A Golfer’s Guide to Myrtle Beach & Kingston Resorts

When it comes to planning a Myrtle Beach golf getaway, few destinations compare to the Grand Strand. Known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” Myrtle Beach has earned a reputation among golfers for its year-round playing conditions, renowned course designs, and the introduction of the iconic stay-and-play golf package.

Located on the north end of Myrtle Beach near many of the area’s top-ranked courses, Kingston Resorts provides a convenient base for exploring the region’s golfing scene. Between rounds, guests can enjoy oceanfront accommodations, resort amenities, dining, and customizable golf packages designed to help make the most of a golf vacation on the South Carolina coast.

Why Myrtle Beach Is Known as the Golf Capital of the World

Myrtle Beach’s golf legacy dates back nearly a century. What began with a handful of courses has evolved into one of the most celebrated golf destinations in the United States, attracting players from around the world. The area’s rise was driven by visionary course development, tourism innovation, and a climate that makes golf possible throughout the year.

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’s reputation continued to grow 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 expanding its collection of public-access courses and positioning golf as a central part of the vacation experience, laying the foundation for the destination’s future success.

The Birth of the “Stay-and-Play” Package

One of Myrtle Beach’s most influential tourism innovations was the creation of the stay-and-play golf package. By combining accommodations and tee times into a single booking, local tourism leaders made golf vacations more convenient, affordable, and accessible. The concept quickly gained popularity and helped establish Myrtle Beach as one of America’s leading destinations for golf getaways.

The Growth of Myrtle Beach’s Championship Golf Courses

The 1980s and 1990s ushered in a period of rapid growth, with dozens of championship-caliber courses opening across the Grand Strand. Renowned architects including Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, and Greg Norman introduced signature layouts that helped elevate Myrtle Beach into one of the premier golf destinations in the United States.

Today, golfers can choose from nearly 90 courses stretching from Little River to Pawleys Island, offering everything from coastal links-style challenges and championship designs to more approachable layouts suited to casual players. This variety remains one of the biggest reasons golfers continue to return to Myrtle Beach year after year.

Why Kingston Resorts Is the Best Place to Stay for Golf

With easy access to many of Myrtle Beach’s top golf courses, oceanfront accommodations, and dedicated golf vacation planning services, Kingston Resorts has become a popular choice for golfers visiting the Grand Strand. Whether you’re organizing an annual golf trip with friends, planning a couples getaway, or coordinating a larger group outing, the resort makes it easy to combine great golf with a relaxing coastal stay.

Customized Golf Packages

The Golf Department works directly with guests to build personalized golf vacations based on group size, preferred courses, playing schedules, and skill levels. Whether you’re looking to play some of Myrtle Beach’s most famous championship layouts, discover local favorites, or fit multiple rounds into your itinerary, the team can help create a package tailored to your trip.

Golf packages can include:

• Accommodations
• Tee times at participating courses
• Breakfast at Embassy Suites or Hilton
• Exclusive golf perks and discounts

Guests booking directly through the Golf Department may also receive:

• Up to 30% off room rates
• Up to 25% off tee times
• Complimentary golf gifts
• One hour of golf simulator access
• Waived resort and parking fees

For additional information, explore Kingston Resorts Golf Vacations or contact the Golf Department at 800-846-5552  to start planning your Myrtle Beach golf getaway.

Historic Myrtle Beach Golf Courses Near Kingston Resorts

Myrtle Beach’s reputation as the Golf Capital of the World wasn’t built overnight. Many of the area’s most celebrated courses have welcomed golfers for decades, helping shape the destination’s rich golfing legacy. Guests staying at Kingston Resorts are within easy reach of several historic layouts, while shuttle rentals can be arranged for groups seeking convenient transportation to and from the course.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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. 

4. 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. 

5. 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 Myrtle Beach Golf Courses to Add to Your Trip

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. Whether you’re looking for a challenging championship layout, a scenic coastal round, or a course designed by some of golf’s biggest names, there are plenty of options to choose from during your stay.

Popular courses include:

• Barefoot Resort Courses (Love, Dye, Fazio & Norman) – Four distinct layouts designed by some of golf’s most influential architects.
• Myrtle Beach National – A popular 54-hole facility offering multiple course experiences for visiting golfers.
• Myrtlewood Golf Club – Known for its approachable layouts and scenic Intracoastal Waterway views.
• World Tour Golf Links – Features replica holes inspired by some of the most famous courses in the world.
• Pine Lakes Country Club – Myrtle Beach’s oldest golf course and the birthplace of the area’s golf legacy.
• TPC Myrtle Beach – A tournament-caliber course designed to challenge golfers of all skill levels.
• The Dunes Golf & Beach Club – Consistently ranked among the top golf courses in the Southeast.
• Caledonia Golf & Fish Club – Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and memorable rounds on the Grand Strand.
• Resort Course at Grande Dunes – Features dramatic water views and a highly regarded championship layout.
• Tidewater Golf Club – Known for its stunning marshland scenery and challenging coastal design.

Golf Courses Near Kingston Resorts

One of the biggest advantages of staying at Kingston Resorts is easy access to some of Myrtle Beach’s most popular golf courses. Several highly regarded layouts are located just minutes from the resort, making it simple to maximize your time on the course and minimize travel between rounds.

Nearby favorites include:  

• Arcadian Shores Golf Club – A classic Rees Jones design known for its tree-lined fairways and challenging layout.
• Barefoot Resort’s Fazio Course – A scenic course featuring elevation changes, waste bunkers, and memorable risk-reward holes.
• Barefoot Resort’s Dye Course – One of Myrtle Beach’s most recognizable layouts, offering dramatic visuals and strategic shot-making opportunities.

For select courses located within two miles of the resort, Kingston Resorts offers complimentary shuttle service, making it even easier to get to your tee time without the hassle of driving or coordinating transportation.

Golf Amenities at Kingston Resorts

The golf experience doesn’t stop when you leave the course. Guests can continue practicing, competing, and refining their game at 78Fitness, which offers:

• Three state-of-the-art golf simulators
• Access to more than 100 virtual golf courses
• A spacious outdoor putting green
• Practice opportunities for golfers of all skill levels

Whether you’re warming up before a morning tee time, working on your putting stroke, or challenging friends to a round on a world-famous virtual course, these on-site amenities make it easy to keep golf at the center of your Myrtle Beach getaway.

Beyond the Fairways

While golf may be the main attraction, a Myrtle Beach getaway offers much more than time on the course. At Kingston Resorts, guests can unwind in oceanfront accommodations, enjoy multiple dining options, relax by the pools, stay active at 78Fitness, or spend time on the beach between tee times. Whether you’re traveling with a group of friends, your partner, or family members who aren’t golfing, the resort provides plenty of ways to enjoy the destination both on and off the fairways.

Plan Your Myrtle Beach Golf Getaway

With nearly 90 courses, a rich golfing history, and year-round playing conditions, it’s easy to see why Myrtle Beach remains one of the country’s most popular golf destinations. Whether you’re planning an annual golf trip with friends, a couples getaway, or your first visit to the Golf Capital of the World, Kingston Resorts provides convenient access to many of the area’s most celebrated fairways while offering the comfort of an oceanfront resort.

For more information on tee times, course recommendations, and planning resources, explore our Golf FAQ before building your itinerary.

Ready to start planning your next round? Explore our customizable golf packages and create a Myrtle Beach golf getaway tailored to your group.

Plan Your Golf Getaway