7 Myrtle Beach Golf Courses for Every Budget and Skill Level
Picture this: over 100 golf courses stretching along 60 miles of pristine South Carolina coastline, where Spanish moss drapes ancient oak trees and the Atlantic Ocean provides a stunning backdrop for your round. Welcome to Myrtle Beach, the “Golf Capital of the World,” where finding the perfect course for your game and budget isn’t just possibleโit’s guaranteed. Whether you’re a scratch golfer seeking championship-caliber challenges or a weekend warrior looking for affordable fun, these 7 Myrtle Beach golf courses for every budget and skill level represent the cream of the crop along the Grand Strand.
Key Takeaways
- Myrtle Beach hosts 11 of South Carolina’s top 20 public golf courses, including three of the top five, making it a premier destination for golfers worldwide
- Budget-conscious golfers can enjoy exceptional value at courses like Willbrook Plantation and Wild Wing Avocet without sacrificing quality or beauty
- Premium experiences await at nationally-ranked venues like Dunes Golf & Beach Club (No. 50 nationally) and Caledonia Golf & Fish Club (No. 55 nationally)
- Recent renovations and improvements across multiple courses ensure modern amenities and pristine playing conditions in 2025
- Diverse architectural styles from legends like Robert Trent Jones Sr., Mike Strantz, and Arnold Palmer offer unique challenges for every skill level
Premium Golf Experiences: Championship Courses Worth the Splurge
1. Dunes Golf & Beach Club – The Crown Jewel
Ranking: No. 3 in South Carolina, No. 50 nationally among resort courses[1][2]
The Dunes Golf & Beach Club stands as the undisputed king of Myrtle Beach golf, and for good reason. This Robert Trent Jones Sr. masterpiece showcases heroic architecture that demands both precision and courage, with the Atlantic Ocean serving as a breathtaking backdrop throughout your round.
What Makes It Special:
- ๐ Hosted the inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic PGA Tour event in May 2024
- ๐ Oceanfront holes that rival Pebble Beach for pure scenic beauty
- โณ Championship-caliber design that tests every aspect of your game
- ๐๏ธ Impeccable conditioning maintained to PGA Tour standards
Best For: Low-handicap golfers and those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Approximate Cost: $200-350+ depending on season
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
The course’s signature holes along the ocean require strategic thinking and precise execution. Don’t let the beauty distract youโJones Sr.’s design punishes wayward shots while rewarding smart course management.
2. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club – Lowcountry Perfection
Ranking: No. 4 in South Carolina, No. 55 nationally[1][2]
Stepping onto Caledonia Golf & Fish Club feels like entering a Southern Gothic novel. This Mike Strantz design, his first solo effort, weaves through ancient live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, creating an atmosphere that’s both haunting and beautiful.
Distinctive Features:
- ๐ณ Lowcountry beauty with centuries-old oak trees
- ๐จ Mike Strantz’s artistic vision in full display
- ๐ Exceptional conditioning year-round
- ๐ฆ Wildlife encounters including herons and alligators
Best For: All skill levels who appreciate natural beauty and strategic design
Approximate Cost: $150-250
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
The course demands accuracy over distance, with Strantz’s strategic bunkering and water hazards creating risk-reward scenarios on nearly every hole. The par-3 15th, played over a pristine lake to a green surrounded by Spanish moss, is pure magic.
3. True Blue Golf Club – Bold Modern Design
Ranking: No. 5 in South Carolina, No. 93 nationally[1][2]
Adjacent to Caledonia lies True Blue Golf Club, another Mike Strantz creation that showcases his bold modern design philosophy. This course features wide fairways and sprawling waste bunkers that create a links-style experience unique to the Myrtle Beach area.
Key Characteristics:
- ๐๏ธ Expansive waste bunkers creating strategic options
- ๐ Wide fairways that encourage aggressive play
- ๐ฏ Risk-reward opportunities on every hole
- ๐พ Links-style conditioning with firm, fast conditions
Best For: Golfers who enjoy strategic thinking and bold shot-making
Approximate Cost: $120-200
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
True Blue rewards aggressive play while punishing poor decisions. The waste bunkers aren’t just hazardsโthey’re strategic elements that offer multiple routes to the pin, making course management crucial for scoring.
Mid-Range Marvels: Premium Quality at Reasonable Prices
4. Tidewater Golf Club – Waterfront Beauty
Ranking: No. 9 in South Carolina[1][3]
Tidewater Golf Club recently completed a dramatic renovation that has elevated this already stunning course to new heights. With nine holes playing along the Intracoastal Waterway or Cherry Grove, Tidewater offers some of the most scenic golf in the region.
Renovation Highlights:
- ๐ง Complete course restoration finished in 2024
- ๐ Waterfront holes with panoramic views
- ๐๏ธ Modern amenities and improved conditioning
- ๐ธ Instagram-worthy scenery on every hole
Best For: All skill levels seeking scenic beauty with solid challenge
Approximate Cost: $80-150
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
The par-3 12th hole, played across a tidal marsh to a green perched on the water’s edge, exemplifies Tidewater’s combination of natural beauty and strategic design.
5. Prestwick Country Club – 2025 Course of the Year
Ranking: No. 11 in South Carolina, 2025 Course of the Year by South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association[1][5]
Prestwick Country Club earned its 2025 Course of the Year designation through exceptional conditioning, service, and value. This P.B. Dye co-design features signature elements including railroad ties, pot bunkers, and rolling greens that create a Scottish links experience in the heart of the Lowcountry.
Award-Winning Features:
- ๐ 2025 Course of the Year recognition
- ๐ Railroad tie accents throughout
- โณ Pot bunkers requiring precise approach shots
- ๐ณ Rolling greens that reward good putting
Best For: Mid-handicap golfers seeking championship conditions at fair prices
Approximate Cost: $70-120
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
The course’s design philosophy emphasizes strategic thinking over raw power, making it perfect for golfers who want to improve their course management skills while enjoying pristine conditions.
Budget-Friendly Gems: Maximum Value for Your Dollar
6. Willbrook Plantation Golf Club – Lowcountry Value
Designed by Dan Maples, Willbrook Plantation Golf Club proves that exceptional golf doesn’t require breaking the bank. This course delivers significant value while maintaining Lowcountry beauty with majestic oak trees and Spanish moss creating a premium atmosphere at budget-friendly prices[3].
Value Proposition:
- ๐ฐ Exceptional value for championship-quality golf
- ๐ณ Majestic oak trees and Spanish moss throughout
- ๐๏ธ Dan Maples design with strategic challenges
- ๐ฏ Forgiving layout perfect for improving your game
Best For: Budget-conscious golfers and beginners seeking quality conditions
Approximate Cost: $40-80
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
“Willbrook Plantation offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, strategic design, and affordable pricing that makes it an essential addition to any Myrtle Beach golf trip.”
The course’s wide fairways and generous greens provide confidence for newer players while still offering enough challenge to keep experienced golfers engaged.
7. Wild Wing Plantation – Avocet Course
The Wild Wing Avocet Course, a collaboration between Jeff Brauer and Larry Nelson, rounds out our list with memorable features that create lasting impressions without premium pricing. This course showcases creative design elements including dual fairways and risk-reward opportunities[3].
Memorable Features:
- ๐ฏ Challenging par-4 sixth hole that demands precision
- ๐๏ธ Drivable par-4 14th (256 yards from white tees)
- ๐ค๏ธ Dual fairways offering strategic options
- ๐ก Creative design elements throughout
Best For: All skill levels seeking memorable golf at great value
Approximate Cost: $45-85
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
The drivable 14th hole creates excitement and strategic decisionsโdo you go for the green and risk the hazards, or play safe and leave yourself a short iron? These moments make Wild Wing Avocet unforgettable.
Additional Courses Worth Considering
TPC Myrtle Beach
Ranking: No. 8 in South Carolina[1]
This Tournament Players Club venue offers PGA Tour-quality conditions and design, making it perfect for golfers seeking that professional tournament experience.
King’s North at Myrtle Beach National
Ranking: No. 19 in South Carolina[1]
This Arnold Palmer classic recently underwent a Brandon Johnson-led renovation in summer 2025, focusing on the back nine after the 2024 front-nine overhaul, ensuring modern playing conditions.
Founders Club
Designed by Thomas Walker, Founders Club features elevated fairways surrounded by waste bunkers with minimal cart paths, offering excellent value through their All Inclusive packages[3].
Planning Your Myrtle Beach Golf Adventure
Best Times to Visit
- Spring (March-May): Perfect weather, blooming azaleas, moderate pricing
- Fall (September-November): Ideal conditions, beautiful foliage, excellent rates
- Winter (December-February): Lowest prices, mild weather, fewer crowds
- Summer (June-August): Peak season, highest prices, afternoon thunderstorms
Money-Saving Tips
- Book package deals combining multiple courses
- Play during twilight hours for significant discounts
- Consider weekday rounds for better pricing
- Join course loyalty programs for repeat visitor benefits
- Book early for better tee times and rates
What to Expect by Skill Level
Beginners (20+ handicap):
- Focus on Willbrook Plantation and Wild Wing Avocet
- Consider Caledonia for the experience with realistic expectations
- Book lessons at course practice facilities
Intermediate (10-20 handicap):
- Prestwick and Tidewater offer perfect challenges
- True Blue provides strategic learning opportunities
- Mix premium and value courses for variety
Advanced (Single-digit handicap):
- Dunes Golf & Beach Club is a must-play
- Caledonia and True Blue test all aspects of your game
- Consider playing from championship tees
Course Conditions and Amenities in 2025
The 7 Myrtle Beach golf courses for every budget and skill level featured here maintain exceptional standards through:
Recent Improvements
- Sea Trail’s Byrd Course completed 2024 renovation with new TifEagle bermudagrass greens[3]
- Multiple courses upgraded dining facilities and pro shop amenities
- Enhanced practice facilities across the region
- Improved cart paths and course infrastructure
Standard Amenities
- Professional instruction available at all featured courses
- Practice facilities including driving ranges and putting greens
- Equipment rental and pro shop services
- Dining options ranging from casual to upscale
- Event hosting capabilities for tournaments and outings
Making the Most of Your Round
Pre-Round Preparation
- Arrive 30 minutes early for warm-up and check-in
- Study course layouts and yardage books
- Check weather conditions and dress appropriately
- Confirm tee times 24 hours in advance
During Your Round
- Respect pace of play guidelines
- Repair divots and ball marks to maintain course conditions
- Follow cart path rules and course etiquette
- Take photos at scenic holes (when appropriate)
Post-Round Activities
- Enjoy clubhouse dining and local specialties
- Visit pro shops for unique Myrtle Beach golf merchandise
- Plan your next round while the experience is fresh
Conclusion
The 7 Myrtle Beach golf courses for every budget and skill level showcased here represent the pinnacle of what makes the Grand Strand the world’s premier golf destination. From the championship pedigree of Dunes Golf & Beach Club to the exceptional value of Willbrook Plantation, each course offers unique experiences that cater to different preferences and budgets.
With 11 of South Carolina’s top 20 public courses calling Myrtle Beach home, golfers can craft the perfect itinerary regardless of their skill level or financial considerations[1]. The combination of world-class design, pristine conditioning, and Southern hospitality creates memories that last long after the final putt drops.
Your Next Steps:
- Determine your budget and skill level priorities
- Book tee times early for the best selection and rates
- Consider package deals to maximize value across multiple courses
- Plan for 3-4 rounds minimum to truly experience the variety
- Make dining reservations at course restaurants for the complete experience
Whether you’re planning a buddies trip, romantic getaway, or solo golf adventure, these 7 Myrtle Beach golf courses for every budget and skill level provide the foundation for an unforgettable experience along one of America’s most beautiful coastlines. The only question remaining is: which course will you play first?
References
[1] Golf Course Rankings – South Carolina’s Top Public Courses 2025
[2] National Resort Course Rankings – Golf Digest 2025
[3] Myrtle Beach Golf Course Guide – Course Features and Amenities 2025
[4] PGA Tour Event Coverage – Myrtle Beach Classic 2024
[5] South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association – 2025 Awards
