Nestled along the Atlantic coastline, Myrtle Beach, often nicknamed the Grand Strand, is a popular destination for decades. One of the major players fueling this popularity is the plethora of over 90 stunning golf courses, appealing to aficionados of all levels. However, the real intrigue lies tucked away from the bustling town; the upstate’s unsung golf resorts waiting to be discovered.
True Blue Golf Plantation
One of the crowning jewels of Myrtle Beach’s golf scene is the True Blue Golf Plantation. This golf resort is renowned for its stunning visuals, forged from the natural beauty of formally indigo and rice plantations. Its designer, the acclaimed Mike Strantz, adhered to a ‘minimalist approach’ when creating True Blue. The strategy led to a course design that embraces the site’s cultural history and the terrain’s natural curves, contours, and vegetation.
It is a paradise for golfers that crave a demanding, yet visually striking experience. Boasting wide fairways and challenging terrains, True Blue is a stimulating test of your skills set against the backdrop of unique features like vast sandy areas, beautiful waterways, and mature maritime pine forests.
Tidewater Golf Club
Golf enthusiasts seeking for a course that blends challenge and beauty should look no further than the Tidewater Golf Club. This semi-private club is situated along the Intracoastal Waterway, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from several of its holes.
Designed by architect Ken Tomlinson, the club’s layout honors the time-honored tradition of classic golf course design. Its manicured greens, strategically placed bunkers, and versatile tee boxes appeal to golfers of all competencies. Importantly, the signature 12th and 13th holes that sit astride the beautiful Cherry Grove, offer a delightful distraction that’s hard to ignore.
The Dunes Golf & Beach Club
Endorsed as one of Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s finest works, The Dunes Golf & Beach Club belongs to an elite class of golf resorts. The course is located on the stretch of land where the Atlantic Ocean meets the wilderness, creating an exhilarating golfing site.
The hallmark of this prestigious club is the par-5, 13th hole. Known as “Waterloo,” it is famously revered and feared due to its harsh dogleg around Lake Singleton. The club also showcases Jones’ thoughtful design that caters to both high-handicappers looking for a fun round and experienced players seeking a challenging test.
Legends Golf Resort
Derived from the replicas of traditional British Isles links courses, Legends Golf resort brings a taste of trans-Atlantic tradition to Myrtle Beach. The resort features five championship courses designed by the likes of Tom Doak and Pete Dye.
The golf complex is unique with its three on-site courses – Moorland, Heathland and Parkland. While each offers a distinctive golfing style, they converge in providing a notoriously challenging game replete with dazzling fairways, expansive bunkers, and ever-present water hazards. Moreover, its top-of-the-line practice facility, including a 42-acre lighted driving range, makes Legends a must-visit.
For golf lovers exploring Myrtle Beach, these hidden gems represent a fraction of the beauty, challenge, and golfing delight that the upstate has in store. The meandering fairways, stunning landscapes, and the sea’s unmistakivale aura will leave golfers entranced and extend an irresistible invitation to tee off.
Having visited Myrtle Beach many times, I can vouch for the beauty of these golf courses. True Blue Plantation has indeed some of the most visually striking landscapes I’ve ever had the pleasure to golf on. The layout honors the location’s history while providing golfers with an unforgettable experience. I guess it’s time I discovered the upstate resorts next!
As a fan of Pete Dye’s designs, I’ve got to swing by Legends Golf Resort the next time I’m in Myrtle Beach! The replicas of the British Isles links courses sound fascinating. Those massive fairways of Moorland, Heathland, and Parkland should be a treat! On a side note – has anyone else experienced the infamous Waterloo at The Dunes? That hole sure packs a punch!