Myrtle Beach opened its last new course in 2008, but that doesn’t mean the market is stagnant. From Rivers Edge in Shallotte, N.C. to Pawleys Plantation in the south, courses all along the Grand Strand golf scene have undertaken renovations.

If you are looking for a quick primer on how courses have changed, here is a look at Myrtle Beach’s most dramatic golf course renovations over the last five years.

#5 Lost in the flurry of the more recent work is the 2019 overhaul of the Palmetto Course at Myrtlewood. Architect Dan Schlegel installed new Sunday Ultradwarf Bermuda grass greens and restored the putting surfaces to their original dimensions, an effort that expanded the greens by 28 percent. Every bunker was renovated, restoring shape and character that had been lost over the years. The bunkers, while not necessarily larger in size, are much more visible along the fairway, challenging players taking aggressive lines, particularly on par 5s.

#4 The renovation of River Hills Golf & Country Club (2023) didn’t attract as much attention as the other entries on our list, but don’t be fooled. The Tom Jackson design is one of the area’s most underrated layouts and it’s better than ever following a greens restoration effort that expanded the putting surfaces by 40 percent on average. Throw in new bunkers, highlighted by Capillary Concrete Liners, and River Hills has enjoyed a deserved post-renovation surge. (River Hills pictured right)

#3 Grande Dunes Resort Club could have easily been second on the list (Pine Lakes earned the nod due to the conversion from paspalum to Sunday bermuda). Architect John Harvey, who worked with Roger Rulewich on the original design and construction of Grande Dunes, returned in 2023 to restore the acclaimed layout’s greens and refurbish its bunkers. Grande Dunes also completely renovated its clubhouse, opening Terrazza 19, a restaurant that has become a favorite of golfers and locals in search of a great meal.

#2 Myrtle Beach’s first course, Pine Lakes Country Club received a makeover in 2021, replacing paspalum greens with Sunday bermudagrass, an ultradwarf strain that is well suited to the area’s subtropical climate. Architect Craig Schreiner also renovated every bunker on the course, an effort that provided new bunker faces featuring traditional and native grasses that roll into the sand, giving the course a more natural look. (Pine Lakes pictured right)

#1 Pawleys Plantation Golf Club is one of the area’s most recognizable courses, highlighted by a back nine that plays along a stunning saltwater marsh, and the Jack Nicklaus design has a new look following a 2023 renovation project. The Nicklaus Design team returned to the course, restoring the greens to their original size and specifications. Even more dramatically, the rambling bunkers that framed so many holes were eliminated in favor of native areas, wider fairways, and strategic sand traps enhancing the layout’s playability without sacrificing the challenge for more skilled players. With a renovated clubhouse and the new Palmetto Jacks restaurant, the experience at Pawleys Plantation has been significantly enhanced. (Pawleys Plantation Golf Club top photo)

All photos for this feature from our Instagram Account @myrtlebeachgolftrips