked between the clubhouse and the Intracoastal Waterway.  On this course, six different holes boast views of the waterway giving the golfer a coastal breeze to cool them off.

Marsh views from this short par-3 and long par-4

#6  Tidewater  —-  the name says it all and lands at #6 on the countdown.  This expansive layout designed by Ken Tomlinson and Hale Irwin gives the golfer a true golfing experience.  Views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway solidify the course’s name.  The Tidewater community itself takes pride in their facilities as well they should.  From top to bottom the course, facilities, and staff are some of the best Myrtle Beach has to offer.

Shared green at Pawley’s Plantation

#5  Pawley’s Plantation  —- slipping in right ahead of Tidewater at the #5 slot grabs my attention for many reasons.  Designer Jack Nicklaus did an amazing job of placing a top-notch golf course on what has to be some of the most expensive and sought after real estate in South Carolina.  This course has jaw-dropping views, a double green, wildlife, as well as some of the most picturesque golf holes located only a short drive from Myrtle Beach.  This course can be played for as little as $30 per golfer this Fall if it is booked as a 5th round in the Prime Times Rewards Package.

Number 10 and Number 18 at Dye Club

#4  Dye Club at Barefoot   —- jumps in at #4 on the list.  This Pete Dye design has to be one of the hardest golf courses  — if not THE  hardest course — along the Grand Strand.  Rolling hills, crossing winds, and high rough make this 7,343 yard par-72 course a real doozi.  Play in the “Superintendent’s Challenge” and it may take you two days to finish.  Professional golfers, celebrities,  and fans come every year to watch the “Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am” which the Dye Club has been hosting since 2003.  This course can be played as a single round with specials on Wednesday’s of each week or part of a 4-round golf package which includes three other Barefoot Resort courses.  The Dye Club is a MUST play while in Myrtle Beach.

Green Side

#3  Caledonia Golf and Fish Club  —- takes the bronze as the #3 course.  Designer Mike Strantz shows off his diversity with this relatively short but shot-shaping layout.  Golfers come back to this course year after year for the amazing views, friendly service, and pristine conditions that always accompany this amazing course.  Take it all in from the Spanish moss-draped live oaks at the entrance or just relax from the rocking chairs located on the pub’s porch while watching golfers finish one of their most enjoyable rounds.

12th Hole Par-3

#2  Dunes Club  —- not far behind the #1 course on the list, the Dunes Club slides into the #2 spot.  Former site of the Senior Tour Championship from 1994-1999 will now play host to the 47th PGA Professional National Championship. Due to the lavish amenities, beautiful views, and professional staff, the private Dunes Golf and Beach Club is host to many of the area’s premier social events.  A tour through the clubhouse and historic memorabilia gallery will show you some of the greats who once traversed this stunning layout.    The Robert Trent Jones, Sr. 1948 design is getting a quick overhaul to lengthen the course and to replace the greens to a more manageable grass for the climate type in our area.  After the improvements are complete, the Dunes Club may overtake my #1 choice.

13th Hole at Bald Head Island

#1  Bald Head Island Club  —- proudly standing at my #1 favorite course to play.  This trip requires a full day of planning.  An hour drive from Myrtle Beach is followed by a 30-minute ferry ride to Bald Head Island where you are taken by courtesy shuttle to the clubhouse.  The original architect, George Cobb, had his design upgraded by Tim Cate (the designer of Cape Fear National, #8 on my list) in 2012.  The $3.9 million renovation of the course and practice area created a golfing paradise.  Elevation changes, larger fairway landing ares, rebuilt cart paths and bridges, as well as 1,200 tons of sand were brought in to create this massive transformation.  The quiet relaxing atmosphere gives the golfer the perfect experience.   Mesmerizing views, great golf holes, beautiful sunsets, and the tranquil surroundings of Bald Head Island make this my #1 course to play. Check out my full review last year.

Let’s just see how my top-10 stacks up against yours.  Make sure you check all of these beautiful courses off your golf  “to-do list” soon.  Rates for any or all of these courses throughout the year can be found at golf only tee times .

Categories: Top 10 Golf Courses.