Myrtle Beach: Still the king

By Tim McDonald, Golf Publisher Syndications

updated 8:11 p.m. ET Aug. 31, 2005

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - With summer days disappearing as fast as Myrtle Beach golf courses, the Grand Strand is still the self-proclaimed golf capital of the world. Despite the recent losses, it has some ammunition to back up its braggadocio.

Perhaps nowhere else in the world is the golf course-to-land-area ratio so dense; you can barely drive down Highway 17 through the Grand Strand – that thin, 80-mile strip of land along the Atlantic Ocean from Southport, N.C. to Georgetown, S.C. – without running over a golf course. There are courses to suit just about every budget, from high end to low end and everything in between.

The same can be said of the quality: the Grand Strand is home to some top-notch courses, some middle-of-the-road and some you wouldn’t let cattle graze on. For example, the Grand Strand had 115 courses at last count and only two of them made Golfweek’s most recent top 200 modern and classic courses: the Dunes Golf and Beach Club ranked 89^th in the modern category and the Caledonia Fish and Golf Club on Pawley’s Island was ranked 73rd in modern courses.

But, lists are subjective and there are many who would argue other Grand Strand courses belong on any "best" list.

Still, there are signs the King’s crown is growing heavy. With land becoming more valuable than some golf businesses, some courses are selling out, while others are struggling. The Grand Strand has lost several courses recently while other sales are pending.

The trend is pretty much true for most of the United States, where golf participation has been stagnating since 2000, but it is particularly visible here. The area’s courses once boasted some 50,000 rounds annually but that number has fallen to about 36,000. Some courses are finding they must have a residential component to remain afloat and many standalone golf courses face uncertain futures.

The good news is that it’s now a buyer’s market. But beware there are a lot of sharks swimming in a shrinking ocean. With courses desperate to pull in business, great deals can be made, though visitors must be careful when they negotiate through the maze of packagers and companies purporting to get you the best deal. Watch out for hidden surcharges, resort fees, minimum stays, "rates based upon unit availability" etc.

Also, be aware that rate changes are frequent, so be sure to ask the course where you’re playing. The summer and winter seasons are generally the cheapest, while spring and fall will have the highest green fees. Afternoon tee times are usually cheaper and watch out for courses that use "double tees," starting golfers at the 1^st and 10^th holes. Be sure to ask about a course’s replay policy.

With all this in mind, here are some recommendations of some Grand Strand courses to play:

The Thistle is on the northern tip of the Strand, just over the border into North Carolina. This isn’t the most challenging course around Myrtle Beach but it is definitely the most relaxed. Most Grand Strand courses have eight-minute intervals between starting times, the better to take your green fees and herd you through. At Thistle, they start you 12 minutes apart – an eternity in golf time.

"We lose money on it, but it keeps people coming back," said Thistle Head Professional Shawn Hicken. That’s one reason some long-time Strand golfers swear by Thistle. Another one is the conditioning, which is usually immaculate.

For more information, including booking, call (888) 633-6102.

The Pearl, also at Sunset Beach, has always been known for its conditioning, particularly the East course. Owner DeCarol Williamson has embarked on a building construction project estimated to be 10-15 years in the making. That includes a hotel and spa, bed and breakfast and about 3,000 other housing units on the site, located on 900 acres of a marsh preserve that straddles both Sunset Beach and Ocean Isles Beach. "It’s big – a massive, massive project," said Head Professional Matt Griffin.

The Pearl’s two courses, both Dan Maples designs, have similarities as well as stark contrasts. The West course has more of a links-style feel, with an open, airy feel and thick stands of pampas grass. It earned a nomination from Golf Digest in 1988 as "best new public course." The East is more traditional, with trees lining many of its fairways. The East was renovated in 1999 and the greens were re-done two years ago, sod with L93 bentgrass.

For more information, including booking, call (888) 851-7070.

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