Golf
Waccamaw Golf Trail Offers a Variety of Classic Coastal Carolina Golf Courses
Millions play golf in the Myrtle Beach area every year. Those who aspire to play some of the area's best courses can head south to the Strand's historic Southern shores to tee it up on the Waccamaw Golf Trail.
Featuring a dozen Lowcountry layouts on the south end of the Grand Strand, the Waccamaw Golf Trail stretches from Murrells Inlet to the historic port city of Georgetown and includes a collection of classic coastal Carolina golf courses.
Among the trail's top-rated layouts are three of “America's 100 Greatest Public Courses,” seven that have been awarded 4.5 stars in Golf Digest's list of “Best Places to Play in America,” and one ranked in the “Top 25 in America” by Golf for Women magazine, and one of only three 5-star courses in the Southeastern United States.
That latter honor belongs to the prestigious TPC of Myrtle Beach, the head of the Waccamaw Golf Trail both in terms of geography and esteem. Located near the historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet, this award-winning design played host to the 2000 Senior Tour Championship, which was won by Tom Watson who played against legends Gary Player, Ray Floyd, Lee Trevino, Lanny Wadkins and others.
The TPC course is flanked by Blackmoor and Wachesaw Plantation East, both built upon former rice and indigo plantations on the banks of the scenic Waccamaw River. Surrounded by pristine wetlands and old-growth forests teeming with wildlife, these courses are as enjoyable to look at as they are to play.
Located just to the south of Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park in Litchfield Beach sits another cluster of courses that feature the same marriage of natural beauty and keen craftsmanship, beginning with the River Club. This semi-private gem features natural water hazards on virtually every hole, more than 100 sand bunkers and one of the most challenging 18th holes on the Strand.
Neighboring courses include Litchfield Country Club, The Tradition Club and Willbrook Plantation – three more scenic layouts that are situated amid maritime forests and meandering tidal creeks. Offering true tests of golf in a lovely Lowcountry setting, these majestic layouts present a great escape for golfers who enjoy a stiff challenge and beautiful scenery.
Farther south in the charming town of Pawleys Island reside four of the most coveted tee times in the South Carolina Lowcountry – Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, the Heritage Club, True Blue Plantation and Pawleys Plantation. Also built on former rice plantations, these courses bring a taste of Southern heritage and hospitality to the fore.
There are plenty of great Waccamaw Trail packages available, golf-only or with accommodations. Popular host properties include Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort, Pawleys Plantation, True Blue Villas and the new Inlet Sports Lodge.
You'll also find excellent seafood restaurants, unique shopping and other points of interest, from the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk to the Hammock Shops in Pawleys Island.
There's something for everyone, so treat yourself on your next Myrtle Beach golf vacation by going the extra mile to the Waccamaw Golf Trail.
