Category Archives: Top Golf Destinations

The River Club

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The River Club has been dubbed as among the premier “plantation” courses in the Myrtle Beach area. Designed by the famed Tom Jackson, this remarkable golf vacation destination was opened for play in 1985 and since then became the one of the all-time favorites of the returning golfers. Living up to its name, the River Club course features the 18 challenging holes perfectly blended with various water features as well as hundreds of bunkers and sand traps. And from the championship tees, golfers will come across the cozy 6,677-yard play where the fairways offer plenty of room allowing you to take as many wedges and short irons towards the green. At the par 5 6th hole, golfers must get through the intrusive pond cuts situated just in front of the well maintained greens. And at the concluding 18th, golfers are compelled to take the demanding par-5 that offers the risk and reward play.

Also considered as among the finest golf vacation destinations in the area, The River Club has been catering to all sorts of guests whether golfers or not. With the course rating of 72.2 and a slope rating of 125, this Tom Jackson masterpiece will surely challenge even the skilled and seasoned golfers. The layout is even home to 2 of “The 100 Greatest Holes along the Grand Stand” as cited by The Sun News. However, it’s not just the holes and the perfectly manicured greens that makes this golf course attractive but also the natural surroundings that creates the balance of craftsmanship and nature. Guests can just wander around and discover the resort’s hidden beauty and feel revived after interacting with the finest wonders that only nature can offer. Look for golf vacation packages heading to Myrtle Beach now and take the fine test of golf at The River Club.

Long Bay Club

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The Long Bay Club is among the state’s top ranking golf courses as well as the most challenging on the Grand Stand. A golf masterpiece of the renowned Jack Nicklaus, this stunning golf vacation destination has been dubbed as formidable in every feature. Unlike the other Nicklaus designed golf courses; this gem features the vast waste areas and the deep pot bunkers, quite unique and definitely not a typical Jack Nicklaus creation. But what he had in mind was to come up with golf holes that are challenging enough to test even the skilled golfers. From the championship tees, golfers must go through the demanding slope of 137 etched with bottomless bunkers as well as the deceiving par-3 holes. Add up the putting surfaces comprised of tiers and swales and you will have the golfing experience of a lifetime.

When the Long Bay Club had its debut in 1988, it was already evident that the layout is among Myrtle Beach’s toughest golf courses. Some of the layout’s holes are even golf’s most recognized. And since then, Long Bay has become consistent in receiving accolades from various reputable golf publications. Some of the citations include the “Places to Play” by Golf Digest, “The Top 25” of the Myrtle Beach Golf Insider, and the 4.5 stars rating from Golf Digest. The golf course also served as the host to some of the most prestigious golf competitions including the 1992 Carolina’s Open and 1994 US Senior Open Qualifying.

Another thing that Long Bay Golf Club boasts about is its beautiful clubhouse that features a fully stocked shop, an immense practice area, and a grill serving sumptuous cuisines that makes a perfect treat after a tough day at the greens. If you are planning to take days off from work to relax then this golf vacation destination would suit you best.

Glen Dornoch Golf Links

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What makes Glen Dornoch Golf Links naturally attractive is the setting itself. This stunning Clyde Johnston masterpiece is perfectly nestled on a 260-acre spot where the ancient live oaks and sparkling lakes are in abundance. Although this golf vacation destination has been considered as a coastal golf course, the layout was naturally blended with the elevation changes and terrains. And when on play, golfing guests will have the fair share of the spectacular water and marsh views. To add up to the excitement, some of the holes border a scenic stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway of South Carolina where guests can take a glimpse of the occasional boat dance. It was named Glen Dornoch to pay tribute to the birthplace of the legendary Donald Ross, Dornoch, Scotland.

The Glen Dornoch Golf Links has also been one of the most talked about golf courses in Myrtle Beach. Each of the holes in this layout was carefully crafted to make sure that it runs in smooth transition with the area’s natural terrain. Along with the challenging holes that throw various looks and angles, golfers also need to come across the dreaded pot bunkers in order to complete the golf game. And among the holes that golfers must watch out for is the closing trio. Along the Grand Stand, holes #16, #17, and #18 are the ones considered as the hardest. That is why winning at Glen Donorch is already regarded as an experience of a lifetime.

Another thing that makes this golf vacation destination amazing is that it has the superb year-round conditioning. That is why the golf course has been cited with the “Best in Golf” award by the Myrtle Beach Golf Magazine and William Nack’s “Favorite Places to Play”. In 2004, the golf course was also cited as Myrtle Beach’s “Most Challenging Course”.

The Country Club of Whispering Pines East

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Located a few minutes northeast of Pinehurst, North Carolina, the village of Whispering Pine is home to several picturesque lakes, and two championship-caliber golf courses. Whispering Pine also holds one of the world’s finest layouts – the Country Club of Whispering Pines golf course. This lovely golf vacation destination was designed by Ellis Maple, who called Whispering Pines his home, and was opened to the public in 1961. The golf club features two layouts, The East and The West course. Here’s a look at some of the best features of the East course.

The Country Club of Whispering Pines East is a par 72, 18-hole, tree-lined parkland course. The length of the East course, combined with understated terrain changes, makes this golf vacation destination a very unique one. The East course also follows an out-and-back design, which is quite longer than the West course, and that it makes use of lesser lake features than the West course. And since the holes are laid out in rolling terrain amidst scenic wooded environments, only few holes have the water hazards. What makes the course extra superb is that tall pine trees perfectly frame the holes, while magnolias and dogwoods add extra vibrancy and color to the scenery, especially during spring. According to regular visitors, the back nine opening stretch is perhaps the most excellent section of the golf course.

Since 1961, the Country Club of Whispering Pines East has captivated lots of golfers. Its designer, Ellis Maples, has definitely perfected the art of designing golf courses, under the gazing eyes of his mentor, the legendary Donald Ross. Donald Ross’ influence is seen in the way Ellis followed the natural contours of the land when designing the course, shaping the greens and positioning the sand traps. The Country Club of Whispering Pines East is one of Ellis Maples creations that have successfully conquered the test of time, and also represents one of his best works. The next time you plan your weekend or holiday golf vacation package, make sure you include the Country Club of Whispering Pines East in your shortlist of options.

 

The Thistle Golf Club

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Set just minutes away from the village of Calabash, the Thistle Golf Club has been dubbed as one of the Grand Stand’s most challenging and beautiful layouts. This 27-hole Scottish-links golf gem was designed by Tim Cate and was named after an archaic Scottish golf society. The layout that reflects the 1800’s Scottish heritage features the flawless Bent Grass greens, the carefully crafted carved bunkers, rolling fairways, as well as the hillsides that are covered with wild flowers and heathers. While on play, golfers will also encounter the generous wind-swept fairways, large greens, and the stacked sod bunkers. That is why this magnificent layout was dubbed as one of the area’s most demanding course.

The Thistle Golf Club is also a popular golf vacation destination. Each year, thousands of golf enthusiasts and nature lovers flock the resort to experience one of the finest escapades at Myrtle Beach. While golfers enjoy the fine test of golf at the course, non golfing guests can wander around this stunning golf masterpiece. A fine test to golfing skills, the course was given a rating of 74.9 and sloped at 136, and from the Championship tees, the layout offers the 6,997-yard par-72 play. What makes this striking golf vacation destination more attractive is that it does not only cater the golf enthusiasts but the non-golfing guests as well. The skillful balance of nature at its finest and a perfect golf masterpiece makes the Thistle a great venue for solitude and relaxation.

Being one of the region’s finest golf layouts, the Thistle Golf Club has been awarded by Golf Digest with the amazing 4.5 stars rating. Aside from the renowned golf course, the place also boasts about of the old world architecture as well as the abundance of wildlife that surrounds the lakes. Guests can also take time to sit for a while and relax at the majestic clubhouse. The place has the authentic Scottish pub that offers the extensive single malts lists and holds one of the world’s finest collections of golf memorabilia.

 

 

 

Resort Club at Grande Dunes

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The Resort Club at Grande Dunes is a magnificent golf vacation destination that has been drawing in all sorts of crowds whether golfers or not. Set in the high lands overlooking the majestic Intracoastal Waterway, this Roger Rulewich golf gem delivers the panoramic vistas of a rich maritime forest as well as the Waterway. To add up to the resort’s beauty, the 18-hole golf layout was topped with the generous L-93 Bent Grass greens that garnered the resort a prestigious citation– Golf Magazine’s “Top 10 You Can Play” recognition.

The 7,618 yards of golf play at Grande Dunes Golf Club is also one of the many exciting things that the local golfers of Myrtle Beach look forward to. Aside from the picturesque views, golf enthusiasts can also put to test their skills on the challenging holes that perfectly blend with the numerous elevation changes, the wide Bermuda grass fairways, and the stunning 34 acres of lakes. While on play, golfers must have to go through the tall pines, old water oaks, and the rolling landscape in order to accomplish the tough tests of the entire layout. But despite the course’s huge landing areas nearly off every tee boxes, the golf course is still player-friendly.

Not known to many, the Resort Club at Grande Dunes is among East Coast’s longest courses. The layout was also given a slope rating of 142 and 77.3 course rating. That is why this enticing golf vacation destination is not just a crowd-puller but also a distinction magnet. In 2001, the Resort Club at Grande Dunes was also selected as one of the “Top 10 Best New Courses” by Golf Magazine. Book for a golf vacation package now and experience a demanding yet dazzling golf escapade.

 

 

 

 

 

Dunes Golf and Beach Club

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The Dunes Golf and Beach Club started as a small fishing cabin perfectly set at the Singleton Swash that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. But after a year of careful planning, the place was later transformed into a stunning golf vacation destination buffeted by sea breezes. A remarkable golf layout was designed by the famed Robert Trent Jones Sr. and now features the unique holes that can test every golfer’s skill level. The golf course was given the rating of 75.5 and a 144 slope rating.

In 1976 to 1977, Jones modified the original course layout giving some of the course’s holes its own unique descriptive names. Hole #13 for instance was given the name “Waterloo” where the majestic Lake Singleton makes its appearance. The Waterloo legendary hole is also considered as the Dunes Golf and Beach Club’s signature hole which has been considered as one of the world’s greatest golf holes. This 590-yard par 5 hole is also an example of what the heroic adventure of Jones’ philosophy is all about.

Dunes Golf and Beach Club, although considered as not a real seaside course, still provides guests with the picturesque views of the Atlantic. A golf haven nestled on a rolling land with the majestic live oak trees, this is one place where you can play challenging golf and relax with nature. And since this is a classic Jones masterpiece, golfers will come face to face with the layout’s huge and elevated greens, the well-defined fairway traps, and the long tees. This Southern gem also served as the host to a number of Senior PGA Tour Championships. And for more than 60 years of golf tradition, The Dunes continuously ranks as the “#1 Golf Course in Myrtle Beach”.

TPC of Myrtle Beach

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A recipient of Golf Digest’s 5 stars, the TPC at Myrtle Beach is among the 17 U.S. courses that were afforded with such recognition. This Tom Fazio golf masterpiece is also an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certified where it serves as a refuge for some of the world’s endangered species. But what makes this golf vacation destination more exciting is that it makes its guests feel at home inside the premises of a top tour caliber course.

TPC at Myrtle Beach is a stunning 18-hole golf layout set in the vast lands where the Carolina Pines, natural flora and fauna, as well as the unspoiled wetlands abound. This 6,600-yard layout is also covered with the Mini-Verde Ultra-Dwarf Bermuda Grass which is exactly the same kind of grass found on the greens of TPC at Sawgrass. And at the near end of each golf game, golfers will come face to face with the Par-5 eighteenth hole where a large lake and the “Wadkin’s Creek” come into play. That is why; this challenging golf vacation destination has become an all-time favorite for golfers of any skill level.

Aside from the challenging golf holes, the TPC at Myrtle Beach is also being highlighted by a magnificent Club House where you and your family can sit and relax with the picturesque views surrounding the layout. Just recently during the summer, the course greens were refurbished alongside with the new course drainage and sand to make sure that the layout is in tough condition. This is not just a place where you can test your golfing skills but also a golf haven where some of the world’s greatest players have marked their victory. Book for an affordable golf vacation package for Myrtle Beach now and experience a top-rated golfing escapade.

Birkdale Golf Club

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Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, the Birkdale Golf Club is a well-maintained public course that offers a charming private club feel. It is located in Huntersville, North Carolina, just outside Charlotte. The golf course has been chosen as one of the five best public courses in the state. In 1997 it was hailed as the Best New Golf Course, and in 1998 this golf vacation destination was also voted as Charlotte’s Best Public Course.

The Birkdale Golf Club is perfectly set in 200 acres of rolling terrain, and is carefully laid-out between natural streams, creeks, pine trees and natural vegetation. The course offers a tricky but exciting 7,013 yard, par 72 play where golfers have to go through the bent grass greens and Bermuda fairways. It also features four sets of tees which enable golfers of all skill levels to fully enjoy the course. Other notable features include well-positioned water hazards, and a series of elevation changes, which make playing a round of golf more thrilling and visually-appealing. This golf vacation destination has a course rating of 74.1 and a slope rating of 138.

Located north of Charlotte, the Birkdale Golf Club also offers superb practice and dining facilities. A pro golf shop and Arnie’s Tavern are located in the clubhouse. Arnie’s Tavern is open daily for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. The golf course’s practice facilities include a driving range and two putting greens. With a challenging layout, lots of water and sand, the Arnold Palmer designed Birkdale Golf Course definitely makes an exciting golf vacation package. Birkdale is a daily-fee public course that has an Open-To-Public policy, and is currently managed by the IRI Golf Group.

 

Tidewater Golf Club

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Tough yet beautiful, are two words that best describes the Tidewater Golf Club. This golf facility was perfectly carved by Ken Tomlinson on the vast lands of Myrtle Beach to come up with a world-class golf haven. The 18-hole layout features the par 72, 7,150-yard of play from the longest tees with a course rating of 74.9 and a 140 slope rating on Bermuda grass. After it was opened for play to the public in 1990, this stunning golf vacation destination has since then received various citations from different reputable publications. Among the accolades that the resort takes pride on include Golf Digest’s “Best New Public Course in America”, and Golf Magazine’s “Top 10 New Courses”.

While on play, golfers will find the layout tougher than the rest of the Southern Carolina courses. A journey from the green to the tee alone creates the feeling that it would take a lifetime to come across the challenges. From the first tee, golfers will face the Tidewater twists and turns that meanders back and forth while undertaking ordeals one to the other. However, the five sets of tees are provided to cater golfers of any skill level to make sure that there is always plenty of room for everyone.

Being a top-ranked course in Myrtle Beach, Tidewater Golf Club has become a tourist magnet not just for its challenging golf holes, but also with its natural beauty. While working on the holes of the entire layout, Tomlinson also took into consideration the natural beauty of the old-growth live oaks decked with moss that paves the way for the spectacular marshlands set in the Intracoastal Waterway. From here, guests are provided with the eye-catching views of the glittering waters dotted by the snow white sails from the cruising yachts.