We’ve gathered reviews from locals as well as visitors to determine the very best golf courses in Myrtle Beach, SC and have compiled a list of the top 10 golf courses in Myrtle Beach. In this list of golf courses you’ll find addresses, phone numbers, websites, and links to insider reviews and information for each. If you think there’s a course that belongs on the list, then be sure to let us know!

1. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
   369 Caledonia Drive
   Pawleys Island, SC 29585
   843-237-3675
   800-483-6800
2. True Blue Golf Course
   900 Blue Stem Drive
   Pawleys Island, SC 29585
   843-235-0900
   800-483-6800
3. The Dunes Golf and Beach Club
   9000 N. Ocean Blvd
   Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
   843-449-5236
4. Grande Dunes Resort Course
   1000 Grande Dunes Blvd
   Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
   843-315-0333
5. Litchfield Country Club
   14276 Ocean Hwy
   Pawleys Island, SC 29585
   888-766-4633
6. Barefoot Resort & Golf Courses
   4980 Barefoot Resort Bridge Road
   North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
   843-390-3200
   866-638-4818

   The Norman Course
   http://www.barefootgolf.com/normancourse.cfm

   The Love Course
   http://www.barefootgolf.com/lovecourse.cfm

   The Fazio Course
   http://www.barefootgolf.com/faziocourse.cfm

   The Dye Course
   http://www.barefootgolf.com/dyecourse.cfm

7. Legends Resorts & Golf Courses
   1500 Legends Drive
   Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
   800-299-6187

   Legends – Heathland Course
   1500 Legends Drive
   Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
   843-236-9318
   http://www.legendsgolf.com/heathland.cfm

   Legends – Moorland Course
   1500 Legends Drive
   Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
   843-236-9318
   http://www.legendsgolf.com/moorland.cfm

   Legends – Parkland Course
   1500 Legends Drive
   Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
   843-236-9318
   http://legendsgolf.com/parkland.cfm

   Legends – Oyster Bay
   614 Lake Shore Highway 179
   Sunset Beach, NC 28468
   800-697-8372
   http://www.legendsgolf.com/oysterbay.cfm

   Legends – Heritage Club
   378 Heritage Drive
   Pawleys Island, SC 29585
   843-237-3424
   http://www.legendsgolf.com/heritageclub.cfm

   Legends – TPC Myrtle Beach
   1199 TPC Boulevard
   Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
   843-357-3399
   http://www.legendsgolf.com/tpc.cfm

8. The Man O’War Golf Club
   5601 Leeshire Boulevard
   Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
   843-236-8000
9. Shaftesbury Glen Golf Course
   951 Shaftesbury Lane
   Conway, SC 29526
   866-587-1457
10. The Witch Golf Course
    1900 Highway 544
    East Conway, SC 29526
    843-448-1300

If you know of other Myrtle Beach golf courses that belong on this list then please let us know! Also, if you’ve played at any of these golf courses in Myrtle Beach, SC then be sure to share to tell others what you thought of the course using the comments form below!

Their acclaimed status has been encouraged by honors such as Golfweek’s “America’s 100 Best Modern Courses.” and being ranked 26th in Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 You Can Play.” Golf Digest bestowed Caledonia Golf Club with it’s 4 1/2 star rating from 1996-2005 and named them in their lists of “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” and “Top 31 Best Upscale Courses in America.” GolfLink.com included Caledonia as #15 in their “Top 100 Courses.” Golf World readers most recently ranked them as the 20th “Best Public Course in the Nation” for 2010. And the list goes on. As you can clearly see, Caledonia Golf Course has been highly recognized by experts and seasoned golfers throughout the nation.

Caledonia Golf Course was an early design by the famed golf course designer, Mike Strantz. Mike is remembered as one of the most unique and daring golf course designers in history. He designed many extremely exciting and gorgeous courses before his untimely death from lung cancer in 2005 at the young age of 50. Strantz was named as one of the top ten golf course architects of all time by Golfweek in 2000 and Golf World’s architect of the year in 1998. Caledonia’s sister course, True Blue, which also made our top ten list of Myrtle Beach golf courses, was designed by Mike Strantz as well.

Mike’s goal was to provide golfers with opportunities to feel exhilarated by each and every hole while playing his imaginative and dramatic courses. He also wanted them to force players to stretch their minds to great lengths while working their way through a challenging and well-landscaped golf park. Mike’s courses all reflect his vision while his first signature design course, Caledonia, is still one of the golf industry’s most notable courses that emphasizes the true spirit of the game. Strantz took this 120 acres of extraordinary land and very creatively utilized it to accomplish a feeling of being much larger than it is. The lack of any residential homes on the course make for an even more pleasing and secluded atmosphere.

Some revealing descriptive words that are commonly used to describe Caledonia are incredibly beautiful, challenging, great design, imaginative, memorable, unique, fun and relaxing. Driving up to the antebellum replica clubhouse, guests are invited into the old southern charm represented by the long drive lined with centuries old oak trees covered in hanging Spanish moss. These old oaks mark the path of the old King’s Highway that ran along the coast during the 1700s. Strantz maintained the original ambiance and nature that surrounds this historical southern rice plantation.

The Tifdwarf greens of Caledonia were replaced in 2005 with the newer and superior strain of Bermuda grass, Champion UltraDwarf. Golfers who have played on this new turf have been extremely pleased with its performance. Though this is not one of the most difficult courses you’ll find, it is still very challenging and deeply immersed in the natural beauty of the land. When designing the course, Strantz removed only one oak tree and altered the land flow only slightly by moving earth to create a great deal of undulation, providing a greater rise and fall for the course.

Golf fees at Caledonia Golf Course fall into the rather expensive category. During peak season, 18 holes can run around $200. Many golfers play it smart and search out a great golf package that provides an economical price that usually includes lodging, along with other options such as meals and multiple courses. Caledonia has Junior Rates that allows players 16 and under pay only $50 for their round of golf.
The service at Caledonia Golf Course is highly admired with a great focus on quality and a commitment to excellence. They seek to provide golfers with one of the best overall golfing experiences ever.

Caledonia was named by the plantation’s original Scottish immigrant owner, Dr. Robert Nesbit, after the Roman term for Scotland. He acquired the plantation when he married Elizabeth Pawley, whose family Pawley’s Island is named for. The Nesbit family maintained ownership of Caledonia until 1940. The current owners acquired the property in 1971 and used it as a hunting and fishing club. It is an extremely scenic course filled with much of its original landscape abundant in wildlife. As one of the largest plantations of its time in South Carolina, the owners wanted to preserve as much of the natural beauty as possible. True southern hospitality combined with warmth and beauty were the goals they had in mind when creating a true southern experience with low country charm. The wide open fairways of this par-72 course have sizable greens and several water hazards. It has a course rating of 70.9, a slope rating of 132 and provides 6,526 yards of memorable golf.

Some of the most unforgettable holes are located towards the back of the course. The beauty of the 13th hole can be initially deceiving as it is one of the most daunting. It cunningly hooks left around an enormous oak tree on its way to the smallest green of the course with a large bunker and pond on two sides. Hole #16 is impressive with a lengthy 398 yards and a par of 4. The 18th hole, also a par-4, is a bit shorter at 380 yards and is one is the most discussed holes of the entire course. After winding around an area of water, making your shot over the canal surrounded by marshes and made more beautiful by the indigenous blooming flowers and plants, it ends up in a small green that sits right at the beautiful clubhouse. Guests who are enjoying a meal or refreshing drink on the patio are known to anticipate golfers making their way to this final hole so they can cheer and jeer at their shots. The crowds gathered can be from a dozen to as many as a hundred. Being watched by peers can be quite unnerving when setting up your shot, but it makes for enticing drama that is all in fun.

The Caledonia Grill at the clubhouse is open to the public in addition to its golfers. It provides a spectacular view to accompany appetites of all sizes. The southern hospitality at the grill matches that extended to the rest of the establishment. Here you can enjoy that great service with pleasant meals of seafood, soups, salads, barbeque, burgers and sandwiches. They also have a full bar offering your choice of wine, beer and cocktails. Diners can choose to enjoy the dining room or to sit on the patio and watch friends tackle that famous 18th hole. Lunch is served from 11-3 daily and the Tavern is open from 10 am until dusk. Guests are asked to wear golf casual or resort type clothing as swim suits and tank tops are not allowed. Shoes must be worn as well.

Golf enthusiasts are invited to experience this world class course that is reminiscent of the 18th century. You’ll love the wonderful hospitality, impeccable greens and first class service of this upscale golf excursion. Caledonia Golf Course is one of the greats that began Myrtle Beach’s journey to becoming one of the greatest golf destinations in the country. This is one of those rare courses that brings a new and challenging experience to every single hole on the course. It leaves a lasting impression that will be remembered and talked about for years to come. If you can only fit one round of golf into your trip to the Grand Strand, this may just be the one to choose.

If you’re looking for more Myrtle Beach golf courses, be sure to visit our list of the best Myrtle Beach golf courses. To see some great places to eat, visit our list of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach, SC. Also, be sure to check out our list of the best hotels in Myrtle Beach, SC as well as our list of the best Myrtle Beach restaurant coupons and discounts.

In its early days after its opening in 1998, True Blue was given the title “Golf Heaven and Hell” due to its tough and demanding play. Eventually, it was revamped and slightly modulated by eliminating some of the more difficult blind shots. This renovation encouraged a more amiable round of golf, thereby encouraging repeat visits by those golfers who found the original layout more frustrating than fun. It has been said that golfers have strong feelings one way or the other about True Blue, but all seem to agree that it is a course that will certainly never be forgotten.

Numerous rewards have been bestowed upon True Blue over the years, including “Fourth Best New Public Upscale Course” by Golf Digest when it opened. Since that time, Golfer Magazine has slated it as one of the “Top 10 New Courses In America.” Golf Digest once again honored True Blue by showering it with praise as the “7th Best Course in South Carolina” and the “Number One Course in Myrtle Beach.” For the 2010 rankings, Golf World readers chose True Blue as #26 among the nation’s best courses.

Ruggedly beautiful is a perfect description for True Blue. It is a demanding course filled with treacherous terrain and innovative doglegs. Its natural beauty is emphasized by the many enormous waste bunkers and more than generous amounts of sand not common to most courses. The undulating bunkers can be intimidating as they add a great deal of drama to this experience. Much maneuvering and skill is required to conquer the humbling course while golfers are required to reestablish well thought out strategies each time they change tee boxes. The uncorrupted natural vegetation of this former indigo and rice plantation creates a stunning setting for an awe-inspiring round of golf on the Waccamaw Golf Trail.

The greens at True Blue Golf Course stretching as far and wide as sixty yards, are covered in pristine TifEagle Bermuda Grass. This 7,126 yard course with five par-5′s rates a 74.3 with a slope of 145. Waste areas and sand are plentiful and you’ll need to be prepared to walk through bunkers on your way to some of the greens. Over 75 sand hazards will be encountered and the sandy waste areas can run the entire length of the hole, sometimes on both sides. With water coming into play on six of the holes, many golfers set a personal challenge to end the game with the same ball with which they started.

The five par-3′s range from less than 180 yards to 208 yards. They have sizable greens with multiple levels of challenging play. There are eight fabulous par-4′s that each has its own personality. The 449 yard 17th hole and the 437 yard 18th hole set the stage for a dramatic and stimulating finish. The 17th has a bail-out area on the left with water along the right. The front and back of the green are also guarded by water. A drive over the water from the tee boxes on the left to the fairway on the right sustains the challenge of the 18th hole. The ball must next be directed over more water onto a wide sharply sloping green. The five par-5′s take up 2,921 yards of the course with some of the best holes. The first hole turns around a waste bunker with a creek at the elevated green while the ninth hole has wetlands near the green. The split fairway 10th hole is among the favorites with 599 yards that include five deep bunkers and nearby wetlands. Overall, the first four holes and the last three or four holes are the most talked about.

Wildlife is abundant here and there have been occasions where alligators are seen lying in the sun as they enjoy the warmth while watching a good game of golf. Green fees vary widely while typically remaining in the $99-159 range with seasonal changes. Most will agree that the experience provided by True Blue is well worth the cost. Junior rates for those 16 and under encourage them to play for a discounted price of $50 when joining a paying adult.

The staff of True Blue are hospitable in their efforts to create a pleasant experience for all. Their practice facilities are very accommodating with a short game area, putting green and targeted grass range. The complimentary range balls are a nice touch. The clubhouse at True Blue is full service with a pro shop, restaurant, lounge and banquet facilities. The changing room is accompanied by a refreshing shower for those wanting to clean up before rejoining friends for a meal or other entertaining options. Visitors to True Blue can also take advantage of the outstanding Steve Dresser Golf Academy that is considered to be one of the Top 25 Golf Schools in America.

As one of the most unique courses out there, the True Blue golf course near Myrtle Beach is a challenge that avid golfers really should try at least once. It is guaranteed to present a dramatically memorable experience with bold confrontations. The hidden greens, unforeseen pitfalls and visual deceptions will truly challenge your abilities to adjust and strategize. You will come away with either a grand enthusiasm to return again to conquer the Blue or with the pride that you’ve been there and at least made the attempt.

If you’re looking for more Myrtle Beach golf courses, be sure to visit our list of the best Myrtle Beach golf courses. To see some great places to eat, visit our list of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach, SC. Also, be sure to check out our list of the best hotels in Myrtle Beach, SC as well as our list of the best Myrtle Beach restaurant coupons and discounts.

As a semi-private golf club, access the The Dunes Club is limited to a select few. There are, of course, those who are regular paying members and their privates guests. So if you have friends in Myrtle Beach that are members, you might be in luck. The most common method for visitors to gain access is to book a stay with one of the hotels or resorts that are part of a golf package that includes The Dunes in its list of golfing options. A little research will be in order before booking your vacation in order to experience this highly praised facility. Look for the good deals on this one as the green fees can peak as high as $196.

This Myrtle Beach golf course is not one to be missed if at all possible. The overall experience from the course layout and condition to the enjoyable play and excellent service all work together to consistently maintain the excellent reputation of The Dunes Golf and Beach Club. It has a classic country club design complimented by the beauty of the waterways. The Dunes has a history that is filled with some great golf tournaments such as the Women’s U.S. Open, the finals of the PGA Tour Q-School and six Senior Tour Championships.

This famed Robert Trent Jones course has a rating of 75.4, a slope rating of 141 and par of 72. The entire course is in great condition and great to play, however the back nine holes are said to be the best of the course. Golfers have a fun time with the names that have been used to describe each of the 18 holes. The names were chosen to creatively describe the features and challenges provided.

The Waterloo hole #13 enjoys 590 yards of extreme popularity. This one is quite a prize as it doglegs 110 degrees to the right around Lake Singleton. It has earned prestigious rights as being recognized as one of the greatest golf holes in the world. The 11th hole, also known as Salt Marsh, is another favorite with a 385 yard right dogleg requiring a long drive followed by a green that stretches out into the marsh. The final 18th hole, Little Gator, is a par-4 that creates an epic finale. It offers an approach over water onto a bunker guarded green. These are all tough holes that will leave great memories to add to your favorite golfing stories. In addition, hole #9 holds the distinction of being the only hole in all of Myrtle Beach to tout an oceanfront background. This is a par-3 hole surrounded by steep bunkers and a shallow green. Holes 10-13 are all close by within reach of the beach. Holes 14-17 are lined by trees with undulating terrain.

In order for a golf course to maintain a first class reputation over such an extensive period of time, it is reasonable to expect various restorations to occur in order to maintain the grounds in an exemplary manner. During 1976-77, Jones made a few modifications to the course, particularly holes 3, 4, 11, 15 and 18. 1992 brought Robert Trent Jones back once again for an comprehensive refurbishment. Penn Links bentgrass was used to replace the original greens allowing for a smoother course. Also, six holes received changes in their contours for a more golfer-friendly layout. Two major updates were completed as the 11th green was relocated and a new tee box was built for the 8th hole.

In 2001, a new tee box was added to the 18th hole creating the choice of playing this hole as a dogleg from the left or from the right. A new hole was created between the 13th and 14th holes as an alternate course that is used when one of the regular holes is closed for maintenance. This provided an innovative and effective solution that allows golfers to continue through a full 18 holes without disappointing interruptions. The driving range was more than doubled in size as they increased the number of stations from 18 to 40 allowing it the capacity for a full field tournament.

Most recently in 2003, Rees Jones, the son of Robert Trent Jones, stepped in to oversee the installation of the new A-1 Bentgrass throughout the course. With a mission to restore the course while maintaining its original design, Rees made sure the greens were refreshed to their original condition. While he was at it, he made a few minor adjustments to the 1st, 8th, 13th, 16th and 18th greens.

Dunes has a great clubhouse with interesting memorabilia from the Senior Tour Champion Tournaments held there. Golfers usually stay a while after a terrific round of golf to enjoy a refreshing drink and light meal with an oceanfront view.

You won’t be disappointed with this golf course in Myrtle Beach that took the number 89 spot in Golf Week’s “Top 100 Classic Courses” in its annual “America’s Best Courses” rankings. Only two South Carolina courses made this list. They’re particularly proud of their inclusion in Golf Magazine’s “Myrtle’s Fear Factor” list as one of the Grand Strands five toughest courses. Dunes is an excellent course that explodes with history while it offers spectacular scenery, a pristine course, great service and the most important feature of offering a super game of challenging golf. By the way, be sure to keep your eyes open wide to spot the occasional visiting gator!

If you’re looking for more Myrtle Beach golf courses, be sure to visit our list of the best Myrtle Beach golf courses. To see some great places to eat, visit our list of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach, SC. Also, be sure to check out our list of the best hotels in Myrtle Beach, SC as well as our list of the best Myrtle Beach restaurant coupons and discounts.

Grande Dunes hosts two separate golf courses in Myrtle Beach; one that is part of a private club and the other is for the resort club. Since this article is essentially for visitors to Myrtle Beach, it will refer to the Resort Club course.
The Resort Course of Grand Dunes looks over Marina Village, a secluded waterfront marina community with festive boutique shops and restaurants. The course provides wide fairways covered in Bermuda grass with numerous elevation changes and over 30 acres of freshwater lakes. The beautiful natural scenery provides a wooded landscape that meanders along the Intracoastal Waterway. Seven holes located on this waterway often receive additional challenges from the unexpected wind shifts blowing off the water. The views are breathtaking along this 7600 yard course from tip to tip, making it the longest course in all of Myrtle Beach and one of the longest courses on the entire East Coast. The high bluffs offer gorgeous panoramic views of the waters and forest.

This 18-hole course was designed by the notable Roger Rulewich Group that is led by the former lead architect for the Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Golf Course Company. This par-72 course has a slope of 142 and a course rating of 77.3. Grand Dunes is an extremely friendly and playable course that offers challenges for all golfers with the complex positioning of bunkers that only add to the excitement and challenge. They offer six sets of tees to accommodate their golfers of varied skill levels. The undulating Bermuda grass fairways lead to contoured L-93 Bentgrass greens.

One of the favorite and most impressive holes is the14th. With par-3 and 244 yards, the tee box is elevated above the waterway level. Beginning with a large bunker and accompanied by an inclined ravine, the hole takes some skillful contemplation before attempting the shot. It’s tremendous beauty brings on a tantalizing challenge with a variety of angles, spectacular elevation changes and unique situations.

The Golf Academy at Grand Dunes offers top-notch golf instruction. Brad Redding and his staff provide excellent PGA Master Professional instruction that has won them the honor of being among Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers for eight consecutive years. In 2008, they received the Carolina PGA Teacher of the Year award. Their V12 Digital Coaching System and indoor weather protected teaching environment also help to make the Academy one of the best. They are extremely capable of providing effective instruction for beginners and pros alike. Choose from the terrific half-day course or stretch yourself with the more extensive 2 or 3-day schools. You’ll love the individual attention of having the 3:1 student to teacher ratio.

Guests seem to really appreciate the personalized club fitting available onsite and the unlimited range balls for only $10 per day. The lighted driving range also adds to the benefits to this course that provides great facilities and service. The grooming is impeccably and the course is fair but challenging. Juniors are able to play for free when they join an adult at this superb course that reeks with luxury.

If you’re looking for more Myrtle Beach golf courses, be sure to visit our list of the best Myrtle Beach golf courses. To see some great places to eat, visit our list of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach, SC. Also, be sure to check out our list of the best hotels in Myrtle Beach, SC as well as our list of the best Myrtle Beach restaurant coupons and discounts.

Byrd designed the course with challenging doglegs focused around many of the trees and quite a few carries over the lovely lakes. The classic design is appreciated for its lack of parallel fairways. Golfers will find small Bermuda greens, narrow fairways framed by ancient oaks and more than sixty bunkers.

As part of the Waccamaw Golf Trail, this is a 6,752 yard course with a par of 72, rating of 72.6 and slope of 130. Golf Digest gave Litchfield Country Club 4 Stars in their “Best Places to Play” category. It is also a highly rated “Women Friendly Golf Course,” though it will eagerly face down the long hitters and low handicappers. Women and Seniors appreciate the fact that ponds are small and the bunkers shallow. It’s one of the few walker-friendly courses around. As an added benefit, Juniors who are accompanied by an adult are able to play with no charge.

Though many of the great golf courses that have maintained their excellent reputations throughout the years have changed their designs as a way of updating their fame, Litchfield has chosen not to follow their lead. Emphasizing the truly great Byrd design and pride in the course’s origins, great efforts have been made in preserving the original features such as the player friendly greenside pathways. From their gracious hospitality and charming plantation atmosphere, their tact has proven successful. Litchfield still functions somewhat as a traditionally exclusive country club course that attracts the most particular golfers.

The raised greens and classic bunkers enhance play on the course that maintains just a sprinkling of water. Hole #18 is among the “Grand Strands 100 Greatest Holes.” Entrance into this Signature Course does not come easy to visitors and only a limited number are able to find their way in. Guests of the Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort are invited to play on this exclusive course.

Low country appeal is on the forefront of this leisurely and historic course. Litchfield has been described as stately and mature with an ambiance full of Southern charm. The neighborhood around the course is settled and shaded and only adds to the sophistication and steadfastness. The clubhouse for the course is modeled in an unpretentious plantation style. The sun room in the grill adds a very nice touch.

Byrd designed Litchfield in a highly traditional manner to encompass the use of an assortment of clubs and a variety of shots. Left and right doglegs are in abundance. The par-3′s are probably among the most challenging along the Grand Strand.

Those golfers that prefer a somewhat hard to find, traditional game of golf without all the modern twists, will want to venture out to Pawley’s Island for a try at the highly reputed Litchfield Country Club near Myrtle Beach, SC. Newer courses seem to lack much of the charm and tradition that Byrd created at Litchfield.

If you’re looking for more Myrtle Beach golf courses, be sure to visit our list of the best Myrtle Beach golf courses. To see some great places to eat, visit our list of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach, SC. Also, be sure to check out our list of the best hotels in Myrtle Beach, SC as well as our list of the best Myrtle Beach restaurant coupons and discounts.

Barefoot Dye Club
The Dye course, the only semi-private course on the resort, is bordered by the beautiful white sands of the Carolina Bays. It is set off from the other courses on the northern end of the Barefoot property. Designer Pete Dye, famous for his notorious pitfalls that create difficult angles and ambitious shots, does not disappoint with his Barefoot course. As would be expected from Dye, the course is challenging, memorable and considered by many to be the most difficult course of the four at Barefoot Resort. The Dye Club is the only Barefoot course that has its own clubhouse. The other three golf courses all share a clubhouse and practice facility.

Golfers must take care not to be carried away by the incredible beauty of the Dye, as there is a beast lying in wait at every turn. The waste bunkering and impressive pitfalls will consistently sneak up on the golfer and generous sculpted elevations are evident throughout the course. Fairways on the Dye are GN-1 Bermuda grass that was developed by Greg Norman Turf. The greens are L-93 Bentgrass and the approaches are Tifdwarf Bermuda grass. The Dye is a 7,343 yard course with a par of 72 and slope of 149. Golf Digest honored Dye with a spot on its “Places To Play” list and also ranked them in the Top 10 of “Top 50 Courses of Myrtle Beach.”

Liberal use of mounds throughout the golf course are just the beginning of the obstacles that will be encountered. Wetland areas come into play on five of the holes, while numerous hardwood and Pine trees surround the outer edges of the course. Players will encounter an impressive fourteen doglegs that include two double doglegs on the 8th and 16th holes. Hole #18 is typical of Dye’s designs as it is guarded by a lake on the left and wide bunkers on the right. The 344 yard 10th hole is often thought to be the best hole of the course. It has a continuous lake on the left, an entirely banked right side, three sizable bunkers and a left dogleg to a raised green. Turn after turn, the course brings about demanding play. Visitors can enjoy fabulous views of holes 9, 10 and 18 from the clubhouse.

Bring your best game to the Dye course as extreme accuracy will be demanded, especially from the tees. From beginning to end, the demand for creative strategies are never ending. For an unforgettable round of golf, Dye is the place to play.

Barefoot Love Course
As a means of meeting the challenges brought on by the other great Barefoot designers, Davis Love chose to focus on individual style with impressive visuals and very fun play. He grasped the low country tradition of creating a course that would provide a great game for players of all abilities. Love even integrated replica 17th century plantation ruins on holes 3-7 to offer a taste of the great courses of Scotland and Ireland.

With a par of 72 and over 7,000 yards, the course has generous landing areas and greens to give a wide open ambiance. These features help to make the course very playable for all golfers. You’ll find more elevations here than on the Dye course and there are seven lakes throughout, so wetlands come into play on most holes. Alternate routes to some of the greens bring added interest to several of the holes including the 16th that uses a large bunker to split the fairway. Make your choice of a more challenging game by taking the right side or play it a little safer by going to the left.

Hole #9 is a par-3, 187 yard hole that requires great accuracy. A large landing area in front of the huge and fairly level green of this hole provides a great spot to pitch the ball onto the green. Though this hole may appear fairly easy so far, there is a waste bunker on the right that could cause a problem and the left side is not much easier. Shrubs, large trees and sawgrass provide obstacles and great scenery. The 18th hole is the perfect finale for this round of golf. It is a par-5 with a 560 yard dogleg left. The combination of this dogleg, waste bunkers, water and hills create quite a feat.

Golf Digest bestowed the Love course with the great honor of its #1 spot in their “Top 50 Courses in Myrtle Beach.” They also took the #6 spot of the “Best New Upscale Public Courses in America” in 2000. In 2005-2006 they ranked #38 in “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses.”

The Love course promises a wonderful game of golf. Its designer had the ‘love’ of the game in mind when constructing this one. Much fun and enjoyment are in store when you play this beautiful course..

Barefoot Fazio Course
Live oaks, sand, pine trees, native grasses and nature are all extremely evident in this creation by Tom Fazio, winner of “Golf Course Architect of the Year” for five consecutive years. This is an honor that is well deserved by Fazio with his terrific ability to make each and every one of his 18 holes a unique experience to be remembered. Golf Digest ranked the Barefoot Fazio course at #81 in “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” for 2005-2006 and 6th in “Top 50 Courses in Myrtle Beach” for 2006.

Fazio’s Barefoot course is one of his finest works. It makes its home on an prominent piece of land in the heart of the Barefoot Resort between the Dye and Love courses. Fazio used as much of the natural landscaping as possible, but also added a considerable amount of dramatic elevation changes. Several lakes and abundant trees are very prominent to this course. Though not always a hindrance to players, water will at least be seen on an impressive 15 holes. The GN-1 hybrid turf lies on the tees and fairways, while the greens present A-1 Bentgrass. With a par of 71, the Fazio has 6,834 yards and a slope of 133.

Fazio of Barefoot is a very fair course that begins with a dogleg right that travels through live oak and Pine trees before opening to an raised green. The 2nd hole takes the ball 458 yards from the tee as it travels over wetlands to a dogleg left while being protected by steep bunkers on the fairway. Hole #5 is a tough par-4 with a mighty 499 yards. Making par on this hole will set a great precedent for the rest of your game. The first shot from the tee demands the ball to land on the fairway so that the second shot can make its uphill climb in search for the highly elevated green. The 16th hole has a great deal of sand exposure in contrast to the 18th that has amble amounts of water. Hole #13 is a par-4 hole with many notable stories of victory and defeat. The left side is covered with extensive water, trees and sand, as opposed to the more inviting right side. You’ll still need to stay more towards the middle in order to avoid the steep slopes on both sides.

Barefoot Norman Course
Greg Norman, not a great fan of artificial landscape, did a wonderful job of maintaining much of the natural landscape when designing this course. Significant attention is placed on the sensational waste areas and natural vegetation, leaving only sixty acres of mowable grass. A great deal of undisturbed trees and wetlands are found at every single hole. The Intracoastal Waterways are also prominent on seven of the magnificent holes. The waterways make this course the most scenic of all four of the Barefoot courses.

No expense was spared in the development of Norman’s course that Golf Digest rated in their list of “Places to Play” of 2004. They also made the 28th spot in the “Top 50 Courses of Myrtle Beach” and achieved 4 stars in “Places to Play.”
The GN-1 grass can again be seen on this Barefoot course on the tees and fairways. Approaches offer tifdwarf and the greens are A-1 bentgrass. Zoysia grass presents a striking contrast in texture and color on the rough areas. The Norman course that opened in 2000 is 7,035 yards, with a par of 72, rating of 73.5 and slope of 137. Sod wall bunkers will be seen throughout the course and bump and run shots will often provide an effective and necessary means of getting the ball onto the green.

The 10th hole is a par-3 that presents a downhill tee shot towards a sizable green. The wind conditions here will determine the club to be used. The green is bunker abundant with three on the back and one on the left. Be careful. If you shoot this one too long, your ball will take a swim in the Waterway. The right side of this hole sits against the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway while four bunkers surround the other sides. The par-4 hole #6 offers a narrow fairway towards a green protected by a waste area. Hole #9 is terrific with great design and spectacular views. Avid golfers always hope to be greeted by a special 18th hole and Norman brings it. The hole is reachable by the stronger players in two shots, but a crowned green will hold only the very best of shots. This par-5 is a pristine finish to a magnificent game of golf.

Summary
For a great one stop shop with dazzling golf, visiting the Barefoot courses is a must. Whether you tackle one, two, three or all of the golf courses, none of them will disappoint. Opinions are strongly varied as to which one is the favorite. You’ll just have try them all yourself and decide which one you think comes out on top. Though playing the Barefoot Resort golf courses in Myrtle Beach is a bit on the expensive side, golfers 17 and under will enjoy a more reasonable half price rate.

If you’re looking for more Myrtle Beach golf courses, be sure to visit our list of the best Myrtle Beach golf courses. To see some great places to eat, visit our list of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach, SC. Also, be sure to check out our list of the best hotels in Myrtle Beach, SC as well as our list of the best Myrtle Beach restaurant coupons and discounts.

Legends Golf Resort provides excellent golf instruction along with nice putting greens. Their well reputed 30 acre lighted practice facility is greatly appreciated for getting in some practice before hitting the course. All courses are extremely well maintained with superior service to their guests. Breakfast buffet and lunch are available at the Clubhouse to allow golfers an all-inclusive stay. Prices tend to fall into the moderate category and junior rates are $40.

Heathland

Heathland, an early design by Tom Doak, opened in 1990. It was immediately revered by Golf Magazine with the great honor of being named as one of the “Top 10 New Resort Courses in the World.” In 2008, it was also ranked as #12 in the “South Carolina Best Courses Near You.” Golf Digest gave it an impressive 4.5 Stars in 2007 and 2008. This course is loved for its old country traditional feel beginning with its Scottish castle style clubhouse. Heathland shows an appreciation of artistic beauty in the natural flow of the course. Golfers enjoy the deep bunkers and hills that offer challenge to their game. Without an over abundance of trees, the difficulty level is often determined by the intensity of the wind coming off the ocean. Generous fairways, deep bunkers, pampas grass and accumulated rough vegetation right off the fairways are prominent throughout the course.

Heathland has 6,785 yards with a par of 71 and was designed to reflect courses of the British Isles. It has a rating of 72.3 and slope of 127. A battle with natural elements reigns here. Exact shooting is a definite plus, but even then, the rolling hills and consistently unpredictable winds make this a true challenge between man and nature.

Parkland

Parkland, also designed by Tom Doak, is one of those great courses that provides a totally new challenge with each hole as it requires the player to rethink their strategy upon each approach. The drama increases as golfers progress. A creative play with nature is evident as the course blends in with the natural beauty of the landscape. The naturally configured fairways are lined with trees, the greens are sizable with varied degrees of height and the deep faced bunkers provide traditional obstacles. The course plays long and the greens are fairly difficult.

1992 slated the opening for this 7,170 yard course with a rating of 74.3, slope of 131 and par of 72. Parkland takes a great deal of player strategy from beginning to end. Golf Digest gave it a 4.5 Star rating in 2009, while the Zagat Survey placed it in “America’s Top Golf Courses in 2003 and 2009.

Moorland

When designing the Moorland course that opened in 1990, P. B. Dye utilized the many elements of nature such as sand, water, waste areas and rough vegetation to create one of the best of the Legends courses. These features, combined with considerable undulation and deep bunkers, demand that golfers use all their tricks and take advantage of all the lucky shots they can manage. The 16th hole of this links course is noted for a large bunker named “Hells Half Acre” that deftly defends the green.

In 2007, the 72-par Moorland course received the #37 spot in the “Top 50 Toughest Courses in America” from Golf Digest who also gave them 4.5 stars in 2007 and 2009. With 6,799 yards, Moorland has a rating of 73.1 and slope of 128. Dye really showed off his most favored golfing features when he designed Moorland. Golfers will continuously find multi-leveled greens and fairways, along with some fabulously deep bunkers and bulkheads. These are the sort of attributes that give Moorland such a great reputation. This course that is said to be one of the most challenging on the East Coast, requires significant strategies from golfers, and in return provides a superb golf experience.

Heritage Club

Heritage Club Golf Course is located in Pawley’s Island, a worthwhile drive southwest of Myrtle Beach along the Grand Strand. As the centerpiece of the Heritage Plantation, it was created on historic land that was once home to two rice plantations along the Waccamaw River. The welcoming tree-lined drive up to the gorgeous 12,000 square foot Southern Colonial clubhouse overlooking the Waccamaw River prepares guests for a true southern experience. Heritage Club claims a beautiful setting with more than 600 acres of land that is abundant in marshes, lakes and gorgeous giant magnolias and ancient oak trees. As the Heritage course neighbors the well-known Caledonia Golf Course, enthusiastic golfers may want to tackle them both in one day.

Heritage Club has received numerous awards by Golf Digest including 4.5 Stars in 2007 and 2009, “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” in 2005 (#78), 2007 (#46) and 2009 (#33), “Best In State” for 2005 (#23), 2007 (#17) and 2009 (#13), “Best Public Courses In South Carolina” in 2008 (#14) and “Top 50 Courses in Myrtle Beach” in 2007 (#7). These prestigious awards alone showcase Heritage as one of the best.

Designed by Larry Young and Mike Strantz, it opened in 1986 with a par of 71, rating of 74.1, slope of 142 and 7,040 yards. The landscape of the course is fantastic with an abundance of wildflowers, rolling fairways, undulating greens, and lush flowering flora such as azaleas, crepe myrtle and camellias. Many visitors feel themselves slipping back in history as they enjoy the serenity of the course while enjoying a splendid round of golf. Southern hospitality and charm add to the overall experience. As an interesting note, there are two graveyards that grace the landscape of Heritage Club. The first was the resting place of the plantation slaves found along side hole #8 and the land owners graveyard is off the tee of hole #4.

Oyster Bay

Oyster Bay is positioned on the northeastern edge of the Grand Strand in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. It has remained a significant course since its opening in 1983. Designers for Oyster Bay were architect Dan Maples and developer Larry Young whose motivation for the course was to provide innovation and variety. This 6,685 yard course has a par of 70, rating of 74.1 and slope of 125. Filled with deep bunkers and undulating greens, the course also boasts lakes, marsh ridden holes and even two island greens. Top strategies are in order to play Oyster Bay with its intended requirements of a variety of long and short shots.

Oyster has received numerous awards such as “Places To Play” and 4.5 Stars by Golf Digest. In 2008, Golf Magazine ranked them #11 among the “Best Public Golf Courses in North Carolina.” Zagat Survey showed them as one of “America’s Top Golf Courses” for 2009.

Beauty, diversification and incomparable exhilaration are among the most noted descriptions for the Oyster Bay links course. The lakes and marshes come into play in fifteen holes. Extensive rolling hills provide great landscape, but also make golf carts a necessity for playing this one. The 17th hole is admired for its shot from an oyster shell tee to an island green structured on a mountain of shells. The 13th hole is also well known due to the fairway with a lake on its entire right side. The undulating green is backed by an oyster shell wall coming up from the lake. These holes make evident the reason for the naming of this course that is abundant in oyster shells. Oyster Bay excites and challenges the senses with its innovative and varied holes, and then calms with the serenity of its undemanding and soothing allure.

TPC – Tournament Player’s Club in Myrtle Beach

The sixth and final Legends Course is the Fazio designed TPC that is the only Golf Digest 5 Star Rated Course in the area. Tournament Player’s Club of Myrtle Beach is considered to be among the top courses in the country. Found in the southern portion of the Grand Strand in Murrells Inlet, this terrific golfing location was once host to the Senior Tour Championship. Many golfers enjoy frequenting this course for a taste of a course played by many of golf’s greats such as Ray Floyd, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, Lanny Wadkins and Gary Player. New greens were installed in 2007 for this tour-ready course that is flawlessly groomed.

TPC has received numerous awards that include “America’s Top 10 New Upscale Public Courses” in 1999 by Golf Digest. Golf Magazine named it as one of the “Top Courses You Can Play” in 2000, while GolfWeek in 2002 placed TPC in its “Top 10 Courses in Carolina.” GolfWorld Business in 2001 and 2002 placed the Pro Shop in their “Top 100 Golf Shops in America.” In 2008, Golf Magazine ranked them as #11 in “South Carolina’s Best Courses Near You.”

TPC has abundant wetlands and large pine trees with numerous species of native birds. The golfer is superbly challenged with many fairway bunker shots and eleven holes with wetlands. TPC is an ideal course to enjoy a spectacular walk through nature while taking on a demanding golf experience. Though the course is not extremely long with 6,950 yards, it offers ominous confrontations. With a par of 72, course rating of 74 and slope of 145, the greens are huge, undulating, scattered with bunkers and quite often tease players with unexpected subtle slopes.

The par-3, 17th hole features a bold peninsula green with water on three sides and one of the more than seventy bunkers on the fourth. The 472 yard hole #9 is considered the most difficult with its landing area narrowed by water and pine trees. TPC is situated in a National Wetlands Conservation Area with a classification as a “Stage1” partner of the Audubon Society. Wildlife that may be observed along the course include deer, heron, turkey and even the rare alligator.

Summary
As you can see, each of the Legends Courses offers its own set of thrills with significant beauty. For the best value, look for golf packages that offer a combination of these courses. They are all well kept and provide excellent service. The locations are convenient and the clubhouses and pro shops are definitely nice perks.

If you’re looking for more Myrtle Beach golf courses, be sure to visit our list of the best Myrtle Beach golf courses. To see some great places to eat, visit our list of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach, SC. Also, be sure to check out our list of the best hotels in Myrtle Beach, SC as well as our list of the best Myrtle Beach restaurant coupons and discounts.

The lake at Man O’War creates a welcoming and glimmering display of beauty for onlookers, but it can become a laborious obstacle for even the best golfer. From tee to tee, everywhere the eye can reach, water will be seen. If you’ll be flying in to Myrtle Beach, an overhead view of the course bestows an impressive sight. The greens and fairways appear as narrow islands floating in an ocean of water. All the holes except two have water, a fact that serves to intimidate even the most experienced player.

Regardless of all the water present throughout the course, some of the jitters diminish as each hole is approached with wide fairways. With the exception of just a few holes, the water is avoidable with some skillful shots. But take care even with the wide greens, as just the sight of all the gorgeous blue water can cause most to doubt their game. Leave your wild shots at home so you don’t hear the dreaded “plunk” of your ball being taken over by the opposing forces and landing in the water.

Maple’s layout requires varied skills as a course for golfers of all levels. Man O’War has a par of 72 with a course rating of 72.4. The slope is 130 and the yardage is 6,967. The course looks great and the grounds are very well maintained with beautiful Bentgrass greens which are quicker than most, so you’ll get more punch on the ball than many are used to. Be sure to take a few minutes to become familiar with the Bentgrass before setting forth towards your first battle of the day.

The back-to-back island greens and the island ninth hole are the most talked about events. Hole #14 is a 382 yard, par-4. It’s straightforward, however the green is on an island. With this challenge, many golfers tend to over or under compensate with a misjudged shot. All too often, they hear the dreaded “plunk” into the water. Hole #15, 173 yards and par-3, also has an island green, making these back-to-back holes a highly unusual feat. The layup shot on the 6th hole is a favorite of many. The irony of Man O’War Golf Club with all its water is that the most difficult hole of all is the 593 yard, par-5, 8th hole where water does not even come into play.

In the battle for par, this is a war that can be won. Fight by fight and hole by hole, the possibility is there. Every effort must be made on this course to not let the ‘thought’ of all the water get the best of you. The course itself is not that difficult. Just hit your shots as if the water is not even there, and you’ll do fine.

Price-wise, Man O’War Golf Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is one of the more moderately priced golf courses in Myrtle Beach. The marina-style rustic red clubhouse and the onsite practice range add to its appeal.

If you’re looking for more Myrtle Beach golf courses, be sure to visit our list of the best Myrtle Beach golf courses. To see some great places to eat, visit our list of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach, SC. Also, be sure to check out our list of the best hotels in Myrtle Beach, SC as well as our list of the best Myrtle Beach restaurant coupons and discounts.

Clyde Johnston designed the Myrtle Beach golf course in the style of a traditional British Isles course tucked amongst the beautiful farmlands and forests along South Carolina’s gorgeous Waccamaw River. Johnston was hired to create a course with a layout to be inspired by the Tillinghast theme. A.W. Tillinghast, who lived between 1874 and 1942, was a Scottish-born golf course architect who earned his fame with elevated greens, open green fronts, wide fairways, taunting doglegs and flashed up bunker faces. Johnston chose to use Tillinghast’s style as a strong “inspiration” for the course while not copying him. He states that the greens of Shaftesbury Glen were modeled after Tillinghast’s Winged Foot Course of Mamaroneck, New York. Johnston spent extensive hours studying old photographs, books and magazine articles on Winged Foot and visited the actual course twice before constructing Shaftesbury.

Johnston freely admits that the land sites on which Winged Foot and Shaftesbury were built are as different as night and day. While the New York course boasts towering hardwood trees and rolling hills, they are replaced at Shaftesbury by the pine trees and mud bogs of the Waccamaw River basin landscape. Not being able to change the nature of the land, Johnston chose to reproduce many of the most striking characteristics and flavors of Winged Foot. Shaftesbury’s owners came from New York and are striving to recreate the spitting image of Winged Foot. Because of this, Shaftesbury remains a work in progress. Johnston plans for Shaftesbury in 2009 are to carry out plans for planting new trees and creating a new series of fairway bunkers to bring the course closer to the actual landscape of Winger Foot. As time passes, this course and its foliage will continue to mature into becoming more like its predecessor.

Shaftesbury is a 6,935 yard course with a rating of 74. It is par-72 and has a slope of 135. A-1 Bentgrass has been used through the greens to create a lightning fast and well conditioned course. The tees boxes on the course are slightly elevated to offer clear views of the landing areas and golfers tend to really appreciate the huge putting area. The 9th and 18th holes tend to be among the toughest. The par-4, 18th hole supports five greenside traps. You’re sure to run into at least a few sand traps along the course as they are fairly prominent. This is a course that golfers enjoy playing time after time while making many great golfing memories.

With a stone-gated entrance leading to the Olde English Clubhouse, it brings reference to an old English manor house, complete with its own pub and matching interior. The pro shop carries some of the finest name brands in golf. Ashworth, Ping, Antigua, Tail and Cutter & Buck are among those that are available. Green fees range from around $59 for the summer and winter up to $100 in the spring and fall.

Shaftesbury Glen Golf Course
951 Shaftesbury Lane
Conway, SC 29526
866-587-1457
http://www.glensgolfgroup.com/courses/shaftesbury-glen/

If you’re looking for more golf courses, be sure to visit our list of the best Myrtle Beach golf courses. To see some great places to eat, visit our list of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach, SC. Also, be sure to check out our list of the best hotels in Myrtle Beach, SC as well as our list of the best Myrtle Beach restaurant coupons and discounts.