Title: Ocean Waves and Fairways: The Unparalleled Coastal Golf Resorts of South Carolina
As a local of Myrtle Beach, my backyard essentially consists of pristine beaches, beautiful fairways, and the iridescent glow of the surf. Fondly known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” South Carolina’s coastal terrain offers a perfect blend of picturesque golfing sites and resort lifestyle that cater both beginners and seasoned golf enthusiasts. Get ready to swap your snow boots for golf shoes, and let’s delve into the world of South Carolina’s iconic coastal golf resorts.
Foremost on our list is The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Ranked by Golf Digest as one of the “100 Greatest U.S. Golf Courses,” the Ocean Course is the crown jewel of golf on the South Carolina coast. Designed by Pete and Alice Dye, it was home to the 2012 PGA Championship and the 2021 PGA Championship. The challenging layout, shaped by the coastal winds, boasts ten holes playing directly along the Atlantic, more than any other in the northern hemisphere. From every hole, golfers marvel at the Atlantic seascapes, arguably as captivating as the course itself.
The Sea Pines Resort’s Harbour Town Golf Links at Hilton Head Island is another jewel in this crown. Known for its iconic lighthouse on the 18th hole, Harbour Town Golf Links has been a staple on the PGA TOUR since 1969, hosting the RBC Heritage annually. It especially is recognized for its challenging, narrow fairways and small greens. The resort offers various amenities, including five miles of beautiful beaches, an array of restaurants, and a 605-acre forest preserve, perfect for family getaways.
In the heart of the Grand Strand lies the Barefoot Resort & Golf, North Myrtle Beach, featuring four renowned golf courses: Norman, Love, Fazio, and Dye Club. Each course is designed by and named after iconic golf course architects and players: Greg Norman, Davis Love III, Tom Fazio, and Pete Dye. The Dye Club, in particular, has hosted the Hootie & the Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament. Barefoot Resort & Golf, known for visually striking and challenging courses, also provides various accommodations, including luxury condos and beachfront hotels.
Next up is a hidden gem, DeBordieu Colony Golf Course, approximately an hour’s drive south of Myrtle Beach. This 18-hole, Pete Dye-designed private course, winds through wildlife-filled maritime forests and alongside the Atlantic, providing a peaceful getaway for those seeking a slower pace.
Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms is home to two Tom Fazio-designed courses, the Links Course and Harbor Course, each radiating uniqueness. The notable 18th hole at Links adds drama to any round, playing alongside the Atlantic surf. The 6,446-yard Harbor Course, known for its challenging design, provides a robust water experience with marsh-front tees, lagoons, and the Intracoastal Waterway showcasing South Carolina’s unique Lowcountry charm and challenges.
Lastly, we must mention the Tidewater Golf Club tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. This course provides some of the most dramatic and stunning views in all of East Coast golf. A combination of pristine manicured greens and visually compelling nature makes this course carve its niche.
Choosing a golf resort in South Carolina is about more than just the game; it’s about immersing oneself in a distinct lifestyle that blends leisure, sport, and nature. The palmetto-dotted landscape, spectacular oceanic views, breezy fairways and marinas that dot the coastal golf resorts are a testament to South Carolina’s unique blending of sport and nature. Whether you’re seeking the opulence of Kiawah Island Golf Resort, the familial appeal of Sea Pines, or the unpretentious elegance of DeBordieu Colony, expect nothing less than a synergy of southern charm, world-class golf, and scenic splendor. South Carolina coastal golf resorts distinctly stand as an epitome to the statement – life, indeed, is better at the beach, particularly if you have your clubs in tow.
As someone who has visited and played on nearly every golf course mentioned in this post, I couldn’t agree more with everything said here. The Ocean Course at Kiawah is a must-visit – the views from the 18th hole are nothing short of spectacular. And the Barefoot Resort courses? Absolutely top-notch, especially the Dye Club. Still can’t get over that one challenging hole!
New to golf and living in South Carolina, I genuinely appreciate this comprehensive list! I was wondering if you could provide some recommendations on which course would be most friendly to beginners like myself? Also, for a good laugh, any comical personal golf blunders you’d like to share? We could all use a good giggle in the comment section. Cheers!