Just north of Myrtle Beach in Conway sits a course that feels both classic and refreshingly distinctive: Shaftesbury Glen Golf & Fish Club. Designed by the legendary Clyde Johnston, the course blends Lowcountry landscape with a style reminiscent of traditional British Isles layouts—wide, visually dramatic, and strategically demanding around the greens.
But what truly defines the Shaftesbury Glen experience is what happens as players approach the putting surfaces.
One of the first things golfers notice at Shaftesbury Glen is the scale and elevation of the greens. Many sit slightly perched above their surroundings, creating a striking visual target from the fairway while also demanding precision on approach shots.
These greens are large and full of movement, rewarding well-struck irons while still allowing multiple ways to play into them. A shot that lands safely on the surface can still leave a lengthy putt across subtle contours, while approaches that miss by even a few yards often find themselves in challenging recovery areas below the putting surface.
It’s a design element that keeps players thinking through every approach and short-game decision.
Guarding many of those elevated greens are some of the most visually appealing bunkers on the Grand Strand. The greenside bunkering at Shaftesbury Glen is bold and sculpted, framing the putting surfaces in a way that enhances both strategy and scenery.
These bunkers are not simply hazards—they are architectural features that shape how each hole is played. Their positioning asks golfers to consider angles and distances carefully, rewarding thoughtful course management.
From a distance they provide dramatic contrast against the turf and sandscape, giving the course much of its distinctive character.
Adding to that visual identity are the expansive waste areas that weave throughout the course. These sandy, rugged expanses evoke a links-style feel and give Shaftesbury Glen a look that stands apart from many courses along the coast.
Beyond aesthetics, the waste areas introduce an element of unpredictability. A ball that drifts offline might find a perfectly playable lie—or settle into a more difficult stance among the natural sand and grasses.
It’s part of what makes every round feel a little different.
The experience doesn’t end on the 18th green. Recently reimagined, the clubhouse pub has become a welcoming gathering place where golfers can unwind after the round.
The updated space combines comfortable design with a relaxed atmosphere, making it just as appealing for a casual drink with friends as it is for replaying the best—and worst—shots of the day.
It’s the kind of spot that encourages golfers to stay awhile.
What ties the entire experience together is the people. The staff at Shaftesbury Glen have built a reputation for being approachable, experienced, and genuinely welcoming to visitors.
From the moment golfers arrive to the final handshake after the round, the team works to create the kind of atmosphere that keeps players coming back.
In a destination filled with great golf, it’s that combination—memorable design, distinctive features, and authentic hospitality—that makes Shaftesbury Glen stand out.
