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Play the Best: Myrtle Beach Area Golf Courses

Table of Contents

Grand Strand Golf: A Legendary Coastal Tradition

Stretching some 60 miles along South Carolina’s Atlantic coastline, the Grand Strand has earned its reputation as one of the nation’s most beloved golf destinations — attracting players from around the world with its abundant layouts, scenic beauty, and rich architectural history. From classic Lowcountry oak forests and tidal marsh vistas to Intracoastal Waterway holes and dramatic beachside elevations, the region delivers variety and visual splendor at every turn.

A recent feature in Islands.com highlighted several of these standout courses for their memorable design and breathtaking scenery — a recognition fitting for a destination known as the “Golf Capital of the World.”

Championship golf course in North Myrtle Beach

Caledonia & True Blue: Strantz’s Signature South Carolina Classics

Two of the most celebrated courses on the Strand are the creations of Mike Strantz, whose work at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and True Blue Golf Club reflects his philosophy of golf as both sport and art.

At Caledonia, what was once a rice plantation now plays as an evocative Lowcountry showcase, where centuries‑old live oaks draped in Spanish moss frame expansive greens and dramatic fairways. Golfers often describe the course as as memorable for its natural beauty as its thoughtful routing — a place where even a casual round feels transcendent.

Just across the street, True Blue offers a style that’s equally Strantz but more playful and bold. The course’s undulating fairways, wide waste areas, and strategic challenges appeal to golfers seeking both visual intrigue and competitive test. Its par‑72 layout stretches over 7,000 yards from the back tees and invites players of many skill levels to experience its unique character.

Tidewater Golf Club: Marshland Majesty in North Myrtle Beach

Just a short drive north, Tidewater Golf Club stands as one of the Grand Strand’s most scenic and engaging public layouts. Designed by Ken Tomlinson and recognized among South Carolina’s top championship courses, Tidewater weaves through saltwater marshes, towering pines, and coastal waterways, offering panoramic views of natural beauty at nearly every turn.

The course’s thoughtful design blends strategic challenge with aesthetic appeal, with several holes boasting vistas of marshlands, the Intracoastal Waterway, and even glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean. Tidewater’s combination of visual drama and competitive routing has made it a favorite for both residents and visiting golfers alike.

Barefoot Resort & Golf: Four Championship Courses

In North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Resort & Golf stands out as a destination unto itself — offering four distinct championship courses designed by some of the game’s most renowned architects: Greg Norman, Davis Love III, Tom Fazio, and Pete Dye.

This “Fantastic Four” of golf courses captures the variety and depth of the Grand Strand experience:

  • Norman Course: With seven holes along the Intracoastal Waterway, Greg Norman’s design blends open natural vistas with strategic shot‑making opportunities.
  • Love Course: Crafted by Davis Love III, this layout features wide fairways and generous landing areas, embracing Lowcountry character and memorable green complexes.
  • Fazio Course: Designed by Tom Fazio, this par‑71 challenge incorporates extensive tree cover, lakes, and striking positioning to craft a visually engaging round.
  • Dye Course (The Dye Club): The standout semi‑private layout at Barefoot, Pete Dye’s course combines visual beauty and strategic challenge, with classic Dye bunker complexes and risk/reward opportunities that reward careful execution.

Three of Barefoot’s courses — Love, Fazio, and Dye — have been ranked among America’s top 100 public courses by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine, evidence of the quality and prestige this resort brings to the Grand Strand.

Surf Golf & Beach Club: Classic Coastal Challenge

A gem with its own storied legacy, Surf Golf & Beach Club dates back to 1959 and offers a classic coastal challenge that evokes golf’s traditional spirit. Renovated over the decades but rooted in its original seaside character, Surf’s seaside layout features water and sand hazards on many holes, with Atlantic breezes shaping play and strategic decisions.

Ideal for golfers who relish course history and the timeless values of course design, Surf complements the championship spectacle of nearby layouts with its own unique coastal personality.

Grande Dunes & The Dunes: Waterfront Views & Historic Prestige

Further south in the Myrtle Beach area, other iconic layouts continue the Grand Strand’s tradition of excellence:

  • Grande Dunes Resort Club boasts two 18‑hole courses set along the Intracoastal Waterway, with seven holes offering dramatic water views and design elements praised for both beauty and playability.
  • The Dunes Golf & Beach Club represents Myrtle Beach golf history at its finest. Designed by Robert Trent Jones and a longtime stage for national competitions, Dunes blends classic parkland routing with sweeping Atlantic vistas and a reputation for pristine conditions.

Plan Your Grand Strand Golf Vacation with Thomas Beach Vacations

From the dramatic Lowcountry artistry of Strantz at Caledonia and True Blue, to the marshland majesty of Tidewater, the architectural variety of Barefoot Resort & Golf, and the timeless charm of Surf Golf & Beach Club and iconic layouts like Grande Dunes and The Dunes, the Grand Strand delivers golf experiences as varied and memorable as the coastline itself.

Golf lovers ready to plan an unforgettable vacation can explore tee times, course details, and itineraries starting here:
👉 https://www.northmyrtlebeachvacations.com/myrtle-beach-golf-courses-central/

And when it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, Thomas Beach Vacations offers a full range of options to match every golfer’s needs:

Whether you’re chasing championship challenge, scenic coastal views, or a golf vacation that blends sport and serenity, the Grand Strand delivers on every front.

Let the fairways of Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach be your next unforgettable destination. ⛳️🌊

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