The Inside Swing

Best Public Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

You don't need a membership to play great golf in Myrtle Beach. From resort courses to municipal gems, here are the best public and semi-private courses in the area — ranked by design quality, conditioning, and value.

1

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · Mike Strantz (1994) · 18 holes · Par 70 · 6,526 yards

Widely regarded as the crown jewel of Myrtle Beach golf, Caledonia is a Mike Strantz masterpiece routed through a former rice plantation along the Waccamaw River. The avenue of live oaks leading to the antebellum-style clubhouse sets the tone for one of America's most beautiful golf experiences.

Mike Strantz plantation masterpieceAvenue of live oaks and antebellum clubhouseConsistently ranked #1 in Myrtle Beach
Green Fee: $125–$225 Rating: 4.8/5
2

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · Mike Strantz (1998) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,126 yards

The bold, dramatic sibling of neighboring Caledonia, True Blue is another Mike Strantz creation that plays through marshland and maritime forest. Massive waste bunkers, forced carries, and wildly creative green complexes make every hole an adventure.

Mike Strantz bold, dramatic designMassive waste bunkers and marsh carriesSister course to Caledonia
Green Fee: $80–$165 Rating: 4.6/5
3

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · Tom Fazio (1999) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,950 yards

A Tom Fazio design built to TPC standards, this layout in Murrells Inlet delivers championship golf through Lowcountry wetlands and maritime forest. The polished conditioning and strategic layout offer a premium Myrtle Beach experience.

Tom Fazio TPC-standard designLowcountry wetland settingChampionship conditioning
Green Fee: $80–$150 Rating: 4.4/5
4

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · Ken Tomlinson (1990) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,044 yards

Set on a peninsula between the Intracoastal Waterway and Cherry Grove inlet, Tidewater offers some of the most spectacular water views on the Grand Strand. Several holes play along bluffs overlooking the waterway, creating a coastal golf experience uncommon for Myrtle Beach.

Peninsula setting on Intracoastal WaterwayBluff-top holes with panoramic water viewsTop 5 public course on the Grand Strand
Green Fee: $70–$140 Rating: 4.5/5
5

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · Jack Nicklaus (1988) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,026 yards

A Jack Nicklaus Signature design in Pawleys Island, this course plays through centuries-old live oaks, salt marshes, and along historic rice plantation canals. Several holes border the marsh with expansive Lowcountry views.

Jack Nicklaus Signature designHistoric rice plantation settingLowcountry marsh and live oak corridors
Green Fee: $55–$110 Rating: 4.2/5
6

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · Davis Love III (2000) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,047 yards

Part of the four-course Barefoot Resort complex, the Love Course is a Davis Love III design that brings a natural Lowcountry feel with live oak corridors, salt marsh edges, and classic Southern charm. It's one of four distinct architect designs at the resort.

Davis Love III Lowcountry designPart of 4-course Barefoot ResortLive oak and salt marsh setting
Green Fee: $65–$130 Rating: 4.3/5
7

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · Roger Rulewich (2001) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,018 yards

A Roger Rulewich design along the Intracoastal Waterway, Grande Dunes offers upscale resort golf with waterway views from several elevated tees. The layout features well-conditioned Bermuda fairways, bold bunkering, and one of the best practice facilities on the Grand Strand.

Intracoastal Waterway settingRoger Rulewich strategic designUpscale resort experience
Green Fee: $75–$140 Rating: 4.3/5

Best Time to Play

March through May and September through November are ideal. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures and peak course conditions. Summer is hot and humid but affordable; winter is mild with the lowest rates.

Booking Tips

For the best rates, book tee times midweek or during shoulder seasons. Many courses offer twilight rates for afternoon rounds. Resort courses often bundle with hotel stays for significant savings.

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is centrally located. Pawleys Island (south end) is home to Caledonia and True Blue — the must-plays. Book stay-and-play packages for the best value. The area has hundreds of restaurants, but Murrells Inlet's MarshWalk is a dining highlight.

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