You’ve just arrived in Myrtle Beach and as you get out of the car, your knees might be cracking and the back a little tight, but nothing diminishes the excitement of playing the first round of a golf trip.

The big question is: where do you want to tee it up? Most of us don’t want to start with the bucket list layout on our itinerary, preferring instead to open with a layout that is a combination of playable and memorable. Fortunately, Myrtle Beach has a surplus of courses that fit that description, and here are five that come highly recommended.

● What better way to start a trip to golf’s most popular destination than with a course designed by the game’s greatest champion? If you are coming in along Highway 9, stop at Long Bay Club, a Jack Nicklaus layout that offers an unforgettable back nine. Long Bay installed new greens that returned the putting surfaces to their original size and specs in 2023, and the course should be on your must play list. This Golden Bear design is memorable and convenient, a winning combination. (Long Bay pictured right)

● If you are coming to Myrtle Beach from the South, a trip that begins with River Club will be off to a great start. The Tom Jackson course has water on 15 of 18 holes, but don’t be deterred, as much of it is on the perimeter of the layout. The risk-reward, par 5 18th hole will have everyone in your group buzzing when you relive the round.

● Burning Ridge  (pictured right) is the type of course that has helped make Myrtle Beach so popular. You can’t beat the price, the conditions are outstanding, and the layout is more than solid. The Ridge always exceeds expectations, and that is a great way to start.

● If your drive to the Beach brings you in along Highway 17 from the North, River Hills Golf Club (top photo) is a must. New greens, new bunkers, same great conditions. River Hills is on the very short list of Myrtle Beach’s most underrated layouts, and it comes highly recommended as a trip starter.

● Why not play the first round of your trip on Myrtle Beach’s first golf course? Pine Lakes Country Club provides a timeless experience and it’s located in the heart of town, meaning it’s convenient for nearly everyone. Pine Lakes is full of history and is a player friendly way to start your trip, assuming you survive holes 12-14!

There is no wrong answer when it comes to where you want to start a Myrtle Beach golf vacation, but this quintet will challenge your group without overwhelming them.