By Michael Baginski/ Three million golfers can’t be wrong. That’s how many rounds of golf were played in Myrtle Beach in 2025, prompting Jeff Monday, to observe with a smile: “We play a lot of golf.”
Monday, who is director Golf Tourism Solutions, the marketing arm for golf in Myrtle Beach, was in Toronto recently for the Outdoor Adventure Show, where Myrtle Beach and its surrounding area were pitching their bona fides as the world capital of golf.
Known for its 100 km of beaches, the stretch of South Carolina coast dubbed the Grand Strand also boasts close to 80 golf courses, all but six of them open to the public – not to mention countless mini-golf courses (world capital of mini golf!).
Moreover, the destination has been a thriving golf destination for a hundred years, with the Pine Lakes Country Club, the area’s first, set to celebrate its centenary in 2027.
The championship-level course joins others like the Dunes Golf and Beach Club by Robert Trent Jones in attracting golfers from around the world to play, or to watch PGA events like the annual ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic (to be held May 7-10 this year at Dunes).
Layouts such as Grande Dunes, Pawleys Plantation, Pine Lakes, Rivers Edge and the four courses at Barefoot Resort, among many others, have undergone significant renovation projects recently, highlighting the area’s commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience, says Bob Harris of Visit Myrtle Beach, though he maintains that the sport is still very affordable compared to other top golf destinations.
“Canadians know Myrtle Beach, and they certainly know their golf,” adds Harris.
Indeed, such is the enthusiasm for the game from north of the border that Myrtle Beach introduced a direct booking link at the Outdoor Show, allowing visitors to reserve their tee times on the spot.
And as show visitors braved freezing temperatures and record snow on the ground, Monday pointed out the obvious: that Myrtle Beach boasts great weather that allows for year-round play.
“In the wintertime it’s a great place for snowbirds to come down for a month and just take advantage of the really good days and get out on the golf course.”
Monday says prime season for golf is mid March to mid May, with April being particularly ideal – not too hot or cold and courses in prime condition. Similarly, October in the Fall.
At the same time, Monday notes that Myrtle Beach is an “all in one vacation spot” of which golf is simply part of the colourful mosaic.
And given the destination’s appeal for families, he points out that there are shorter par 3 courses, while many clubs also welcome kids (typically 16 and under) to play for free.
And there’s also “a ton” of mini golf courses that appeal to families, he notes – many of them listed on the destination’s dedicated mini golf trail.
Of course, “We’re also a great buddies trip destination,” he continues. “If you want just a specific golf trip destination, there’s no better place to do it. Given the range of courses we have, there’s a lot of variety. Anything you’re looking for – easy, difficult, scenic, low budget to high budget – it makes it a great golf trip.”
As for Canadians, Monday says, “Myrtle Beach truly embraces the Canadian people. You’re going to feel really welcome and you’re going to find people who are grateful that you’re there… And it’s a place where you get good bang for your buck; and at time when we are fully aware that exchange rates are not in your favour, Myrtle Beach can help stretch those dollars a little bit further than some other destinations can.
“I just think we’re one of the only places you can go to get everything you want,” he concludes. “We have great dining, shows, nightlife, whatever you’re looking for.”
And golf.
