Although primarily known for its pristine beaches and bustling boardwalk, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is also a paradise for golfing enthusiasts. This area, dubbed the ‘seaside golf capital of the world,’ offers over 100 beautifully designed golf courses, earning it a distinguished place in the international golfing community. However, the tale of golf in South Carolina is richer than we might imagine, featuring many golfing legends that hailed from or honed their skills within its borders.
Golfing Beginnings in South Carolina
Golf in South Carolina dates back to 1786 with the creation of the South Carolina Golf Club in Charleston. However, it was in the early 20th century when the state’s golf scene began to flourish with Dr. Louis LeFoy Grant, a resident of Myrtle Beach. Widely recognized as the father of Myrtle Beach Golf, Grant constructed Pine Lakes Country Club, the city’s first golf course, in 1927.
From Grass Greens to Golf’s Grandest Stages
The early golf courses of South Carolina became the stage for many iconic players. Two towering figure include the golfing duo of Beth Daniel and Dottie Pepper. Hailing from Charleston, Beth Daniel began her career in South Carolina before becoming one of the most successful golfers in the history of the LPGA tour, with 33 wins and a Hall of Fame induction.
Dottie Pepper, although born in New York, attended Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. During her collegiate career, she dominated the golfing scene, and her skills translated onto the LPGA tour where she accumulated 17 victories, including two major championships.
Rising Golf Stars
South Carolina continues to produce impressive golfing talent with players like Dustin Johnson and Kevin Kisner. Born in Columbia and later moving to Myrtle Beach, Dustin Johnson has carved out an outstanding career on the PGA Tour. Johnson, whose career highlights include a U.S. Open victory and a record three wins at the BMW Championship, continues the state’s rich tradition of creating notable golfers.
Aiken’s Kevin Kisner’s journey to golfing fame began on South Carolina’s green fairways. Since gaining his PGA Tour card in 2011, Kisner has won three tournaments, reinforcing South Carolina’s reputation as a breeding ground for golfing talent.
Preserving South Carolina’s Golf Heritage
The South Carolina Golf Association (SCGA), established in 1929, has played a significant role in supporting and nurturing golf’s growth. The SCGA Hall of Fame, with inductees like Grant, Daniel, and many others, helps preserve the state’s golf heritage.
The South Carolina Golf Course Rating System
South Carolina is committed to providing golfers with highly-rated golf courses. The South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel assesses and ranks the state’s golf courses based on factors such as routing, variety, strategy, equity, memorability, aesthetics, and experience.
South Carolina Golf Today
Today, South Carolina boasts numerous world-class golf resorts, including the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, home to the 2021 PGA Championship. Myrtle Beach alone offers a diverse and rich golfing experience, with widely varied golf courses designed by legends such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Greg Norman.
In conclusion, South Carolina’s golf scene combines historic beginnings with the nurturing of professional talent and the provision of world-class golf courses. This blends the past, present, and future of golf, serving both the local community and attracting golf enthusiasts worldwide. The vibrant golf culture in South Carolina is not just a game; it’s a testament to the state’s unwavering passion and love for golf.