Originally constructed in 1948 and designed by Robert Trent Jones, The Dunes Golf and Beach Club is one of the most storied courses in the Southeast and host of the PGA Tour’s ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic. The layout stretches over 7,100 yards and finishes with some of the toughest holes you’ll find anywhere — including the 590-yard 13th, the most demanding hole on the course. With coastal winds, scenic ocean views, and several holes that run along the water, The Dunes should be at the top of any Myrtle Beach golf itinerary.
Par: 72 | Slope: 144 | Yardage: 7,165 | USGA: 75.7

Arcadian Shores is a classic Rees Jones design that offers a give-and-take experience across 6,857 yards — with genuine birdie opportunities balanced against holes where making par is a real accomplishment. Both nines open with accessible par 5s, giving players a strong start on each side. The par-4 13th is the course’s most demanding hole, featuring a large waterway between the fairway and the green that makes the second shot the defining moment of the hole.

Built on the land of a former rice plantation, Caledonia is a course designed to take your breath away. The layout plays at just over 6,500 yards from the back tees — shorter than many Grand Strand courses — but the challenge is real. The signature par-4 16th requires a well-placed tee shot followed by a precise mid-iron over a substantial water hazard just to give yourself a chance at par. Birdie opportunities are plentiful elsewhere, making Caledonia one of the better values on the Strand.
Par: 70 | Slope: 132 | Yardage: 6,526 | USGA: 70.9

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Long Bay Golf Club puts a premium on putting — more than 12 of the greens feature three distinct tiers, making the approach shot and short game the real test of this layout. Long drives aren’t required here, which makes it an ideal vacation round; keeping the ball in the fairway with mid and short irons will serve most players well. The par-3 13th on the back nine features an island hole that adds a memorable challenge to the round at just 156 yards from the tips.
Par: 72 | Slope: 137 | Yardage: 7,021 | USGA: 74.3

Designed by Tom Fazio, TPC of Myrtle Beach is a tour-caliber layout woven through towering pines and natural wetlands. The course provides a fair and enjoyable test for golfers of all abilities while delivering the same playing experience found at TPC courses across the country. Open to the public, it’s one of the few places on the Grand Strand where everyday golfers can experience what a true tournament-level course feels like from the inside. The on-site Grille offers breakfast and lunch with views of the 18th green.
Par: 72 | Slope: 145 | Yardage: 6,950 | USGA: 74.0

Situated in the heart of Myrtle Beach near Broadway at the Beach, Myrtlewood Palmetto offers a traditional design with contoured fairways, well-manicured sand traps, and multiple water hazards — all with the Intracoastal Waterway as a backdrop. At nearly 7,000 yards from the back tees, the course asks for a range of shots, with each hole presenting its own distinct challenge. A convenient location and solid overall experience make it a reliable choice for golfers who want to stay central.
Par: 72 | Slope: 135 | Yardage: 6,957 | USGA: 73.7

Opened in 1927, Pine Lakes International Country Club was the first golf course to open in Myrtle Beach. Known as “The Grandaddy,” the course has been remodeled and updated over the years while preserving the character of the original layout. With natural water hazards throughout, this is not a course for the faint of heart — accurate shots and creativity are required to work your way through all 18 holes. A unique piece of golf history, and a beautiful round just over half a mile from the beach.
Par: 72 | Slope: 130 | Yardage: 6,700 | USGA: 71.5

Located at the southern tip of the Grand Strand, Pawleys Plantation is a Jack Nicklaus design that winds through numerous freshwater lakes before opening up into saltwater marshland after the turn. The course presents a range of challenges throughout, but the par-5 14th is by far the toughest — at 525 yards, it demands a precise tee shot followed by a long iron or fairway wood into a landing area short of the green, with marshland to the right and sand to the left. Getting to the 15th at even par is something to be proud of.

At 6,640 yards from the back tees, Pine Hills isn’t going to challenge you with length — but it will challenge your ability to navigate rolling fairways that tend to slope toward the nearest rough. Knowing where to place your shot is just as important as hitting a good one. Designed by Arthur Hills as an update to the original “The Pines” course, Pine Hills features more rolling fairways, well-maintained greens, and added water hazards, making it a quality option for a solid day on the links.
Par: 72 | Slope: 125 | Yardage: 6,640 | USGA: 72.0

Often considered the most player-friendly of the three Myrtle Beach National layouts, the West Course offers a more traditional design with wider fairways, less clutter off the tee, and Mini Verde Bermuda greens. Much like its sister course King’s North, very little surrounding housing is visible on course, which adds to the natural feel of the round. All par 4s come in under 400 yards, and most of the par 5s are reachable in two with a solid drive.
Par: 72 | Slope: 119 | Yardage: 6,866 | USGA: 73.0

Carved from the site of two historic Carolina plantations, Willbrook Plantation is a Dan Maples design that winds through a centuries-old oak forest on the south end of the Grand Strand. Nature abounds throughout the round, and the course has been recognized for its peaceful coexistence with the surrounding environment. The par-5 15th hole showcases the wetlands, waterways, and stately oaks that define the design — one Maples has called among his best work.

Located just across the border in Calabash, North Carolina, Meadowlands offers a country feel as you navigate a course recently lengthened to 7,054 yards from the back tees. Players will need every club in the bag to score well here. Five tee boxes make the course accessible to all skill levels, and large landing areas paired with rolling fairways and well-manicured bunkers provide a challenge without being punishing.

Designed by Arnold Palmer, King’s North is one of the standout courses in the Myrtle Beach area and a must-play for visiting golfers. The par-5 6th hole is a perfect example of what makes this course memorable — players can take aim at an island fairway and try to reach the green in two, or play it safe down the dogleg left. Either way, water comes into play on every shot. Aggressive players will be rewarded, but overreach and you’ll pay for it. That balance of risk and reward runs throughout the entire round.
Par: 72 | Slope: 136 | Yardage: 7,017 | USGA: 72.6

Built on a former indigo and rice plantation, True Blue is one of the most visually striking courses on the Grand Strand. The layout features vast fairways, significant elevation changes, and rolling terrain with native vegetation that creates a spectacular setting throughout the round. A well-maintained course that delivers both challenge and scenery, True Blue is a must-play on any Myrtle Beach golf trip. Non-metal spikes required. Inquire about sister course Caledonia Golf & Fish Club.
Par: 72 | Slope: 129 | Yardage: 7,060 | USGA: 73.8

Built on old Scottish golf principles, Thistle Golf Club features three nine-hole courses that can be combined for a variety of 18-hole experiences. Ocean crosswinds are often a factor, and the course plays shorter than most — putting more emphasis on the short game than pure distance. “Cameron” features sloping fairways and well-placed water hazards that reward strategic play. “McKay” brings a links-style feel with tall grass, large sandy areas, and numerous natural hazards. “Stewart” rounds out the trio with tighter fairways and additional water challenges.

Designed by Ray Floyd along the Intracoastal Waterway, Arrowhead Country Club is a 27-hole facility with three distinct nine-hole courses open to the public. “The Cypress” is a tree-lined, accuracy-first nine that plays around 3,326 yards from the championship tees. “The Lakes” offers scenic views alongside challenging water hazards on most holes, playing at roughly 3,300 yards from the back. “The Waterway” is the shortest of the three at just over 3,200 yards, with the Intracoastal as a constant backdrop.
Par: 72 | Slope: 123 | Yardage: 6,180

Split into three nine-hole courses, Aberdeen Country Club brings a Scottish flair to the Grand Strand experience, located about 20 minutes from the beach off Highway 9. “The Meadows” features rolling hills and tight fairways that demand precision. “The Highlands” showcases Aberdeen’s Scottish roots with open fairways, deeper bunkers, and blind shots that test every skill level. “The Woodlands” is the most demanding of the three, with tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and well-guarded greens that require precise approach shots.

Located adjacent to the Willbrook community in Litchfield Beach, Tradition Club brings championship golf to the Lowcountry in a setting defined by natural beauty and the traditions of the game’s great courses. The layout is driver-friendly with generous tree-lined fairways, and two island greens — on the par-4 7th and the par-3 15th — add memorable risk-reward moments to the round. An elaborate practice facility and comfortable dining round out the experience.
Par: 72 | Slope: 129 | Yardage: 6,875 | USGA: 72.0

Pete Dye’s course at Barefoot is a visually stunning design filled with his signature challenges — dramatic elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and greens that punish wayward approach shots. Built on an exceptional site within the 2,300-plus-acre Barefoot Resort in North Myrtle Beach, this is one of four championship courses on the property and the only one with semi-private status. Players who can manage their misses will find it rewarding; those who can’t will have stories to tell.
Par: 72 | Slope: 132 | Yardage: 7,343

With water hazards on 15 of its 18 holes and more than 100 bunkers throughout, River Club is a demanding Tom Jackson design that rewards accurate, strategic play. This semi-private club offers plantation-style golf along the Grand Strand, culminating in one of the area’s most dramatic finishing holes — the par-4 18th features a natural lake running the full length of the fairway and surrounding the green, putting everything on the line with the final approach.
Par: 72 | Slope: 128 | Yardage: 6,677 | USGA: 72.4

The shortest of the three Myrtle Beach National courses, South Creek doesn’t rely on distance to provide a challenge. Waste bunkers, lengthy rough, and water hazards placed just out of sight require careful shot planning throughout the round. The signature hole is the par-5 10th, a dogleg right around a large lake — while the water isn’t the primary threat, it’s a constant reminder to keep the ball in the fairway or just left of it.
Par: 72 | Slope: 123 | Yardage: 6,416 | USGA: 70.5

Designed with a European flair, the Fazio Course at Barefoot Resort mimics the feel of a classic British lowcountry layout — towering oaks, sandy areas, natural grasses, and scenic lakes. Despite a challenging exterior, Fazio is very playable for golfers who can keep the ball in play off the tee. Fifteen of the 18 holes feature bunkers or water, but soft fairways and well-kept greens create plenty of birdie opportunities, including on the par 5s where eagles are within reach.
Par: 71 | Slope: 130 | Yardage: 6,834

Built by Davis Love III, the Love Course at Barefoot Resort is known for large landing areas, complex greens, and a design that challenges players of all skill levels. The course is forgiving enough off the tee for most golfers, but making par requires navigating greens modeled after the demanding style of Pinehurst No. 2 — with difficult second shots and hard-breaking putts that keep you honest. From the back tees, the course stretches to over 7,000 yards for those looking for a full test.
Par: 72 | Slope: 133 | Yardage: 7,000

Designed by Pete Dye and son P.B. Dye, Prestwick is a scenic, risk-reward course set among natural lakes, rolling man-made dunes, and native pine trees. The layout requires patience and a steady approach — hazards protect greens and landing areas throughout, and the rough tends to punish aggressive play. Dense forest, pristine greens, and a private-club atmosphere keep players coming back.

Designed with Greg Norman’s game in mind, the Norman Course at Barefoot Resort is one of the longest layouts on the Grand Strand, stretching past 7,000 yards from the championship tees. Seven holes run along the Intracoastal Waterway, providing some of the most scenic views available anywhere on the Strand. The undulated greens put a premium on Norman’s signature bump-and-run approach, giving the course an Australian flavor that sets it apart from most Grand Strand layouts.
Par: 72 | Slope: 130 | Yardage: 7,200

As the only course along the Grand Strand designed by Gary Player, Blackmoor offers a one-of-a-kind experience with sloped fairways and undulated Bermuda grass greens that challenge every golfer who tries to tame it. Risk-reward decisions are built into the layout throughout — the par-4 8th at 370 yards from the back tees is a perfect example, offering the option to take a straight line at the green with no margin for error, or dogleg right and set up a short iron for a birdie look. The choices you make here will define your scorecard.
Par: 72 | Slope: 126 | Yardage: 6,614 | USGA: 71.1

Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Grande Dunes Resort Course is built on a high bluff overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, giving players exceptional views while navigating a layout that varies considerably in terrain. The course ranges from 5,000 to over 7,000 yards depending on tee selection, and features pristine Bermuda grass fairways and championship Bermuda greens. An expansive practice range and two putting greens round out the facility.
Par: 72 | Slope: 142 | Yardage: 7,618 | USGA: 77.3

Built in 1966 on a former rice plantation, Litchfield Country Club is one of the original Grand Strand courses and has been challenging golfers for nearly six decades. Willard Byrd designed the layout to reward accuracy over length — at just over 6,600 yards, tight tree-lined fairways make placement off the tee essential. The par-4 18th is the signature hole, requiring players to navigate a sharp dogleg right while avoiding a large water hazard to the left. The course has been updated several times since its opening but retains the classic character of its Lowcountry roots.
Par: 72 | Slope: 130 | Yardage: 6,752 | USGA: 72.6

Located on a peninsula between Cherry Grove and the Intracoastal Waterway, Tidewater offers championship golf with consistently scenic views of salt marsh and natural lakes throughout the round. Designed by Ken Tomlinson, the course stretches to 7,044 yards from the back tees, providing plenty of challenge for longer hitters — though five tee box options make it accessible for all skill levels. The combination of natural surroundings and course quality makes Tidewater one of the area’s most memorable rounds.
Par: 72 | Slope: 144 | Yardage: 7,078 | USGA: 74.8

Set on a former rice plantation, Wachesaw East is a Clyde Johnston design that offers a Scottish-influenced round carved through gently rolling, heavily wooded terrain. Five sets of tees make it accessible to golfers of all abilities, while freshwater wetlands and lakes add to the character of the layout throughout. A distinctive and enjoyable course with a feel unlike most others on the Grand Strand.
Par: 72 | Slope: 135 | Yardage: 6,933 | USGA: 73.6

River Hills Golf Club stands apart from most Grand Strand courses by offering genuine elevation changes across its layout — a rarity on the flat coastal property that defines much of the area’s golf. That undulating terrain, combined with numerous water hazards, sand bunkers, and fast greens, creates a course that feels more varied and interesting than a typical beach layout. At 6,055 yards it’s not long, but the terrain more than compensates.
Par: 72 | Slope: 126 | Yardage: 6,055

Designed by Jeff Brauer and three-time major champion Larry Nelson, the Avocet Course at Wild Wing is one of the more creative layouts in the Myrtle Beach area. The course features elevated tees and greens, creative contouring, dual fairways, grass bunkers, and a double green serving two holes — giving players a variety of decisions and shot shapes throughout the round. The par-4 14th at 308 yards is drivable for players of all skill levels, making it one of the more fun holes on the Strand.