Byrd is the Word: 6 Myrtle Beach Golf Courses You Need to Play from a Legend You Should Know

If you’re a Myrtle Beach golf fanatic and you haven’t heard of Willard Byrd, it’s time to fix that — fast.

Byrd was one of the most prolific golf course architects of his era, cranking out over 100 designs across his career. But what really set him apart wasn’t the quantity — it was the vibe. Byrd built courses that were fun, fair, and flat-out enjoyable to play. No ego trips. No “let’s punish the average golfer” nonsense. Just great golf.

And lucky for us, six of his best are right here on the Grand Strand.

1. Litchfield Country Club — The OG of Pawleys Island Golf
Here’s a wild fact: back in 1966, Myrtle Beach had only eight golf courses. The idea of building one all the way down in Pawleys Island? People thought it was crazy. Willard Byrd did it anyway.

Litchfield Country Club didn’t just survive — it thrived. More than 50 years later, it’s still a local favorite and a bucket-list stop for visitors. Byrd basically opened the door to South Strand golf, and Pawleys Island is now home to some of the best courses in the entire country. Not a bad legacy for one “wild idea.”

Best for: History buffs, classic golf lovers, and anyone exploring Pawleys Island

2. Lockwood Folly — Myrtle Beach Golf’s Most Beautiful Secret

If you want to play a course that genuinely takes your breath away, Lockwood Folly is it.

Massive live oaks. Pine forests. And then — boom — you’re on the banks of the Lockwood Folly River with coastal views that belong on a postcard. This is the kind of course that makes people book a return trip before they’ve even finished the round. Byrd designed it to be scenic and challenging, and he nailed both.

Best for: Golfers who want stunning scenery alongside a solid test of the game

3. International Club — The Smart Choice for Your Myrtle Beach Golf Package

Opened in 2000, International Club in Murrells Inlet is one of Byrd’s final area designs — and it shows everything he mastered over a lifetime of building great golf courses.

From the back (black) tees at 6,857 yards, it’s a legit challenge for low handicappers. But mid-to-high handicappers? You’ll have a blast. Byrd built this course to be fair, and that fairness, combined with the excellent value International Club delivers, makes it a no-brainer addition to any Myrtle Beach golf trip itinerary.

Best for: Groups with mixed handicaps, value-seekers, and anyone building a 36-hole day in Murrells Inlet

4. Sea Trail — The Byrd Course (Yes, He Has a Namesake Here)

Sea Trail is a 54-hole golf resort, which means you’ve got options. But if you ask the locals, the Byrd Course is the crown jewel of the property.

The design demands accuracy off the tee — spray it around and those lakes will eat your golf ball for lunch. But dial it in, and there are plenty of birdie opportunities waiting. It’s the perfect balance of risk and reward that makes you want to go back and take another crack at it.

Best for: Golfers who love strategic, tee-to-green decision-making

5. Lion’s Paw at Ocean Ridge Plantation — Meet the Original “Big Cat”

Ocean Ridge Plantation is Brunswick County’s most iconic multi-course facility, and Willard Byrd was the one who started it all.

When Lion’s Paw opened in 1991, it became the first of the now-famous “Big Cats” lineup — a collection of courses that put Ocean Ridge on destination golf map. The layout winds through wetlands and rolling terrain, giving you gorgeous scenery and a genuinely fun round of golf. It’s approachable, scenic, and memorable — classic Byrd.

Best for: Players checking off the Big Cats, and anyone who loves a rolling, natural golf landscape

6. Meadowlands Golf Club — The Course That Wants You to Score Well

Some courses are designed to humble you. Meadowlands Golf Club was designed to help you.

With a slope/rating of 69.9/118 from the white tees, this is Byrd’s love letter to the everyday golfer. It’s the kind of round where you walk off the 18th green excited to tell your buddies your score. And it’s not just generous — it’s gorgeous. Meadowlands is a former National Golf Course Owners Association Course of the Year, and it’s typically in spectacular shape.

Best for: Higher handicappers, confidence-builders, and anyone who just wants to have a great time

The Bottom Line: Willard Byrd Deserves More Credit

Willard Byrd may not be a household name like some of golf’s architectural legends, but his fingerprints are all over the Myrtle Beach golf scene — and his courses have absolutely stood the test of time.

Whether you’re chasing a scenic coastal round at Lockwood Folly, hunting for value at International Club, or experiencing a little golf history at Litchfield, a Byrd course belongs on your Myrtle Beach itinerary. Trust us on this one.

Planning your Myrtle Beach golf trip? These six Willard Byrd-designed courses are a great place to start. Mix and match for the perfect golf getaway on the Grand Strand.