Golf Vacation in Myrtle Beach

Posted on November 14, 2008
Filed Under North America

Myrtle Beach resorts offer travelers some of the most challenging and rewarding golf in the world. Many of the courses run right alongside the Atlantic coastline and are world-famous thanks to their roles hosting the Ryder Cup and other PGA Tour events.

Fortunately, many of the courses in and around Myrtle Beach are open to the public all year, including those connected to resorts. That’s why more than a million golfers annually trek to the Palmetto State to play in Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island and Charleston.

From designers Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, Robert Trent Jones, Rees Jones…they all have done some of their finest work here. So have top player-designers that include Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Davis Love III and Tom Weiskopf.

To find more about a few of the best Myrtle Beach resorts that offer incredible golfing opportunities, read on.

Harbor Town

Any list of South Carolina courses has to begin with this classic Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus collaboration. Bring plenty of golf balls and even more money for the near $200 green fee.

Harbor Town is tight and tree-lined with water hazards guarding several of the fairways and tiny, bentgrass greens. Ocean breezes are always a factor too. Most of the resorts in the surrounding Hilton Head area offer golf packages that include this fantastic course.

Kiawah Island Resort and Golf Course

Pete Dye was given prime oceanfront land and told to build the toughest, most spectacular course he could to test the world’s finest players at the 1991 Ryder Cup. He did exactly that. Half of the Ocean Course’s holes butt up against the beach. The wind can be brutal and peril awaits every shot. But somehow, the course is great fun.

The course is part of the luxury Kiawah Island Resort, and though the course is a bit pricey, it’s well worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime golf experience. It’s also located closer to Charleston than Myrtle Beach, but worth the drive.

Pawleys Plantation

Built along wetlands in lightly populated Pawleys Island south of Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Plantation is far different than most resort courses. Originally a country club, Pawleys Plantation is somewhat secluded in a tranquil location dissected by a huge wetlands area that’s part of a wildlife preserve.

Out of all the most popular Myrtle Beach resorts, Pawleys offers the most authentic South Carolina experience alongside some of the best golf. If you’re looking for a slower pace away from the crowds of Myrtle Beach and more in tune with the state’s strong heritage, you’ll find it here.