Mythical Golf Paradise or Dwindling Dream? The Changing Face of Myrtle Beach Courses
Ah, Myrtle Beach – the glittering jewel on the South Carolina coast known for its sandy beaches and, until recently, countless golf courses. A place where the sun shines just as bright as the well-manicured greens. However, the alluring image of the area’s golf scene is facing a reality check. What was once home to a whopping 100 golf courses has dwindled, as closures transform the landscape from fairways to future housing developments.
From Overabundance to Contraction
As golfers stroll down memory lane, they’ll recall a time when nearly 80 golf courses aimed to satisfy anyone from the casual duffer to the seasoned pro. Sadly, the Myrtle Beach area has experienced a significant downturn. According to Parker Smith, president of Golf Trek, as many as 15 to 20 golf courses closed between 2004 and 2024. It’s safe to say this isn’t just a minor hiccup; it’s indicative of larger trends that have shaped the local golfing landscape.
Looking back, the heyday of Myrtle Beach golf started in the late 20th century. Between 1980 and 2001, a remarkable 87 courses opened, fueled by the local economy’s booming development and national recognition from sports media like Sports Illustrated. During that golden period, 26 new courses popped up between 1985 and 1989, ushering in a golden age of golfing bliss. It seemed that every new residential community came complete with its own sprawling golf course, a trend that had practically cemented the idea that golf was a must-have amenity.
The Balancing Act: Supply vs. Demand
However, the rapid growth meant there was a fundamental issue at hand. Tracy Conner, the executive director of the Myrtle Beach Golf Course Owners Association, explained that while many courses were popping up, the demand for new ones didn’t align with the skyrocketing supply. “In the (1970s), it was driven by organic demand. In the late 80s and through the 90s, it was driven by artificial demand,” Conner said. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right?
And that disaster unfolded in the mid-2000s with the onset of the Great Recession. As spending tightened, the golf industry took a serious hit. Many courses that were older or not well-maintained found themselves on the chopping block. The knock-on effect meant not only course closures but a fundamental shift in how the community interacted with golf.
Community Concerns and Future Outlook
The reduction of golf courses isn’t just a facepalm moment for avid golfers; it sparks concerns among locals who cherish these open spaces. There’s a palpable fear that the beautiful fairways could morph into housing developments, bringing more residents but less recreational space. According to Bart Romano, the PGA Director of Operations for True Blue and Caledonia Golf Clubs, “Over the next few years, we’ll probably see a handful of our courses close for various reasons.”
Though the number of courses has shrunk, it isn’t all doom and gloom! Interest in golf has seen a resurgence post-pandemic, with an increase in rounds played. The Myrtle Beach area even celebrated its inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic in May 2024, racking up over 281,000 rounds played. While there are glimmers of hope, Romano advises tempering expectations, mentioning, “I’d be very surprised to see a new golf course built within the next five years.”
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the evolution of Myrtle Beach’s golf scene tells a tale of booming growth followed by a market correction. What remains is a resilient golfing community that is adapting to changes while holding onto the allure that once made Myrtle Beach a golfing paradise. As we look to the future, only time will tell if this beloved coastal haven can reclaim its former glory or if it will settle into a new identity altogether.
