The Player’s Digest: The Dye Course at Barefoot Resort

Pete Dye’s work has left its indelible mark on the golfing landscape, and nowhere along the Grand Strand is this more evident than at the renowned Dye Course at Barefoot Resort. PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com’s David Williams takes us on a narrated, aerial journey of this award-winning track, with insights on what makes it so special to him and his fellow golfers.

By David Williams

There is little doubt in my mind why Pete Dye is one of the most recognized golf course architects of his time. And right here in North Myrtle Beach, we have one of his masterpieces: The Dye Club at Barefoot Resort.

The Dye Club is one of my favorite golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area. The classic mounding, expansive waste areas, deep bunkers, and tough green sites make this an unforgettable experience.

The first hole here is classic Dye design. This hole is meant to ease you into your round. It gives you a good chance at birdie out of the gate.

The par-5 5th is an absolute beast! If you tip it out this hole plays 581 yards. Multiple bunkers around this fairway puts a premium on finding the short grass. Your miss around the green is left. Missing right puts you in a deep bunker looking up at the green.

In my opinion, the 6th is the hardest par 3 on the course. Water right, and playing around 200 yards. This hole will show if you’re a contender or pretender.

The 7th hole is a long par 4 that usually plays into a tough crosswind. The deep waste area down the right almost forces you to miss left. Another elevated green awaits you on the approach. Oh, and it plays over 400 yards from the back two tee boxes!

My favorite hole on the golf course is the par-5 8th. A reachable par 5 that fires the imagination on the second shot. Sure, you can lay up, but you’re left with a tough wedge shot. If you’re in the fairway, go for it.

Another fun hole comes after you make the turn. If you can send one off the tee you can get close to the green. Personally, I like leaving myself a full wedge. It’s led to a birdie the past two times (not to brag!).

The number-one handicap hole on the golf course is the par-4 11th. The entire hole messes with you visually. An approach that ends up long could be out of bounds.

I love the two-hole stretch of Nos. 14 and 15. The look of them, the green sites, the bunkers, I love every aspect of it.

I have never seen a narrower green than the par-3 17th.

The last hole of your round is a doozy. Wrapping around the lake, this par 4 gives you everything you want, and more. The bunkers on this hole are in perfect spots, forcing you to hit shots that you might not be comfortable with. For me it’s the draw.

To me, the Dye Club is perfect. It’s a perfect mix of gettable and tough holes.