PGA Professional and Myrtle Beach Golf Trips Golf Director Samantha Smith highlights three underrated courses worth adding to your next Myrtle Beach golf trip.
With more than 80 courses across the Myrtle Beach area, it’s easy for a few hidden gems to be overlooked. We asked Samantha to recommend three courses that combine memorable layouts with great value.
Her selections span the north and south ends of the Grand Strand while providing three distinctly different golf experiences.
River Hills Golf & Country Club
Samantha’s first choice comes with a personal connection. Before joining Myrtle Beach Golf Trips, she served as the head golf professional at River Hills Golf &
Country Club in Little River.
“I’m probably a little biased because I used to work there, but River Hills is unique,” Samantha said. “I feel like every hole is different. I could play the course every day and probably never get tired of the layout.”
Designed by Tom Jackson, River Hills features water on 13 holes along with elevation changes golfers may not expect to find along the Grand Strand.
Despite the presence of water, the course is relatively forgiving from the tee. Its doglegs and risk-reward opportunities allow golfers to decide how aggressively they want to play.
“There are some doglegs and risk-reward shots that allow you to cut corners and potentially reach the par 5s in two,” Samantha said.
Renovations completed in 2022 included work on the greens and bunkers, while the clubhouse was also remodeled. The improvements complement a memorable layout that offers variety from beginning to end. (River Hills 7th top photo)
For her second selection, Samantha stayed on the north end and headed inland to Long Bay Golf Club.
The Jack Nicklaus design provides a demanding test at an attractive price point.
“Long Bay has been in really great shape, and there have been some nice improvements,” Samantha said. “It’s a solid layout that offers a top design at a little better price point than some other courses.”
Long Bay is one of two Jack Nicklaus-designed courses in the Myrtle Beach area, joining Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club. As one of Nicklaus’ earlier designs, it challenges golfers with elevated greens, angled putting surfaces and approach shots that reward proper positioning.
“The greens sit at different angles, and the elevation can make the approach shots challenging,” Samantha said. “It’s one of Jack Nicklaus’ earlier designs, and his early designs were probably a little more difficult than some of his later work.”
Long Bay has also benefited from new greens and extensive bulkhead work. For golfers who enjoy a strategic challenge and appreciate thoughtful architecture, it can be a rewarding addition to a Myrtle Beach golf trip.
Willbrook Plantation Golf Club
Samantha’s third recommendation takes golfers to Willbrook Plantation Golf Club in Pawleys Island.
Willbrook offers a different experience from the two north-end courses. Its tree-lined fairways, live oaks and Spanish moss provide the Lowcountry atmosphere for which the south end is known.
“I think Willbrook is a really great piece of property,” Samantha said. “It offers that south-end feel with the live oak trees and Spanish moss. It has a completely different look and feel than the north-end courses.”
In addition to its natural beauty, Willbrook is approachable for a variety of skill levels. Strategic water hazards provide plenty of challenge, but the layout remains enjoyable for mixed-handicap groups, couples and golfers who value scenery as much as difficulty.
“It’s very scenic, with a lot of beautiful live oaks and excellent views,” Samantha said. “It’s also a pretty user-friendly golf course.”
Three Courses, Three Distinct Experiences
River Hills, Long Bay and Willbrook can easily be combined into one Myrtle Beach golf package.
River Hills offers variety and risk-reward opportunities. Long Bay delivers the strategic challenge of a Jack Nicklaus design. Willbrook completes the package with a scenic and player-friendly Lowcountry experience.
Samantha recommends combining the courses through the 3+ Round Multi-Round Discount Deal.
To build a trip featuring Samantha’s selections, request a custom quote from Myrtle Beach Golf Trips and include River Hills, Long Bay and Willbrook Plantation among your preferred courses. Our golf directors can assist with course availability, accommodations and every other detail of your Myrtle Beach golf vacation. (Willbrook 5th pictured right)
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Photos for this feature from MyrtleBeachGolfTrips Instagram Account
