Beyond the coastal beauty and exemplary hospitality, Myrtle Beach has earned itself a legendary status in the world of golf. Housing more than fifty golf courses, this haven ensures that every golfer, whether a novice or highly skilled, finds a terrain perfectly suited for their prowess. Though renowned worldwide for famous layouts like the Dunes Golf & Beach Club and Myrtle Beach National – King’s North, a wealth of hidden treasures can be unearthed by those who venture off the beaten path.
1. Myrtlewood Pinehills Course
One such secret corner stuttered among the golf giant is the Myrtlewood PineHills course. PineHills holds an incredible allure for the golf enthusiast, bringing together beauty, challenge, and fun into one well-kempt landscape. Redesigned by Arthur Hills, it offers an exceptional round of golf with its undulating greens layered onto a par-72 layout, featuring a naturally rugged Southern terrain that presents plenty of water hazards and strategic bunkering.
2. Litchfield Country Club
Nestled just a short drive south from the bustling Grand Strand, Litchfield Country Club presents a unique seclusion that attracts golfers who crave a quieter round. The charm inherent in this plantation-style course is evident from the moment you step on the fairway. Designed by Willard Byrd and opened in 1966, the course has well-preserved its notable dogwood trees, towering oaks, and chirping birdlife, offering a scenic and peaceful round to its visitors.
3. Whispering Pines Golf Course
Located minutes away from Myrtle Beach airport, Whispering Pines Golf Course may not frequently make it to the top listings, but golfers who played here know its worth. This 6721-yard course is far from the tourist noise yet close to the beach. It’s an outstanding public 18-hole course with an unrivaled natural allure. The course thrives on its sense of tranquility, meandering through tall pines and hardwoods with a consistent test offered by many doglegs and carefully placed bunkers.
4. Arcadian Shores Golf Club
Arcadian Shores could easily get lost amidst its famous neighbors. Rees Jones designed this hidden gem and should be lauded for incorporating two distinctive natures within one course layout. The course brings players through a pine tree lined front nine before introducing them to the water hazards and substantial bunkering characteristic of the back nine. The contrasting natures of both halves of the course, combined with fast greens, offer an appealing challenge to golfers of any skill level.
5. Possum Trot Golf Club
A trip to North Myrtle Beach without a stop at Possum Trot Golf Club would be incomplete. Since its inception in 1968, Possum Trot, fondly referred to as “The Friendly Course,” has won the hearts of both locals and tourists with its comfortable layout and fantastic condition. Strategically placed bunkers, water hazards embraced by tiers of Bermuda Grass, ensure the golfer is engaged at every stage of their round.
In conclusion, beyond the famous golf courses in Myrtle Beach that attract international recognition, many hidden gems offer an equally invigorating golf experience. These lesser-known terrains come with their distinctive charms and challenges that both respect and reward every golf swing. The warm Southern sun, verdant landscapes, and powerfully tranquil vibes they beam are worth the exploration. Indeed, Myrtle Beach has more to offer to golf fanatics – if only they would dare venture a little deeper into this golf paradise.