Golf Travel Trends in Myrtle Beach: Why the Grand Strand Continues to Thrive
Golf Travel Trends in Myrtle Beach: Why the Grand Strand Continues to Thrive
In an era where many travel sectors are seeing slower growth and consumers are becoming increasingly selective about how they spend their vacation dollars, one market continues to outperform expectations: Myrtle Beach golf.
The numbers tell part of the story. More than 3 million rounds of golf are played annually across the Grand Strand, making Myrtle Beach one of the busiest golf destinations in the world. But the more interesting question is why.
What keeps golfers coming back year after year?
The answer starts with value.
While golf travel costs have increased nationwide, Myrtle Beach remains one of the few destinations where golfers can still choose from a wide range of price points. Whether you're planning a luxury golf getaway, a buddy trip, a family vacation, or a snowbird escape, there are courses, accommodations, and golf packages to fit almost every budget.
The variety is equally important.
With more than 75 golf courses spread across 60 miles of coastline, golfers can experience everything from classic Lowcountry layouts and marsh-front designs to modern resort courses and championship-caliber tests. Few destinations offer that level of diversity in a single market.
Another major factor is accessibility.
Myrtle Beach has always benefited from strong drive-market traffic. Millions of golfers live within a day's drive of the Grand Strand, making it an easy choice for long weekends and annual golf trips.
But air travel is becoming an increasingly important growth driver.
Myrtle Beach International Airport has experienced record passenger growth in recent years, surpassing 3.8 million arriving and departing passengers in 2024. Airport officials have credited expanded airline service, new routes, and additional nonstop destinations for helping fuel the area's continued tourism growth.
The airport now serves more than 50 destinations through multiple airlines, making Myrtle Beach easier than ever to reach for golf travelers from across the United States and Canada. Continued terminal expansion and additional gates position the airport for even more future growth.
Another trend helping Myrtle Beach thrive is seasonality.
Unlike many golf destinations that rely on a short peak season, Myrtle Beach attracts golfers year-round. Snowbirds arrive during winter, buddy trips dominate spring and fall, and families fill tee sheets during summer.
Finally, Myrtle Beach succeeds because it offers more than golf.
Waterfront dining, beaches, shopping, nightlife, live entertainment, fishing, and family attractions create a complete vacation experience. Even non-golfers can enjoy the trip, which broadens the destination's appeal.
In short, Myrtle Beach isn't thriving because it has a lot of golf courses.
It's thriving because it has built an entire tourism ecosystem around golf—and continues to evolve as travelers' expectations change.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does Myrtle Beach continue to attract so many golf travelers?
Myrtle Beach combines affordability, course variety, year-round golf, easy access, and a wide range of off-course attractions that appeal to golfers and non-golfers alike. Few destinations offer that combination at Myrtle Beach's scale.
- How many rounds of golf are played in Myrtle Beach each year?
More than 3 million rounds are played annually across the Grand Strand.
- Is Myrtle Beach golf tourism growing?
Yes. Continued demand for golf vacations, strong repeat visitation, and growing air service have helped support ongoing tourism growth in the Myrtle Beach market.
- How many golf courses are in Myrtle Beach?
The Myrtle Beach area features more than 75 golf courses spread across approximately 60 miles of coastline.
- Is Myrtle Beach easy to reach by air?
Yes. Myrtle Beach International Airport offers nonstop service to dozens of destinations across the United States and Canada, making air travel to Myrtle Beach increasingly convenient.
- Has Myrtle Beach International Airport grown recently?
Yes. The airport has experienced record passenger traffic and expanded airline service, helping make Myrtle Beach more accessible to golf travelers from a wider range of markets.
- What types of golf travelers visit Myrtle Beach?
The destination attracts buddy trips, couples, families, snowbirds, women's groups, corporate outings, and serious golfers seeking variety and value.
- What makes Myrtle Beach different from other golf destinations?
Few destinations can match Myrtle Beach's combination of course variety, value, accessibility, lodging options, entertainment, dining, and year-round playability in a single market.
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