Myrtle Beach Golf Courses Shine in National Rankings

Myrtle Beach Golf Courses Shine in National Rankings

In the scenic coastal city of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, golf enthusiasts are raising their clubs in celebration! The latest Golf Magazine list of the “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” has been released, and two local courses are shining brighter than ever. The Dunes Golf and Beach Club has snagged the impressive spot of No. 60, while Caledonia Golf & Fish Club has made a notable leap to No. 76, climbing a remarkable eight spots from its previous ranking.

A Brief Overview of the Stars of the Show

Let’s break it down! The Dunes Club is a classic, designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones and opening its greens back in 1948. This beautiful course isn’t just locally loved; it also serves as the host course for the PGA Tour’s Myrtle Beach Classic. Talk about some exciting golfing history!

On the other hand, if you’re looking for charm and stunning views, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club in nearby Pawleys Island, designed by Mike Strantz, is a must-play. This course has only been around since 1994, but don’t let its youth fool you; it’s gaining serious traction and recognition, standing tall at the 76th position in the nation.

Myrtle Beach’s Strong National Presence

But wait, there’s more! It’s not just in Golf Magazine where Myrtle Beach is making waves. According to the latest rankings from other national publications, Caledonia is perched at No. 63 on the Golfweek Top 100 Best Courses You Can Play in the U.S., while The Dunes Club holds a respectable tie for 65th. Pretty impressive, right?

The recognition doesn’t stop there, as The Dunes Club also made the cut in Golf Digest’s 2023-24 list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, where it appears at a solid 71st. Other notable courses in South Carolina also shine on these lists, including the celebrated Ocean Course at No. 10 and the iconic Harbour Town at No. 26.

How the Rankings Are Determined

Now, you might be wondering how these courses make it onto such prestigious lists. Golf Magazine’s rankings come from a panel of 127 raters hailing from 15 different countries. Each panelist receives a ballot featuring a whopping 609 courses to choose from. They rank courses across categories such as top three, 4-10, and so on, all the way out to 250-plus! They even have a column to suggest removing a course from future consideration, talk about thorough!

Interestingly, these raters are asked to focus more on the design and architecture of the course rather than the fancy clubhouse or extra amenities. This ensures that the rankings reflect the true essence of what makes a golf course great.

Unwavering Recognition for Myrtle Beach

With Myrtle Beach making such a strong showing, it’s evident that the local golf scene is thriving. Whether you’re a newcomer picking up a club for the first time or a seasoned pro looking for your next great challenge, you can’t go wrong with these celebrated courses. So, pack your bags, grab your golf clubs, and head to Myrtle Beach—these top-ranked courses are waiting for you!