Myrtle Beach Golf News & Updates

The Intracoastal Waterway provides a stunning backdrop for a round of golf, and seven Myrtle Beach courses play along the man-made body of water that runs from Maine to Miami. Enjoy a look at some of the prettiest courses on the East Coast.

Great shots and a squandered opportunity defined the sixth episode of Big Break Myrtle Beach.

Just eight players remained and the first part of the immunity challenge took place on one of Myrtle Beach’s most popular holes, the fourth on Barefoot Resort’s Love Course.

Golf is an aspirational game. We all dream of playing the best of the best, and no destination provides more opportunities to make that dream a reality than Myrtle Beach.

Golfweek provided further affirmation of Myrtle Beach’s place atop the golf travel market with its ranking of America’s Top 100 Resort Courses. The list which was unveiled in the magazine’s Ultimate Guide to Golf Course Living and Great Escapes issue, ranked three area courses among the nation’s top 100, led by a pair of top 30 layouts.

Leading way was Caledonia, which was the 24th ranked Resort Course in America, followed closely by the Dunes Club at No. 26 and the Moorland Course at Legends Resort, which was 85th.

The Dye, Love and Fazio courses at Barefoot Resort & Golf were all ranked among the next 100, further validating the depth and quality of Myrtle Beach’s golf offerings.

A consensus top 100 layout, Caledonia is an unforgettable combination of Mike Strantz’ architectural genius and a stunning piece of lowcountry South Carolina property. Caledonia plays through soaring live oak trees draped in Spanish moss and along the Waccamaw Neck, a body of water that used to be home to a thriving rice plantation.

The 18th hole, which requires a forced carry into a green that rests in the shadow of an antebellum style clubhouse, is universally regarded as among the finest in golf, but it’s only part of what makes Caledonia special.

The Dunes Club, a Robert Trent, Sr., masterpiece that helped put Myrtle Beach on the map, is the area’s most storied layout. The course, which features uncommon elevation change, wide fairways and daunting greens, has hosted the six Senior PGA Tour Championships, the U.S. Women’s Open, and most recently the PGA Professional National Championship.

Waterloo, as the famed 13th hole is known, is the Dunes Club’s signature hole and concludes a memorable three-hole stretch known as Alligator Alley. The 11th hole, which plays along marshy waters from the nearby Atlantic Ocean, is one of the area’s best and most scenic holes.

The Moorland Course at Legends is among the most popular courses in America, in addition to its critical acclaim. The P.B. Dye creation features expansive greens and uses imaginative bunkering to generate visuals. The course, which has been ranked among America’s 50 most difficult layouts, is most known for the par 4 16th hole, otherwise known as Hell’s Half Acre.

The 270-yard hole presents the ultimate risk-reward decision, offering players a shot at eagle or much, much worse for those who find the wrong bunker.

The sixth episode of Big Break Myrtle Beach touts a window of opportunity, both literal and figurative in this case, as the show moves to the Love Course at Barefoot Resort.

Golf holes don’t change very often – not the actual routing, anyway.

Sure, trees are trimmed and removed, new irrigation systems are put in the fairways and greens are sometimes reshaped and frequently planted with the best new grass available.

But blowing up a hole and starting over? Hardly ever done. Nobody wants to make the time and investment (shutting down the hole and/or course) and risk striking out.

Yet it has happened at several of the best Myrtle Beach golf courses. And with spectacular results.

A few of Myrtle Beach golf's most popular holes at some of its most high-profile courses bear little resemblance to their original form.

Here’s a few examples where starting over – or making dramatic changes – resulted in home runs:
 

As Big Break Myrtle Beach nears the halfway point, just how tenuous each player’s existence on the show is was brought into focus in Episode Five. Watch as one solitary second helped send a player home, and Charlie was forced to confront a $10,000 question.

The fifth episode of Big Break Myrtle Beach highlighted the importance of every second and left Charlie to ponder a $10,000 question.

As the season nears its halfway point, the familiar colored golf balls returned to the breakfast table as a way of determining teams for the day’s immunity challenge. Contestants choose a ball but were then forced to pass it to the person on their right.

Episode 5 of Big Break Myrtle Beach airs Tuesday night at 9 p.m. on Golf Channel and mystery is in the air. In the sneak peek (watch below), contestants sound bewildered.

Mix in images of players sprinting on the course and it appears that unexpected drama awaits us!

Dan Maples grew up in Pinehurst, N.C., immersed in the tradition of Carolinas golf. His father, Ellis, designed several of the top courses in the Carolinas. His grandfather, Frank Maples, was Donald Ross’ construction engineer on several legendary Sandhills courses, including renowned Pinehurst No. 2.

But Dan Maples created a legacy all his own in the Myrtle Beach area as a pioneer by designing spectacular courses that wind through breathtaking scenic marshes with holes that conclude with dramatic, uniquely shaped greens in a memorable setting. While previous architects tended to build away from wetlands, Maples weaved his holes through them.

Maples’ Myrtle Beach-area courses, which trace back to the unveiling of stunning Oyster Bay Golf Links in 1983, now number 10, stretching from Sunset Beach in the north down to Pawleys Island. The architect’s incorporation of wetlands into his routing ushered in a new era in Grand Strand golf, adding both beauty and difficulty to area layouts.

As Maples has said: “From the beginning, one of our goals has been to build courses that players could remember.”

Here’s a look at a memorable hole on each of Maples’ Grand Strand designs:

Heritage Club: The par-4 14th is one of the Grand Strand’s best driving holes, challenging players to gamble off the tee. Hit it right – the shortest carry over the water – and you’re left with a layup or long approach over water. Hit it short or too far left and you’re hitting 3 off the tee. A solid drive that doesn’t bite off enough dogleg goes through the fairway into woods. But a solid strike hit with a bit of bravery leaves a very manageable approach.

Man O’War: An island green sitting exposed in a 200-acre lake greets players at the par-3 17th. From an elevated tee, the approach with a mid-iron must navigate strong breezes over the water to the kidney-shaped putting surface.

Oyster Bay: Several of the most photographed holes on the Grand Strand to pick from here. But there are few more thrilling shots anywhere than the short-iron approach on the par-3 17th, which features an island green surrounded by water and lined by oyster shells. Safely reaching the diagonally shaped green, which is at least one club further to the back, left side requires extreme accuracy and precise club selection. 

Pearl East: The beautiful, but menacing Calabash River marsh extends the length of the left side of the long par-4 18th hole. One bunker serves as a buffer on the left, three others surround the green. Breezes off the marsh add more difficulty to the hole.

Pearl West: The par-5 finishing hole is one of the most iconic on the Grand Strand. Water bisects the fairway on the second shot, leaving players the option for a dangerous attempt to reach the green in two or a safe play left of the hazard, which still must be crossed on the third shot.

Sandpiper Bay: Maples proves with this 27-hole Sunset Beach, N.C. facility that a layout can have beautiful wetlands and other dangerous hazards while maintaining a high degree of playability.  The short par-4 3rd hole on the “Sand” nine offers a great birdie opportunity for players who can hit an accurate tee shot over water to a narrow fairway, leaving just a pitch to the green.

Sea Trail Maples Course: At the long, par-4 7th, the tee shot must be hit right of water that bisects the dogleg left to leave a clear approach. The hole can’t be overpowered off the tee. Three bunkers guard against bailouts hit long and right of the fairway.

Willbrook Plantation: Make sure and get loosened up before your round. Willbrook begins with some of its toughest holes, leading to the short par-3 6th, which features a putting complex surrounded by water. Though the vertically shaped green is long, the green is elevated with the putting surface falling off toward the water and a large bunker that guards the left side.

The Witch: At the par-4 9th, players feel the full effect of golf in the eerie, black wetlands filled with cypress, reptiles and birds of prey. Drives don’t have to be long, but they have to be accurate to hit a fairway surrounded by wetlands. Tee shots hit off-target to the left leave a second shot over water and wetlands blocked by trees.

The Wizard:  The par-4 finishing hole doesn’t just have an island green – it has an island fairway, too. So it’s actually an island hole. There’s a little more room for error on the left, but there’s an almost mystical push many players feel that sends drives to the right. The strong breezes off the large, centerpiece lake add to the challenge.

Two Myrtle Beach area golf facilities have been ranked among ConventionSouth Magazine’s list of the “South’s Top 18 Golf Resorts for Groups.”

Sea Trail Golf Resort & Convention Center, home of three courses, and Pawleys Plantation, which features a Jack Nicklaus design, each earned a spot on the list.

The 18 golf resorts that made this year’s list were nominated by readers and the final selection was made by ConventionSouth’s editorial team based on the number and quality of the nominations, as well as additional factors.

ConventionSouth’s editorial team requested nominations for golf resorts throughout the South and the Caribbean Seas Region during the month of September and selected 18 of the best resorts for both golf and meetings based on several factors, including golf course accolades and golf club amenities for groups, affordability, accessibility, and the amount of on-site meeting venues and accommodations for groups.

Located just across the state line in Brunswick County, N.C., Sea Trail is a destination unto itself with two clubhouses, accommodations and restaurants accompanying three four-star golf courses. The three layouts at Sea Trail – the Maples, Byrd and Jones courses – are all highly regarded have earned a reputation for delivering quality and value to anyone taking a Myrtle Beach golf trip.

Pawleys Plantation, a host of Golf Channel’s hit series Big Break Myrtle Beach, is one of the area’s most scenic and challenging layouts. Five of the final nine holes play along a stunning saltmarsh that separates Pawleys Island from the mainland and is at the heart of the course’s appeal.

The inclusion of Sea Trail and Pawleys Plantation on the list of the South’s Top 18 Golf Resorts for Groups is further endorsement of Myrtle Beach’s appeal as a destination. Earlier this year, readers of USA Today’s 10 Best voted Myrtle Beach Best Golf Destination in the world, and Golf Channel selected the area to be the host of its flagship original program Big Break.

The fourth episode of Big Break Myrtle Beach is in the books and it will leave people talking, less for what happened on the course than what came out of Anthony’s mouth.

The episode’s immunity challenge featured a playground type format as two captain’s – Katy H and Toph – selected teams. Tessa, Charlie, Emily and Christian joined Katy H.

Toph selected Jimmy, Carolin, Dave and Anthony, who was the last pick, surely a sign of disrespect in his eyes.

The competition moved to the…

Episode four of Big Break Myrtle Beach will air Tuesday night at 9 p.m. on Golf Channel and it appears personal animosity will take center stage. Anthony Quezada, the brash 19-year-old from Arizona, has reveled in tweaking his fellow players at every turn and root against them on occasion.  

Based on the show preview, Anthony’s bravado and the hostility of his fellow players seem to be on the rise. But at the end of the day, it’s the play on the course that matters and there will be plenty of that, including a third elimination.

If you missed last week’s episode and want to get caught up, you can watch episode three in its entirety here or read a quick recap.

Pawleys Island has long held the reputation as being home to some of the best golf in Myrtle Beach, and it’s also home to several of the area’s premier restaurants, none better than Bistro 217.

If you don’t believe us, ask the locals who flock to the place.

The menu at Bistro 217 is varied, but at its heart, if you appreciate the virtues of a creative and talented chef, it’s a fine dining experience.

Located just minutes from Caledonia, Pawleys Plantation, Heritage Club, True Blue, and Founders Club, it’s easily accessible for golf groups looking for lunch or post-round dinner, though reservations are recommended.

Here is what you can expect at Bistro 217.

Setting
Bistro 217 is tucked away in a strip of shops off Highway 17, but when you enter through the courtyard, it’s immediately charming. Wrought iron tables offer the appeal of outdoor dining – accompanied by a refreshing coastal breeze – with the security of a reinforced canvas cover in the event of rain.

The indoor dining room is moderate in size but more importantly can offer a sense of intimacy. If your group is looking for a more lively setting, the bar is the place to be.

Menu
The lunch menu is very good, the Monster Bistro Burger is a must have, but Bistro 217 earned its reputation as Pawleys Island’s best restaurant based on the strength of its dinner offerings.

Chef Adam Kirby has crafted a menu influenced by the Southern cooking he was raised on and the flavors of the Pacific Rim where he spent some time training. The result is entrée offerings that are as creative as they are tasty.

Bistro’s signature appetizer is a fresh locally caught fish, almost always a snapper of some variety, that is scored, fried whole and served with a collection of jellies and sauces. The presentation is great and the taste is even better.

While the fish is the most popular appetizer and it serves multiple people, the quick fried calamari with cherry peppers, a five-pepper jelly, lemon aioli and field greens is a personal favorite.

The daily specials, which always include fresh fish, are a winner. Whether the special features hog fish, halibut or pompano, Kirby and his kitchen staff will deliver an outstanding meal.

Off the menu, the seared George’s Bank scallops over spring pea risotto, lobster-carrot sauce and local baby carrots is arguably the most popular entree. But the difference between the scallops, herb-encrusted grouper and the Eggplant Treasure, a delectable dish filled with local shrimp, scallops and grouper, is largely a matter of taste.

For non-seafood eaters, the filet served with creamed spinach and a gruyere potato cake is a winner. Based on experience, the steak is cooked perfectly and the spinach and potato cake are perfect complements.

The biggest problem at Bistro 217 is leaving room for dessert, which is at least as good as the rest of the menu. Chef Kirby makes fresh ice cream – imagine choosing from flavors like  Roasted Banana, Chocolate Cayenne and Pistachio, Salty Caramel, Cinnamon Pecan and Key Lime Pie – every day.

If ice cream doesn’t tickle your taste buds, the warm white chocolate bread pudding certainly will.

The Verdict
Bistro 217 is the best restaurant in Pawleys Island and one of the best along the Grand Strand. If your Myrtle Beach golf group is in search of a great meal, Bistro better be on your short list. It’s not an inexpensive meal, but given the quality, it’s reasonable. The most expensive item on the menu is the filet at $34 and it’s worth every penny.

If you missed episode three of Big Break Myrtle Beach, here it is. Enjoy all the action from Golf Channel’s most popular original program, including a dramatic elimination challenge.

Caledonia Golf & Fish Club is neither the longest nor the toughest golf course on the Grand Strand.

But it’s been regarded as one of the best since opening as acclaimed architect Mike Strantz’ first solo project in 1994.

Great shotmaking requirements, stunning beauty and remarkable playability for golfers of all skills make Caledonia a consensus choice as one of Myrtle BeachI sub golf’s top destinations.
At only 6,526 yards from the black tees (6,121 from blue and 5,710 from white), the par-70 Caledonia layout offers proof that brute length is not a requirement for a great golf course.
With that in mind, here’s a trio of memorable short holes, featuring remarkable challenge and beauty at the Pawleys Island course.

No. 7, par-4 399 (323 white) yards:
The tee shot is a modest carry over water, which then extends down the entire left side of the hole. The right side offers a bailout with an approach blocked by trees.

Though the sand-lined water hazard is striking, the dominating feature of the hole is a spectacular live oak that must be carried on approaches from the right side of the fairway.

No bunkers are needed to protect a large, undulating green that runs from front left to back right. Most lengthy putts must navigate tricky slopes that make two-putting a difficult challenge.

No. 11, par-3, 167 (150 white) yards:
A twisting stream cutting across the fairway and continuing to the green, and a diagonally shaped green defined by the stream make No. 11 a beautiful and memorable hole requiring a well-struck tee shot, especially if the pin is tucked in the back-left portion of the green, which is at least two clubs further from the tee than front placements.

The ability to work the ball from either side is a huge advantage. Shots to the more distant left portion of the green are much easier with a draw. But too much draw finds a lake fed by the stream. A fade, cut over the stream, is the shot of the choice to the front right placements, which are guarded by a pair of bunkers.

The menacing stream and the unusual front-right to back-left shape of the green make the target small and elusive. Tricky depth perception issues and failure to pay attention to pin placements often provide problems for first-time guests.

No. 18, par-4, 383 (362 white) yards:
This signature hole requires focus and accuracy rather than length on both the drive and the approach. But don’t forget to take in the beauty of the scenic lake that dissects the fairway on a dangerous carry to the long, narrow green.

A fairway wood is plenty from the tee, with the main requirement hitting the fairway and avoiding the water on the right and the grabbing rough to the left. Though the left side of the landing area is safer, shots hit closer to the water leave a shorter approach to a putting surface beautifully framed by the antebellum-style clubhouse and patio.

Breezes off the water make approaches from the relatively open landing area more difficult than they might seem. Shots must be hit long enough to carry the water, but not as far as to scatter patrons enjoying a beverage on the patio only a few paces off the putting surface, which is less than 10 yards in depth on the extreme right finger.

Strantz’ finishing hole requires two accurate shots of modest length hit boldly through breezes to small targets set against breathtaking scenery. It’s a hole that makes you thirsty for the 19th hole on the patio, where you can watch others take the same challenge.

John Brasier covered Grand Strand golf as golf writer and sports editor of The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. He also has written about Grand Strand golf for several national publications, including Golf Magazine, Golfweek and GolfWorld. A mid-handicapper with a history of luck on short holes, he’s made four holes-in-one, though much to his regret, none on the Grand Strand.