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 When Myrtle Beach became famous for its Championship Golf there were several founding fathers: The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, Robbers Roost, The Surf Club and many others. A lot has happened since then. Many courses have opened and flourished, but none claim such a prominent role in The Grand Strand’s success as the Myrtle Beach National collection of layouts. From The Golden Bear to The King, these courses offer the traveling golfer everything needed to create an unforgettable golf vacation.
Our journey up and down the beach in search of great golf begins at the Long Bay Club , which is located on the North End of the Grand Strand. This Jack Nicklaus signature design will challenge you mentally and physically and reward you for strong play. Most holes offer plenty of room off the tee, but the well-protected greens require precise shot making. The lasting impression of this day will no doubt be No. 10, one of the most recognizable in the state.
If we hang a right out of Long Bay, Aberdeen Country Club will fast approach on your left-hand side. A 27-hole facility carved from a stately pine forest, Aberdeen Country Club has three faces and more importantly three unique experiences to offer. The Woodlands, Highlands and Meadows nines are distinctive siblings that can be combined to produce one outstanding day on the links.
Closing out our North End trio is another 27-hole facility, Waterway Hills Golf Club . One of two Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designs in the area, Waterway Hills is home to a famous gondola that transports you across the Intracoastal Waterway and into the mind of Trent Jones Jr. which has been superbly preserved and is one of the few tracks in the areas without a residential presence.
 Making our way south into the heart of Myrtle Beach, we find the Myrtle Beach National 54-hole complex . A stunning property located conveniently off Highway 501. The overwhelming influence that went in to creating these golf courses was the King himself, Arnold Palmer. The crown jewel of Myrtle Beach National is Arnie’s own King’s North . A perennial Top 100 course by Golf Digest, this creative layout will leave you wanting more, especially the world-famous No. 6 “The Gambler.” You’ll know what we mean after you take your shot! In addition to the North course are the South and West versions. SouthCreek is considered by many to be the friendliest of the three Myrtle Beach National courses; it offers an enjoyable experience for golfers of all abilities. It plays a bit shorter than the other two, but the smooth bentgrass greens still require a confident stroke with the flat stick. The West Course was designed in the mid-70s by the team of Palmer and Francis Duane and features several testy dog-leg par-4s and the same beautiful bent greens as the South. The West is a classic example of southern country club architecture and design.
As you enter the Litchfield Beach area on the southern tip of the Grand Strand, things begin to change. The pace of life slows down a bit. Moss draped oaks replace the stunning array of beachfront resorts. The golf changes a bit as well and at the center are three award-winning Myrtle Beach National design.
 Willbrook Plantation Golf Club , designed by noted architect Dan Maples, is located along the Southern Strand near Pawleys Island. It sits upon the former site of two colonial plantations. There are numerous markers posted around the course depicting historic facts and points of interest. As a golf course, Willbrook Plantation has earned national acclaim for its design, condition and service. Golf Digest has awarded Willbrook 4.5 stars in its guide to the “Best Places to Play in America” and Golf for Women magazine has it ranked on their list of the “Top 50 in America.”
Nearby, River Club at Litchfield presents a demanding layout with an abundance of water and sand to test your accuracy and nerve. The A-1 Bent greens are consistently among the best on the Strand. River Club features one great hole after the next, with none more exciting and rewarding than the par-5 18th. With two brave carries over water, the green is reachable in two, providing an excellent chance for birdie or eagle.
A third course at Litchfield, Litchfield Country Club , maintains a private membership, but does accept a limited amount of play from vacationing golfers. Built in the early ‘60s, Litchfield is a classic Lowcountry design that provides a unique country club atmosphere.
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