Myrtle Beach is known worldwide as a premier golf destination, boasting over 80 courses stretching along the picturesque Grand Strand. However, for those with higher handicaps, selecting the right course can make the difference between a frustrating round and a fun, rewarding experience. This guide delves into myrtle beach golf courses for high handicappers, offering practical tips on course selection, strategies to improve your game, and recommended courses that are more forgiving without sacrificing the scenic beauty and unique layouts Myrtle Beach is famous for.
Why Myrtle Beach is Ideal for High Handicappers
Myrtle Beach caters to golfers of all skill levels, but high handicappers have particular reasons to love this destination:
- Course Variety: You can find everything from wide-open links courses with minimal hazards to short executive courses designed for quicker, less intimidating rounds.
- Year-Round Play: The mild coastal climate makes golf in Myrtle Beach feasible almost any month of the year, giving you plenty of options to practice and improve.
- Friendly Atmosphere: Myrtle Beach is known for its hospitality. Pro shops, clubhouses, and fellow golfers are generally welcoming, making it less stressful for those new to the game or still working on their technique.
- Value and Packages: Many courses offer discounts, off-season rates, and package deals that bundle multiple rounds, which can be budget-friendly for high handicappers aiming to get in more practice.
What High Handicappers Should Look For
Before we explore our recommended myrtle beach golf courses for high handicappers, here are a few factors to consider when choosing a course:
- Wide Fairways: Broad fairways provide more leeway on errant drives, reducing penalty strokes and boosting confidence off the tee.
- Minimal Forced Carries: Courses with fewer bunkers and water hazards between tee and fairway limit frustrating re-tee situations.
- Lower Slope Rating: A lower slope typically indicates a more beginner-friendly track, although it doesn’t mean the course lacks character.
- Multiple Tee Boxes: Opt for courses with multiple tee boxes so you can choose distances that align with your current driving range and skill level.
- Pace of Play and Crowd: A course known for slower pace or a mix of skill levels can help you avoid pressure from more advanced golfers.
Tips for Improving Your Game in Myrtle Beach
While selecting an easier course helps, it’s also essential to work on your technique and mindset. Here are some quick tips:
- Take Lessons: Many Myrtle Beach courses have PGA-certified instructors who specialize in beginner and high-handicap lessons.
- Warm Up Properly: Make use of the driving range and practice green before teeing off to reduce first-tee jitters.
- Play Smart: Instead of hitting driver off every tee, consider using a hybrid or fairway wood to keep the ball in play.
- Manage Expectations: Focus on incremental improvements and keep a positive mindset, celebrating small victories like fewer penalty strokes.
Now, let’s highlight some of the best myrtle beach golf courses for high handicappers. Each listing includes approximate fees, course type, website links, addresses, and phone numbers with clickable links.
Top Myrtle Beach Golf Courses for High Handicappers
The following courses are known for their welcoming layouts, forgiving fairways, and player-friendly designs—perfect for those with higher handicaps seeking a fun and less stressful round of golf.
| Course Name | Fee (Approx.) | Type | Website | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beachwood Golf Club | $50 - $75 | Public | Visit Website |
1520 Hwy 17 S North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 |
(843) 272-6168 |
| Azalea Sands Golf Club | $40 - $80 | Public | Visit Website |
2100 Hwy 17 S North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 |
(843) 249-9771 |
| Cane Patch Par 3 & Driving Range | $15 - $25 (Par 3 Course) | Public (Par 3) | Visit Website |
720 48th Ave N Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 |
(843) 449-2093 |
| Midway Par 3 & Driving Range | $15 - $25 (Par 3 Course) | Public (Par 3) | Visit Website |
3300 S Kings Hwy Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 |
(843) 448-4545 |
| Myrtlewood Golf Club - Palmetto Course | $70 - $110 | Public | Visit Website |
1500 48th Ave N Ext Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 |
(843) 248-2183 |
| Pine Lakes Country Club | $75 - $120 | Public | Visit Website |
5603 Granddaddy Dr Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 |
(843) 315-7700 |
| River Oaks Golf Plantation | $45 - $80 | Public | Visit Website |
831 River Oaks Dr Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 |
(843) 236-4000 |
| Arcadian Shores Golf Club | $60 - $100 | Public | Visit Website |
701 Hilton Rd Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 |
(843) 449-5217 |
| The Wizard Golf Links | $60 - $100 | Public | Visit Website |
4601 W Windsor Rd Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 |
(843) 651-6186 |
| Man O'War Golf Club | $60 - $100 | Public | Visit Website |
5601 Leeshire Blvd Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 |
(843) 651-6050 |
Why These Courses Suit High Handicappers
The selections above feature either shorter layouts, wide fairways, fewer forced carries, or multiple tee placements that make them ideal for high handicappers. Some courses, like Pine Lakes Country Club and Myrtlewood Golf Club, offer a traditional vibe and forgiving landing areas, while par-3 venues such as Midway Par 3 and Cane Patch Par 3 are perfect for honing your iron play and short game.
Extra Tips for an Enjoyable Round
Beyond picking a golf course that suits your skill level, here are some additional pointers to enhance your experience:
- Check Tee Time Schedules: Some courses are busier on weekends or during peak season. Booking a tee time that’s less crowded can reduce pressure and allow you to focus on improving.
- Renting vs. Bringing Clubs: If you’re traveling light, most Myrtle Beach courses offer club rentals. However, bringing your own clubs can help maintain consistency in your swing.
- Practice on the Range: Even 10-15 minutes of warm-up can settle nerves and allow you to get a feel for the day’s playing conditions.
- Scorekeeping Method: If you’re worried about the final number, try a stableford or match-play system with your golf partners to keep the focus on fun rather than raw scores.
High-Handicapper Mindset: Embrace the Journey
Golf is a game of continual learning. High handicappers are likely to face more hazards, take more penalty strokes, and occasionally card higher numbers on tough holes. The key is to stay positive, track small wins (like hitting a fairway you’ve never reached before), and build confidence with each round. Myrtle Beach’s laid-back atmosphere and broad range of courses give high handicappers the ideal environment to enjoy the game without undue stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Which tee boxes should I use as a high handicapper?
Opt for forward tees (often labeled as “senior,” “ladies,” or “gold tees” depending on the course). These typically provide shorter yardage, making it easier to reach greens in regulation. -
What is the best time of year for high handicappers to visit Myrtle Beach?
Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and good course conditions. However, visiting during off-peak times in winter or late summer may yield lower green fees and fewer crowds, providing a more relaxed atmosphere. -
Should I take lessons or go for a full round if I’m new?
Many courses in Myrtle Beach have experienced teaching pros. If you’re brand new or struggling significantly, a lesson or two before a full round can greatly improve your confidence and reduce the chance of repeated mistakes on the course. -
Are there any beginner-friendly golf packages?
Yes, numerous package providers bundle multiple beginner-friendly or high-handicapper-friendly courses with accommodations. Check with local resorts or online golf booking platforms for deals tailored to novices.
Conclusion
Myrtle Beach is a golfing haven, especially for players looking to grow their skills in a welcoming, scenic environment. By focusing on myrtle beach golf courses for high handicappers, you can match your current skill level to courses designed to encourage rather than intimidate. From classic favorites like Beachwood Golf Club to short-game boosters such as Cane Patch Par 3, there’s a layout for every golfer aiming to lower their handicap without sacrificing fun.
Remember to practice regularly, consider professional lessons, and approach each round with the mindset that every shot—even a mistake—offers a chance to learn and improve. With its diverse course offerings, year-round play, and friendly golf culture, Myrtle Beach stands ready to welcome high handicappers into the rewarding world of golf.
Happy golfing, and may your drives be straight and your putts roll true!