Traveling to Myrtle Beach for a golf trip but dreading the thought of lugging your clubs through the airport? You're in luck. You can absolutely rent golf clubs in Myrtle Beach, and doing so is not only simple but might even be the smarter play. This article will walk you through all your rental options, from grabbing a set at the course to having a premium set delivered right to your hotel, so you can spend less time stressing about logistics and more time focusing on that first tee shot.
Why Rent Clubs in Myrtle Beach? A Coach's Perspective
As a golf coach, I see players agonize over bringing their clubs on vacation. Let's be honest, flying with a golf bag can be a real headache. You have airline baggage fees (which seem to climb every year), the risk of your precious clubs getting damaged by baggage handlers, and the general inconvenience of hauling a bulky travel bag around. Renting solves all of that. But beyond just convenience, there are a few other great reasons to consider renting:
- Try Before You Buy: Rental services often stock the latest and greatest models from top brands like TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, and PING. This is your chance to test-drive that new driver or set of irons you've been eyeing for a full 18 holes, which is a far better test than a few swings in a simulator.
- Play with a Fresh Set: Are your own grips getting a little slick? Are the grooves on your wedges worn down? Rental sets are typically well-maintained with fresh grips and clean grooves, which can make a surprising difference in your performance, especially on short shots.
- Perfect for the Spontaneous Trip: Maybe you're in Myrtle Beach for a family vacation or a business conference and an unexpected invitation to play comes up. Renting makes it possible to say "yes" without having to plan your entire trip around golf.
Your Three Main Rental Options in Myrtle Beach
When it comes to renting clubs along the Grand Strand, you generally have three solid choices. Each has its own set of pros and cons, so the right one for you will depend on your budget, how many rounds you’re playing, and how much you care about the specific clubs you use.
1. Renting Directly from the Golf Course
This is the most straightforward option. Nearly every golf course in the Myrtle Beach area offers rental sets for men, women, and often juniors. You'll typically find right-handed and left-handed options available.
How It Works:
The process is incredibly simple. When you book your tee time, either online or over the phone, just mention that you'll need to rent a set of clubs. The pro shop staff will have them ready and waiting for you when you check in. They'll greet you, hand you the bag, and you can take them straight to the cart or the driving range. After your round, you just drop them back off at the pro shop. It’s a seamless process.
The Good and The Bad:
- Pros: The convenience is unbeatable. There's no planning required beyond mentioning it with your tee time. The gear is often decent, featuring recent models from major brands.
- Cons: This is almost always the most expensive option, with costs ranging from $50 to $85+ per round. The selection is also very limited, you'll get whichever set they have available, usually with standard regular or stiff flex shafts. If you're playing multiple courses on your trip, you’ll be playing with a different set each day, which can mess with your feel and distance control.
Coach’s Tip:
Don't be shy when you pick up your rental set. Before walking away, do a quick inspection. Check the grips to make sure they aren't slick. Look at the face of the sand wedge for reasonably fresh grooves. Make sure the putter feels comfortable in your hands. If you need a stiff shaft, confirm that’s what you were given. You’re paying a premium for the rental, so you have a right to get a set in good, playable condition.
2. Using a Dedicated Golf Club Rental Service
For golfers playing multiple rounds or those who are more particular about their equipment, a dedicated rental service is often the best choice. These online businesses specialize in shipping high-quality, customized golf club sets directly to you.
How It Works:
Companies like Clublender or local Myrtle Beach rental shops handle everything online. You visit their website weeks or days before your trip and browse their inventory. You can choose the exact brand and model you want, from the latest PING G430 driver to a full set of Titleist T200 irons. You’ll also specify your preferences:
- Men's or Women's
- Right or Left-handed
- Shaft Flex (Stiff, Regular, Senior, etc.)
- Standard, long, or short length
Once you’ve made your selection, you schedule delivery. You can have the clubs sent directly to your hotel, condo, or even to the first golf course you're playing. A courier drops them off, and after your last round, they come and pick them up. It's white-glove service for your golf needs.
The Good and The Bad:
- Pros: You get a massive selection of the newest, highest-quality clubs. The set is tailored to your exact specifications. For a trip involving three or more rounds, it’s often more cost-effective than renting from the course each day. Most importantly, you get to play with the same set for your entire trip, building consistency and confidence.
- Cons: This option requires some advance planning. You can't decide to do it the morning of your round. You also need to coordinate the delivery and pickup, ensuring someone will be at your hotel to receive the bag.
Coach’s Tip:
Using a rental service is an excellent way to maintain a "control" in your game while playing unfamiliar courses. Your swing will have enough variables to deal with on a different course, having the same trusted set of clubs in your hands for each round provides a valuable sense of familiarity.
3. Renting from a Local Golf Store
Myrtle Beach is home to some massive golf retail stores, like the PGA TOUR Superstore. Many of these stores offer comprehensive demo and rental programs, giving you a third option that combines choice with a hands-on approach.
How It Works:
You can walk into one of these large golf stores and work with a staff member to select a set of clubs to rent for a day or for your entire trip. The huge advantage here is that you can often hit the clubs in their indoor simulators or hitting bays before committing. You can feel the weight, test the shaft flex, and compare different models side-by-side.
The Good and The Bad:
- Pros: Unmatched ability to see, touch, and test the clubs before renting. Access to a massive inventory of brands and models. The staff can offer fitting advice to help you choose the right set.
- Cons: This is the most labor-intensive option. You have to physically drive to the store to pick up the clubs and then drive back to return them at the end of your trip, which can eat into your valuable vacation time. Pricing can vary and might not be the most economical choice for longer trips.
What's in the Bag? Costs, Brands, and Quality
No matter which option you choose, you'll generally find quality equipment. Myrtle Beach is the "Golf Capital of the World," and rental providers know that golfers have high expectations.
Typical Rental Set Composition
A standard rental bag will be set up to cover all the shots you'll need. You'll typically get:
- Driver: Almost always a modern, forgiving driver (e.g., TaylorMade Qi10, Callaway Paradym).
- Fairway Wood &, Hybrid: Usually a 3-wood and a versatile hybrid (like a 4-hybrid) to cover your long-game needs.
- Irons: A set of "game improvement" irons, usually a 5-iron through Pitching Wedge (5-PW). These are designed for forgiveness and are perfect for the average amateur.
- Wedges: You will almost always get a Sand Wedge (around 56 degrees). Some premium sets may include a gap wedge or lob wedge as well.
- Putter: This varies the most. You'll get a standard mallet or blade putter. Rental services often let you choose a specific model.
- Bag: A functional stand or cart bag.
Remember, rentals don't include consumables! You will still need to bring or buy your own golf balls, tees, and a glove.
A Coach's Pre-Rental Checklist
To make your rental experience as smooth as possible, run through this quick checklist before your trip:
- Know Your General Specs. At a minimum, know if you're left or right-handed and if you typically play a regular or stiff flex shaft. If you are significantly taller or shorter than average, look for a rental service that offers custom lengths.
- Book in Advance. During the peak seasons in Myrtle Beach (spring and fall), rental clubs get snatched up fast, especially left-handed sets. Book your clubs when you book your tee times.
- Ask About the Putter. If you're a devoted blade user, getting a big mallet might throw off your feel on the greens. It doesn't hurt to ask what they have. Premium services often let you select a specific putter model from their inventory.
- Confirm the Logistics. If using a delivery service, double-check the delivery address and time. Get a contact number in case of any hiccups.
- Give Them a Quick Once-Over. When you receive the clubs, count them to make sure the set is complete. Take a quick look at the grips and faces. If you spot any significant pre-existing damage, point it out immediately to avoid being held responsible for it later.
Final Thoughts
Renting golf clubs in Myrtle Beach is a viable, convenient, and often wise decision for any visiting golfer. Whether you prioritize the effortless convenience of course-side rentals or the customized selection from a dedicated delivery service, there’s an option that will perfectly suit your trip and budget.
Navigating new courses in a place like Myrtle Beach can be a challenge, even with the perfect set of clubs. With so many iconic layouts, knowing the right play is half the battle. This is precisely where we designed Caddie AI to help. Think of it as having a local expert with you for every shot. If you're standing on a tee, you can describe the hole and our AI coach will give you a simple, smart strategy. If you’re faced with a tricky stance in one of Myrtle's sandy waste areas, you can even snap a photo of your ball's lie and we'll analyze it, giving you clear advice on the best way to play the shot. It gives you the confidence to execute with commitment, no matter where you're playing.