The Most Historic Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach

Title: The Grandeur of History: The Most Historic Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach

Nestled in the sparkling sands of the east coast, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is an oasis for avid golfers, boasting over 100 golf courses. These pristine greens provide a delightful backdrop to the town’s scenic beauty, but a few stand out due to their historical significance and their architectural grandeur. Among these, the following courses are a veritable bridge to the past, representing the heart and history of golf in Myrtle Beach.

First on the list is the illustrious Pine Lakes Country Club, established in 1927. Fondly called “The Granddaddy,” this course holds the honor of being the oldest golf course in Myrtle Beach. Designed by Robert White, the first president of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of America and a co-founder of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, Pine Lakes Country Club exudes classical sophistication. This golf course features 18-holes recently revitalized by architect Craig Schreiner, maintaining the flavor of the original layout with a touch of modernity. The Granddaddy is also bestowed with the legacy of being the birthplace of Sports Illustrated Magazine in 1954, further cementing its importance in American sports history.

Next on our history-infused journey is the Dunes Golf & Beach Club, founded in 1948. This legendary course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, one of the most revered golf architects. Dunes Golf course is famous for its dangerous water hazards and the pivotal “Waterloo” hole, a breathtaking par-5 that wraps dramatically around Singleton Swash. The Dunes Course, listed often amongst America’s Top 100, has had its fair share of renowned golf tournaments, including the U.S. Women’s Open and six Senior PGA Tour Championships.

Third in line is the prestigious Myrtle Beach National – King’s North, established in 1973. Authored by the King of Golf, Arnold Palmer, this golf course is a testament to impeccable design and strategic planning. King’s North is renowned for its iconic “Gambler” hole, unique in its risk-reward gameplay design. It’s an intriguing par-5 where players can choose a safe route around the water or risk a direct path over it. Over nearly five decades, King’s North has captivated golfers with challenging layouts and beautifully manicured fairways and greens.

Capping off this list is the TPC Myrtle Beach course. Though relatively young compared to the other vintage courses, having opened in 1999, it quickly became prominent in the world of golf. This crowning jewel was designed by golf architect Tom Fazio with input from Lanny Wadkins, a legendary golfer. TPC Myrtle Beach is the home course of Dustin Johnson, the former world No.1, providing a professional caliber experience to its participants. TPC Myrtle Beach became the fifth course in South Carolina to receive the esteemed Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification, celebrating its commitment to maintain a high degree of environmental quality.

These golf courses, steeped in history and golf lore, are more than manicured putting greens; they represent the legacy and evolution of the sport. Their stunning architecture uniquely fuses the tranquillity of nature along with the strategic intricacies of golf. Each course presents a beautiful compilation of challenging layouts that are gratifying for both amateur and professional golfers alike.

Endowed with climatic generosity, Myrtle Beach’s golf courses offer year-round golfing opportunities. A trip to these historical golf courses is not just a sporting expedition but also a journey through the memory lanes of golfing history. From the Granddaddy to the comparatively sprightly TPC Myrtle Beach, these golf courses are standing testimonials to the fact that Myrtle Beach is a timeless paradise for golfers.

Myrtle Beach’s historic golf courses are not only a testament to the area’s rich golfing legacy but also represent the evolution of the great sport itself. These golf havens are the perfect blend of the past, the present, and the future, making Myrtle Beach an undeniable destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide. Myrtle Beach continues to remain a high-profile golfing destination, honoring its past while continually looking forward to the future of the sport.