Most golfers know this golfing paradise but away from the headline courses there are still some hidden gem golf courses in Myrtle Beach we think should be on the “must-play” list for your next golf trip!
Golf Capital of the World
Myrtle Beach is an area located in the heart of the “Grand Strand” on the coast of South Carolina. It is one of the most famous golfing regions in the US and beyond.
With over 80 golf courses in the area, it’s no wonder Myrtle Beach has earned the nickname “Golf Capital of the World”.
Some of the most popular and famous golf courses in the area include the Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Kings North Course, Myrtle Beach National, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, and TPC Myrtle Beach.
Whilst there has never been a PGA Tour event in the area courses around Myrtle Beach have hosted a U.S. Women’s Open, seven Senior PGA Tour Championships, the finals of the PGA Tour’s Q-School, and various collegiate events.
4 Million Golfers Can’t be Wrong!
Annually, over 4 million golfers travel to the Myrtle Beach area to experience the pristine fairways, challenging holes, and beautiful scenery that the courses have to offer.
The area’s mild climate, affordable accommodations, and variety of high-quality courses make it an ideal destination for golfers of all levels.
Some of the best places to stay in Myrtle Beach for golfers include The Legends Resort, The Barefoot Resort & Golf, and The Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes.
Look Beyond the Beaten Path
While Myrtle Beach is home to many well-known courses, there are also a number of underrated courses that are just as impressive, but often overlooked by visitors.
These hidden gems offer unique challenges and stunning landscapes that any golfer would appreciate. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most underrated golf courses in Myrtle Beach, giving you a glimpse into the less-traveled but still impressive courses that the “Golf Capital of the World” has to offer.
The Best Myrtle Beach Hidden Gem Golf Courses.
Long Bay Golf Club
Long Bay Golf Club is a challenging yet affordable golf course that’s sure to test your skills. Designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus in 1987, the course measures 7,025 yards with a par of 72.
The course’s significant elevation changes, pot bunkers, and shallow greens make for a demanding round that will challenge golfers of all levels.
One of the highlights of Long Bay Golf Club is its signature hole, the par-3 13th. This hole features an island green that requires an accurate tee shot it’s a beautiful and challenging hole that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Despite its challenging design, Long Bay Golf Club boasts great turf and low traffic, making it a pleasure to play. The course’s picturesque setting is another standout feature, with a linear pond up the left on No. 9, the waste-bunkered No. 10, and a dogleg around the aforementioned pond on the finishing hole.
Green fees for Long Bay Golf Club are reasonable, with rates starting at around $50. For that price, golfers can enjoy a challenging round of golf on a course designed by one of the greatest golfers of all time. So if you’re looking for a challenging yet affordable golf experience in Myrtle Beach, Long Bay Golf Club is definitely worth a visit.
Legends Golf & Resort Heathland Course
Legends Golf & Resort Heathland Course is a must-play golf course in Myrtle Beach. Designed by architect Tom Doak and opened in 1990, this par-71 course measures 6,800 yards.
With its Scottish-inspired design, Heathland stands out from the other courses in the area. Thick rough off the rolling fairways and the absence of massive trees make missing your target an expensive mistake.
One of the standout features of the course is its signature hole, the par-4 16th. This challenging hole features a blind tee shot that leads to a narrow fairway lined with bunkers. Golfers must hit an accurate second shot to reach the elevated green, making for a demanding and thrilling hole.
The Heathland course is also known for its crosswinds, which can affect every shot off the tee. However, with its great turf and beautiful surroundings, golfers will enjoy every minute of their round.
Green fees for the Heathland course are reasonable, with rates starting at around $50. For that price, golfers can experience one of the best golf courses in the area. Twenty-five years after it first opened, there still isn’t a course in the area that can match Heathland’s unique Scottish feel and challenging design.
The Pearl Golf Links
Given its name the Pearl Golf Links, is quite literally a hidden gem Myrtle Beach golf course! Although its actually located in North Carolina it’s just 15 miles from Myrtle Beach and is well worth the trip.
Designed by Dan Maples, features 27 holes that meander through the woods and marshes along the picturesque Calabash River.
The course is divided into three distinct 18-hole courses: The Pearl East, The Pearl West, and The Pearl North.
The Pearl North offers a more links-style experience with wide fairways and large greens.
Pearl East emphasizes accuracy over power with a parkland-style course.
The new Pearl West combines the best of both, with six holes set along the Calabash River, showcasing the natural beauty of The Pearl.
The Pearl opened in 1987 and has since then earned a reputation as one of the top golf destinations in Myrtle Beach.
The course is known for using the natural beauty of the property to create a breathtaking and challenging golfing experience.
The signature hole on the course is the 9th hole on The Pearl West, which is a par-4 that runs alongside the Calabash River, offering stunning views of the waterway.
Depending on the season green fees at The Pearl generally fall within the moderate to high price range for Myrtle Beach golf courses.
The Pearl was nominated “Best New Public Course” by Golf Digest. The courses have also been ranked among the top courses in the Carolinas. Overall, The Pearl Golf Club is a must-visit destination for any golfer looking to experience the natural beauty and challenging courses that Myrtle Beach has to offer.
West Course at Myrtle Beach National
The West Course at Myrtle Beach National is a hidden gem that often gets overshadowed by its esteemed neighbor, King’s North. However, this freestanding plot designed by Arnold Palmer is worth playing and has been a favorite of locals for decades.
The par-72 West Course measures 6,721 yards and boasts extremely reliable conditions that don’t change with the seasons. Golfers can expect a consistent surface under their golf shoes regardless of the weather. Arnold Palmer’s design includes a few quirks, such as the signature par-3 18th hole, which features an island green and requires an accurate tee shot to avoid a watery grave.
While green fees for the West Course are reasonable, starting at around $40, the course’s value goes beyond just its price. Golfers can enjoy a well-maintained course with challenging holes and stunning scenery. The West Course at Myrtle Beach National is definitely a course that shouldn’t be overlooked by golfers looking for a great value.
Arrowhead Country Club
Arrowhead Country Club, designed by Raymond Floyd, is conveniently located just minutes away from the airport – so is perfect for the first or last round of your Myrtle Beach golf trip!
Boasting 27 holes, sectioned into three nines, it has a feel of a Pacific Northwest course, rather than the sandy conditions often found near the ocean.
Two things that stand out most at Arrowhead are the amount of water on the course and the fantastic conditioning.
Water features on 24 of the 27 holes, so this may not be a course for those of us who find water a golf ball magnet! You’ll also notice many of the fairways doglegging around the hazards so some thought is needed off the tee.
The course has a reputation for being kept in beautiful condition with smooth greens and plush fairways.
Arrowhead may not have the same headliner status as some other courses in the area, but those in the know have figured out that it shouldn’t be missed.
Shaftesbury Glen Golf Course
Shaftesbury Glen Golf Course in Myrtle Beach is a golfer’s paradise that features traditional English-style architecture, reminiscent of Winged Foot and Augusta National. Designed with large, rectangular tee boxes, wide-open fairways, and immaculate, oversized Bentgrass greens,
Shaftesbury Glen has won several accolades over the years. It was named Golf Course of The Year by the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Owners Association in 2009 and was recognized by Golf World Magazine as one of the Top 50 Golf Resorts as chosen by its readers in the same year.
The course was also among the Top 22 of South Carolina’s 300+ golf courses in 2009 and received a 4-star rating in Golf Digest’s “Places To Play” guide in 2005. In 2001, Shaftesbury Glen was nominated for “Best New Public Course in America.”
One of the most popular holes on the course is 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 is also memorable. The 410-yard par 4 requires length more than accuracy, and the beautiful backdrop makes playing 18 significant and unforgettable.
Shaftesbury Glen Golf Course was designed by Clyde Johnston and opened for play in 2001. The par-72 course is 6,935 yards long from the championship tees, with a course rating of 73.4 and a slope rating of 139.
Green fees at Shaftesbury Glen are reasonable, with rates ranging from $38 to $57 depending on the time of year and whether you book in advance.
Palmetto Course at Myrtlewood Golf Club
Palmetto Course at Myrtlewood Golf Club is a must-play for any budget-conscious golfer visiting the Myrtle Beach area. Built in 1966 and designed by Edmund Ault, this par-72 course measures 6,977 yards from the back tees.
The course underwent some renovations, including improvements to the drainage system and the refurbishing of bunkers. The most significant change is the greens’ revitalization, which now features larger greens and the switch to Sunday Bermudagrass. The changes have resulted in greens that are truer and faster than before, making them the envy of more expensive courses.
Palmetto Course has a no-nonsense approach to the game, with a focus on shot-making rather than gimmicks. One of the standout holes on the course is the par-4 18th, which runs along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway. This hole requires accuracy off the tee and precision on approach shots, making for an exciting finish to your round. Green fees for the Palmetto Course are very friendly to the wallet, making it an excellent value for the quality of golf you’ll experience.
The Wizard Golf Course
The Wizard Golf Course, designed by Dan Maples, is a unique addition to the Myrtle Beach golf scene, offering a mountain golf experience with its dramatic undulations. Built in 1996, this par-72 course features a variety of elevation changes and challenging bunkers that require strategic shot placement. Golfers can expect a memorable round with stunning views of natural water hazards and beautiful tree-lined fairways.
The Wizard Golf Course, designed by Dan Maples, is a unique addition to the Myrtle Beach golf scene, offering a mountain golf experience with its dramatic undulations. Built in 1996, this par-72 course features a variety of elevation changes and challenging bunkers that require strategic shot placement. Golfers can expect a memorable round with stunning views of natural water hazards and beautiful tree-lined fairways.
The signature hole at The Wizard is the par-3 17th, known as the “Gambler”. It features an island green surrounded by bunkers, offering golfers the option to play it safe and take the longer shot or attempt to carry the water and reach the green directly. It’s a thrilling hole that tests golfers’ skill and courage.
Green fees at The Wizard are reasonable, making it an accessible option for many golfers. The course has received accolades from the Myrtle Beach Golf Insider, with an overall rating of 8.5, and has been recognized by Golf Digest with a “4-star” rating. Golfers also have the option to play the other course in the Mystical Group, Man O’ War, for a full golfing experience.
Litchfield Country Club
Nestled in the heart of Pawleys Island, Litchfield Country Club Golf Course offers a classic golfing experience.
As you enter the club, you immediately get the feel of a quality golf club. The Augusta-esque clubhouse is set amongst beautifully maintained grounds which combine to create an inviting and relaxed atmosphere.
Litchfield Country Club, designed by Willard Byrd, was built in 1966. The 18-hole course boasts a par of 72 and stretches across 6,701 yards of pristine South Carolina landscape.
The course is thoughtfully designed to challenge players of all skill levels, with strategic bunkering, tree-lined fairways, and meticulously manicured greens.
One of the standout features of course is its signature hole, the par-5 16th. This picturesque hole has one of the most nerve shredding tee shots on the course so be accurate! Your approach shot will be into a green guarded by water on both sides – it’s a truly memorable hole but play smart and be happy to walk off with a par!.
When it comes to green fees, Litchfield Country Club offers a great value for the quality of golfing experience it provides. The rates are reasonable, allowing golfers to enjoy the course without breaking the bank.
If you’re visiting the Pawleys Island area as part of your golf trip, Litchfield Country Club Golf Course is a must-play destination. It’s a classic Southern golf club and a beuatifully designed course that’ll be a great addition to the memories of your Myrtle Beach golf break.
Why You Should Play These Hidden Gem Myrtle Beach Golf Courses
While these courses may not receive as much attention as some of the more well-known courses in Myrtle Beach, they offer a unique and enjoyable golfing experience.
Each one will be a great addition to your golf schedule – what’s not to like they save you some dollars in your pocket but give you a great day out on some beautiful golf courses.
If you’re planning your next golf trip, be sure to add some of these hidden gem Myrtle Beach golf courses to your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hidden Gem Myrtle Beach Golf Courses
Yes, Myrtle Beach is widely regarded as an excellent area for golf, and there are several reasons why it has earned this reputation:
1: The number of high quality golf courses: There are over 80 golf courses in the area ranging from Championship standard to more relaxed resort style courses.
2: Variety of Course Design: Whatever type of course you want to play you’ll find it at Myrtle Beach!
3: Accessible: Myrtle Beach is an easy location to get to via Myrtle Beach Airport or the proximity to the major highways
4: Competitive Pricing: Myrtle Beach offers great value for golfers, with all budgets.
5: Golfing Infrastructure and Amenities: Myrtle Beach has well-developed golfing infrastructure, including practice facilities, golf academies, and a wide selection of golf shops and equipment rental services.
6: Accommodation: The area boasts numerous resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals to suit all budgets. Many have price plans that cater specifically to golfers, offering stay-and-play packages.
It’s hard to pick a single “best” golf course in Myrtle Beach that suits all golfers but here are five high quality courses that come highly recommended:
1: The Dunes Golf & Beach Club:
2: Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
3: True Blue Golf Plantation
4: TPC Myrtle Beach
5: Grande Dunes Resort Club:
There are over 80 golf courses in Myrtle Beach. Whatever type of course you want to play from links to parkland you’ll find a course to match your skill level and budget.
Myrtle Beach or “The Grand Strand” is a year-round golf destination. Obviously, availability and prices of tee times vary across the seasons.
Spring (late February – May) is known as golf season and the most popular time to take a golf trip to Myrtle Beach. The weather is warming up and is a perfect escape for other parts of the US and the northern golfing hemisphere still trapped in winter. However, it is also the busiest and most expensive season for golf at Myrtle Beach.
Our favourite time of year to visit the hidden gem Myrtle Beach golf courses is Fall (mid-September – November). Prices are not as high as in the spring and the courses aren’t as crowded, there will be firmer playing conditions, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful scenery, and no humidity! However, please be aware when booking a golf trip during the fall that it is hurricane season and holiday travel may cause delays.
Many golfers visiting the Myrtle Beach area can save dollars on green fees by buying a golf package.
There are many package providers that include discounted accommodations, green fees specials, gift card incentives or free places for golf groups. We’ve found playgolfmyrtlebeach.com a good place to start if you’re looking for the top golf packages in Myrtle Beach.
