South Carolina Golf Trips | Courses, Stay & Play Packages

710 Hilton Rd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, USA

Golf Digest named Arcadian Shores one of “America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses” in 1975-76, 1977-78, 1979-1980 and 1981-82; one of “America’s Top 75 Resort Courses” in 1988 and in 1993 among the “Top 50 Resort Courses.” Also in 1993, Golfweek listed Arcadian Shores as one of the “Top 20 Courses in South Carolina.” Golf Magazine has noted it as a Course of Distinction several times over the years. The course is renowned for two outstanding holes, #2 and #13, which have been named to the prestigious “Grand Strand’s Dream 18” numerous times. The par four 13th hole is the number one handicap hole on the course, requiring the golfer to think strategically on the tee shot, to avoid stopping on a severe down slope. The second shot is to a green that slopes dramatically toward the water and is well guarded by two bunkers behind. Hole #2 is a monster par three, playing at 201 yards from the Championship tees and a more manageable 148 yards for the average golfer. As the number four handicap hole, it demands a long iron shot across water to a deep green, protected on the left by a large bunker and on the right, by a lake stretching down the right side, all the way to the back of the green.

1201 Burcale Rd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579, USA

Arrowhead Country Club is a 27-hole masterpiece featuring three distinct nine-hole layouts: Cypress, Lakes, and Waterway. Designed by golf legend Raymond Floyd and renowned architect Tom Jackson, this award-winning course offers a fresh experience every time you play. Cypress Nine Winding through natural hardwood wetlands, the Cypress nine is known for its scenic beauty and shot-making challenges. A standout stretch—holes 2 through 4—requires both power and precision. The par-5 2nd plays 571 yards and features a mounded fairway that tempts players into attacking the green prematurely. The 3rd is a short par 3 split by a parallel water hazard, while the 4th demands two carries over water to reach the green, offering both risk and reward. Lakes Nine The Lakes nine introduces a new dynamic, with the Intracoastal Waterway serving as a picturesque and strategic element. This nine favors finesse over distance, rewarding smart play and course management. Waterway Nine The Waterway nine beautifully blends characteristics of the Cypress and Lakes layouts. Its balanced design delivers scenic vistas and varied shot demands, making it a favorite for players of all skill levels. Arrowhead features MiniVerde Bermuda greens—that ensure smooth, consistent putting surfaces year-round. Located just minutes from Myrtle Beach International Airport and the heart of the Grand Strand, it’s one of the area’s most accessible and enjoyable golf destinations.

2600 Pete Dye Dr, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, USA

Home to Darius Rucker’s nationally known ‘Monday After the Masters’ golf tournament, The Dye Course at Barefoot Resort and Golf is located in North Myrtle Beach along the Carolina Bays section of the Grand Strand. This ultra-challenging course is truly a Dye original. In addition to his use of the native grasses, the Dye Course also utilizes the GN-1 Bermuda hybrid on the fairways, centipede and Zoysia roughs, a Tifdwarf Bermudagrass on the approaches and Champion UltraDwarf on the greens. All of that precision helps couple memorable moments with a challenging round. The “member” tees play at 6,005 yards. There are also the “Championship” tees, set at 6,634 yards and the “Tournament” tees, the 7,343-yard challenge that equates to the second-longest 18 on the Grand Strand. Regardless of which tees are played, the Dye Course is one that rewards the skilled while punishing the unprepared. Either way, players will have a consistent reminder of exactly why they played this picturesque course. The 368-yard, par-4 No. 18 is as solid as any. With water on the right and mounds and traps on the right, it has developed into one of the most photographed holes in South Carolina. The Dye Course at Barefoot Resort and Golf recently received an overall rating of 8.1 from reviewers at Myrtle Beach Golf Insider. The course also received higher marks on its tees and greens, as well as exceptional marks for its pro shop. The only semi-private course at Barefoot, this Pete Dye design was also recently named the 2013 “Best You Can Play on the Grand Strand” by the S.C. Golf Ratings Panel. That organization also named it the eighth best course on the Grand Strand in 2008. Additionally, Dye has also been honored as the 14th best course in Myrtle Beach by Golf Digest (2010), the 99th best course nationally by Golf Digest in 2009, a “100 Must-Play Course of the Carolinas” by Golfstyles Magazine in 2006.

4980 Barefoot Resort Bridge Rd, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, USA

The Fazio Course at Barefoot Resort & Golf is a breathtaking golf experience with many lakes, extensive trees and many elevation changes. In 2005, Golf Digest ranked the Fazio Course #6 among the top courses to play in Myrtle Beach. Golf Digest has also ranked this course #81 among America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses in 2009. Along with the other accolades, the Fazio Course consistently gets 4.5-star ratings in Golf Digest’s “Places to Play” guide. Barefoot-Fazio has many great and unique holes, but the 18th stands out as one of the best finishing holes in Myrtle Beach. With an uphill drive and narrow landing area it makes for a challenging start to this long par 4. The 18th green is protected by water all along the left-hand side. The fifth hole offers golfers all they can handle. This hole plays all uphill, with water and bunkers guarding the right side of the fairway and heather on the left.

4980 Barefoot Resort Bridge Rd, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, USA

Golf Digest named the Love Course at Barefoot Resort & Golf as one of “The Top 50 Courses of Myrtle Beach” (#1 in 2005) as well as “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” (#53 in 2007). Golfweek recognized the Love Course in 2012 as “Top 15 Best You Can Play in SC” (#9), and Golf.com honored the Love Course in 2010 as “Top 20 Best Public Golf Courses in South Carolina” (#6). The signature hole at the Barefoot Love Course is No. 4. This is a reachable par-4 that plays to only 294 yards from the longest tees, and 265 yards from the whites. The green is elevated and well guarded by bunkers on the front, left and right; however, any wayward shots tend to be punished on this hole. Just beyond the green lie the replicated plantation ruins, which are a signature element of the course.

4980 Barefoot Resort Bridge Rd, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, USA

Golf Digest named the Norman Course at Barefoot Resort & Golf as one of “The Top 60 Courses in Myrtle Beach” (#43 in 2010; #28 in 2005) as well as awarded the course 4 stars in its “Places to Play” guide for 2004. Also in 2006, Golfstyles Carolinas recognized the golf course as one of “100 Must Play Courses of the Carolinas.” The Norman Course at Barefoot is comprised of seven holes along the Intracoastal Waterway. The 203-yard 10th is a beautiful hole that measures 176 yards from the black tees and is quite possibly the most memorable on the course. The hole sits atop a bluff along the west bank of the Intracoastal Waterway and features a steep downhill tee shot to a green situated between the Waterway on the right and a large bunker front left. The wide 420-yard 11th has a waste bunker that comes across the front of the green from the left, and is followed by a pair of tough par-4s. The left portion of the green on the 438-yard 12th is tucked behind wetlands, and the 440-yard 13th has a waste bunker down the left side of the fairway and both trees and out-of-bounds stakes right of a wide fairway. The Intracoastal, which runs along the right side of the 387-yard 14th hole, sits behind the 13th green. This completes a very nice stretch of par four holes.

237 Whooping Crane Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA

Bear Creek Golf Club is a Rees Jones-designed course located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The 18-hole, par-72 championship course was Jones's first solo design, and he returned in 2006 to oversee renovations. Design: The layout stretches over 6,800 yards and includes five sets of tees, accommodating golfers of all skill levels. The course is known for its tall pines and winding doglegs. Wildlife: The course has extensive natural areas and has earned Audubon Certification, which encourages wildlife diversity. Golfers may encounter local wildlife like alligators during their round. Conditions: The course is recognized for its well-groomed fairways and greens, with fast and smooth-rolling greens.

6100 Longwood Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, USA

Located along the banks of Prince Creek, Blackmoor Golf Club is Gary Player's only signature golf course on the Grand Strand and reflects his remarkable understanding and respect for the game. Known for his ability to meet international standards, Mr. Player traveled 12 million miles to design and build Blackmoor on the historic Longwood Plantation, an antebellum rice plantation located in Murrells Inlet, SC. The undulating 18-hole championship course takes advantage of the natural terrain and vistas inclusive of moss-laden oaks and abundant wildlife to create a rewarding experience that truly revitalizations the senses. Blackmoor has been rated a top 100 Woman-Friendly Golf Course by Golf for Women Magazine, awarded 4 stars by Golf Digest’s “Places to Play,” and was voted the Myrtle Beach Golf Course of the Year in 2001. Blackmoor offers an exceptional practice facility with a large putting green, sand bunker, and generous driving range tee to warm up before hitting the course. The pro shop carries an extensive line of quality merchandise, equipment and accessories, and its grill room serves salads and sandwiches made fresh daily with a wide selection of beverages. From the moment you arrive, the staff is dedicated to assist you in any way and provide for the best golf experience possible.

500 Burning Ridge Rd, Conway, SC 29526, USA

Designed by Gene Hamm, Burning Ridge opened in 1980 and received an extensive renovation in 2005 – catapulting it to earning “Myrtle Beach Golf Course of the Year” accolades by the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association based on the quality of the golf course, management and contributions to the Myrtle Beach community and the game of golf at large. Measuring 6,780 yards from the longest of its four sets of tees, Burning Ridge is a par-72 course, with the standard 10 par fours, four par fives and four par threes. Those four par threes offer particular challenge—they all measure more than185 yards, with the 247-yard 12th leading the pack. Burning Ridge is known for the widely varying size and shape of its greens – from long and skinny greens that reward straight ball flight as well as shallow, wide ones that place a premium on distance control. The green on the 529-yard, par-five 18th tests the former criteria: the right side is fairly deep, but the left runs only about eight yards from front to back, guarded by a bunker in front. Be sure to hit your highest, softest-landing wedge shot to keep it on the putting surface. Burning Ridge also boasts a full-service pro shop as well as an impressive practice facility with a grass driving range, putting green and chipping green with a practice bunker.

369 Caledonia Dr, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, USA

Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, located in Pawleys Island just off U.S. 17, was built upon a former Lowcountry rice plantation that inhabited the southern portion of the Grand Strand. Caledonia recently received an overall ranking of 8.7 from reviewers at Myrtle Beach Golf Insider, with even higher marks for its pristine fairways. Caledonia is nothing short of one of one of the best courses in all of the Carolinas, evidenced by it repeated recognition from several national publications. It has been named one of the “Top 100 You Can Play” by Golf Magazine and one of “America’s Top 100 Greatest Public Courses” by Golf Digest, as well as earning honors from Golfweek as one of “America’s 100 Best Modern Courses.” The Mike Strantz design opened in 1994, and since then, it has continued to distinguish itself to players and golf professionals alike. The creativity in the design transfers to the creativity necessary to play these 18 holes. Measuring at a less-than-intimidating 6,526 yards from the “Pintail” championship tees, Strantz put to work man-made elevation difference, natural grasses, oak trees, a winding canal and various other hazards to more than make up for the lack of sheer distance. The par-70 course has five par 3s and only three par 5s; however, one of its claims to fame is the ability to boast 18 signature holes. The par-3 No. 11, though, is something unlike any other. A slightly elevated tee box overlooks a winding creek and narrow approach to the green. Vast tree and plant life line both sides of the entire hole, which can play a club length or two longer depending on pin location. The 383-yard par-4 No. 18 then brings you home to an Antebellum-style clubhouse that would look its part in any number of movies set in the early 1800s. It pays homage to the course’s heritage.

301 Charter Dr, Longs, SC 29568, USA

Prepare yourself for an unparalleled golfing experience. Our course is a pleasure for golfers of any skill level to play. Colonial Charters Golf Club in Longs, South Carolina will challenge you while providing a relaxing, picturesque backdrop. Test your accuracy with our fairways, water hazards and sand traps; we have everything you need to challenge you and improve your game. All in all, our goal is to provide you with a quality experience that includes exceptional service and a comfortable atmosphere.

490 S Crow Creek Dr, Calabash, NC 28467, USA

Crow Creek Golf Club is rated among the Top 50 golf courses in North Carolina by NC Magazine and was nominated by Golf Digest as a candidate for America’s top new public courses. Crow Creek features an artistic layout of lengthy holes with water and vast bunkers, undulating L-93 bentgrass greens, manicured Tifsport bermuda fairways, and a clubhouse that is fashionably designed for the golfer that enjoys an atmosphere of chic hospitality. Crow Creek fulfills every bit of its 4-star status (Golf Digest “Places to Play”). Straddling the NC/SC border, this is the course that golfers return to every year for its close proximity to Myrtle Beach, comprehensive course features, and tranquil environment that every golfer finds irresistible. Crow Creek’s signature hole is #7, the colossal Par 5, yielding 574 yards. This hole has water running along both sides of its narrow fairway. Additionally, sand bunkers are present midway through the hole, presenting an additional challenge to reach the green for par. This is the hole that you want to maximize your distance, so don’t be afraid to crush your driver. Conversely, if you don’t care for the challenge of the lengthy #7, you will love Crow’s Creek #13 on the back side. This 169-yard, charming par 3 gives the golfer time to wipe the sweat of their brow and enjoy pristine nature of the land. Although water is present on this hole, most golfers find it easy to play and easy to birdie.

615 Log Cabin Rd, Loris, SC 29569, USA

Diamond Back Golf Course at Woodland Valley is nestled peacefully in the Lowcountry woodlands neighboring North Myrtle Beach. This Russell Breeden design features modern and sophisticated golf elements, playing to a par 72 that stretches to more than 6,900 yards from the tips, but offering tee options that also make this a distance-friendly course for all golfers. Strategically placed bunkers and lakes present both challenge and fun shot-making opportunities for golfers of all abilities. Further, Woodland Valley is the first course in the Myrtle Beach area to feature Jensen Ultra Dwarf greens, and also offers a fully stocked pro shop, snack bar and practice facility. A signature hole at Woodland Valley is No. 16, featuring a Lowcountry marsh stretching from left to right that makes the middle of the fairway a water hazard. Club selection is important during your round here, punctuated by multiple holes similar to #16 with forced carries. Fear not, though, as these carries are relatively short. Hole #12, a par 3 measuring 125 yards, has an easy carry that makes it a popular hole among golfers to make that easy par.

56 High Bluff Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA

Dolphin Head Golf Club is a semi-private, 18-hole golf course located in the Hilton Head Plantation on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Designed by golf legend Gary Player and opened in 1974, it was the first course built in the plantation. Design: The course was designed to integrate with the natural surroundings of the lowcountry, with Player leaving many of the natural features intact. It features a mix of wooded areas and scenic marshlands. Distinctive nines: The front nine winds through thick forests, emphasizing accuracy, while the back nine has more open spaces with large, old-growth trees. Challenging yet accessible: While it has strategic bunkers, water hazards, and elevated greens, the course is considered playable for golfers of all skill levels. Renovations: The course underwent renovations in 2010 under the direction of architect Clyde Johnston, updating the greens, tees, and fairways.

401 Eagles Nest Rd, Little River, SC 29566, USA

Eagle Nest Golf Club in North Myrtle Beach is not just known for its challenging length and gleaming lakes, but for the pristine wildlife that inhabits the course, including an eagle that is known to nest in one of the many Carolina pines. This course has been on the Myrtle Beach map for decades and many golfers migrate to play here, year after year. The course was renovated in 2001 from tee to green and features Bermuda fairways and greens with gentle contours and generous playing areas. Although this course has been named “a gentle giant,” you will find it an easy challenge to conquer, even with the length swinging at 7,000 yards! Your round will no doubt be pleasurable, but Eagle Nest is also renowned for creating memories with the “Grand Strand’s Toughest” final three holes. The sequence of the three final holes include: par 4, par 5 and finishing hole par 3, each which contain plenty of water and present a tricky challenge. Be prepared to carry water on these holes. The biggest carry will be on the par 3 #18, at 150 yards from the back tees. Having the most challenging holes positioned on the last three is the reason why this course has been one of the most popular courses in the North Myrtle beach area for more than 40 years and counting.

7829 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, USA

Located just off U.S. 17, the Founders Club golf course is nestled between Myrtle Beach and Georgetown in Pawleys Island, S.C. Unlike any other course on the Grand Strand, the Founders Club recently received an overall rating of 8.0 from reviewers at Myrtle Beach Golf Insider. The course received even higher marks when it came to its pro shop and staff. The course has also been recognized as a top-30 course from the South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel. Laid atop what had been the Sea Gull Golf Club, the Founders Club opened in 2008 to much anticipation and even more approval. The Tom Walker re-design incorporated some of Gene Hamm’s original architecture while also putting to use a natural environment that included native Lowcountry grasses, Carolina Pines and, of course, plenty of sand. Aside from all that sand – which is put to use on about 85 percent of the cart paths, expansive waster bunkers and even a solid chunk of the roughs – the Founders Club design makes sure you know you’re at a different course right off the bat. The 20,000 square-foot putting green just outside the clubhouse also doubles as the tee box for the No. 1 hole. So every player teeing off on the front nine is hitting off a pristine Emerald Bermuda on the first shot. Rated as the 15th hardest hole on the course, however, can trick players into thinking the entire round is going to be that easy. The last four holes on the front include the first-, third- and fifth-handicaps. The par-4, 396-yard No. 7 has a definitive Walker feel to it. Elevation differences affect the distance between all seven tee boxes and a fairway landing area on the other side of a small pond. Manage that potential dagger, and there’s still a double-guarded green.

Glen Dornoch Way, Little River, SC 29566, USA

Glen Dornoch is one of the finest Myrtle Beach golf courses, located along the Intracoastal Waterway. Designed by Clyde Johnston in tribute to the renowned Donald Ross, Glen Dornoch has become a leading course to play in South Carolina. It was voted by Golf Magazine as one of the Top 20 Golf Courses in South Carolina and rated among the top 30 in Golf World magazine. Golfers who visit this course, year after year, will tell you that the course is a challenge against nature’s best. The course encompasses 270 acres of oaks, pines and magnolias, and features several 35-foot elevations sloping down to the scenic Intracoastal Waterway. If that’s not enough, the lush Bermuda greens and well-kept fairways make this a golfer’s paradise. One of the most talked about holes on the course is the double green shared by the 9th and 18th holes which are just yards away from the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. Both are par 4s and if you aren’t cautious your ball will land in the waterway, marsh or bunkers. Holes 16, 17 and 18 are the most spectacular finishing holes unlike any other as you are surrounded by water. In fact, you will play along the Intracoastal Waterway for a third of the holes on the course, so playing your tee shot well is crucial. When you complete your round, you will be greeted by Glen Dornoch's southern style clubhouse featuring a wrap-around porch that allows you to kick back and enjoy watching players come in on the finishing hole.

8700 Golf Village Ln, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579, USA

Featuring five holes that play along the Intracoastal Waterway, Grande Dunes Resort Course has long been one of Myrtle Beach’s most memorable layouts. Looking forward, the Roger Rulewich design’s place among the area’s premier golf courses was secured for years to come by a comprehensive greens, bunkers and clubhouse renovation project that has been greeted by rave reviews. Golf Course Architect John Harvey, who worked with Rulewich on the original design and construction of the layout, led a project that restored the course’s greens to their original size and specifications, an effort that expanded Grande Dunes’ putting surfaces by more than 33 percent. The enlarged greens mean more pinnable locations and the creativity players love. Every bunker on the course was overhauled and Capillary Concrete Bunker Liners were installed, significantly enhancing the playability and conditioning of the traps. The overhaul of the clubhouse, which included the expansion of the pro shop and opening of Terrazza 19, a new onsite restaurant, was no less dramatic. With six sets of tees, Grande Dunes, which is renowned for its sweeping fairways and large, undulating greens, is playable for golfers of all skill levels. On a course full of breathtaking views, the par 3 14th stands out. Playing from an elevated tee box to a green that resides along the Intracoastal Waterway, No. 14 is on the shortlist of the best par 3s in all of South Carolina golf. Holes 8, 9, 10 and 15 also bring the waterway into play, but the inland holes at Grande Dunes are just as strong, challenging players to hit a variety of shots and rewarding imagination. Grande Dunes has been ranked among America’s top 100 public golf courses and it doesn’t take golfers long to discover why

107 Citadel Dr, Conway, SC 29526, USA

With new athletics facilities a steadily emerging part of the recreational scene at Coastal Carolina University, the school has also made significant strides in bringing golf along for the ride. The Hackler Course at CCU bears the distinction of being the only university-based golf facility in the Myrtle Beach area. It is operated by the school’s Professional Golf Management program, and manicured daily by the Sports Turf Management program with Horry Georgetown Technical College. Conveniently located off Hwy. 544 in Conway, the campus locale nonetheless offers a wonderful option for visiting golfers to test their game. The Hackler Course’s signature holes conclude each nine-hole track. Both No. 9 and No. 18 feature water significantly, and have you hitting into diminutive, undulating greens that are well-protected by strategically-placed bunkers. These holes highlight a course whose layout will truly test your iron skills. Before or after your round, the Hackler Course a comprehensive practice facility for you to sharpen your game, featuring an all-grass driving range, large putting green and a three-hole short game area.

11 Lighthouse Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

Harbour Town Golf Links is a renowned public golf course located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, within the Sea Pines Resort. Established in 1967 and opened in 1969, it was designed by Pete Dye in collaboration with Jack Nicklaus and is recognized for its unique characteristics and demanding nature. The course is famous for its narrow fairways, small greens (averaging 3,700 square feet compared to the PGA tour average of 6,600 square feet), and the use of natural surroundings, particularly the live oaks, pines, and palmettos that line the course. The 18th hole, with the iconic red-and-white-striped Harbour Town Lighthouse as a backdrop, is one of the most recognizable finishing holes in golf

1560 International Club Blvd, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, USA

International Club, located in Murrells Inlet, SC, was designed by Willard Byrd and opened in 2000 with five sets of tees. This unique course welcomes all levels of golfers while offering a challenging but fair layout. International Club was awarded a 4-star rating by Golf Digest’s “Places to Play” guide and received the 2003 Myrtle Beach Golf Course Owners Association “Hospitality and Operational Excellence” award. Pines, oaks, lakes, ponds and sparkling white sand with more than 200 palm trees gives the course beautiful aesthetics. The TifEagle greens are traditionally in exceptional shape and maintain a local reputation of being receptive and fast. International Club's signature hole #6 is a par 3 that requires all carry over water, requiring an accurate shot into this narrow green. The most challenging hole is #15, par 4 where the fairway is guarded down the right side by water with the fairway sloping right, thus requiring an accurate drive to ensure optimal positioning for the difficult approach shot into this elevated green. Each hole has been dedicated to different countries with international emphasis to welcome and invite golfers from all over the world.

1500 Legends Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579, USA

Heathland is a par 71 links-style Myrtle Beach golf course that is one of Tom Doak’s many beautiful designs. It is centrally located in Myrtle Beach on flat land without high vegetation, exposing you to the wind and giving you a very unique look from tee to green. The flat land and deep-faced bunkers combined with the gusty winds makes this golf course a treat for anyone looking for good links-style golf. The par 5 13th hole and par 5 5th hole are examples of links-style golf at its best with an inviting appearance off the tee and natural flowing hazards that run through them giving any level golfer a true test. The Heathland Course at Legends Golf & Resort was awarded “Best public access course you can play in South Carolina” (2009). It was recognized as one of “America’s top golf courses”(Zagat survey 2009) as well as given 4 ½ stars by Golf Digest’s “Places to Play” in 2008.

1500 Legends Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579, USA

The Moorland Course at Legends Golf & Resort was opened in 1990 by world-renowned golf course designer P.B. Dye. Since its opening, the Moorland course has received several awards including “Top 10 New Courses of 1990,” ranking #37 on Golf Digest’s “Top 50 Toughest Courses in America” in 2007, 4 ½ stars in Golf Digest’s “Places to Play” in 2007 and 2009, and the Zagat Survey in 2003 and 2009 as one of “America’s Top Golf Courses.” The signature hole at Moorland is the short par 4 16th hole. It’s a drivable par 4 but the green is surrounded by a large waste area appropriately named “Hell’s Half Acre.” This hole is risk-reward golf at its best. You can make anything from an eagle to a snowman. Another fun hole is the par 5 2nd, which can be reached in two shots by a well-placed tee shot. This hole is well protected by bunkering and water down the right side and the second shot is hit into a blind landing area. This is one of several blind shots presented to the golfer throughout their round.

1500 Legends Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579, USA

This course is one of three beauties at this 54-hole golf resort. It is rated with 4 ½ stars by Golf Digest’s “Places to Play.” Parkland contains a unique course layout with large TifEagle Bermuda greens, well-manicured fairways and deep, soft sand bunkers. Parkland is different than the other courses at Legends in that the holes are all tree lined giving it more of a park-like feel. There are four tee boxes that provide a challenge for any golfer's skill level. One of the more popular holes at Parkland is the par 5 #11. It is a long hole with bunkers that come into play off the tee. The green is protected by bunkers with water in front providing an opportunity to take a gamble for a good score. This hole along with the rest of the course makes every golfer think their way around the course. It is a course that allows you use every club in your bag.

6330 Castlebrook Way SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469, USA

Leopard’s Chase is a Tom Cate design and the fourth of the “Big Cats” courses at Ocean Ridge Plantation. In 2007, Leopard’s Chase was named by both Golf Digest and Golf Magazine as one of the “Top 10 New Public Courses in America.” The fairways feature TifSport Bermuda, and the greens use a well-manicured L-93 Bermuda grass. Most of the original vistas and marshlands from this 220-acre track remain intact. But it’s how the course – which plays as long as 7,155 yards in this five-tee system – was designed to incorporate the native environment that gives Leopard’s Chase a pristine feel. Bunkers were added alongside natural grasses, and the visual elements offer striking contrasts, both to the eye and the ensuing pictures. The partial-island green on the par-4 No. 5 is encased in pearl-white sand and a waste bunker that extends back into the fairway. Your round is not complete until you’ve played No. 18, a 439-yard par 4 that includes a cascading, man-made waterfall fronting of an elevated green.

619 Country Club Dr, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, USA

In 1966, Litchfield Country Club opened on the site of an old rice plantation and is one of the original eight courses along the Grand Strand. Litchfield was awarded 4.5 stars in Golf Digest’s “2008 – Places to Play” and also one of the “Worlds 50 Best – 1996” by Conde Nast Traveler. Litchfield offers challenges to golfers of all levels. The 13th hole is a long par five with a lake along the entire left side and with O.B. along the right; this hole consistently ranks as one of the more difficult at Litchfield. The 18th hole is the signature hole at Litchfield. A precise tee shot must be hit to setup the demanding approach over water. Live oaks and Carolina pines are sprinkled throughout this historic property.

100 Palmer Ln, Mesquite, NV 89027, USA

Designed by Arnold Palmer; rugged canyon fairways, scenic desert panoramas and rigorous terrain.

50 Buckingham Plantation Dr, Bluffton, SC 29910, USA

Old South Golf Links is a highly-regarded public golf course in Bluffton, South Carolina, known for its scenic Lowcountry views and Southern hospitality. Located just before the bridge to Hilton Head Island, the course features beautiful marshlands, ancient oak trees, and abundant wildlife. Designer: The 18-hole course was designed by renowned architect Clyde Johnston and opened in 1991. Scenery: The layout offers stunning views of the intracoastal marshes along McKay's Creek, particularly on several holes where the water comes into play. The majority of the holes are free of housing, providing an immersive natural experience. Wildlife: Encounters with wildlife such as alligators, herons, and deer are common. Sustainability: The course is GEO Certified, an international distinction for sustainability in golf, and is also certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. Awards: The course has received multiple accolades, including being named one of Golf Digest's "Top Ten New Public Courses" in 1992 and the "Lowcountry Golf Course of the Year" in 2011 and 2021. It was also voted the "Favorite Public Course" in the Hilton Head area by Hilton Head Monthly for several years.

155 High Bluff Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA

Island, South Carolina. Carved out of 190 acres of scenic lowcountry terrain, the course offers a challenging experience for all skill levels amid lagoons, lush vegetation, and views of the Port Royal Sound. Reese Jones design: The course was designed by renowned architect Rees Jones and opened in 1982. Its design emphasizes strategic play with doglegs, fairway bunkers, and multi-tiered greens. Signature hole: The par-3, 6th hole is considered one of the most spectacular on the island. It plays 192 yards from the championship tees to a green with the Port Royal Sound as a stunning backdrop. Practice facilities: The club offers a spacious driving range, chipping area, and a practice green. On-site dining: The LagerHead Tavern, located in the clubhouse, serves classic Lowcountry cuisine and craft cocktails.

2 Leamington Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

The Arthur Hills course is one of three championship courses at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Designed by the legendary architect Arthur Hills, this 18-hole course opened in 1986 and is known for its challenging, undulating terrain and scenic coastal beauty. It was named the South Carolina Golf Course of the Year in the past and has a strong reputation among Hilton Head courses.

7 Carnoustie Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

The George Fazio Course is one of three championship golf courses at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. A challenging par-70 layout, it is known for a series of long par-4s and a demanding test of skill. Course features and design Designer: The course was designed by George Fazio, uncle of renowned architect Tom Fazio. George Fazio was a former PGA Tour professional who played in seven Masters tournaments before becoming a course designer. Challenging layout: The course is regarded by many as the most challenging public course on Hilton Head Island. At nearly 7,000 yards from the longest tees and with only two par-5s, its length and difficulty come from a string of demanding par-4s. Water and bunkers: Golfers will face bunkers and water hazards on every hole. The strategic placement of bunkers, along with water, requires careful club selection and precision. Signature hole: The course's signature hole is the 16th, a long par-4 flanked by sand and water. The 18th hole is also notable, and was part of a playoff between George Fazio, Ben Hogan, and Lloyd Mangrum in 1950.

Robert Trent Jones Golf Course, 7 Trent Jones Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

The Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort in Hilton Head, South Carolina, is an 18-hole championship layout known for its oceanfront 10th hole. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., it features wide fairways, large greens, and strategic water hazards, offering a classic resort-style golf experience for all skill levels.

108 Fort Howell Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA

The Robert Cupp Course is an 18-hole championship golf course located at the Palmetto Hall Golf & Country Club on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Known for its modern, bold, and geometric design, it was originally rated the highest slope course in the state.

108 Fort Howell Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA

The "Hills course" at Palmetto Hall is the Arthur Hills Course, an 18-hole championship golf course on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Opened in 1991, it was immediately recognized as one of the "Top 10 New Courses" in America by Golf Digest Magazine. Designer: The course was designed by the renowned architect Arthur Hills, who emphasized shot accuracy and strategic play. Terrain and scenery: The layout features rolling terrain, heavily forested areas with towering pines and moss-draped oaks, and scenic water hazards. Lush fairways roll past numerous lakes and lagoons. Challenges: The course presents challenges for golfers with its well-placed bunkers and undulating, protected greens. Signature hole: The par-4 18th hole is particularly picturesque and is widely considered one of the Lowcountry's most scenic holes. Natural setting: The course is known for combining thoughtful design with the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island.

70 Tanglewood Dr suite a, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, USA

Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club, a Jack Nicklaus masterpiece introduced in 1988, is renowned as one of the Myrtle Beach area’s most scenic and challenging courses. Rooted in its history as a former rice plantation, the course has garnered numerous accolades over the past decades, including Top 22 in South Carolina (Golf World), Top 10 on the Grand Strand (South Carolina Magazine), America’s Top Courses (Zagat), 4 Stars in Best Places to Play (Fodor’s), and Top 25 Layouts (Golf Digest). In 2023, Pawleys Plantation received a thoughtfully designed renovation from the Nicklaus design company that enhanced the course’s playability and preserves its unique charm. This update highlights the beauty of its natural landscape, bringing modern refinements to Jack’s original vision. Among its standout holes, two are sure to catch any golfer’s eye. The signature 13th hole, a short but demanding par 3, plays between 40-150 yards depending on the tee, and Nicklaus made full use of the marshland’s natural dike in his design. The shot to the peninsula green, with its slight slope from back to front, is regularly influenced by coastal breezes, demanding a precise tee shot. The finishing hole, the par-4 18th, provides a memorable close. With the picturesque clubhouse as a backdrop, this hole requires a solid drive while avoiding the marsh and sand on the left and a wooded area on the right. The long, narrow green, framed by water and sand to the left, calls for a precise mid-iron approach to finish with a par and a smile

5603 Granddaddy Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, USA

Pine Lakes Country Club, affectionately known as “The Granddaddy,” is the oldest golf course along the Grand Strand, with its first tee-off dating back to 1927. Following a three-year, $20+ million renovation completed in 2009 and a more recent restoration in 2021 led by architect Craig Schreiner, the course offers a seamless blend of historical charm and modern playability. Updates included larger, smoother Sunday bermudagrass greens and revamped greenside bunkers with native grasses, enhancing both aesthetics and challenge. Centrally located between 48th and 62nd avenues, Pine Lakes is a cherished landmark at the heart of Myrtle Beach golf. The 6,675-yard, par-70 course is home to some of Myrtle Beach’s most unforgettable holes. Its signature hole, the fourteenth, a 438-yard par 4, provides a stunning downhill tee shot bordered by trees and opening to a forgiving fairway with Myrtle Beach’s skyline as a backdrop. The uphill approach to a well-bunkered green over water adds difficulty, demanding precise skill from every player. Another highlight is the par-3 11th hole, a short yet formidable challenge with a green that slopes sharply from back to front, adding suspense to a shot over water. Make sure to club up, or the “Granddaddy” might just claim another golf ball!

Grasslawn Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

The Port Royal Barony Golf Course is one of two golf courses located at the Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It is a public, 18-hole course designed by George Cobb in 1963. The Port Royal Barony Course is known for requiring accurate tee shots to avoid the thick roughs, small greens, and numerous bunkers. It is considered a challenging course but is also playable for golfers of all skill levels.

10 Clubhouse Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

Port Royal Golf Club's Robber's Row is a scenic 18-hole golf course located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It was originally designed by George W. Cobb and Willard C. Byrd in 1967 and later redesigned by Pete Dye in 1994. The course is open year-round. Designers: George Cobb and Pete Dye Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Features: The course is known for its challenging par-3 holes, water hazards, and bunkered greens. It sits atop former Civil War grounds, adding historical significance. Noteworthy holes: The 18th hole is a par 5 with a U-shape, protected by water and sand, and offers a view of the clubhouse.

1001 Links Rd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575, USA

Prestwick Country Club is one of the most unique courses in Myrtle Beach, presenting natural hazards like whispering creeks and small lakes. Surrounding the entire course are dense pine forests and man-made knolls that give the added challenge to reach these deep bulkhead greens in regulation. Prestwick has been a prestigious course that does not go without being recognized – including “5 Best Kept Secret Courses in America” by Golf Digest (2004) and 4.5 stars in Golf Digest’s “Places to Play” guide (2006), and the SC Golf Rating Panel’s designation as among the “30 Best Courses You Play” (2004). No. 14 at Prestwick has been ranked in the top 18 on the Beach. This 409-yard par 4 proves to be extremely difficult with a water hazard in play and a very undulating landing area on the tee shot. The approach shot must be from the fairway to have a chance at the green with uphill slope that will require an extra club. The other featured hole is the par-5 No. 9, playing at 486-yards; golfers must favor the right side of the fairway while avoiding an errant shot into deep bunkers that surround the right side of the green.

3670 Cedar Creek Run, Little River, SC 29566, USA

The northern gateway to the Grand Strand golf scene features a wide range of options for your Myrtle Beach golf getaway, but none with quite the blend of “old” and “new” that course designer Tom Jackson offers at River Hills Golf & Country Club. River Hills offers a unique thrill ride of non-parallel fairways, rolling hills and recurring elevation changes (many as much as 40 feet). After having undergone a thorough makeover in 2003, River Hills now boasts a layout that’s more forgiving for the higher handicapper when played from the proper sets of tees, yet maintains an imposing look and feel. A course that’s tailor-made for shot makers will also reward those who can keep it straight off the tee. Many guests opt to play conservatively off the tee here for the most enjoyable experience, with hybrids and long irons as frequently viable options. Make the 150-yard marker your aiming point if you’re unsure. With a well-appointed clubhouse renovated in 2018 and plentiful practice areas surrounding it, you’ll feel right at home both before and after your round.

831 River Oaks Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579, USA

Having undergone a $2.2 million renovation package that removed trees, updated bunkers and implemented Champion UltraDwarf greens, River Oaks Golf Plantation has increased play five-fold from several years back, and for good reason. Locals have returned to River Oaks in droves, taking advantage of the three nines – Bear, Otter and Fox – on the Gene Hamm and Tom Jackson design. The course recently received an overall rating of 5.8 from reviewers at Myrtle Beach Golf Insider, with even higher marks for staff, grill and pro shop. Those renovations are apparent, and they’ve added a playability factor here. The 4,600 or so trees that were removed opened up the course, and in burying some of the remaining stumps, it left a mounding effect on several of the holes, adding to the 6,300 yards (white tees) or 6,800 (championship tees) any combination of the three nines averages out to play. Players can pull out the driver on every par 4 and par 5 hole, and the openness of the course allows for a forgiving feel off the tee. No. 1 on Otter is a perfect example. The par-5, 524-yard hole has water lining the left of the fairway, but the landing area is wide and the a true roll can leave most average hitters going for the green on the second shot. The Fox nine opens in similar fashion. The 536-yard par 5 has one of the widest fairways on the course, before closing up near a green protected by four bunkers. The closing hole on Bear is true to that nine’s name. The 547-yard requires a monster tee shot before bending around a small lake on the approach.

2000 Arnold Palmer Dr, Shallotte, NC 28470, USA

Rivers Edge Golf Club and Plantation has recently earned an overall rating of 8.5 from reviewers at the Myrtle Beach Golf Insider, with particular attention and praise for its course layout, overall experience, and course condition. Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, this golf course residing close to Myrtle Beach was built on a pristine piece of property on the banks of Shallotte River. For those who long for a challenge on the course, along with a beautiful scenic setting, River’s Edge is the place to be. It was recognized by Golf Digest as among “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” in 2005 and 2007, and GolfWeek ranked it the #5 course in North Carolina. The signature hole No. 18, a 350-yard par 4, plays very challenging with a great view of the clubhouse to finish the round.

100 N Sea Pines Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III is a renowned golf course located at The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It is a complete reconstruction of the island's first golf course, the historic Ocean Course, offering a modern coastal golf experience. Designer: The course was redesigned by five-time RBC Heritage winner and PGA Tour legend Davis Love III and his team. Aesthetics: The course design emphasizes a natural Lowcountry feel, with seaside grasses, native pines, and coquina shells. It also features restored and created sand dunes that blend into the design. Lowcountry track: The course incorporates elements of the surrounding beachfront landscape, including lagoons and moss-draped oaks. Water is a feature on almost every hole. Playability: With multiple tee sets, the par-72 course offers a fun and challenging round for all skill levels. The large, undulating greens contrast with the smaller greens of its sister course, Harbour Town, providing a different type of challenge. Signature hole: The course's signature hole is the long, par-3 15th, which plays back toward the Atlantic Ocean and offers picturesque views.

100 N Sea Pines Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

Heron Point by Pete Dye is a championship golf course located at The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The course is a product of a 2007 renovation and transformation of the original Sea Marsh Golf Course, with additional enhancements made in 2014. Designer: The course was designed by legendary architect Pete Dye, who also designed the famed Harbour Town Golf Links, located at the same resort. Unique design: As is typical of Dye's courses, Heron Point is known for its dramatic angles, optical challenges, and ubiquitous mounds and swales. Risk-reward: It features numerous risk-reward holes, with fairways that move toward and away from hazards, including water and bunkers. Aesthetic appeal: The design showcases a vivid tapestry of colors, thanks to a mixture of sand, mulch, limestone, and various grasses. Playability: While challenging, the course was modified to be more player-friendly for a broad range of golfers. It offers seven sets of tees, making it accessible to players of all skill levels.

75 Clubhouse Rd, Sunset Beach, NC 28468, USA

The Byrd Course at Sea Trail Plantation is built around several large man-made lakes.This course puts a premium on strategically place tee shots. Opened in fall of 1990, the Byrd Course at Sea Trail is a favorite because of its beauty.

75 Clubhouse Rd, Sunset Beach, NC 28468, USA

The Rees Jones design at Sea Trail opened in 1990 and is a favorite to locals as well as visiting golfers. This stunning design measures 6761 from the back tees and has water which comes into play on 11 of the 18 holes. Players of all skill levels are able to enjoy this Jones design with wide fairways and large mounds.

75 Clubhouse Rd, Sunset Beach, NC 28468, USA

With 5 holes bordering the Calabash Creek, The Maples Course at Sea Trail is regarded as one of Dan Maples finest designs. Home to nesting ospreys and wildlife, the course is lined with tall ancient oaks and Carolina Pines. This Maples Design includes several waste bunkers one of which extends the full length of the fairway.

951 Shaftesbury Ln, Conway, SC 29526, USA

When you play at Shaftesbury Glen Golf Course, a Winged Foot and Augusta National inspired design, it truly delivers a golfer’s dream with its traditional English style consisting of large, rectangular tee boxes, wide open fairways, and oversized, immaculate Bentgrass greens. Shaftesbury has been recognized by the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Owners Association as Golf Course of The Year (2009); by Golf World Magazine as one of the Top 50 Golf Resorts as chosen by its readers (2009), as well as among the Top 22 of South Carolina’s more than 300 golf Courses (2009); and by Golf Digest with a 4-star rating in its “Places To Play” guide (2005) and a nomination for “Best New Public Course In America” (2001). Popular holes at Shaftesbury include No. 1, a 366-yard, par 4 that features a dead-straight fairway crowned by a Tillinghast-esque elevated green with a flashed up bunker on its left front, leaving the shot selection restricted for the approach shot. Shaftesbury’s finishing hole, a 410-yard par 4, requires length more than accuracy. The beautiful backdrop makes playing 18 significant and memorable.

45 Shipyard Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

Shipyard Golf Club is a 27-hole golf course located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It features three distinct 9-hole courses—Brigantine, Galleon, and Clipper—that can be combined for various 18-hole rounds. The club is known for its scenic setting amidst Carolina pine trees, magnolias, and moss-draped oaks.

45 Shipyard Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

Shipyard Golf Club is a 27-hole golf course located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It features three distinct 9-hole courses—Brigantine, Galleon, and Clipper—that can be combined for various 18-hole rounds. The club is known for its scenic setting amidst Carolina pine trees, magnolias, and moss-draped oaks.

45 Shipyard Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

Shipyard Golf Club is a 27-hole golf course located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It features three distinct 9-hole courses—Brigantine, Galleon, and Clipper—that can be combined for various 18-hole rounds. The club is known for its scenic setting amidst Carolina pine trees, magnolias, and moss-draped oaks.

1 Club Cir, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, USA

River Club opened in 1985 to rave reviews and was awarded 4.5 stars in Golf Digest’s “2006 Places to Play.” River Club’s brilliant layout gives golfers an unforgettable experience. The updated Champion Bermuda greens offer a spectacular but fair challenge. River Club’s 14th and 18th hole are both featured in “The 100 Greatest Holes Along the Grand Strand.” The 14th is a difficult island par three with an undulating green. The signature hole is the par five 18th. It is the ultimate risk vs. reward hole where carrying the water with consecutive shots gives the golfer a great chance at eagle.

1815 Olde Thistle Club Rd, Sunset Beach, NC 28468, USA

Thistle Golf Club in Sunset Beach, NC has quickly become one of the region’s finest courses, with 27 magnificent holes and extensive renovations including; Old World architecture, abundant landscape and wildlife surround the lakes, bridges and private homes, and a new clubhouse with an authentic Scottish pub that is sure to attract any golfer. Awarded 4.5 stars by Golf Digest’s “Places to Play” guide, the overall experience – from 12-minute tee times that put you on each hole by yourself, to flawless Bentgrass greens – is one that should not be overlooked. The signature hole on the South course at Thistle – No. 9, a 177-yard par 3 – really shows its links style with a green that sits above a giant mound with two deep pot bunkers in the front. Along the front and right side of the hole is a large pond that will surely rack some nerves, and the tee shot is uphill and typically against the wind. Thistle Golf Club director Dan Oschmann notes that “Normally I am not a fan of par threes as finishing holes, but I think this is one can hold its own with any of them … I would go so far as to say it will become one of the most famous holes in Myrtle Beach.”

1400 Tidewater Dr, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, USA

Tidewater Golf Club is the only golf course ever to be selected by both Golf Magazine and Golf Digest as “Best New Public Course In America” in the same year. Burrowed between the Intracoastal Waterway and Cherry Grove, this course offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and challenging play. Recognized by Golf Digest as one of “America’s Top 100 Greatest Public Courses” (2011-2012), Golf Magazine named it one of the “Best Courses Near You,” the South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel honored it with a “Best You Can Play” designation (2011), and Golfweek chose it as one of its “Best Courses You Can Play” (#6 in South Carolina). Tidewater’s signature hole – No. 12, a 145-yard (white) par 3 – is very intimidating. Depending on the prevailing wind, a 130-yard mid-range iron shot needs to carry the marsh and avoid bunkers guarding the front and right side of the green. You can afford to miss long or left, but the green slopes away toward the marsh, making a par effort very difficult. Don’t be surprised if you catch yourself forgetting completely about the shot, and spending a few moments admiring the beautiful views of the Lowcountry marsh and home across the way.

351 Ocean Ridge Pkwy SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469, USA

Designed by renowned architect Tim Cate, Tiger’s Eye Golf Links in Ocean Isle Beach is one of four renowned designs in the “Big Cats” family at Ocean Ridge Plantation. Recognized by Golf Digest as one of the “Top 100 Public Courses in America” in 2007-2008, this links-style layout offers a true test of golf in a distinctive landscape that features native grasses and wildflowers, with scenic salt marshes and waterfalls. The signature hole No. 18, a 525-yard par 5, is said to be the most difficult of them all, but most scenic as well. Complimented by a waterfall at the tee box, stream running across the fairway and plenty of sand to challenge any level player, this hole is not one to forget. Tiger’s Eye Golf Links has recently earned an overall rating of 8.5 from reviewers at the Myrtle Beach Golf Insider, with particular praise received for its friendly staff and all-around quality of golf experience.

1199 TPC Blvd, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, USA

Nestled in the Hammock Coast Golf Trail, TPC (Tournament Players Club) of Myrtle Beach is located in Murrells Inlet, a few miles south of Myrtle Beach. The golf course was recognized by the Audubon Society as a Certified Cooperative Sanctuary. TPC is home to numerous types of wildlife, including the Great Blue Herons, swans, red foxes, otters and alligators native to the area. But the wildlife is simply icing on the cake at TPC of Myrtle Beach. The pristine conditions of these manicured fairways continue to wow first-time players and regulars alike. The course, though, wasn’t satisfied. It has replaced its greens with Champion Ultradwarf and refurbished greenside bunkers with new sand and updated drainage. It adds to the overall feel that Grand Strand Players can get only at TPC. A former stop for the PGA Senior Tour, the 6,950-yard course (from the back tees) has elevation differences built into its native Lowcountry acreage. Finishing each nine, players will find two of the most fantastic holes on the course, including the one-handicap, 472-yard par 4 No. 9 and the par-5 No. 18, a hole that brings trees, water, sand and pure distance into the mix. TPC of Myrtle Beach recently received a rating of 8.8 from reviewers at Myrtle Beach Golf Insider, with even higher marks from those ranking its fairways, pro shop and staff. Without question, TPC is one of the Grand Strand’s finest courses, evidenced by the fact that it has been given the prestigious five-star ranking from Golf Digest. Golfweek also ranked the Tom Fazio design No. 8 in South Carolina for “Best Courses You Can Play”. It has also been named “Top 10 Upscale Public Courses in America” by Golf Magazine and one of the “Top 100 Golf Shops in America” by GolfWorld Business. Most recently, Golf Digest ranked the course among “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses 2013-2014.”

1027 Willbrook Blvd, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, USA

Tradition Club, a Ron Garl designed golf course in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, has been an award winner since its opening in 1995. Golf Digest called it “Best New Public Course” in 1996. Two years later, the Tradition Club, whose five sets of tees make it a very woman-friendly course, was awarded “Top Fairways” by Golf for Women. Many tournaments are held on this challenging layout including the World Amateur Handicap Championship. For more than 15 years Tradition Club has been home of the South Carolina Golf Association's “Tournament of Champions.” This beautiful tree-lined course nestled in a community built on a 16th century plantation is a traditionally inspired championship course. Whether you have a low handicap or a high one you will enjoy the many challenges of Tradition Club. Every par three is uniquely challenging and rewarding to par! But, before tallying your score, you will be tested by the signature hole … Number 7, a 375-yard par four with an island green that will capture your attention and demand your concentration … a hole to remember at Tradition Club! The long par 4s can make or break your round of golf while the par 5s will test your management skills. The 405-yard 18th hole is one of those par fours that combines strategy with skill as it leads you back to the Tradition Clubhouse for refreshments on the patio.

900 Blue Stem Dr, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, USA

Course designer Mike Stranz has truly built a Lowcountry masterpiece, with fertile landscape of twisted live oaks and towering pines, tidal creeks and salt marshes as the backdrop for this magnificent course. True Blue Golf Plantation has been recognized by Golf Digest as the “No. 1 Public Course in the Myrtle Beach Area”, and made the list of “America’s Top 100 Public Courses.” The most recognized holes at True Blue are actually the first set of holes that includes two par 5’s and an island green par 3. Players that survive the first four at close to “their par” are setup for a good scoring day. So be ready at the first tee. One of the Grand Strand’s premier designs along with sister course Caledonia, True Blue Golf Plantation has recently earned an overall rating of 8.8 from reviewers at the Myrtle Beach Golf Insider, garnering praise for course conditions, scenic views, and course layout.

911 Riverwood Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, USA

Home to four nationally televised LPGA events, Wachesaw Plantation East Golf Club has captured numerous awards and accolades since its opening in 1996. On a local level in 2007, Wachesaw East was named Myrtle Beach Golf Course of the Year by the Myrtle Beach Golf Course Owners Association. Golf Digest ranked Wachesw East 26th in its “Top 50 Courses in Myrtle Beach” listing, and South Carolina Magazine included Wachesaw East in its listing of “Top 30 Best You Can Play” in South Carolina. National acclaim came from the likes of the 1998 Golf Digest Service Ace Award, which ranked Wachesaw East #13 in the USA for Customer Service, and Golf For Women Magazine’s “Top 100 Fairways” honor. Architect Clyde Johnston chose to give players a challenging finish with Wachesaw Plantation East’s final two holes. Its signature hole, the par-5 17th, is a fantastic risk/reward hole giving the golfer numerous shot options. It boasts a double fairway to assist errant tee shots, and also offers multiple second-shot options. Your safest bet will be laying up and hitting a wedge over the stream ensuring you get past the false front on this green. Hole #18, named after the golf course architect Johnson, is a long uphill par 4 offering a generous landing area for tee shots. The hole gets more difficult with the lake in view and surrounding bunkers, but typically more visually intimidating than it looks. Keep right to play it safe and give yourself a chance at par.

426 Tidewater Cir, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, USA

It’s a course that renowned designer Dan Maples has often referred to as “one of my best” – and with good reason. Set majestically in a stunning Lowcountry setting, Willbrook Plantation plays through a pair of plantations that date back as far as the 18th century. Historical markers dot the course amid a wide array of moss-draped oaks and abundant wildlife, Lowcountry marshes and wetlands. Wide landing areas make Willbrook Plantation especially appealing for women; Golf for Women’s Magazine has featured it among its top 25 places to play in the United States. It has also been featured on national television shows, including Golf Channel’s “Road Trip Myrtle Beach,” to showcase its natural splendor and beauty. A well-appointed clubhouse offers a back porch that overlooks the 18th fairway and green and its surrounding nature – the perfect place to unwind from an unforgettable golfing experience.

4601 Leeshire Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579, USA

One of three creative designs of the Mystical Golf Group, The Wizard has recently earned an overall rating of 8.5 from reviewers at the Myrtle Beach Golf Insider, garnering praise for a pleasant management staff, beautiful design, and great experience. Course designer Dan Maples brought a whole different experience to Myrtle Beach by bringing a feel of Mountain Golf with drastic undulations throughout the course. Recognized by Golf Digest as “4 stars,” it’s one of the three Mystical Group courses that also includes The Witch and Man O’ War that is said to be a “must-play” for all golfers.

2000 World Tour Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579, USA

Take a golf trip around the world without ever leaving the Grand Strand at the World Tour Golf Links in Myrtle Beach. Rated by Golf Digest as “4 ½ Stars” (2008), World Tour has also been named “National Golf Course of the Year” by the National Golf Course Owners Association (2004) and “Myrtle Beach Golf Course of the Year” by the Myrtle Beach Golf Course Owners Association (2003). Inspired by the greatest courses in the world with famous layouts resembling Pine Valley, Augusta National and St. Andrews, it’s no wonder it has been honored to receive awards and mentions from numerous sources. The difficult task in having to assign a signature hole for a course is hard enough when each of the 18 holes at World Tour represents a signature hole from all over the world. The most memorable hole – No. 9 on the Open Course, a 329-yard (members) par 4 – is a tribute to the closing hole at St. Andrews. It has one of the widest fairways in golf, and the approach shot features the stone bridge where Arnold Palmer’s famous farewell was preserved in a historic photo taken at The King’s last British Open in 1996.