Myrtle Beach Golf Scene Faces Changes as Courses Close
Hey there, Myrtle Beach enthusiasts! If you’ve ever strolled through the beautiful greens and enjoyed the sun while playing a round of golf, you might be in for some news that hits a little differently. It seems Myrtle Beach’s golfing reputation might not be as strong as it once was. Once home to nearly 100 golf courses, the area has seen a significant decline, with many courses closing up shop over the last decade, leaving both locals and tourists with mixed feelings.
The Rise and Fall of Golf Courses
Just to give you a bit of history, Myrtle Beach blossomed into a golfer’s paradise in the late 20th century. In fact, between 1980 and 2001, a whopping 87 courses opened their doors! The golden years of golf in the area were praised in various publications, and who wouldn’t want to be part of that excitement? However, as the years rolled on, we witnessed a different story unfolding.
Parker Smith, president of Golf Trek, noted that around 2004, the landscape began to change. He estimates that between 15-20 golf courses shut down during that turbulent time, particularly during the recession years. It became clear that, while there was an impressive influx of new courses during the boom, the demand just wasn’t keeping up.
Too Many Courses, Too Little Demand
Tracy Conner, who currently serves as the interim CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, shed some light on this situation. He pointed out that the majority of these courses were initially built to enhance new residential communities. But did that really meet the golfing needs of the people? According to Conner, the number of rounds played didn’t align with the rapid construction of new links. “We created an artificial supply that didn’t exist,” he noted, highlighting a troubling disconnect between course availability and actual player interest.
What Courses Have Closed?
As the years went by, many courses were left to close their doors, seemingly victims of the market correction sparked by the Great Recession. Older and less-maintained courses were particularly vulnerable. Locals and golf lovers have voiced their concerns over these closures, worried that their beloved greens would slowly vanish.
Is There Hope for the Future?
On the bright side, there seems to be potential for a revival of interest. After what many view as a long dark period, a surge of interest in the game emerged during the pandemic, with record rounds played in 2023. Conner mentioned the inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic in May 2024, which coincided with an all-time record of over 281,000 rounds played!
Bart Romano, the PGA Director of Operations at True Blue Golf Club and Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, did express a realistic outlook regarding the future of course openings. He noted that although interest has improved, the days of new course developments seem to be behind us. “I’d be very surprised to see a golf course, a new course built within the next five years,” he shared.
Wrapping It Up
So, Myrtle Beach, where does that leave us? With a history rich in *golfing glory*, the area now faces a delicate balance of preserving its golfing legacy while adapting to changing demands. For the time being, it looks like the Myrtle Beach golf scene is settling into a rhythm that aligns more closely with current player interests. Only time will tell how this story unfolds, but one thing’s for certain—Myrtle Beach will always hold a special place in the hearts of golfers young and old.
