When a course reopens after a renovation, naturally it receives a lot of attention as people anxiously await the reaction of their fellow golfers to new greens, bunkers and the other enhancements a course makes while closed.

But one year later, what is the impact of a renovation?

In the case of the Grande Dunes Resort Course, it has been transformative, on the course and in the clubhouse.

I always liked Grande Dunes, is the course really that much better?

Yes, Grande Dunes was an outstanding layout prior to the 2022 greens and bunkers restoration project, but it has gone up another level.

The expansion of the greens has brought so many new pin positions and even the opportunity to play the mounds that sometimes surround them. Example: when the pin is in the front on the par 5 17th, the expanded green allows you to play the ball off the mounds that line the right side of green and feed it down toward the hole. If you can execute the shot, a birdie putt should await. Just one example of many.

Give them a year …
The greens at Grande Dunes were really good when they opened; they’re great now. Smooth. Fast. Challenging without being overwhelming. They are on the short list of the Myrtle Beach area’s best greens complexes.

How about those bunkers?
We all try to avoid the bunkers and when we do go in the goal is to get out as quickly as possible, hence sand is typically a source of complaint as opposed to praise. Don’t make that mistake. Be appreciative of quality bunkers because they make a difference, and that’s certainly the case at Grande Dunes. The sand is consistent, the concrete capillary bunkers ensure they are in good shape, and they add to the visual appeal of the layout.

Can the renovated clubhouse really contribute to my experience?
YES. I played with a 16-person golf group that concluded its trip on a sun splashed Saturday afternoon at Grande Dunes. We were playing the course as part of the All-Inclusive package, meaning we got to order lunch off the menu and received two beers (in the can no less!). We used Golf Gamebook, so we knew the scores of the matches and watching everyone finish while relaxing on the deck was absolutely additive to the experience.

Don’t take our word for it …
Word of mouth is the greatest form of endorsement and based on the reviews it has received, Grande Dunes is excelling in that department as well.

“If you’re looking for a golf experience with amazing amenities, look no further, this is the place,” erichirons wrote in a 5-star GolfPass review. “This is a beautiful layout that is in excellent conditions … one of the best experiences I have ever had.”

“This golf course is beautiful, the staff was great, the price totally fair,” eollano68 gushed in another 5-star evaluation. “Highly recommended.”

We could go on but you get the point. A year after the renovation, Grande Dunes is better than ever.

(Grande Dunes photos from our Instagram account @myrtlebeachgolftrips)