Tracing the Roots of Our Golf Legacy: From Ocean Forest to Myrtle Beach's Golf Empire

Myrtle Beach, known as a major golf destination, has over 120 golf courses within a 60-mile area called the Grand Strand. The city's golf history started in the early 20th century, with the first golf course, originally named The Ocean Forest Country Club, established in 1927.

This club, later renamed The Pine Lakes International Country Club in 1944, was the first golf course in Myrtle Beach. It now hosts the Myrtle Beach’s Golf Hall of Fame and is known as the birthplace of Sports Illustrated. The second course, The Dunes Club, opened in 1948, delayed by The Great Depression and World War II.

The Myrtlewood Golf Course, the third one, was established in 1966. The next year, local businessmen founded Golf Holiday, a non-profit organization promoting golf tourism in Myrtle Beach. They introduced golf packages, which led to an increase in golf courses, especially during the 1980s and 90s.

Many of these courses were designed by renowned golf figures. The first course, Pine Lakes, was designed by Robert White, the first president of the PGA. The Dunes Club was designed by Robert Trent Jones and hosts the PGA’s Myrtle Beach Classic. Other designers include Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, and Arnold Palmer.

Robert White, the designer of the first golf course, has a significant role in Myrtle Beach's golf history. Born in St. Andrews, Scotland, he moved to America in 1894 and made significant contributions to golf, including a scientific approach to course maintenance. His influence continues to shape the golfing landscape of Myrtle Beach, which has grown from a single golf course in 1927 to a major golf destination.

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