When the first explorers trudged through the pristine marsh waters of the South Strand to settle the territory, they gazed out across the land and said:
“This is where I shall plant my rice. This is where I shall dock my vessel.”
“This is where I shall play my golf.”
Or so we imagine.
The links are as woven into the fabric of the Myrtle Beach area as shrimp and grits and riding the surf. It’s about the biggest attraction we’ve got down here, second to, you know, that big ocean thing. Heck, it’s so big it’s even in our name: Litchfield Beach & Golf. So yes, we get it.
Our location pits us in the middle of some of the best golfing anywhere in the south and we’re darn proud of that. Check out five of our favorite courses within minutes of Litchfield’s front door.
Litchfield Country Club: Don’t let the fancy-pants name fool you; this is far from a snooty place. Regardless, the course and amenities are still top notch and draw golfers back time and again, and was even among Golfer’s Digest’s top picks in 2009. Soak up the history (it’s on the site of a former rice plantation) and ogle the Spanish moss-draped oaks as you tee up. Clean, up to snuff and backed by great customer service, it’s one of those sure-things golfers love.
Tradition Club: Relatively new (1996) and universally loved (highly rated by golf magazines), this course is one to try if you’re up for a bit of a challenge. Island greens and waste areas make 18 holes not easy-peasy, but certainly fun and worthwhile. It also boasts a big practice facility for those feeling a little green about taking on the green.
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club: Ok, we’re noticing a bit of theme emerge here: Places In The South Strand That Preeminent Golf Publications Love. Caledonia is no different. And for those more interested in nature peeping than score keeping, this is your place. Dazzlingly beautiful and designed to perfection, it’s one of those sit-back-in-your-golf-cart-and-happily-sigh courses. The antebellum-inspired clubhouse is pure Southern charm, too.
Willbrook Plantation: While we’re not ones to distinguish courses as better for men versus women or vice versa, here’s some trivia if this sort of thing matters to you: this spot was ranked No. 25 in Golf for Women magazine’s “Top 50 Courses For Women.” But we think it’s pretty fabulous for anyone given its charming Lowcountry feel and inclusive playability. If you think you're going to catch a break here, you won’t — challenges abound, but the perks outnumber them.
Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club: Seeking the masochistic thrill of driving toward a green nearly surrounded by salt marsh? We’ve got your spot. We recommend this course for more experienced golfers who aren’t afraid of some tricky maneuvering, but also those who like their links with a side of history and quintessentially South Strand environs. It’s a Jack Nicklaus Signature course and is one of South Carolina Golf’s best courses in the state.
For a full list of area courses, check out these here. Litchfield Beach & Golf staff is happy to help you find the right course for your skill level, interests and budget. For pricing and to schedule a tee time, see here. In addition, now is the perfect time to book your golf vacation at Litchfield. The end of the busy summer season means great packages, pricing, pick-of-the-litter tee times and, of course, glorious fall weather. It’s the best time to golf in the Litchfield and Myrtle Beach area. Shhhh! Our little secret.
(Posted: 9/14/15)
