By John Torsiello, <a href="http://www.theaposition.com/">Golf Media Network</a>
<img decoding="async" alt="" src="/media/images/Farmstead_18_Lo-Res.png" style="width: 650px;height: 434px" />
You’ve decided to head to Myrtle Beach, S.C., the self-proclaimed “Golf Mecca” of the world, and you are wondering where you and your friends should stay and play. The Grand Strand has almost 100 courses stretching from Georgetown, S.C. (near Charleston County) to the southeastern edge of North Carolina. Though they are sometimes lumped together under one moniker, there are some clear distinctions between the North, Central and Southern Grand Strand.
The Central Grand Strand has, well, golf, golf and more golf. Toss in miniature golf, Planet Hollywood, enough restaurants to appeal to any foursome, amusement rides, bars and nightlife, and you’ve got all the ingredients of what might be termed linksy, albeit somewhat hedonistic, reveling.
But head 20 miles north of Myrtle Beach proper and you’ll find a whole other world that may be enticing if you are looking to simply play great golf courses, and then unwind and kick off your golf shoes instead of venturing out and seeking the party life.
I had a chance this year to spend several days in the Brunswick Islands of North Carolina, an area that, as the visitor brochure says, encompasses “135 miles of fairways and 45 miles of gorgeous beach” along the Atlantic Ocean. The Brunswick Islands and the area immediately around it in Brunswick County, N.C., which butts up against the South Carolina state line, is ideal for a chilled out golf vacation. Ocean Isle is a funky little beach community that has been around for 50 or so years and is located a hop over the Intracoastal Waterway.
There are some super restaurants in the area, most of them specializing in seafood, of course. I ate at Ella’s of Calabash, a place and town made famous by Jimmy Durante’s closing show signoff, “Goodnight Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are.” Of course, some readers may not remember Jimmy Durante, but trust me, he was a funny man.
The golf in the Brunswick Islands area is very good. Among my favorites is <a href="http://www.mbn.com/courses/farmstead-golf-club">Farmstead Golf Links</a> (pictured), which has holes in both North and South Carolina and a rare par-six closer.
Located in the southern end of Brunswick County, Farmstead is routed on a spectacular piece of land and boasts one of the most memorable holes in the region&#8211;that 767-yard, par-six 18th. The finisher actually begins in South Carolina and concludes on a large undulating green in North Carolina. I hit three great shots to get myself to 100 yards for the approach and somehow managed to hit it short, find a bunker and take a most disappointing double (the only time in my life a snowman wasn’t a triple).
The Central Grand Strand has perhaps the best of the bunch when it comes to courses. I loved the track at <a href="http://www.mbn.com/courses/wild-wing-plantation-avocet">Wild Wing</a> when I played there— not a long course, but a track where you really have to think your way around an undulating design. I also recommend <a href="http://www.mbn.com/courses/myrtle-beach-national-kings-north">King’s North at Myrtle Beach National</a> (home of several iconic holes, including the par-five sixth known as “The Gambler” that features an island fairway that tempts you to go for eagle), and the wonderful <a href="http://www.mbn.com/courses/grand-dunes">Grande Dunes Resort Club</a>, which just co-hosted the 2014 PGA Professional National Championship.
Like its North Strand counterpart, the Southern Grand Strand offers a more relaxed environment than the fast-paced Central Strand – but sets itself apart with and “Old South” flavor and Lowcountry setting dominated by moss-draped oaks, marshlands and former rice plantations teeming with exotic wildlife. The golf features several superb courses including The <a href="http://www.mbn.com/courses/river-club">River Club</a>, with a par-five finisher as compelling in presentation and challenge as any you’ll play; and <a href="http://www.mbn.com/courses/pawleys-plantation">Pawleys Plantation Golf &amp; Country Club</a>, a Jack Nicklaus design that’s one heck of a challenging track, and maybe the crème de la crème with several back nine holes that play in and out of a spectacular saltwater marsh. The conditions of these courses are top-notch, and the routings visually spectacular.
So, when heading to Myrtle, know that all courses and all areas of the Grand Strand are not created equal. Even if you want a more relaxing visit and choose the courses and accommodations at the northern or southern ends, the fun and frolic of Route 17A and downtown Myrtle Beach are only a half hour away either way. The beaches, like the courses, are sweet and visually delightful no matter where you stay and play.

Myrtle Beach: North, Central or South?

Courses in this Article

River Club

Grande Dunes - Resort Golf Club

King's North at Myrtle Beach National

Additional Myrtle Beach Golf News