Myrtle Beach, the crown jewel of South Carolina, is fondly known as the golf capital of the world. With over 100 beautifully designed golf courses, this coastal city is a dream come true for golf enthusiasts. However, some of the golf courses in Myrtle Beach are notorious for turning this genteel sport into an adventure, thanks to their unusual designs. These unique golf courses incorporate a mix of natural wonders and man-made marvels into their design, providing a fun, challenging, and thrilling experience for golfers.
Whispering Pines Golf Course
Whispering Pines is a testament to how a golf course can co-exist with nature harmoniously. Located near Myrtle Beach International Airport, this course offers a unique layout that naturally flows along verdant wetlands and beautiful South Carolina timber. The setting itself is unusual, creating a near-rustic feel in the heart of this bustling city.
The Dunes Golf & Beach Club
The Dunes Golf & Beach Club is an internationally recognized course known for its unique design. This golf course is home to the infamous “Waterloo,” a par-5 13th hole featuring a sharp dogleg around Lake Singleton. With a risky shortcut over the water, “Waterloo” often brings out the daredevil in golfers, making for some exciting games.
Prestwick Country Club
Designed by Pete and P.B. Dye, Prestwick Country Club is a visual treat. The course is notorious for its generous usage of railroad ties, pot bunkers, and rolling greens. These unique features compliment the huge natural lakes and towering trees that characterize this golf course, making it one of the most distinctive in Myrtle Beach.
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club is a testament to the creativity of course architect Mike Strantz. The 18th hole of this golf course is truly unusual – golfers need to make their final approach shot over a sizeable piece of water to a green located just in front of the clubhouse, providing a thrilling end to a game. Spectators watching from the clubhouse often add cheers and jeers, upping the entertainment quotient.
Barefoot Resort – Dye Course
Renowned course architect, Pete Dye, is known for his whimsical yet exciting golf course designs, and the Dye Course at Barefoot Resort is no exception. With sand traps styled in the shape of a footprint, and fairways defined by mounds, this course is not just aesthetically pleasing but also provides a stimulating challenge for accomplished golfers.
Tidewater Golf Club
Like a scene straight out of a beautiful painting, Tidewater Golf Club offers arresting views of the Atlantic Ocean, marshes, and the Intracoastal Waterway. This golf course has become iconic thanks to its two par-3 holes on the back nine, where golfers have to aim their shots over the scenic marsh to reach the pin on the other side.
TPC Myrtle Beach
TPC Myrtle Beach stands tall among other golf courses, showcasing Tom Fazio’s audacity in design. This golf course is carved out of a pine forest, with most holes being isolated from each other. Fazio’s unusual design feature of diversional bulkheading using wooden boards is seen here, keeping golfers on their toes.
True Blue Plantation
True Blue Plantation’s golf course is another masterpiece by Mike Strantz. It’s famous for its expansive fairways, massive sand hazards, and dramatic elevation changes. Playable yet challenging, this course offers a unique golfing experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The unusual designs of these golf courses elevate the game from merely a sport into a captivating encounter with nature and architectural ingenuity. These courses aren’t just designed for playing golf, they’re designed to test your skills, heighten your senses, and keep you coming back for more. So, when you’re on your golf vacation to Myrtle Beach, don’t forget to take on the challenge these unique courses offer!
4 Comments
Diane_n_the_Rough
Great piece! I’ve always wanted to visit Myrtle Beach for its golf. One question though, as a fairly intermediate player, which of these courses would you guys say is the most accommodating?
FairwayFreddy
This is such a spot on article! I’ve played at Whispering Pines and the atmosphere is just incredibly serene, making the whole experience unforgettable. Can’t wait to try the others!
GolfGurus100
Great piece highlighting some unique golf courses in Myrtle Beach. I’ve been fortunate to play at Tidewater and Caledonia, and they were truly an unforgettable experience. The question here is, which one should I try next? Any recommendations folks ?
BeachBunkers
I had an interesting game at the Dunes Golf & Beach Club last Summer. Let me tell you, the ‘Waterloo’ hole is no joke. Not for the faint-hearted. Also, phrase ‘a risky shortcut over the water’ is a bit of an understatement. Made me sweat more than the South Carolina heat!