3 North Strand Stalwarts to Add to Your Myrtle Beach Golf Itinerary

Myrtle Beach is golf’s most popular destination, and it has garnered coverage from nearly every corner of the media universe, but despite all the attention, the northern end of the Grand Strand golf scene occasionally gets overlooked.

The stretch from Little River to just across the state line into Brunswick County, N.C., is home to many outstanding courses, chief among them are Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links, Leopard’s Chase Golf Club and Tiger’s Eye Golf Links.

A Clyde Johnston design, Glen Dornoch is one of just six Myrtle Beach area golf courses that plays along the Intracoastal Waterway, and it delivers spectacular visuals. The layout rewards precision as opposed to raw power off the tee and the experience is highlighted by a three-hole finish along the waterway. The par-4 16th, the course’s hardest hole, plays downhill to a green that backs up to the water, and it begins the unforgettable closing stretch. The par-3 17th and par-4 18th are no less memorable or daunting. Make sure you leave time to enjoy a post-round drink on the clubhouse patio overlooking the Intracoastal and the double green holes 9 and 18 share.

Ocean Ridge Plantation is home to the four Big Cats, and it was Tiger’s Eye, the third of them, that first brought national acclaim to the property. Architect Tim Cate took full advantage of an expansive piece of land, creating a layout that was ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest. Cate’s use of waste bunkers and coquina boulder helped create visual contrast on a layout that has been a North Strand favorite since its opening in 2000.

Leopard’s Chase was the final Big Cat at Ocean Ridge, rounding out a quartet that also includes Lion’s Paw and Panther’s Run. This bold Cate design challenges players with rambling waste bunkers and large greens complexes. Leopard’s Chase was ranked among America’s top 10 new courses upon its opening in 2008 and, along with Tiger’s Eye, has helped make Ocean Ridge one of the area’s most popular multi-course facilities.

Myrtle Beach’s popularity is tied to the quality and quantity of its offerings, and courses like Glen Dornoch, Tiger’s Eye and Leopard’s Chase are prime examples of why.