Top 5 Most Relaxing Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach

Tourists of all ages come to Myrtle Beach for many reasons.  This is no different for the golfers that come to the Grand Strand.  Whether it’s to escape the weather or the husband/wife for a few days, each person has his/her own reason.  With well over 80 courses to choose from, the Myrtle Beach area can accommodate the needs of most golfers.  From price to incentives and from distance to difficulty, golfers use these determining factors to choose where they want to play each year.  Over time, golfers find reasons to create a list of favorites…whether you scored your lowest round ever at a course, you made your first hole-in-one, or the course and the weather always seemed to be ideal all can be responsible for helping make the list.

Here are my top-5 most peaceful courses to play:

#5) River’s Edge

River’s Edge

River’s Edge located along the Shallotte River. Not only is it a scenic course with spectacular views, you are sure to have relaxing day.  Catching cool breezes off the many water hazards while playing risk reward par 4’s and 5’s will keep you coming back.  If you are anything like me, depending on how you are playing, you might rather be on one of the many boats doing a little afternoon fishing.

#4) Pawley’s Plantation

Pawley’s Plantation

Coming in at #4 is Pawley’s Plantation, a Jack Nicklaus signature course located on the south end of the Grand Strand. The tree-lined front 9 winds through beautiful neighborhoods while playing well-manicured holes.  What sets this course apart are the inlet views and the sound of the ocean that can be heard on 6 of the holes on the back 9.  Par 3’s that play over Atlantic coastal marshes with sometime huge wind gusts challenge golfers of all ages.

#3) Dunes Club

9th Green at The Dunes Club

Coming in at #3 on my list, the Dunes Club never disappoints if you are looking for a relaxing day on the course.   The crashing of the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the quiet serenity of the historic grounds from previous Champions Tour events, as well as the beautiful layout Robert Trent Jones created easily puts the Dunes in my top-5. The only reason that the Dunes Club is not higher is the fact that 2 golf holes are located right along Highway 17 which takes away from what would make it a perfect afternoon of golf.

#2) Caledonia Golf & Fish Club

Caledonia Golf & Fish

#2 on my list is Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, also located in Pawley’s Island and one of Mike Stranz‘s finest designs.  This amazing layout is an all around quiet, relaxing experience from the time you drive through the 200-year old live oaks lining your path to the first hole until watching golfer’s final approach shots while rocking in chairs on the back porch of the clubhouse.  Nothing says relaxing and Lowcountry like playing the Caledonia Golf &Fish Club.

 #1) Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island in NC

Atop my list is Bald Head Island – a course so peaceful and secluded that you can only reach it by ferry.  If you ever want to take one day out of the year to enjoy life and the game of golf, I advise you spend it at Bald Head Island Golf Club.  Your day starts with a peaceful 25 minute ferry ride to the Island.  Once there, you and your clubs are taken by golf cart to the clubhouse on the other side of the Island.  You then begin your adventure on the George Cobb (and just recently renovated) Tim Cate design.  The sound of the ocean and beach wildlife fill you head and relax you while you play some of the best golf holes the Carolinas have to offer.  Most golfers never want to leave so the course allows free replays.  Most people take advantage of this just to enjoy a sunset cruise before the travel back to civilization and reality.

While not making it into my top-5 personal favorites, honorable mentions go to Tidewater and Cape Fear National – both spectacular, peaceful courses to play while visiting the Grand Strand!

Categories: Golf Courses.