Thinking a December golf trip to Myrtle Beach is off the table? Think again. Contrary to popular belief, the Golf Capital of the World doesn't shut down when the calendar flips to its final page. This article will show you exactly why December might be one of the best times to visit, covering what the weather is truly like, how the course conditions actually help your game, what gear to pack, and insider tips for making the most of an incredible off-season golf getaway.
Let's get straight to it: Yes, you absolutely can golf in Myrtle Beach in December, and it’s a fantastic experience. While your friends up north are storing their clubs and staring out at frozen tundra, you could be striping a drive down a sun-drenched fairway on the Carolina coast. December is Myrtle Beach's best-kept secret for golfers who are in the know.
Why is it so good? Three simple reasons:
In short, a December trip gives you better value and a more relaxed experience on some of the country's best public courses. It's a trade-off many smart golfers are happy to make.
The number one question is always about the weather. Most people picture winter as cold, dreary, and wet, but that's often not the case in Myrtle Beach. The climate here is classified as subtropical, which means winters are very mild compared to most of the country.
You can generally expect daytime high temperatures to be in the mid-to-upper 50s and even into the low 60s Fahrenheit (around 13-17°C). The sun is surprisingly warm, and on a calm, clear day, it can feel absolutely glorious. Mornings and evenings will be chilly, with lows dipping into the upper 30s or low 40s (3-6°C), so you'll definitely need a few layers to start your round.
Keep in mind that these are just averages. It's possible to have a day that approaches 70°F (21°C), just as it's possible to have a brisk day that struggles to get out of the 40s. The takeaway is to check the forecast before you pack, but plan for cool, comfortable golfing weather.
Here’s another bonus: December is one of the drier months of the year in Myrtle Beach. While a stray rain shower is always possible, you are far more likely to experience clear, blue skies. The combination of the lower-angled winter sun and crisp air makes for beautiful playing conditions that are great for photography and just soaking in the scenery.
As a golf coach, I love The Grand Strand in December because the unique conditions demand a smarter approach to the game. If you understand how the weather and turf affect your shots, you can use them to your advantage.
This is basic physics. Colder air is denser than warm air, which creates more drag on the golf ball a it flies. The result? Your shots will not carry as far as they do during a hot summer day. As a general rule, you can expect to lose about 5-10 yards of carry distance with your irons.
Actionable Advice: Take one extra club for most of your approach shots. If you would normally hit an 8-iron from 150 yards, pull out the 7-iron. Don't try to swing harder to make up the distance - that's a recipe for mishits. Just trust the extra club and make a smooth, balanced swing. Making this adjustment is the single biggest key to scoring well in colder weather.
Walking onto a Myrtle Beach course in December can be visually striking. The fairways, typically made of Bermuda grass, will be a tawny, golden-brown color. Don't let this fool you into thinking the course is in bad shape - it's the exact opposite.
Swinging a golf club is an athletic motion, and your muscles don't perform well when they're cold and stiff. The risk of pulling a muscle or injuring your back is significantly higher if you just jump out of the car and head straight to the first tee. A proper warm-up is essential.
Actionable Advice: Arrive at the course at least 30-40 minutes before your tee time. Start with dynamic stretches like leg swings, torso twists, and arm circles to get the blood flowing. Then, head to the driving range. Begin with easy half-swings with a wedge, gradually working your way up to full swings and longer clubs. This prepares your body for the rotational stresses of the golf swing and grooves your tempo for the day.
Success on a December golf trip comes down to one word: layers. The ability to add or remove clothing as the temperature changes throughout your round is vital for staying comfortable.
To maximize your comfort, book your tee times between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. This allows the morning chill and any frost to burn off, and you'll be playing the bulk of your round during the warmest part of the afternoon before the sun starts to dip.
If temperatures drop near freezing overnight, the course will implement a "frost delay." This is done to protect the turf, as walking on frozen grass can damage or kill it. Don't worry about this. The pro shops are completely prepared for it. Simply show up, check in, and enjoy a coffee in the clubhouse. Delays are usually brief (30-90 minutes), and everyone's tee time just gets pushed back accordingly.
Myrtle Beach is famous for its golf packages. In December, these deals get even better. Look up golf package providers who bundle your rounds and lodging together for significant savings. Don't hesitate to call your top-choice courses directly to ask if they're running any off-season specials.
Myrtle Beach in December is not just a 'possible' destination for a golf trip, it’s a brilliant one. For the savvy golfer, it offers an unbeatable combination of world-class courses, comfortable playing conditions, and incredible value, all without the peak-season masses. By packing the right layers and adopting the right on-course strategy, you can have one of your most enjoyable golf vacations ever.
Adjusting to the unique challenges of winter golf, like judging distances when the ball flies shorter but rolls farther, can be tricky. This is exactly why we created Caddie AI, it's designed to remove uncertainty and help you play with more confidence. You'll get real-time club recommendations that account for the conditions, and if you’re ever facing a tough shot from a weird lie in the dormant grass, you can snap a photo, and I'll give you instant, simple advice on how to play it. That way, you're free to focus on what matters most: enjoying a beautiful day on the course.
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