18. Golf
The modern day game of golf has its origins in 15th century Scotland. A game of both physical precision and mental toughness, golf is one of the most challenging and popular of recreational pastimes. The Grand Strand area, with its favorable weather and gentle landscape, is home to more than 100 golf courses suited to a range of skill levels. The well manicured courses up and down the coast have attracted golfers from around the country and around the world. Each year numerous area courses also host the Dupont World Amateur Championship, bringing highly competitive golfers to the area to test their skills against one another. A number of respected golfers and course designers also have signature courses here including Greg Norman and Davis Love III. The Grand Strand area is also home to a number of golf super stores, such as Martin’s Golf and Tennis, that provide a huge variety of golf clubs, shoes and other equipment.
The Grand Strand’s courses are well maintained and emphasize the natural beauty of the region, though several do stand out as Most Scenic” according to golf experts. The Dunes Golf and Beach Club is a course steeped in tradition. With holes featuring tall coastal pines within eyesight of the Atlantic, it is a classic. Another standout is Caledonia Plantation complete with towering oak trees and scenic Lowcountry views.
The Pete Dye-designed course at Barefoot Resort has a reputation for testing golfers’ skills. The 7,300 yard-plus course is known for its deceptive elevation changes and challenging angles. Another challenging, yet popular area course is the World Tour Golf Links. With holes carefully designed to replicate famous holes at Augusta National or Scotland’s St. Andrews, the course is an enjoyable way for golfers to travel the world.
Golf is as much a game of skill as it is strength, and many area courses have made accommodations for their female visitors. The Grande Dunes Golf Course, in addition to its well manicured fairways and greens, offers two separate ladies’ tee areas depending on preference. The Sea Trail Plantation, at under 5,000 yards, offers a short but challenging course that requires skillful ball placement to avoid an assortment of water hazards.
Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, Myrtlewood’s Palmetto and Pine Hills courses offer affordable greens fees in the heart of Myrtle Beach. The courses have been recently renovated and golfers may take advantage of deep discounts by booking in advance. The International Club in Murrells Inlet is another outstanding value in the area. The course is in a pristine setting, and golfers may save money by booking tee times online.
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