4 Off-Course Things You’ll Love About the South Strand Golf Experience

By Jim Maggio

Of the three primary geographic areas that comprise the Myrtle Beach golf scene, it’s the South Strand course collection that truly exudes the Lowcountry vibe. What’s not to love about golf amid the majestic moss-draped oaks at Heritage and Caledonia, the striking marshland settings at Pawleys Plantation, or the spectacular spring floral blooms at Willbrook, Litchfield Country Club or Blackmoor?

But as much as you feel it on the course, it’s the pre- and post-round scene you’ll take in off of it that truly rounds out the experience. Here are the four off-course features of this region that will make your next golf getaway here feel extra special:

The Vibe. You’ll know it right away when you first experience it: “Lowcountry Busy” and “Myrtle Beach Busy” are two very different things. Whether you’re in Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach or Georgetown, the daily scene along the South Strand just moves at a much more deliberate pace. Modern gives way to rustic. And once you’re truly out and about here you’ll see why “Arrogantly Shabby” is a term of endearment, embraced and worn as a badge of honor among the locals.

The History. On course, several courses have been sculpted within the confines of former rice plantations and surrounded by centuries-old, moss-draped oaks. One (Willbrook) even has multiple historical markers throughout the course that offer visiting golfers context of the historic significance of the land they’re visiting. And there’s no shortage of off-course history exuding from the South Strand’s surroundings, including:

–Brookgreen Gardens
–Huntington Beach State Park and Atalaya Castle
–Pawleys Island Historic District, highlighted by the Pawleys Island Chapel
–Hobcaw Barony, and
-The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, where Sandy Island and its Gullah Geechee residents still live and exemplify centuries-old cultural customs of their West and Central African heritage.

The Restaurants and Casual Nightlife. The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk gets lots of attention for its collection of top eateries in one cool, scenic location, but Pawleys Island features a handful of highly popular restaurants that golf and vacation visitors alike have made a staple of their South Strand experience, including Bistro 217, Frank’s & Frank’s Outback, Gulfstream Café, Rustic Table, and “The PIT” – Pawleys Island Tavern, which offers up perhaps the best sample of the “Arrogantly Shabby” experience you’ll find anywhere.

The Beach. Didn’t think we’d leave this part out, did you? Pawleys Island offers the largest free public beach access parking lot in Georgetown County, located on the far south end of the island. If you ever wanted a visit to the beach to feel like a total escape from the day-to-day grind, this is the place to experience it. Weekends are very busy at this location, but you’ll find parking much more accessible for a weekday visit. It’s worth the drive.

Click an icon to browse some aerial photos of the off-course scene along the South Strand