When some of the biggest names in professional golf began venturing into course design, owners had high hopes of where those side projects would lead.
It’s safe to say that Myrtle Beach’s golf scene has not only had a significant role in leading that charge, but also that those men whose names we know are permanently attached to some of the area’s most notable tracks. Roughly one in nine courses along South Carolina’s Grand Strand were designed by someone who won multiple PGA Tour majors and who has already been elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame.
ARNOLD PALMER
When “The King” passed away in 2016, his death was felt throughout Myrtle Beach. His permanent connection to the locale began in 1972, when his first three
courses – the trio that would become the King’s North, SouthCreek, and West courses at Myrtle Beach National – were built and created a centralized location to publicize and promote the area’s golfing landscape. He returned in 1996, when a touched-up King’s North re-established itself as one of the top-flight local courses. (The front nine of King’s North has since been renovated, with the back nine slated for renovation in May of 2025) Not long after, Palmer (who won seven majors and 62 PGA events and was named to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974) designed the Rivers Edge course just across the border in North Carolina. (Top photo new par four 3rd green complex at King’s North)
JACK NICKLAUS
The golfer with the most major victories (18) in history wasn’t going to make things easy for those who played his courses. At both Long Bay Golf Club in Longs and
Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club in Pawleys Island, Jack Nicklaus created designs that challenge even skilled players. These courses reflect the precision and strategic thinking that earned him a spot in the first full World Golf Hall of Fame class. In 2023, Pawleys Plantation underwent a major renovation, further solidifying its reputation as a tough yet well-maintained track, while Long Bay renovated its greens the same year, enhancing playability and overall course conditions. (Jack Nicklaus pictured right during a 2018 visit at Pawleys Plantation Golf Club)
GARY PLAYER
It didn’t take nine major victories, 24 total PGA Tour wins, or more than 150 top finishes overall for fans to take notice of Player’s skill set on the course. Abilities with every club, with a seeming mastery of each, came to life at his only local design, Blackmoor Golf Club (opened 1990) in Murrells Inlet. Being solid off the tee is important; being better than average with every other stick will add to success here. The club completed a major drainage project in 2023, further improving playability and conditioning, especially during and after heavy rains.
RAYMOND FLOYD
The next wave of big-name players turned designers created another wave of Myrtle Beach courses in this category, beginning with Ray Floyd’s combined effort with
Tom Jackson at Arrowhead Country Club. While Jackson’s name is attached to a handful of others locally, this is the solo appearance for Floyd, who won four majors and 22 PGA Tour tournaments before joining the Hall of Fame in 1989 – six years prior to Arrowhead’s opening. The 27-hole property features multiple shots along or within eyesight of the Intracoastal Waterway.
GREG NORMAN/DAVIS LOVE
Norman and Love served as one half of the design group who were each given a swath of land to make something special happen at Barefoot Resort and Golf in the late 1990s. Then, in 2000, the Norman and Love Courses (along with Fazio and Dye Club) opened to rave reviews and haven’t let up. Norman was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame the following year, and Love joined him in September of 2017.
