Golf and Discovery: Unearthing Hidden Gems in Myrtle Beach

Title: Golf and Discovery: Unearthing Hidden Gems in Myrtle Beach

From its shimmering coastline to its vibrant fairways, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, offers a golf sanctuary second to none. Known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” Myrtle Beach is home to over 100 prestigious golf courses, each presenting its own unique set of challenges and highlights. This piece aims to guide you through the exploration of the lesser-known, yet equally breathtaking, golfing marvels in this gem of the eastern seaboard.

Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Whispering Pines Golf Course is an understated treasure. It was the last golf course designed by Finger, Dye, and Spahn, and revitalized in 1998 by Clyde Johnston. The course doesn’t boast lavish clubhouses or gastronomic eateries but focus on what matters most – golf! Variety is key here with each of the course’s unique 18 holes offering an array of strategic challenges bound to captivate avid golfers.

In the shadow of more renowned courses, the Diamondback Golf Club at Woodland Valley merits significant praise and attention. This Russell Breeden design snakes through undisturbed natural wetlands and towering Carolina pines, providing a serene setting that accentuates the golfing experience. The Diamondback is the only course on the Grand Strand with 18 holes that has returned the surrounding terrain to its original habitat – a testament to its commitment to environmental preservation.

Traveling north, Azalea Sands, nestled in North Myrtle Beach, deserves a spot on your list. While it doesn’t share the notoriety of its counterparts, its appeal lies in its simplicity, affordability, and accessibility. This Gene Hamm design presents an old-school layout that hasn’t succumbed to real estate development. With each hole separate and distinct, golfers of all levels can relish a golfing journey free from distractions from other groups.

Myrtle Beach is also home to the Carolina National Golf Club, situated in the quiet town of Calabash. The 27-hole facility, designed by legendary golfer Fred Couples, unquestionably qualifies as a hidden gem. This Audubon-certified sanctuary meanders through diverse ecosystems, offering three nines – Egret, Heron, and Ibis, named after the birds that inhabit the area. The course provides a varying mix of rolling fairways, bunkers, water bodies, and strategically placed natural vegetation uniquely woven into the design, promising a challenging yet rewarding golfing pleasure.

The Possum Trot Golf Course, another off-the-beaten-track course, has been a Myrtle Beach favorite for over half a century. Known as the “friendliest course on the beach,” its wide, generous fairways and well-protected undulating greens offer golfers a truly enjoyable golf experience. Golfers can also take advantage of the on-site “Golf School,” widely recognized as one of the best in the area for its comprehensive instructional programs.

The Witch Golf Course provides a magically secluded encounter nestled amidst 500 acres of tranquil cypress groves and wetlands. The course weaves its spell with an enchanting layout that challenges golfers to brave the natural elements, making each hole a distinct battle against stretches of water, wetlands, and lush vegetation. An immaculate blend of design and nature, The Witch Golf Course is a must-visit oasis for golf and nature enthusiasts alike.

Lastly, the town’s crowning glory could perhaps be the coastal gem – the Surf Golf and Beach Club. An exclusive semi-private member-owned club, its history dates back to 1959. This George Cobb design, renovated by John LaFoy, offers contoured fairways, slick undulating greens, and beautifully framed doglegs that virtually fold into the landscape.

Myrtle Beach is abundant in both popular and offbeat golfing destinations. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer seeking a challenging landscape, a novice starting your journey, or just someone looking to be at one with nature amid stunning landscapes, this east coast haven is brimming with undiscovered courses waiting to be explored. It truly proves that hidden gems aren’t always hard to find; they’re right here in Myrtle Beach, waiting for you to visit and take a swing.