Protected: You Have to Stay Here: The Golf Edition at Kingston Resorts
Posted on June 2, 2026
When it comes to planning the ultimate golf getaway, few destinations compare to Myrtle Beach. Known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” this South Carolina coastline has become a bucket-list destination for golfers thanks to its year-round playability, legendary course designs, and the invention of the iconic “stay-and-play” golf vacation.
Perfectly positioned on the north end of Myrtle Beach near many of the area’s top-ranked golf courses, Kingston Resorts offers the ideal home base for golfers looking to experience the best fairways along the Grand Strand while enjoying oceanfront accommodations, resort amenities, and customizable golf packages.
How Myrtle Beach Became the Golf Capital of the World
Myrtle Beach’s golf legacy dates back nearly a century. The area’s transformation into a world-renowned golf destination was driven by a mix of visionary course development, tourism innovation, and ideal coastal weather.
The First Fairways
Golf arrived in Myrtle Beach in 1927 with the opening of Pine Lakes Country Club, affectionately known as “The Granddaddy.” Designed by Robert White, the first president of the PGA of America, Pine Lakes quickly became a landmark in the golf world. The area gained even more prestige in 1948 when The Dunes Golf & Beach Club opened with a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design that would go on to host major tournaments and elite competitions.
The “Big Three” Golf Boom During the 1960s, golf exploded in popularity across the United States thanks to television exposure and legends like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player. Myrtle Beach embraced the momentum by building more public-access courses and positioning golf as a central vacation attraction.
The Birth of the “Stay-and-Play” Package
One of Myrtle Beach’s biggest tourism innovations came through the creation of the “stay-and-play” golf package. Local tourism leaders bundled accommodations and tee times together, making golf trips easy, affordable, and incredibly popular. This simple concept transformed Myrtle Beach into one of the most accessible golf destinations in the country.
The Course Construction Boom
The 1980s and 1990s ushered in a massive expansion period, with dozens of championship-caliber courses opening across the Grand Strand. Designers such as Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, and Greg Norman brought signature layouts to the area, helping establish Myrtle Beach as home to one of the highest concentrations of public golf courses in the world.
Today, golfers can choose from nearly 90 courses stretching from Little River to Pawleys Island.
Why Kingston Resorts Is the Best Place to Stay for Golf
Whether you’re planning a buddy trip, couples getaway, corporate retreat, or solo golf escape, Kingston Resorts delivers the ideal combination of location, comfort, and golf expertise.
Customized Golf Packages
The golf team at Kingston Resorts helps guests create personalized golf vacations tailored to every skill level and playing style.
Whether you want to:
- Play the area’s most famous championship courses
- Discover hidden gems locals love
- Schedule 18 or even 36 holes per day
- Plan a large group outing
…the resort’s golf specialists can build a package that includes accommodations, breakfast, tee times, and exclusive perks with no hidden fees.
Guests booking directly through the Golf Department can enjoy:
- 30% off room rates
- Up to 25% off tee times
- Complimentary golf gifts
- One hour in the golf simulator
- Waived resort and parking fees
- Breakfast included at Embassy Suites or Hilton
Learn more about golf packages and planning your trip through Kingston Resorts Golf Vacations, or call the Golf Department directly at 800-846-5552 to customize your golf getaway with one of the resort’s golf specialists.
Historic Golf Courses Near Kingston Resorts
Golfers staying at Kingston Resorts are perfectly positioned near some of Myrtle Beach’s most iconic and historic courses. Shuttle rentals can also be arranged for groups looking for convenient transportation to and from the course.
The Dunes Club
Pine Lakes Country Club (1927) Approx. 5 miles away
Nicknamed “The Granddaddy,” Pine Lakes is Myrtle Beach’s oldest golf course and one of its most historic. The classic layout, traditional clubhouse, and deep ties to golf history make it a must-play for any visiting golfer.
The Dunes Golf & Beach Club (1948) Approx. 3 miles away
Consistently ranked among the top courses in the Southeast, The Dunes offers a timeless Robert Trent Jones Sr. design featuring challenging greens, ocean breezes, and the famous “Waterloo” finishing stretch.
The Surf Golf & Beach Club (1960) Approx. 12 miles away
Located in North Myrtle Beach, this George Cobb-designed course combines narrow fairways and coastal scenery for a classic Carolina golf experience.
Litchfield Country Club (1966) Approx. 30 miles away
Situated on a former rice plantation in Pawleys Island, Litchfield delivers a traditional Lowcountry layout with towering oaks and scenic marshland.
Myrtlewood Golf Club – PineHills Course (1966) Approx. 7 miles away
Known for wide fairways and beautiful Intracoastal Waterway views, PineHills offers an enjoyable round for golfers of all skill levels.
Top-Rated Courses to Play During Your Stay
Kingston Resorts partners with many of Myrtle Beach’s premier golf facilities, giving guests convenient access to some of the area’s most celebrated courses.
Popular 4-star and 5-star options include:
- Barefoot Resort Courses: Love, Dye, Fazio, and Norman
- Myrtle Beach National
- Myrtlewood Golf Club
- World Tour Golf Links
- Pine Lakes Country Club
- TPC Myrtle Beach
- The Dunes Golf & Beach Club
- Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
- Resort Course at Grande Dunes
- Tidewater Golf Club
Courses Just Minutes Away
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Kingston Resorts is the proximity to exceptional golf.
Nearby favorites include:
- Arcadian Shores Golf Club
- Barefoot Resort’s Fazio Course
- Barefoot Resort’s Dye Course
For courses located within two miles of the resort, Kingston Resorts offers complimentary shuttle service, making it even easier for guests to get to the first tee without the hassle of driving.
Golf Amenities at Kingston Resorts
The golf experience doesn’t stop once you leave the course
At Kingston Resorts, golfers can continue sharpening their game at 78Fitness, which features:
- Three state-of-the-art golf simulators
- Access to over 100 virtual golf courses
- A spacious outdoor putting green
- Practice opportunities for all skill levels
Whether you want to warm up before your tee time or compete with friends after dinner, the resort’s golf amenities add another layer to the experience.
More Than a Golf Trip
While golf may bring visitors to Myrtle Beach, Kingston Resorts delivers the full vacation experience. Guests can enjoy:
- Oceanfront accommodations
- Multiple dining options
- Pools and water amenities
- Spa & Fitness services
- Easy beach access
It’s the perfect blend of championship golf and coastal relaxation.
Plan Your Myrtle Beach Golf Getaway
From legendary courses and customizable golf packages to oceanfront comfort and unbeatable amenities, Kingston Resorts is the ultimate destination for golfers visiting Myrtle Beach. Whether you’re chasing a bucket-list round, organizing your annual buddy trip, or simply looking to enjoy a few days on the fairways, Kingston Resorts makes planning easy.
Explore packages, tee times, and golf FAQs here:
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