The Inside Swing

Dunes Golf & Beach Club

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The oldest and most prestigious club on the Grand Strand, Dunes Golf & Beach Club is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design that hosted PGA Tour events for decades. The famous "Waterloo" par-5 13th — a dramatic dogleg around Lake Singleton — is one of the most iconic holes on the East Coast.

History & Heritage

The Dunes Golf and Beach Club was incorporated in May 1948, making it the oldest and most prestigious golf club on the Grand Strand. A then little-known architect named Robert Trent Jones Sr. was commissioned to design the layout on sandy, rolling terrain perfectly suited for golf. The Dunes became one of Jones's first nationally acclaimed solo designs and helped launch his legendary career.

The club hosted PGA Tour events for decades and returned to the national stage as the venue for the Myrtle Beach Classic beginning in 2024. Rees Jones, Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s son, completed a renovation in 2013 that modernized the greens and bunkers while honoring his father's original design intent.

The Dunes is best known for its par-5 13th hole, nicknamed "Waterloo," a dramatic dogleg around Lake Singleton that has been selected as one of the most memorable holes in American golf.

Signature Holes

9
Hole 9 Par 4 · 410 yards

A challenging par 4 along the dunes with an elevated, well-protected green and Jones's trademark bunkering.

13
Hole 13 Par 5 · 590 yards

The legendary "Waterloo" hole. This dramatic dogleg wraps around Lake Singleton, tempting long hitters to cut the corner over water.

16
Hole 16 Par 3 · 175 yards

A demanding par 3 to a well-guarded green. The tee shot must carry bunkers to find the putting surface.

18
Hole 18 Par 4 · 440 yards

A strong finishing hole that demands two quality shots, with the clubhouse gallery watching.

What to Expect

The Dunes is a classic Robert Trent Jones Sr. design on sandy, rolling terrain providing a championship-caliber test. At over 7,100 yards from the tips with a slope of 148, it is one of the most demanding courses in the area. Each hole has unique character, with Jones's deep bunkers and strategic water hazards creating compelling risk-reward decisions.

The Rees Jones renovation features modern green complexes honoring the original design. The facility includes beach and social amenities befitting the Grand Strand's most prestigious club.

Playing Tips

Course management is critical. Jones designed the course to reward strategic thinking over raw power. On the 13th "Waterloo" hole, resist cutting too much corner over Lake Singleton -- the safe play still leaves a manageable approach.

The greens are large and undulating, so landing on the correct portion is essential. The deep bunkers are the primary defense -- keeping the ball out of them should be a priority.

Highlights

  • Robert Trent Jones Sr. classic design
  • Famous "Waterloo" 13th hole
  • Most prestigious club on the Grand Strand

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the public play Dunes Golf & Beach Club?
The Dunes is a private club, but limited public access is available through certain Myrtle Beach golf packages and resort partnerships.
What makes the 13th hole "Waterloo" so famous?
The par-5 13th dramatically doglegs around Lake Singleton, creating one of golf's great risk-reward decisions. It is ranked among the most memorable holes in American golf.
Has the PGA Tour played at The Dunes?
Yes. The Dunes hosted PGA Tour events for decades and returned to the schedule as the venue for the Myrtle Beach Classic beginning in 2024.
Who renovated The Dunes?
Rees Jones, son of original designer Robert Trent Jones Sr., completed a renovation in 2013 honoring the original design.

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