10 Under-the-Radar Myrtle Beach Designers Deliver Variety, Quality

At the heart of Myrtle Beach’s popularity as a golf destination is the diversity of experiences the destination offers. The Grand Strand is home to 90 golf courses that feature everything from links-style designs to traditional parkland layouts and everything in between.

Nearly every major architect of the last 40 years left his imprint on the area, providing a smorgasbord of courses and contrasting experiences other destinations struggle to match. As you plan your next Myrtle Beach golf trip, here are a host of under-the-radar designs that can improve your vacation.

A trip to Myrtlewood Golf Club provides the opportunity to play layouts designed by Edmund Alt and Arthur Hills. The Palmetto, an Ault design, was the first Myrtle Beach golf course to play along the Intracoastal Waterway, and the par-4 18th hole remains one of the area’s most recognizable challenges. PineHills, designed by Hills (how did you guess?), is a player-friendly track that is a treat to play.

For golfers looking for a round on the day of arrival or departure, Diamondback and Crown Park, both located along Highway 9, are prime candidates. Despite a fearsome name, Diamondback, a Russell Breeden design, provides a value-packed round of golf and a welcoming environment. A few miles closer to the beach, Crown Park, a Robbie Byers layout, gives players a chance to go low.

Architect Ron Garl is a household name in Florida golf circles and his only Myrtle Beach course, Tradition Club, is beloved by locals and traveling golfers alike, highlighting the time-tested virtues of traditional golf course architecture.

Rick Robbins has a pair of Grand Strand courses to his credit – Crow Creek and Colonial Charters. Crow Creek, which plays through Carolina Pines and along the Caw Caw River, is one of the area’s hidden gems, while Colonial Charters, a par 71, engages players with a host of risk-reward decisions.

The word most associated with Wild Wing’s Avocet Course is fun. From the drivable, par-4 14th hole to double greens and dual fairways, the challenges at Avocet, a course designed by Jeff Brauer and 3-time major champion Larry Nelson, are as varied as they are enjoyable.

Speaking of varied challenges, Founders Club at Pawleys Island features elevated fairways, framed by sprawling waste bunkers. Founders Club is largely devoid of cart paths and it offers a unique look.

The Myrtle Beach market’s southernmost course is Wedgefield Country Club. The Porter Gibson and Bob Toski design is highlighted by a handful of holes that play along the Black River, pairing stunning views with a layout that delivers value.

As you book your next Myrtle Beach golf trip, embrace the diversity of courses the area offers.