Title: The Hidden Gems: Underrated Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach – “The Golf Capital of the World” – a venerable paradise for golfers with its stunning greens stretching over a hundred miles to the Atlantic coastline. While the Grand Strand features some sensational courses, there’s a world beyond the iconic Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Tidewater, and Caledonia Golf & Fish Club that yearn for due attention. This article illuminates the underrated golf courses that are the hidden gems of Myrtle Beach.
Our first stop is at Whispering Pines Golf Course. This 6,771-yard course is nestled a stone’s throw away from The Market Common – a quaint, distinctive area of Myrtle Beach. Designed by Finger, Dye, and Spahn Design Group, Whispering Pines is a picture-perfect embodiment of serenity. Seamless natural waterways, pine trees, and wildlife accouter the course with a delightful ambiance, ensuring a calm, unhurried round. Neat fairways, well-contoured holes, and relatively affordable green fees make it an ideal place for golfers of all skill levels.
Next, we invite you to experience the magic of Arcadian Shores Golf Club. This Rees Jones, the first solo designed course, is an enigmatical blend of the north and south styles. Challenging doglegs, demanding par-3s, and unique bunkering challenge the seasoned golfers while a welcoming atmosphere and budget-friendly rates attract beginners. Two signature holes – the par-4 2nd and the par-3 13th – offer heart-stopping thrills with ample water hazards and strategically placed bunkers. Arcadian Shores, with its diverse design and lush green geography, is undoubtedly a spectacular underrated treasure.
Indigo Creek Golf Club in Murrells Inlet is our next stop. This Willard Byrd-designed masterpiece is renowned for its palm trees, creeks, and tranquil lagoons, presenting a truly picturesque backdrop. Graced with a low-country splendor reminiscent of old Carolina, Indigo Creek’s challenging, exceptional quality course welcomes golfers of all levels. Special night-lit driving range activities and family-friendly twilight rates make the golf experience more accessible and enjoyable. Indigo Creek, with its spellbinding pomp of nature and inherent charm, is indeed a golfers’ haven.
Further south into Pawleys Island lies Founders Club, described best in three words: raw, rustic, and remarkable! This Thomas Walker designed course is a modern marvel built on the sea marshes of the old Sea Gull Golf Course. The course features coquina-shell waste bunkers, along with prominent hole collars and elegantly undulating greens, each hole presenting a unique setting of pines, live oaks, and natural sand. As a pure testament to golf’s traditional roots, Founders Club, with its avant-garde design and scenic beauty, is a must-visit.
Finally, you must venture north to Aberdeen Country Club, a 27-hole Scottish links-style facility with a southern flair. This Tom Jackson design flaunts the Highland, Meadows, and Woodland nines that weave around natural waterways and thick forests. Each nine offers a different level of difficulty and aesthetics. The challenging greens and varied terrain test the pro’s accuracy while multiple teeing options offer flexibility for beginners. A product of sheer ingenuity and craftsmanship, Aberdeen Country Club is another hidden gem that you can’t miss.
Each of these underrated courses embodies the soul of Myrtle Beach golf – the quiet charm of Carolina pine trees, the rhythmic lapping of Atlantic waves, a blend of friendly yet challenging layouts, and an unwavering commitment to the game. Yes, the flagship courses hold their appeal, but if you’re chasing the authentic spirit of golf, these underrated marvels will top your list.
Embarking on an adventure to these unsung courses will not only give you a unique golfing experience but also give you a profound appreciation for the diverse golfing landscape Myrtle Beach has to offer. So ready your golfing gears and set your sights on these hidden gems of the Grand Strand for an unforgettable golf escape.
Terrific read! I’ve been golfing in Myrtle Beach for years yet never thought to deviate from the big-name courses. The Arcadian Shores Golf Club with its diverse design and heart-stopping holes sounds fascinating. Any tips on how to approach the challenging doglegs and par-3s? Could use some insider info for my next outing!
A good tip for the challenging doglegs at Arcadian Shores is to focus more on accurate placement rather than distance. For the demanding par-3s, club selection is key – take into account the wind and pin placements which can vary quite a bit. A fun course to play!
I got a chance to play Whispering Pines last Spring, and I couldn’t agree with you more about the calmness and serenity the course provides, definitely a hidden gem. But your recommendation on Founders Club genuinely had me laughing – ‘raw, rustic, and remarkable’ sounds more like my dad’s attempts at BBQ than a golf course! Guess I’ll have to see it for myself.
Oh, you’re in for a treat at Founders Club! The ‘raw, rustic, and remarkable’ is more akin to the untouched beauty of the natural elements of the course rather than your dad’s BBQ. The unique setting of each hole will surely keep you entertained. Enjoy your game!