Myrtle Beach Golf Scene

The King Reigns Supreme at the 1996 Opening of King’s North

Arnold Palmer recently celebrated his 80th birthday, and photos and tales of his career graced the covers and pages of every golf magazine in America. Like so many people and places, Myrtle Beach, S.C. has been blessed to have hosted several Palmer sightings, including several appearances at Senior Tour Championship and a special guest appearance at the 50th Annual Golf Writers Dinner in 2003. Among his greatest gifts to Myrtle Beach are the three Arnold Palmer signature courses at Myrtle Beach National, located on Highway 501 between Myrtle Beach and Conway.

In the 1970’s Palmer and design partner Francis Duane were contracted to carve three 18-hole courses from a Carolina pine forest. They were simply regarded as the North, South and West Courses. Similar in many ways, yet different enough that everyone had their favorite, these three courses thrilled thousands of golfers each spring and fall, and literally launched the boom of golf course development along the Grand Strand.

Established in 1966, the Classic Golf Group is an accomplished golf management company specializing in operational and management services for a diver-sified collection of golf courses. Currently, the Classic Golf Group owns and operates Black Bear, Burning Ridge, Founders Club at Pawleys Island and Indian Wells.

Through its steadfast commitment to the game, the product and its customers, Classic Golf Group strives to create an exceptional golf experience on four uniquely different courses at a competitive price. Juniors always play free at all Classic Golf Group courses when accompanied by a paying adult.

As you stand on the 13th green at Tidewater Golf Club & Plantation, take a second to appreciate the unobstructed view of an Atlantic Ocean inlet that wasn’t as visible a few months ago. In early summer 2009, the grounds crew at Tidewater, led by Superintendent Shaun Donahue, embarked upon a minimally invasive yet important renovation project that would include everything from tee box reconstruction to tree trimming.

“Tidewater is one of the most recognizable golf venue names when it comes to superb quality and service, as evidenced by the national awards we have received since opening nearly two decades ago,” said Tidewater’s General Manager Chris Cooper. “One of our primary goals with this project was to build upon our well-established reputation and we are very pleased with what we were able to accomplish in only five weeks. These improvements will enhance the enjoyment derived by players for decades to come.”

Golf Packages of South Carolina has been providing customized golf vacations and golf packages to all of the top golf destinations in the Palmetto State since 1996.  Golf Packages of South Carolina has partnered with golf courses, hotels and condos throughout South Carolina to give its customers great selections in planning their next golf vacation.

By contacting Golf Packages of South Carolina today, you can make your plans to a number of popular destinations around the state. The midlands include Columbia, Aiken/Augusta where you can choose from a number of semi- private and private clubs which include golf course architects; Ellis Maples, Ron Garl, P.B. Dye, Tom Jackson, and Rees Jones, just to name a few. Travel to the northwest corner or upstate of South Carolina and you’ll find courses from Davis Love III, Tom Jackson, Willard Byrd and George Cobb. You’ll also find great night-life and food; Columbia’s Vista offers great local restaurants and entertainment as does downtown Aiken and Augusta. Main Street in Greenville will surprise you with the different cuisines and local brew houses. 

When Jack Davis assumed ownership of the International Club in Murrells Inlet in April 2006, he concurrently announced that his aim was a higher standard of excellence at the course that had been designed by the late Willard Byrd and opened at the turn of the century.

"We believe this course was built for golfers, period," Davis stated in 2006. "We want to make it one of the best places in Myrtle Beach to play. Being a golfer myself, I guarantee you will have a wonderful time once you decide to spend your day with us." 

The Myrtle Beach summer golf season is now in full swing, but it's not too late to piece together a spectacular trip to the "Golf Capital of the World." Whether you're planning the latest incarnation of an annual family tradition or looking for a place to host the ultimate guys weekend highlighted by golf on some of the country's most pristine public courses, the Grand Strand offers a host of activities and accommodations for everyone. 

No one will argue the fact that the Myrtle Beach area’s number one summer attraction is the beach. It’s regarded as the top family beach in America. Shopping and dining are popular pastimes and the family amusement parks and water parks rank pretty highly as well. But don’t  overlook the growing popularity of summer golf. Last summer, between June and August, nearly a million rounds of golf were recorded on Myrtle Beach area courses.

It used to be that summer golf was an activity where dad slipped away in the early morning and got back around lunch time before he was missed. While that is still a popular strategy for many, there is a noticeable increase in the number of dads, moms and kids who are heading to the courses as a family. No place makes it easier to do so than Myrtle Beach.

For even the most seasoned golf course architect, restoring a historically significant layout is a formidable challenge, commensurate to the task a musician undertakes when recording a classic song. The finished product has to strike a delicate balance somewhere between paying homage to the original work and forging a distinct path in order to resonate with a more current audience, as well as preserve the integrity and character established many years ago.

The new Pine Lakes Country Club does just that, reminding long-time Myrtle Beach regulars just how brilliant Robert White’s initial course concept was and moving the “Granddaddy” into a new era so that it can remain relevant in the supercompetitive Myrtle Beach golf scene.

Consisting of beautiful beaches, scenic world-class golf courses, charming Lowcountry resorts and a genteel atmosphere that enables visitors to unwind and relax, the southern tip of the Grand Strand is an appealing alternative to golfers and families looking for a more laid back Myrtle Beach golf vacation.

The southern region of the “Golf Capital of the World” is highlighted by Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach. Golfers will find a variety of award-winning designs including the area’s first course, historic Litchfield Country Club, Willbrook Plantation, River Club, Founders Club, Pawleys Plantation and Heritage Club. All of these courses belong to the collection of award-winning layouts that make up the Waccamaw Golf Trail.

Get the latest on all of the high-profile courses along the Waccamaw Golf Trail by browsing online at www.waccamawgolftrail.com.

Spring is a special time to be in Myrtle Beach. The flowers are blooming, golf balls are flying and golfers are scrambling to find the best remaining deals on tee times in Myrtle Beach. One of the best places to go is Myrtle Beach Prime Times, either online or by phone, where you’ll get a wealth of information and assistance in securing preferred tee times on practically every course at the beach.

At PrimeTimesGolf.travel, you’ll find photos, videos, locator maps and more on the Myrtle Beach area’s most requested courses. And when you find the courses you want to play, you can check the rates and available tee times online in real-time. You can even book it online. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

If you have a question, you can get a quick response with the “Instant Chat” feature that links you right to one of the Prime Times golf experts. Or you can do it the old-fashioned way and pick up the phone and call. There will be people who are delighted to share their local knowledge and experience to find you the best deals.