Carolina National Golf Club
Carolina National Golf Club

Carolina National Brings Beauty, Challenge and Fred Couples to Myrtle Beach

Carolina National, a 27-hole facility located on the northern edge of the Myrtle Beach golf scene, is one of the Grand Strand’s quiet stars. Designed by former Masters champion Fred Couples, Carolina National plays along the Lockwood Folly River, delivering coastal visuals land-locked golfers dream about.

The course, which is ideal for a day of arrival or departure round (or anytime, really!), is home to the Egret, Heron and Ibis nines.

Here is a look at what you can expect at each:

Egret

The Egret nine offers traditional architecture at Carolina National

This is the more traditional of Carolina National’s three nines, playing inland through the area’s native pines. Without the forced carries of the Heron and Ibis, Couples challenges players with classic golf course architecture. Holes two through seven are the meat of the course. The second and fourth are long, sturdy challenges that provide players who record a par 4 on either hole a deserved sense of satisfaction. The fifth and seventh are the toughest combination of par 3s at Carolina National, highlighted by the 219-yard seventh.

Heron
The fifth hole on the Heron nine is the signature hole at Carolina National

The Lockwood Folly River brings beauty to the Heron nine, featuring an open layout and the facility’s signature hole. The fourth hole plays up to the marshy waters of the river, which comes fully into play on the par-3 fifth. Carolina National’s most photographed hole, No. 5 plays a demanding 182 yards from the blue tees, the course’s most commonly used. The tee shot on Heron No. 5 is the course’s most sweat-inducing challenge. Golfers that clear the marsh and hit the green are doing well.

Ibis
The Ibis nine and Carolina National were designed by Fred Couples

Fred Couples is renowned for being a good guy, but he bared his architectural teeth on the Ibis nine, confronting golfers with forced carries and water on seven of nine holes. Ever the gentleman, Couples offset the challenge with beauty and serenity. Pause for a moment to enjoy the flowing water between the second and third holes. The fourth green offers a beautiful view of the Lockwood Folly River and the par 3 fifth rivals its counterpart on the Heron nine as the course’s prettiest. Ibis offers the perfect combination of challenge and beauty.

The best way to play Carolina National?

The Myrtle Beach 27 Trio Special from Seaside Golf Vacations, which pairs Carolina National with Thistle Golf Club and Sandpiper Bay, is one of the area’s best new packages. A three-night, three-round deal, golfers receive free 9-hole replays, lunch and a fountain drink or draft beer. The package starts at $353 and is never more than $429, so what is there not to like?