South Carolina’s place on the national golf stage is well established, with two annual PGA Tour stops and a consistent presence in the PGA Championship rotation. It’s a state defined by the game, offering a wide range of experiences from inland terrain to coastal layouts that draw travelers from across the globe.

That reputation is reinforced by the South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel’s latest Top 50 rankings, which separate Classic (pre-1980) and Modern (post-1980) designs. Within those lists, Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand once again stand out for both quality and depth.

On the Classic side, The Dunes Golf & Beach Club leads the local contingent at No. 4, followed by Pine Lakes Country Club at No. 16 and King’s North at Myrtle Beach National at No. 18. The Modern rankings feature an even stronger presence, with 12 Grand Strand courses earning recognition, led by Caledonia Golf & Fish Club at No. 11. Tidewater Golf Club appears at No. 21 and Prestwick Country Club at No. 26, followed by True Blue Golf Club (No. 28), the Dye Course at Barefoot Resort (No. 29), and TPC Myrtle Beach at No. 40. The Fazio Course at Barefoot Resort (No. 45), Grande Dunes Resort Course (No. 47), the Love Course at Barefoot Resort (No. 48), and Pawleys Plantation Golf Club (No. 50) round out the list.

The number of Grand Strand courses included across both categories highlights the area’s rare combination of history, design variety, and consistent conditioning. Whether it’s the classic architecture of The Dunes Club, the Lowcountry aesthetic of Caledonia, or the dramatic coastal settings at Tidewater and Pawleys Plantation, Myrtle Beach continues to deliver a complete golf experience—one that pairs nationally recognized quality with the accessibility and value that have long defined the destination.

Dunes Golf & Beach Club top photo from MyrtleBeachGolfTrips Instagram Account