Myrtle Beach, popularly esteemed as golf ers’ paradise, is toasted for its breathtaking array of more than 60 golf courses, including some which rank among the best in the nation. Home to a spectacular coastline, the ‘Sun Fun Capital’ of the world captivates renowned golf designers from Arnold Palmer to Robert Trent Jones. However, the joy of playing golf in Myrtle Beach extends beyond the greens. The region is also a foodie’s delight, offering a plethora of iconic local dishes and top-of-the-line restaurants. As such, the divine duo of golf and gourmet is an irresistible invitation to savor the city’s charm.
Gourmet Extravaganza at Restaurant Row
If you’re visiting the area for a golf outing, ensure to schedule a visit to ‘Restaurant Row,’ a gastronomical heaven stretching between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach. The legendary course, the Dunes Golf and Beach Club is barely 20 minutes from Restaurant Row. A little further north is the Barefoot Resort and Golf, home to four distinctive, world-class courses. Post your golf session, enjoy an elaborate seafood buffet at ‘The Giant Crab’ or try the delectable Blackened Surf and Turf at ‘Thoroughbreds Chophouse.’
Lowcountry Cuisine: Taste of the South in the Grand Strand
To truly taste South Carolina’s coastal cuisine, familiarize yourself with Lowcountry fare, which traces its roots to the coastal plains region. Many golf courses in Grand Strand, the largest golf tourism destination globally, are earmarked by Lowcountry-style cooking. Exquisite dishes like Shrimp and Grits or She-crab Soup surprise and delight golfers in places like Pawleys Island, home to the classic Caledonia Golf and Fish Club eateries.
Fine Dining: A World-Class Golfing Experience
Fine dining, golf, and Myrtle Beach are inherently connected. Embark your dining journey at ‘Ruth’s Chris Steak House’ in North Myrtle Beach, where you can relish an excellent steak after a satisfying day at the neighboring Tidewater Golf Club. Another superb option is ‘The Library,’ an oasis of elegance and culinary genius, which makes a perfect dining spot if you’re playing a round at Pine Lakes Country Club, the ‘Granddaddy’ of Myrtle Beach Golf.
Additionally, the area’s finest culinary establishments frequently host food and drink festivals, turning your golf trip into a full-blown gastronomic adventure. Myrtle Beach’s annual festivals, including the ‘Taste of Town’ and ‘World Famous Blue Crab Festival,’ are a great way to experience local food culture. These festivals not only showcase seafood and southern specialties but are often home to golf-themed contests and demonstrations, offering the perfect pairing of foodie fun with your golf getaway.
Craft Breweries: A Refreshing Detour
The burgeoning craft beer scene in Myrtle Beach adds another layer of enjoyment to your golf journey. Quench your thirst after a game at the New South Brewing, or celebrate a great play at the Grand Strand Brewing Company located just minutes from Whispering Pines Golf Course. These microbreweries regularly unveil new brews and host tastings that can be mixed into your golf schedule for a refreshing pit stop.
Pro Shops and Clubhouses: Eating on the Greens
For golfers who prefer not to stray far from the course, most clubhouses also serve up great food and drinks. Most pro shops vault an exceptional selection of snacks, sandwiches, and beverages, allowing golfers to grab something quick yet tasty in between holes. Clubhouses such as the one at Arrowhead Country Club serve fabulous meals – be it smashed avocado toast for breakfast or chicken pot pie for lunch.
In closing, Myrtle Beach offers a savory harmony of exceptional golf experiences and the culinary artistry of southern cooking. From upscale restaurants to seafood shacks, down-home southern cuisine to international specialties, the city’s variegated culinary vista is as entertaining and challenging as its courses, making a golf holiday here worth every delectable bite. As you pivot between putts and prawns, you soon realize the pairing of golf and great eats in Myrtle Beach is a match made in gastronomic golfing heaven.