The definitive number of golf courses in Myrtle Beach is often debated, but the most accurate figure lands around 85 to 90 daily fee and resort courses operating within the immediate Myrtle Beach metropolitan area and the broader Grand Strand region. This number fluctuates slightly each year due to occasional openings or closures, but it firmly establishes the area as the “Golf Capital of the World.”
Deciphering the True Scale of Grand Strand Golf
When people ask how many courses there are, they usually mean the whole area. The Myrtle Beach golf course count is impressive. It is much bigger than just the city limits. The entire region, known as the Grand Strand, stretches over 60 miles along the coast of South Carolina. This stretch is home to a massive concentration of world-class golf.
Defining the Grand Strand Golf Area
The Grand Strand is more than just one town. It covers several communities. This wide area is why the total golf courses Myrtle Beach number is so high.
- North End: Includes towns like North Myrtle Beach and Little River. These areas have many classic and newer designs.
- Central Area: This is the main hub, covering Myrtle Beach itself. Most of the major resorts and the biggest selection of courses are here.
- South End: Areas like Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island offer stunning coastal designs and championship layouts.
Knowing the boundaries helps clarify the Myrtle Beach area golf courses total. It is not just the small downtown area. It is a huge coastal playground for golfers.
Current Official Counts vs. Reality
Organizations that track golf course numbers often provide slightly different figures. This happens because some courses are private, some are short courses, and some are closing down or being built.
The Myrtle Beach golf course directory often lists courses from the state line down past Georgetown. This broad mapping explains why you might see totals ranging from 75 to over 100 depending on the source.
| Area Designation | Typical Course Count Range | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Myrtle Beach City | 15 – 20 | High volume, tourist-focused |
| The Wider Grand Strand | 75 – 90 | The core playing area |
| Extended Myrtle Beach Region | Up to 100+ | Includes some outlier or very private clubs |
This table shows why finding the exact number of golf courses in Myrtle Beach can be tricky. The general consensus for daily play options hovers near the 85 mark.
The History Behind the Golf Boom
Why does this small stretch of South Carolina coast have so many great courses? The growth was planned and rapid.
Early Beginnings and Key Players
Golf started taking hold here in the mid-20th century. Developers saw the potential of the flat, sandy land near the ocean. Early courses were simple but beautiful.
The real boom started in the 1980s and 1990s. Developers brought in famous golf architects. They wanted to build courses that attracted golfers from all over the country. This influx created intense competition.
Architects Who Shaped the Strand
Many famous names left their mark here. Their designs draw players looking for the best golf courses Myrtle Beach has to offer.
- Robert Trent Jones Sr.: His designs set a high standard early on.
- Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus: Both designed signature courses that became instant landmarks.
- George Fazio and Willard Byrd: They designed many of the foundational courses that still thrive today.
The density of these great designs in one area is what makes the total golf courses Myrtle Beach count so significant. It is not just quantity; it is quality too.
Categorizing the Myrtle Beach Golf Experience
Not all courses play the same. Golfers can find layouts for every skill level and budget. This variety is key to the area’s success.
Daily Fee Courses: The Backbone
The vast majority of the Myrtle Beach area golf courses are daily fee. This means anyone can book a tee time, usually after paying a greens fee. This accessibility is a huge draw.
These courses offer great value. Many run excellent packages, especially during the peak spring and fall seasons. You can often find deals that bundle rounds of golf with lodging.
Resort Golf: Convenience Meets Quality
Myrtle Beach golf resorts offer a premium experience. These resorts often own or have exclusive access to several top-tier courses right on site or nearby. Staying at a resort simplifies everything.
- Package Deals: Lodging, golf, and sometimes meals are bundled.
- Course Rotation: Guests can play multiple, different courses without moving their base camp.
- Amenities: Top resorts feature pro shops, fine dining, and practice facilities.
If you are looking for a hassle-free trip focused purely on golf, checking the list of golf courses Myrtle Beach that belong to major resorts is a good first step.
Semi-Private and Private Clubs
While most courses welcome the public, a few remain semi-private or truly private. Semi-private clubs often open their gates to resort guests or offer limited public times. Private clubs usually require an invitation or membership. These elite clubs often offer pristine conditioning and lower traffic.
Finding Your Perfect Round: Navigating the Listings
With nearly 90 options, how do you choose? A good Myrtle Beach golf course directory will help you sort through the choices based on location, price, and style.
Style of Play: What Kind of Golfer Are You?
Different courses suit different players. Think about what you enjoy most on the course.
- Coastal/Links Style: These courses feature more wind and open areas. They often have firm fairways and rolling greens. Many courses golf courses near Myrtle Beach along the oceanfront fit this description.
- Traditional Parkland Style: These are the classic layouts. They have lots of mature trees lining the fairways. Accuracy is rewarded more than sheer distance.
- Target Golf: These newer courses demand precise shots to reach landing areas. They are often heavily bunkered and feature complex green complexes.
Course Conditions and Value
The perception of value changes wildly throughout the year.
- Peak Season (Spring/Fall): Greens fees are highest. The courses are usually in peak condition. Booking ahead is essential for tee times at the best golf courses Myrtle Beach.
- Off-Season (Summer/Winter): Prices drop significantly. While some aeration or overseeding might occur, you can score incredible deals on the Myrtle Beach area golf courses.
It is smart to look for multi-round packages. These almost always bring the per-round cost down, improving your overall value proposition when calculating the Myrtle Beach golf course count against your budget.
The Impact of Real Estate on Golf Course Count
The number of golf courses in Myrtle Beach is tied closely to local real estate development. When developers build new homes, they often want an attached golf course to increase property values.
Course Closures and Redevelopment
The downside of this growth is the pressure on older, less profitable courses. Sometimes, a course that has been part of the Myrtle Beach golf course count for decades closes down. This land is often repurposed for new housing, retail centers, or industrial parks.
This constant turnover means that any printed list of golf courses Myrtle Beach can become slightly outdated quickly. Always confirm the operational status of a course before booking.
New Additions to the Landscape
While some close, new ones open too, though less frequently now than 20 years ago. When a new course opens, it usually involves significant investment. These new designs often incorporate modern technology and contemporary architectural trends, challenging the established reputation of the older layouts.
Focus on the Top Tier: Seeking the Best Golf Courses Myrtle Beach
Every visitor wants to know which courses are truly exceptional. While “best” is subjective, certain courses consistently appear on top-tier rankings for the total golf courses Myrtle Beach region.
Championship Venues
These courses are often the most expensive but offer a true test of golf. They frequently host regional or professional amateur tournaments. They demand distance control and superior short-game skills. Playing one of these helps you appreciate the high-end offerings within the Myrtle Beach golf course directory.
The Coastal Gems
Courses that truly use the Atlantic Ocean as a feature elevate the experience. Wind becomes the 15th club in your bag. The views alone make the higher price tag worthwhile. These are must-plays when exploring golf courses near Myrtle Beach.
| Course Example | Noteworthy Feature | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Caledonia Fish Camp | Stunning scenery, challenging finish | Parkland/Lowcountry |
| TPC Myrtle Beach | Hosted professional events | Championship |
| Dunes Golf & Beach Club | Classic design, ocean frontage | Traditional/Resort |
Selecting from the list of golf courses Myrtle Beach should include at least one of these signature tracks.
The Role of Golf Packaging Companies
A significant factor in the area’s golfing economy is the packaging companies. These businesses are the reason scores of traveling golfers can easily navigate the large Myrtle Beach golf course count.
How Packages Simplify Your Trip
These companies act as travel agents specifically for golf groups. They secure large blocks of tee times at various courses throughout the Myrtle Beach area golf courses.
- Negotiated Rates: They get better prices than an individual booking directly.
- One-Stop Shop: They handle accommodations, tee times, and sometimes ground transport.
- Course Selection Advice: They use their deep knowledge of the Myrtle Beach golf course directory to match courses to your group’s skill and budget.
For first-time visitors, using a package company is the easiest way to experience the depth of the Grand Strand offerings without getting overwhelmed by the sheer number of golf courses in Myrtle Beach.
Logistics: Traveling Among the Courses
One challenge when dealing with a high Myrtle Beach golf course count spread over many miles is transportation.
Driving Times and Traffic
The Grand Strand is linear. Courses are strung along Highway 17. Traffic, especially during peak travel seasons (spring break, summer vacations), can be heavy.
- North to South Travel: A drive from North Myrtle Beach to Murrells Inlet can easily take an hour or more during rush times.
- Impact on Tee Times: Always pad your travel time. Being late for a time at a busy Myrtle Beach golf resort course is costly and rude.
If your group plans to play several different areas, consider grouping your rounds geographically. Play the north-end courses one day, central the next. This maximizes playing time and minimizes road frustration when dealing with the Myrtle Beach area golf courses.
Choosing Your Home Base
The location of your lodging dictates which courses you will play most often.
- If you stay near Barefoot Landing (North Myrtle Beach), you have immediate access to several top-tier, highly-rated facilities.
- If you stay downtown, you are closer to the central hub courses and more nightlife.
Your choice of Myrtle Beach golf resorts directly impacts your daily travel time when exploring the Myrtle Beach golf course count.
Sustaining the Volume: Maintenance and Investment
Keeping nearly 90 high-quality courses playable year-round requires massive investment, especially in water management and turf health.
Water Resources
South Carolina summers can be brutally hot and dry. Maintaining lush, green fairways across so many properties requires careful water sourcing. Newer courses often use advanced irrigation systems to manage resources efficiently. This ongoing investment is vital to maintaining the reputation tied to the Myrtle Beach golf course count.
Labor and Greenkeeping Staff
Skilled turf managers are essential. These professionals manage everything from sand trap consistency to green speeds. High traffic means that greens wear down fast, requiring more frequent, specialized care to meet the expectations set by the best golf courses Myrtle Beach.
Beyond the Rounds: The Full Golf Vacation Ecosystem
Golf is the main draw, but the ecosystem around the number of golf courses in Myrtle Beach supports a massive tourism industry.
Nightlife and Dining
Golfers often look for more than just 18 holes. Myrtle Beach offers extensive dining, from high-end steakhouses to casual seafood shacks. The nightlife scene is lively, providing good off-course entertainment after a long day on the Myrtle Beach area golf courses.
Family Attractions
For those traveling with non-golfers, Myrtle Beach is famous for attractions like Broadway at the Beach, numerous mini-golf attractions (a fun contrast to the serious courses), and miles of public beaches. This broad appeal keeps families happy while the golfers enjoy the extensive Myrtle Beach golf course directory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Myrtle Beach Golf
How many courses are currently open for play in Myrtle Beach?
The current, reliable Myrtle Beach golf course count is around 85 to 90 courses open for daily public play in the greater Grand Strand region. This number changes slightly year to year.
Are the courses in Myrtle Beach public or private?
The vast majority of the total golf courses Myrtle Beach facilities are daily fee public courses. There are some private and semi-private clubs, but most can be accessed through packages or specific local arrangements.
What is the best time of year to visit for golf?
Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are the prime times. The weather is great, and the courses are usually in excellent shape. These are the busiest times, so book well ahead if aiming for the best golf courses Myrtle Beach.
Can I find golf courses near Myrtle Beach that are less expensive?
Yes. If you look at the outer edges of the Grand Strand, especially south toward Georgetown, you will find more affordable options. Exploring the complete list of golf courses Myrtle Beach packaged deals often reveals great value outside the central tourist zone.
Do Myrtle Beach golf resorts offer good value?
Myrtle Beach golf resorts often provide excellent value through bundling. When you combine lodging and multiple rounds, the per-round cost is often lower than booking everything separately, even if the initial package price seems high.