King’s North at Myrtle Beach National, one of Arnold Palmer’s most celebrated designs, reopened for preview play on October 6 as a transformative two-year renovation led by architect Brandon Johnson nears its conclusion.

The project, conducted in two phases, began in the summer of 2024 with a renovation of the front nine before shifting focus this summer to the back nine. The result is a golf course that honors Palmer’s original vision while delivering a new playing experience going forward.

Golfers who want to enjoy their first look at the new King’s North can book tee times at either MyrtleBeachGolfTrips.com, MBN.com or via MyrtleBeachNational.com.

“People who played King’s North in the past are going to find a course that looks and plays different,” said Johnson, who worked alongside Palmer for 17 years and now leads Brandon Johnson Golf Course Design. “We paid homage to the original features, but we’ve presented them in a fresh way. Golfers will see restored fairway width, new strategic options into and around the greens, and imaginative recovery opportunities that make every round unique.”

The renovation also balanced thoughtful vegetation removal with strategic sightline enhancements, opening new vistas across multiple holes. Subtle but impactful adjustments – ranging from fairway widening to bunker repositioning and nuanced green contours – create variety that rewards repeat play.

“King’s North has long been one of Myrtle Beach’s crown jewels, and this renovation ensures it will remain a must-play for years to come,” said Steve Mays, president of Founders Group International, Myrtle Beach National’s parent company. “Brandon Johnson did a phenomenal job of preserving the integrity of Arnold Palmer’s original design while enhancing the experience at one of the premier public courses in South Carolina. Architecturally and visually, King’s North is better than ever, and we look forward to welcoming players back this fall.”

Johnson pointed to holes like No. 14 and No. 15, where re-angled bunkers, preserved landforms, and reshaped fairways offer fresh challenges and visual intrigue. “Some of these subtle changes aren’t things every golfer will notice on a first play,” Johnson added, “but over multiple rounds, they reveal themselves in ways that add to the joy and character of the course.”

The reopening of King’s North also reflects the enduring legacy of Arnold Palmer in Myrtle Beach, where his designs have long been among the Grand Strand’s most popular.

“If Mr. Palmer were here today, I believe he’d be proud of what we achieved,” Johnson said.

Golfers visiting Myrtle Beach National can now experience the fully reimagined King’s North, where bold shot-making opportunities, diverse pin placements, and risk-reward decisions await.

“Ultimately, we want golfers to have fun,” Johnson said. “There are birdies to be made out here, but you’ll need a sharp game. Every round is going to offer something new.”

FGI owns 21 Myrtle Beach area courses and has undertaken significant capital improvement projects in recent years, including work at Grande Dunes, Pine Lakes Pawleys Plantation Golf Club and TPC Myrtle Beach.

With a dozen renovation projects completed and more planned, FGI continues to raise the bar for golf in Myrtle Beach, cementing its place as the region’s premier golf course operator.

Click Here to View Back Nine Aerial Gallery

Photos for this feature from MyrtleBeachGolfTrips Instagram Account