Top 10 Golf Courses Near North Myrtle Beach

Written by Marissa Polascak on Thursday, April 22, 2021

Of course it makes sense that many people travel to North Myrtle Beach to enjoy the sand, sun, and beautiful Atlantic Ocean, but others come for something else: golf! Known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” the Grand Strand boasts 100+ golf courses that appeal to players of all skill-sets. With so many great courses in the area, it is hard to decided which ones to play during the short amount of time you have during vacation. However, staying in North Myrtle Beach means you are surrounded by several amazing courses, including some that are just a short drive away and across the border in North Carolina.

Next time you're in North Myrtle Beach and you're planning to set up some tee times, be sure to keep this list of top 10 golf courses near North Myrtle Beach in mind:

Barefoot Resort & Golf

Located at Barefoot Landing, Barefoot Resort & Golf offers four courses that are any golfer’s dream. Known as “Myrtle Beach’s Fantastic Four,” the courses at Barefoot Resort were designed by Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Davis Love III, and Greg Norman. Barefoot Resort’s courses have won many awards, including the #1 spot in the ‘Top 50 Courses in Myrtle Beach,” “Golf Course of the Year,” and a feature spot on Golf Channel’s “BIG BREAK Myrtle Beach.”

Crow Creek

Opened as a public golf course in 2000, Crow Creek has built a reputation for itself throughout the years. Being recognized as one of the best-maintained courses in the area, this Calabash golf club is definitely worth the short drive from North Myrtle Beach. Golfers will really enjoy the layout here, which was designed by Rick Robbins, and features rivers, pines, wildlife, undulating bent grass greens, and more.

Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links

Tucked away in the quiet fishing village of Little River, Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links boasts serene views and an awesome layout. Designed by famed golf course architect, Donald Ross, this course has gained much attention for its beauty as well as its playability (some say Glen Dornoch is home to some of the toughest holes around!) To make things even sweeter, this course has been recognized by publications such as Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, and Zagat, ranking among some of the best courses in the country.

Oyster Bay Golf Links

If you drive just a few miles north of North Myrtle Beach to Sunset Beach, NC, then you will find Oyster Bay Golf Links. Part of the Legends Golf and Resort family, Oyster Bay is a Dan Maples designed course which has won various awards and titles. Looking for a challenge? Then this is the course for you. Presenting golfers with two island greens, severe marsh-oriented holes, fresh water lakes, long holes, short holes, and much more, Oyster Bay is the perfect course for those looking to boast their skills or enhance them.

Sandpiper Bay Golf & Country Club

Located in Sunset Beach, NC, Sandpiper Bay Golf & Country Club is home to 27 holes of MiniVerde Bermuda greens. Boasting three courses (the Bay, the Piper, and the Sand), Sandpiper Bay presents golfers with picturesque surroundings including lakes, creeks, and wetlands; all of which are natural water hazards. In addition to fine greens and beautiful scenery, Sandpiper Bay rates high for overall experience and pace of play, which makes this course appealing to golfers of all skill-sets.

Sea Trail Golf Resort

Sea Trail Golf Resort is home to three distinct courses designed by legends Dan Maples, Willard Byrd, and Rees Jones. While the holes here can be quite challenging, Sea Trail Golf Resort is a great choice for golfers of all skill levels. Choose from the Rees Jones Course, the Willard Byrd Course, or the Dan Maples Course. The Rees Jones Course features mounded fairways, water hazards, and bunkers. The Willard Byrd Course boasts undulating greens, a constricting tree line, and a scenic 18th hole.  Finally, the Dan Maples Course is a medium length course that demands accuracy and features undulating greens, waster bunkers, pines, oaks, and more.

Pearl Golf Course

Known as the “Gem of the Carolinas,” The Pearl is a renowned golf course located just over the border in Calabash, NC. The Pearl is separated into two 18-hole courses, The Pearl East and The Pearl West, both of which were designed by Dan Maples. Both courses here present challenges to any golfer, as well as serene surroundings. This golf club is open year-round, providing opportunity for vacationers to play during any season.

Thistle Golf Club

Inspired by the original Thistle Golf Club in Leith/Edinburgh, Scotland, Thistle Golf Club in Sunset Beach, NC preserves the history of golf in its layout and traditional Scottish club house. The three courses here (Cameron, Mackay, and Stewart), were all designed by famed golf course architect Tim Cate, providing quality holes to golfers who appreciate refined courses. In keeping with traditional golf values, Thistle Golf Club has 10 minutes tee times instead of the regular 8 minute tee times to provide an “old fashioned style of consideration” for players to play at a leisurely pace and enjoy the courses.

Tidewater Golf Club

Tidewater Golf Club is located near the quiet town of Cherry Grove, just minutes from the city of North Myrtle Beach. Golf course designer Ken Tomlinson took advantage of the beautiful South Carolina surroundings as well as the layouts from famous courses around the world in order to craft Tidewater. This award-winning property boasts views of the Intracoastal Waterway, salt marshes, and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as holes with elevation changes that are enough to challenge the most seasoned player.

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