Naming the absolute best golf course in Myrtle Beach is like trying to name the best song ever written - there's no single right answer, but there are legendary contenders everyone agrees are masterpieces. The Grand Strand is home to over 80 courses, each with its own personality, challenges, and charm. This guide will walk you through the top-tier courses that always surface in the conversation and then help you break down the options to find the perfect track for your game, your budget, and your ideal golf trip.
"Best" Is Personal: What Makes a Course Great for You?
Before we run down the list of bucket-list courses, let's get something straight: the "best" course on paper might not be the best course for your foursome. As a golf coach, I see players have a miserable time on a "top 100" course because it was too hard, while having the time of their lives on a local favorite that better suited their game. When you're picking a course, the right question isn't "Which one is ranked highest?" but "Which one will give me the most enjoyable experience?"
Consider these factors:
- Skill Level: Are you a scratch golfer looking for a championship test, or a high-handicapper who wants wide fairways and a chance to make a few pars? Be honest about your game. A brutally difficult course can be a humbling grind if you're not ready for it.
- Budget: The green fees in Myrtle Beach range from very affordable to premium. You can play incredible golf without paying Tour-level prices if you know where to look.
- Desired Experience: Are you looking for stunning-ocean or marsh-front scenery? A classic, tree-lined design with a historical feel? Or a modern layout with huge greens and dramatic hazards?
Keep these personal preferences in mind as we explore some of the most celebrated courses along the Grand Strand.
The Heavy-Hitters: Always in the "Best Course" Conversation
If you're looking for the courses that consistently earn top honors from golf publications and die-hard locals, this is your short list. These layouts are renowned for their design, conditioning, and unforgettable holes. You can't go wrong booking a tee time at any of them.
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
Often considered the crown jewel of Pawleys Island just south of Myrtle Beach, Caledonia is a masterpiece of art and nature. Designed by Mike Strantz, the course is famous for its breathtaking Lowcountry aesthetic. Live oaks draped in Spanish moss frame every hole, and creative, strategic design makes it visually intimidating yet fair to play. You don't just play a round here, you experience it. The approach shot into the 18th green, right in front of the gallery on the clubhouse porch, is one of the most iconic and nerve-wracking finishers in all of golf.
The Dunes Golf & Beach Club
This is the classic, the patriarch of Myrtle Beach golf. A Robert Trent Jones Sr. design from 1948, The Dunes Club exudes a timeless feeling of history and grandeur. The course has hosted countless major events, including the PGA Tour Championship and U.S. Women's Open. Its most famous stretch is the par-5 13th, "Waterloo," a sharp dogleg right that wraps around Lake Singleton. It’s a true three-shot hole for most players that demands serious course management. For a traditional championship experience with a touch of oceanside atmosphere, The Dunes Club is a must-play.
TPC Myrtle Beach
If you want to feel what it's like to play where the pros play, TPC is your destination. Formerly the host of the Senior PGA Tour Championship, this Tom Fazio design will test every aspect of your game. The conditioning is immaculate, just as you'd expect from a Tournament Players Club. It’s carved through a pristine forest, making every hole feel secluded. With demanding tee shots, challenging greens, and no trickery - just a solid, difficult test of golf - TPC Myrtle Beach gives low-handicappers everything they can handle from the back tees while remaining playable from the forward tees.
Barefoot Resort & Golf (The Big Four)
Barefoot Resort is a unique golf destination offering four distinct courses designed by four legends of the game, all in one facility. It's tough to pick a favorite, as each has its fans.
- The Dye Course: Designer Pete Dye is known for making golfers uncomfortable, and this course lives up to his reputation. Visually dramatic, with his signature railroad ties, pot bunkers, and numerous waste areas, it is considered the most challenging of the four and a brutal test from the tips.
..."- The Love Course: Davis Love III's creation is consistently ranked among the top courses in the state. It blends a classic style with modern touches beautifully. With its wide, sweeping fairways and generous greens, it’s one of the most playable and enjoyable courses at the resort for a wide range of handicaps.
- .."The Fazio Course: Tom Fazio is known for creating visually stunning and strategic layouts with plenty of sand and water. True to form, the Fazio course is a Carolina classic with an excellent flow, mature trees shaping the holes, and significant bunkering to navigate.
.."...- The Norman Course: Greg Norman designed this course with seven holes playing along the Intracoastal Waterway. It has a more open, "links-like" feel in places but a demanding finish that requires precise shot-making.
Finding Your Perfect Match: Top Courses by Category
Maybe the "best overall" isn't what you're looking for. Here’s a breakdown to help you find a course that perfectly aligns with your specific golf trip goals.
Best for Scenery & Vistas
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