August is National Golf Month, but the beauty of Myrtle Beach is not only the amazing number of courses to choose from, but the fact that the weather is nice enough to play most of the year! Plan a trip to Bella Vista and enjoy some golf while you're here.
Golf not your thing? Well, there's lots of mini golf options around too, which is a great activity for those of all ages and ability. Myrtle also has courses for disc golfers in town. We'll cover some options for you, regardless of the type of golfing you prefer!
Golf
The Dunes Golf & Beach Club
With around 90 courses to choose from, one of the most top-ranked course in the area is The Dunes Golf & Beach Club. Consistently in the Top 100 courses in country, it originally opened in 1948 and was designed by Robert Trent Jones.
It's a semi-private course, so you'll want to plan ahead for tee times, and greens fees are a little higher than surrounding courses but word is they are meticulously kept. It has hosted PGA, LPGA, and amateur events, and the par-5 13th hole, dubbed "Waterloo" because of its dogleg around Lake Singleton has been praised as one of the most scenic holes around.
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
Located in Pawleys Island, Caledonia is a par-70 course set among centuries-old live oak trees with Spanish moss draping down. The land was bought in 1797 by Robert Nesbit, a Scottish immigrant (Caledonia is the Roman word for Scotland), and was a rice plantation.
This was the first course designed solo by Mike Strantz, and opened in 1994. Caledonia consistently wins awards and rave reviews from golf pros and publications.
Barefoot Golf Resort
With four options to choose from - Love, Dye, Fazio, and Norman - with the first 3 being in the Top 200, Barefoot Golf Resort is a great option that is located a short drive from Bella Vista. And with shops and restaurants of Barefoot Landing in close proximity, you can easily divide-and-conquer with the family.
Arcadian Shores Golf Club
Designed by Rees Jones, this course ranked in the Top 20 in Myrtle Beach according to a poll of PGA pros run by Golf Daily, and both Golf Digest and Golf Magazine have deemed this a course of distinction. Plus since it is right across the entrance from Kingston Plantation, you can't get much more convenient than this!
Mini Golf
Not willing to take 3 to 4 hours for a full game of golf? Well, there are plenty of options for family-friendly putt putt in town too. The first mini golf course was built in 1930 and there are over 50 courses to choose from.
With more mini golf courses per square mile than any other city in the United States, Myrtle Beach is considered by many to be the Mini Golf Capital of the world. Even the ProMiniGolf Association's "Masters" tournament calls Myrtle Beach home. Here are a couple of places to check out:
The Hawaiian Rumble
Claiming to be the toughest mini golf course in the world, this course is home to the annual Masters tournament. Located in North Myrtle Beach, it has a a 40-foot volcano that erupts about every 20 minutes and a talking parrot in the clubhouse.
Aloha Mini Golf
Close to Bella Vista, just down Lake Arrowhead Road is one of Hawaiian Rumble's sister courses, Aloha. If you spring for their Sister Pass you can play all five courses across their three locations (including Hawaiian Village) for $33.
Mt. Atlanticus
Legend has it that a small portion of the mythical city of Atlantis was transported to Myrtle Beach by a Minotaur named Goff. To me, Minotaur Goff sounds like how my three-year-old kid would have pronounced 'miniature golf' so I get a kick out the name alone!
There are two courses here, Minotaur and Conch, and we have played the Minotaur course, which is a little more challenging. It brings you all the way to the top with tiki-covered hut holes and views of the ocean. If you play during the day or hot weather, just note that the Conch course has more of its holes indoors.
At the 19th hole, if you are able to sink a hole-in-one, you win a lifetime pass and your picture on the wall of fame. Alas, none of us made a winning putt, but we will be back to try again!
Disc Golf
Frisbees more your speed? Myrtle Beach is home to disc golf courses as well! Played with similar rules and etiquette as golf, holes are made of baskets and discs are used instead of balls and clubs.
Socastee Recreation Park
A wooded course, the first hole is located just inside the park entrance on the right side. This a par 63 course, and some holes have two tee options and the course is well-marked.
Splinter City
Opened in 2020 and named for the series of wooden houses formerly on the site which were part of the US Army Air Field, Splinter City is located near the Market Commons close to the airport, has 18 holes and covers about 25 acres. The Blue course is friendlier and the Gold course is more challenging.
Well that's our round-up of a variety of golfing options in the area. Book a stay at Bella Vista and enjoy all these great courses while you are here!