The exact Myrtle Beach golf course count is often debated, but generally, when people ask how many golf courses in North Myrtle Beach and the surrounding region are included, the answer hovers around 90 to 100 courses. This number represents the Grand Strand golf courses total in the greater Myrtle Beach area, which stretches along the coast of South Carolina.
Why the Number Isn’t Exact
It is tricky to give one fixed number for the number of golf courses Myrtle Beach area hosts. This is because a few things change the count often. Some courses close down. New courses sometimes open up. Also, different groups count courses in slightly different ways. Do they count only the ones right in Myrtle Beach proper? Or do they include places a short drive away? Most sources include courses from the southern tip of the region up past the North Carolina border. This larger count gives you a much better idea of the total playing options.
The Appeal of the Grand Strand Golf Scene
Myrtle Beach is famous worldwide for its golf. Many people call it the “Golf Capital of the World.” Why is this area so popular for golfers? It has great weather most of the year. This means you can play golf even when other northern places are covered in snow. The sheer volume of choices is unmatched. You can find nearly every type of course imaginable here.
Variety in Design and Challenge
The design variety is a huge draw. You can play courses designed by famous golf architects. Some courses hug the ocean shoreline. Others wind through deep, quiet pine forests. Still, others feature rolling inland terrain with plenty of water hazards. This means no two rounds will ever feel quite the same.
Deciphering the Myrtle Beach Golf Course Count
Let’s look closer at the Grand Strand golf courses total. While 90 to 100 is the ballpark figure, this area includes Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, and even parts of Brunswick County, North Carolina.
North Myrtle Beach vs. Myrtle Beach Proper
Many visitors specifically look for how many golf courses in North Myrtle Beach. North Myrtle Beach hosts a large concentration of quality tracks. These often pair well with golf resorts. For instance, many of the Myrtle Beach golf resorts courses are located in or very near North Myrtle Beach, offering packages that include lodging and green fees.
The Importance of the Directory
If you are planning a trip, looking at a current Myrtle Beach golf course directory is the best way to get the precise current number. These directories list all currently operating public and resort courses. They help you see which ones are open for daily play.
| Area Classification | Estimated Course Count | Typical Course Style |
|---|---|---|
| Myrtle Beach City Limits | 20-25 | Mix of traditional and resort-style |
| North Myrtle Beach | 25-30 | Many highly-rated ocean-influenced courses |
| Southern Strand (Murrells Inlet/Pawleys Island) | 15-20 | More secluded, challenging designs |
| Northern Strand (Little River/Calabash, NC) | 15-20 | Strong public access, value-oriented |
This table shows how the total count spreads across the region. It helps visitors plan where to stay based on where they want to play most often.
Fathoming the Quality: Top Rated Myrtle Beach Golf Courses
Having many courses is good, but having top rated Myrtle Beach golf courses is what makes the area a destination. Golfers look for courses that challenge them and offer beautiful scenery.
Signature Holes and Renowned Architects
Many courses feature signature holes that demand your best game. Architects like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Robert Trent Jones have left their mark on the area. These famous designs often command higher green fees but provide an unforgettable experience.
Examples of highly regarded courses often topping lists:
- TPC Myrtle Beach: Known for hosting professional tours. It offers a championship test.
- Barefoot Resort (Love, Norman, Fazio, Dye Courses): Four distinct experiences on one property. These are essential stops for serious players.
- Caledonia Fish Camp Golf Course: Famous for its stunning lowcountry beauty and meticulous upkeep.
When booking Myrtle Beach golf packages courses, these top-tier venues are often included in premium options.
Access and Affordability: The Cost of Golf Myrtle Beach Courses
A frequent question revolves around the cost of golf Myrtle Beach courses. The price range is vast, which is a key factor in the area’s wide appeal.
Factors Affecting Green Fees
The cost of golf Myrtle Beach courses changes based on several key factors:
- Time of Year: Peak season (Spring and Fall) sees the highest prices. Winter and Summer rates are often lower.
- Course Prestige: A TPC course will always cost more than a local favorite.
- Tee Time Slot: Morning tee times are generally the most expensive. Mid-day or twilight rounds offer better deals.
- Package Deals: Booking through a golf travel agent often yields lower overall per-round costs than walking up on the day.
Finding the Best Value
For golfers seeking great value, the area offers numerous options for the best public golf Myrtle Beach has to offer that won’t empty your wallet. These courses provide excellent conditions and good layouts without the premium price tag of the famous names.
- Look for courses located slightly off the main coastal strip. They often have lower overhead.
- Consider playing in the late afternoon. Twilight rates can cut the price in half.
- Utilize Myrtle Beach golf packages courses that bundle several rounds together. This bulk purchase reduces the per-game fee significantly.
Golf Resorts: Courses Under One Roof
The synergy between lodging and golf defines the Myrtle Beach experience. Many visitors prefer staying at Myrtle Beach golf resorts courses locations. This simplifies travel immensely. You wake up, have breakfast, and walk straight to the first tee.
These resorts often own or have exclusive access to several high-quality courses. This centralized access is a major convenience. It makes managing group trips much easier. A typical resort package might include 4 nights of lodging and 3 rounds of golf, often on their partner courses.
Mastering Your Trip: Utilizing the Myrtle Beach Golf Course Directory
To navigate the nearly 100 options effectively, using a comprehensive Myrtle Beach golf course directory is crucial. These directories aren’t just lists; they are planning tools.
What to Look For in a Directory
A good directory should provide more than just the name and address. It should offer vital comparative data:
- Yardage and Par rating
- Designer information
- Player reviews and ratings
- Current pricing tiers (or links to them)
- Practice facility details (driving range, putting green, etc.)
Searching these directories by location, such as focusing only on the number of golf courses Myrtle Beach area has near your hotel, saves time and travel fatigue.
Playing in the North End: How Many Golf Courses in North Myrtle Beach?
North Myrtle Beach is a major hub for golf tourism. It often feels like a separate entity from central Myrtle Beach due to its slightly different vibe—more laid-back, yet packed with excellent golf.
As noted before, North Myrtle Beach itself has about 25 to 30 courses within its immediate vicinity and slightly outside its city limits. These often integrate well with the resorts located there. Many visitors who base themselves in North Myrtle Beach rarely feel the need to venture far south for their golf fix. The quality rivals that of the central city courses.
The Golf Season: When to Find the Best Deals and Conditions
Timing your visit directly affects your experience and the cost of golf Myrtle Beach courses.
Peak Season: Spring (March to May)
This is the most popular time. The weather is perfect—warm but not scorching hot. However, this means peak pricing and maximum course congestion. Booking tee times months in advance is necessary, especially if you are looking for the top rated Myrtle Beach golf courses.
Shoulder Seasons: Fall and Summer
Fall (September to November) offers weather nearly as good as Spring, often with slightly fewer crowds mid-week. Summer (June to August) brings high heat and humidity. The advantage here is significant discounts. If you can handle the heat, you can find incredible deals on the best public golf Myrtle Beach offers.
Off-Season: Winter (December to February)
Golfers from the North flock here during Winter. While the weather is temperate, it’s not always perfect for shorts and short sleeves every day. Rates drop considerably outside of holiday weeks. This is a great time to experience courses that are usually too expensive during the Spring rush.
Analyzing Golf Packages: Maximizing Your Investment
Most tourists do not pay rack rate for every round. Myrtle Beach golf packages courses are the backbone of the area’s industry. These packages bundle everything together.
Components of a Great Package
A well-structured package often includes:
- Accommodation (Hotel, condo, or vacation rental)
- Green fees for a set number of rounds
- Range balls before the round
- Sometimes, breakfast vouchers
When comparing packages, always check which specific courses are included. A package advertised with a low price might only feature the least expensive courses, whereas a higher-priced package might feature several top rated Myrtle Beach golf courses. Always refer back to the Myrtle Beach golf course directory to research the included tracks before committing.
Design Philosophy Across the Grand Strand
The architectural diversity is a testament to the region’s history of catering to varied tastes.
Lowcountry Aesthetics
Courses in the southern part of the region, near Murrells Inlet, often incorporate the natural beauty of the lowcountry. This means marshland carries, native grasses, and views of tidal creeks. Caledonia and River Club exemplify this style beautifully. They demand thoughtful course management.
Inland Challenge
Courses situated further inland tend to rely more on dense pine forests and elevation changes, though Myrtle Beach is generally flat. Architects use bunkers and water hazards creatively to pose strategic problems rather than relying on steep hills. The courses at Barefoot Resort show this versatility well, particularly the Dye course which utilizes extensive waste areas.
Coastal Influence
While few courses are truly “oceanfront” like those found in Pebble Beach, many incorporate views or play near the Intracoastal Waterway. These often feature more wind, which adds another layer of difficulty regardless of the course rating.
Maintaining the Standard: Course Conditions
With nearly 100 courses seeing heavy play, maintaining excellent turf conditions is a massive undertaking. The professional management teams work hard to keep the grass healthy year-round.
The high volume of play means courses must be managed efficiently. If a course is known for poor maintenance, it quickly drops out of favor, which is why constant traveler feedback shapes the perception of the best public golf Myrtle Beach has to offer. A course with consistently poor reviews regarding fairway quality will likely see its green fees drop or its popularity wane.
Planning for Groups: Logistics for Large Parties
Traveling with a large group of golfers presents logistical challenges. This is another area where the sheer size of the Myrtle Beach golf course count is an advantage.
When you have 16 or 20 players, finding one course that can accommodate your entire group at one time can be difficult during peak season. The Grand Strand golf courses total allows planners to split the group across two or three nearby facilities, ensuring everyone plays simultaneously, even if it means booking at separate Myrtle Beach golf resorts courses.
Utilizing Golf Travel Specialists
For groups, employing a golf travel specialist is highly recommended. They have deep knowledge of the Myrtle Beach golf course directory and current availability. They can negotiate better rates for multiple rounds and secure those hard-to-get prime time slots across different properties. They factor in travel time between facilities if you are not staying at a single resort complex.
Comprehending Course Accessibility
Accessibility is key to the area’s success. Being able to drive from one end of the Strand to the other in about an hour makes moving between different playing areas easy.
If you are staying near the southern end, you still have easy access to the number of golf courses Myrtle Beach area has further north, including those how many golf courses in North Myrtle Beach are available. This connectivity keeps the travel aspect of the trip stress-free.
The Future of Myrtle Beach Golf
The golf landscape in Myrtle Beach is not static. While consolidation and occasional closures occur, the overall commitment to the sport remains very strong. Investment continues to flow into course renovations, especially updating bunkers, greens complexes, and clubhouse facilities.
The trend leans toward enhancing the player experience. This means better technology in tee time booking, more refined practice facilities, and improved food and beverage options across the board. The industry knows that to maintain its position as a top destination, the quality must keep pace with the quantity already available.
Conclusion on the Count
While the Myrtle Beach golf course count shifts slightly year to year, golfers can reliably plan on access to between 90 and 100 high-quality layouts across the Grand Strand. This density ensures that whether you are looking for budget-friendly rounds, five-star resort experiences, or the best public golf Myrtle Beach showcases, you will find it easily. Reviewing a current Myrtle Beach golf course directory just before booking will provide the definitive, up-to-the-minute tally for your specific travel dates. The options provided by the Grand Strand golf courses total guarantee a memorable golf vacation for every player, regardless of skill level or budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Myrtle Beach golf expensive?
A: The cost of golf Myrtle Beach courses varies greatly. You can find rounds for under \$50 during the off-season at lesser-known tracks, or pay over \$250 to play the top rated Myrtle Beach golf courses during peak Spring weeks. Packages usually offer the best overall value.
Q: Are most Myrtle Beach courses private?
A: No. The vast majority of the Grand Strand golf courses total are public or resort-affiliated, meaning they are accessible to visitors. While there are some private clubs, the core appeal of Myrtle Beach golf relies on its accessibility.
Q: What is the best time of year to book Myrtle Beach golf packages courses?
A: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) offer the best weather, but book early—six to nine months out for prime slots. If budget is the main concern, look at late Summer (July-August) or deep Winter outside of major holidays.
Q: Do I need to book tee times in advance?
A: Yes, especially if you plan to play on weekends or want access to the most popular top rated Myrtle Beach golf courses. For groups, advance booking is essential to secure concurrent tee times.
Q: Are there good courses in North Myrtle Beach specifically?
A: Absolutely. There are a significant number of courses making up a large portion of the number of golf courses Myrtle Beach area boasts, and many premium options are located in or very near North Myrtle Beach. Researching how many golf courses in North Myrtle Beach are available will show many excellent choices, often bundled into great resort deals.