Summer in Myrtle Beach is a time for renovation and rejuvenation as golf courses use the “slower months” to ensure they are in prime condition for the area’s peak fall season. Sometimes the projects are large – see the two-year, two-part renovation of King’s North that began this summer – and some are small, but all are vital.
In addition to the renovation of King’s North, which will reopen with a new-look front nine on the horizon in October, and the recently completed bunker renovation project at Myrtlewood’s PineHills Course, several other area layouts are undertaking summer projects; here is a look at what each will entail. (King’s North & PineHills pictured right)
Joining King’s North in undergoing a significant renovation is Sea Trail’s Byrd Course, which closed on May 13 to begin a complete overhaul. Architect Tim Cate, who designed Tiger’s Eye and Leopard’s Chase and led the highly acclaimed renovation of Bald Head Island Club, has been tapped to lead the project. ( Top photo Sea Trail Byrd 18th hole before renovations began)
Among the highlights of the multi-million-dollar effort will be the installation of new TifEagle bermudagrass greens, the rebuilding of the course’s bunkers, including the installation of the “Better Billy Bunker” system, strategic tree removal, expanded fairways and much more.
The refurbished design will showcase a dramatic new look and every part of the course, from drainage and cart paths to greens and tees, will be enhanced when the Byrd Course reopens in early September.
Thistle Golf Club, a 27-hole facility, has started a greens restoration effort that will take place over the next three summers. Work on the Cameron nine began on June 3 and it will reopen September 9 with new TifEagle putting surfaces. The greens on the MacKay nine will be overhauled in 2025 and the Stewart nine will follow in 2026.
Thistle is also planning an “At the Turn” range bar and will use the time to replace the bridges on each nine as it closes.
While the renovations at Sea Trail and Thistle have attracted much attention, Ocean Ridge Plantation, their Brunswick County neighbor, has been quietly improving its four Big Cats. ORP has already refurbished more than 40 bunkers in 2024 as part of an ongoing effort, in addition to irrigation and drainage improvements and the restoration of the cart paths at Lion’s Paw, Panther’s Run, Tiger’s Eye and Leopard’s Chase.
Ocean Ridge struggled with conditions a few years ago, but management committed to restoring the roar at the Big Cats and the courses have progressively improved – including a 2023 greens restoration project at Leopard’s Chase – and that trend is continuing.
Barefoot Resort has embarked on a multi-year bunker renovation effort that won’t require any of the property’s four courses to close. The work began on the resort courses – Fazio, Love, Norman – this summer and is being performed during maintenance weeks and slower times on the calendar. Barefoot is also trimming, and in some cases removing, pine trees to increase sunlight.
Brunswick Plantation, a 27-hole property, recently completed a bunker renovation project that included the reshaping of the course’s traps, the installation of new drainage, and new sand throughout the property.
International Club is overhauling its clubhouse, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a post-round drink or a quality meal.
In Myrtle Beach, the quest to provide an improved experience for golfers never ends.
