Myrtle Beach, fondly referred to as the “Golf Capital of the World,” is renowned for its lush greens, professional golf courses, and its steady commitment to the sport. But do you ever wonder how it earned this prestigious title? Let’s look back at the rich and captivating history of golf in Myrtle Beach.
## The Early Days – Pine Lakes Country Club#
In 1927, the sparkling charm of Myrtle Beach began to carve its niche in the golfing world with the introduction of the Pine Lakes Country Club, locally known as “The Granddaddy.” This was the Myrtle Beach area’s initial golf course, ensuring a place in the sun for the beach destination, given the rapidly growing popularity of the sport.
Designed by illustrious architect Robert White, the first president of Professional Golf Association (PGA) of America, the Pine Lakes Country Club didn’t just blur the edges between golf and leisure. It redrew them entirely, inviting golf enthusiasts into the realm of lavish resorts and immersing vacationers in the captivating sport.
## The Ocean Forest Hotel — An Era of Luxury#
The golf scene in Myrtle Beach took a luxurious turn in 1930 with the construction of the Ocean Forest Hotel. Nestled amidst 17,500 acres of land, this hotel, unparalleled in its grandeur, introduced a further element of sophistication to the golf landscape of the region.
The Ocean Forest Hotel became an iconic part of golfing history, before its eventual demolition in the 1970s. It hosted titans in the business, political, and entertainment worlds, showcasing the irresistible allure of Myrtle Beach and popularizing the sport.
## Post War Boom and The Dunes Club#
The years following World War II brought a boom in tourism and golf, most notably marked by the establishment of The Dunes Golf and Beach Club. The celebrated architect Robert Trent Jones laid out this masterpiece in 1948, introducing the innovative concept of ‘signature holes.’ The par-5, 13th Hole – also known as Waterloo, provided the golfing world with an exhilarating challenge. The Dunes quickly gained reputation as a must-play course, attracting golfing enthusiasts from all over the world to Myrtle Beach.
## Golf Explosion — The 1970s to 1990s#
Between the 1970s and 90s, an explosion of new golf courses across Myrtle Beach led to its recognition as the rapidly growing golf destination. More than 100 golf courses from renowned designers such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, and Greg Norman sprouted like mushrooms after the rain, interspersed along 60 miles of beach land.
## The Million Dollar Swing – The Golf Capital Ascends#
The growing recognition of Myrtle Beach’s golf scene wasn’t restricted to seaside vacationers and avid golfers. In the 1980s, it began hosting the “Dupont World Amateur Handicap Championship,” also known as “The Million Dollar Swing.” This brought more than a thousand golfers, amateur and professional alike, from all across the globe, fostering camaraderie, competitiveness, and love for the sport.
The ‘90s witnessed the Myrtle Beach hosting the “Senior PGA Tour,” renamed today as the “Champions Tour.” This event further placed Myrtle Beach in the spotlight with global golfing enthusiasts.
## Today – Beyond the Greens#
Fast forward to today, Myrtle Beach continues to pride itself as the Golfer’s Paradise. No longer just a venue for the sport, it has progressively turned into a premier destination for golf vacation, catering to families and non-golfers as well.
However, the appeal and charm of Myrtle Beach go beyond its golf courses. It offers a warm beach, lively entertainment, fine dining, shopping, and a vibrant nightlife, preserving its original appeal while continually evolving and improving.
The history of golf in Myrtle Beach is an impressive testament to the region’s commitment to the sport. From the establishment of Pine Lakes Country Club to the present day, the golf scene here has remained vibrant and competitive. It will be exciting to see where the future takes this golfer’s dream destination.
Good historical rundown. I’ve been golfing for years and never knew about the ‘Million Dollar Swing.’ Can you imagine the pressure of those putts?! Also, didn’t realize that Myrtle Beach hosted the ‘Senior PGA Tour’ as well. Whoever said you can’t learn anything new was clearly not a golfer.
What an interesting read! I adore the ‘The Granddaddy’, have visited a few times and always had a great experience. It’s really amazing to see how Myrtle Beach has evolved over the years. The history behind it is just incredible. Makes every swing I take there feel like a part of a much bigger story.