PHOTOS & VIDEO: Thistle Reopens MacKay Nine with New Greens, Bridges

Thistle Golf Club has completed renovations work on its MacKay nine and is open for fall play, following summer work to restore its greens to their original configuration and replace some key bridge passageways throughout the renowned track.

The work replicates the same effort completed in 2024 on Thistle’s Cameron nine, and is a precursor to the 27-hole facility’s final phase in 2026 which will see greens replacement on its Stewart nine take place next summer. Unlike the Cameron and MacKay nines, the Stewart nine will not require any bridge replacements.

TifEagle bermudagrass has been and remains the surface of choice in this endeavor. “This project ensures Thistle remains the bellwether in our industry’s putting surface standards,” said General Manager Kevan Moore. “We are restoring our green complexes to their original size and height, with our award-winning superintendent, John Pridgen, teaming with CR Lutzke Golf, the leader in their field, to complete this ambitious project.”

As part of Thistle’s ongoing renovations, the golf experience at this sought-after Sunset Beach facility now includes its “At the Turn” range bar. This new, innovative venue features an open-air bar equipped with televisions and outdoor speakers that provides music and entertainment as guests either wait for a replay or just hang out for the afternoon with friends. “At the Turn” also serve as Thistle’s “Tournament Central” for staging announcements and news during its many tournaments.

Along with greens, bridges and “At the Turn,” work remains ongoing with Thistle’s highly acclaimed PermaEdge stacked sod bunkering system project and will continue until all bunkers are completed.

“This (PermaEdge) project is extremely labor-intensive, not to mention quite expensive, but the results and accolades have blended perfectly with one of the many attributes that make Thistle such a special place,” Moore noted. “The aesthetics, usability, and durability have made this project well worth the cost and effort. Our guests love it!”

Be sure to stay in touch with Play Golf Myrtle Beach for updates on these, and all course renovation projects happening throughout “The Golf Capital of the World!”