MyBuddiesTrip: Our Top 5 Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach, SC

Golf enthusiasts flock to Myrtle Beach, SC, year-round to experience its breathtaking golf courses, scenic landscapes, and warm hospitality. With over 90 courses to choose from, Myrtle Beach has rightfully earned its reputation as the "Golf Capital of the World." In this blog post, we'll explore the top 5 golf courses in Myrtle Beach based on both price and overall ratings. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner looking to refine your skills, these courses are sure to provide an unforgettable golfing experience.

Located in the Pawleys Island area, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club offers a unique blend of Scottish-inspired design and Lowcountry charm. This meticulously maintained course, designed by renowned architect Mike Strantz, seamlessly weaves through centuries-old oaks and serene marshes. The visual appeal is matched by its challenging layout, making it a favorite among both professionals and amateurs alike. Caledonia's immaculate fairways, undulating greens, and exceptional customer service contribute to its well-deserved place atop the Myrtle Beach golf rankings.

Favorite Hole: A risk reward hole, if there ever was one. The Par 5, 8th hole is reachable in two if the correct line is taken and you carry the fairway bunkers. While your second shot does have water in play, cutting the corner should allow for a "go for it" shot of 215-220 yards.

Toughest Hole: The Par 4, 16th hole is the number 1 handicap and for good reason. It requires two very well executed and well placed shots. Lined with trees to the right and left, the importance to have a clear second shot, over a forced water carry on your approach. If the pin is center or right, water becomes inevitable and plays with your mind.

Holes: 18

Type: Public

Par: 70

Length: 6,526 yards

Slope: 140

Rating: 72.1

Year Built: 1994

Architect: Mike Strantz (1994)

Website: http://www.caledoniagolfandfishclub.com/

Designed by the legendary Pete Dye, the Dye Course at Barefoot Resort & Golf offers a golfing experience like no other. As one of the most notable architects in the world, Dye designed this course to challenge golfers of all skill levels. The Dye Course features strategically placed bunkers, large waste areas, and undulating greens that demand precision and strategy on every shot. With stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway, this visually striking course is a must-play for any golfer seeking an exhilarating and memorable round.

Favorite Hole: Playing a mere 344 yards from the back tees, the par 4 10th hole on the Dye Course was my favorite hole of the day. A well struck drive will set you up with a wedge in your hand to attack the pin. Danger awaits, but it is work the risk.

Toughest Hole: Following what I considered as my favorite hole, was the toughest hole. The Par 4 11th hole is not the longest hole, but has danger lurking everywhere. The green is very well protected with almost no bail out anywhere. It is shot making at its finest, and there is not other option on this hole.

Holes: 18

Type: Semi-Private/Resort

Par: 72

Length: 7,343 yards

Slope: 143

Rating: 76

Year Built: 2000

Architect: Pete Dye (2000)

Website: http://www.barefootgolf.com/

Perched on the bluffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Tidewater Golf Club boasts a picturesque setting combined with a challenging yet rewarding golf experience. Designed by renowned architect Ken Tomlinson, this course features dramatic elevation changes, dense forestry, and stunning waterway views. The variety of hole designs ensures that each round at Tidewater offers a unique and captivating golfing experience. Exceptional service, well-manicured fairways, and breathtaking scenery contribute to the accolades bestowed upon this gem of a course.

Favorite Hole: I am a sucker for short par 5's, especially when they are playing as the easiest on the course. Slated as the easiest hole according to the handicap, this 560 yard par 5 is a go for it type hole. A solidly struck tee shot will set you up nicely. If you have the game, don't be shy to lay back and make this a 3 shot hole.

Toughest Hole: After a couple welcoming holes, the Par 4 fourth hole really makes you think that now, we're ready to start playing some golf. The toughest hole on the card requires a solid drive, a solid approach and two very good putts on an undulating and fast green. Take par and run to the next hole

Holes: 18

Type: Public

Par: 72

Length: 7, 044 yards

Slope: 144

Rating: 74.3

Year Built: 1990

Architect: Ken Tomlinson (1990)

Website: https://www.tidewatergolf.com/

True Blue Golf Club, designed by Mike Strantz, is a golfing masterpiece nestled in the heart of Myrtle Beach. This visually striking course incorporates natural vegetation, waste bunkers, and elevation changes, providing a harmonious blend of challenge and beauty. True Blue's generous fairways offer forgiveness off the tee, while its undulating greens and strategically placed hazards demand precision on approach shots. As a recipient of numerous awards and accolades, True Blue is a testament to Mike Strantz's innovative design philosophy and stands as a must-play course in the Myrtle Beach area.

Favorite Hole: Par 5s are always the most likely to surrender a birdie and the 548-yard ninth hole is True Blue’s most inviting target. The fairway is enormous and assuming you successfully negotiate the wetlands on your second shot, a short approach and birdie putt should await.

Toughest Hole: Water runs the length of the hole on the right side and it’s an unavoidable presence. Bailout left and sand awaits, forcing you to play a delicate shot onto a green that is running away from you and toward the water. The hole played 208 yards and doesn't surrendered many birdies.

Holes: 18

Type: Public/Resort

Par: 72

Length: 7,126 yards

Slope: 139

Rating: 73.8

Year Built: 1998

Architect: Mike Strantz (1998)

Website: http://truebluegolf.com/

TPC Myrtle Beach, the only TPC course on the Grand Strand, offers golfers an opportunity to experience the same caliber of golf enjoyed by professionals. Designed by acclaimed architect Tom Fazio, this meticulously maintained course features pristine fairways, challenging bunkers, and large, undulating greens. TPC Myrtle Beach combines strategic shot.

Favorite Hole: No. 18, 538-yard, par 5: The 18th, with a creek running along the right side of the fairway and a large lake on the left, is Johnson’s choice as the course’s best. It’s a classic risk-reward hole. Players that can snuggle up to the creek before it runs out to the lake can get home in two, but there is considerable risk. Half of the green is exposed to water and with the rough surrounding it shaved, it’s not an easy green to hold.

Toughest Hole: At 445 yards, the straightway ninth hole (pictured right) isn’t complicated. The par 4 is long and challenges golfers to hit an elevated green with deep run-off areas on both sides. For the average player, bogey is a really good score.

Holes: 18

Type: Resort

Par: 72

Length: 6,950 yards

Slope: 146

Rating: 74.2

Year Built: 1999

Architect: Tom Fazio (1999) Lanny Wadkins (1999) Beau Welling (1999) Tom Marzolf (1999)

Driving Range: Yes

Website: http://tpcmyrtlebeach.com/