Over the years, Myrtle Beach has been a launching pad for architectural careers. From some of the game’s legendary names – Mike Strantz, anyone? – to middle class architects such as Dan Maples and everyone in between, nearly every significant course designer from the 1960s through the early 2000s left their mark in Myrtle Beach, many of them multiple times.

With so many architects with multiple courses to their credit, here is one man’s list of the best Myrtle Beach golf course designed by each of the area’s most prolific designers. 

That means you won’t see one-and-doners such as Tom Doak and Gary Player, among others, on our list

Willard Byrd
In the interest of full disclosure, I haven’t played Sea Trail’s Byrd Course since its renovation. Among Byrd’s other six courses in the area, I love the old-school vibe at Litchfield Country Club, but in what’s probably a bit of an upset, I’m going with Meadowlands. It’s extremely player-friendly, and every now and then, I need that. (Litchfield Country Club 18th  pictured right)

Tim Cate
Cate is best known for designing three of Ocean Ridge Plantation’s “Big Cats” — Panther’s Run, Tiger’s Eye and Leopard’s Chase. Tiger’s Eye once earned a spot among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, but based on current form, my favorite Cate course is Thistle Golf Club. The constantly improving 27-hole property delivers a Scottish-inspired experience that’s as enjoyable as it is distinctive.

P.B. Dye
Pete’s younger brother, P.B. has Prestwick and Moorland to his credit. I’d happily play either on any given day, but after much internal debate, give me Prestwick by the narrowest of margins. (Prestwick Country Club 13th pictured right)

Tom Fazio
Is this a joke? Choosing between the Fazio Course at Barefoot Resort and TPC Myrtle Beach feels unfair. Both have landed on America’s Top 100 lists, and there’s no wrong answer here. But with trembling hands, I’ll take TPC Myrtle Beach and its unforgettable finishing stretch. (TPC Myrtle Beach 9th top photo)

Gene Hamm
From the late 1960s through the 1980s, Gene Hamm was Mr. Myrtle Beach, designing a host of value-centric layouts, many of which have since given way to housing.

Hamm still has five courses standing – Azalea Sands, Beachwood, Burning Ridge, Eagle Nest and the Hackler Course. Eagle Nest is tempting, but Burning Ridge gets my vote. In an era of wide fairways and massive greens, it’s a throwback, and a lot of fun to play.

Clyde Johnston
Brunswick Plantation, Wachesaw Plantation East and Shaftesbury are popular Johnston tracks, but my pick is Glen Dornoch. With multiple holes playing along the Intracoastal Waterway, the design can be quirky at times but it’s always fun.

Tom Jackson
The South Carolina native has four Myrtle Beach-area designs to his credit – Aberdeen, Arrowhead, River Club and River Hills -and all deliver an excellent round of golf.

Arrowhead would likely win a popular vote, but I’m going with River Club, thanks in large part to one of the area’s most memorable finishing holes. (River Hills 18th pictured right)

Rees Jones
The Open Doctor designed Arcadian Shores and the Jones Course at Sea Trail, the latter of which is scheduled for a major renovation beginning in 2026. With that in mind, Arcadian Shores gets the nod … for now.

Dan Maples
Meet Myrtle Beach’s most prolific architect, with eight courses still open: Heritage, Man O’War, Oyster Bay, Pearl, Sandpiper Bay, the Maples Course at Sea Trail, Willbrook and Wizard.

They’re all inviting, but the vote here goes to Heritage Club, thanks to its Lowcountry beauty and the elephants buried under those greens.

Jack Nicklaus
The Golden Bear owns 18 major championships and two Myrtle Beach designs – Pawleys Plantation and Long Bay – on his resume. I enjoy Long Bay, but the back nine at Pawleys, which plays along a saltwater marsh, tips the scales. Give me Pawleys Plantation.

Arnold Palmer
Arnie designed four Myrtle Beach-area courses, but this battle comes down to Rivers Edge versus King’s North, both of which have enjoyed recent renovations.

Rivers Edge is breathtaking, but I’ll take King’s North, its new greens, and a layout that remains one of the most enjoyable in the area. (King’s North 7th pictured right)

Mike Strantz
Maybe the toughest decision of all. Choosing between Caledonia and True Blue is like being asked which finger you’d like to lose. I love both, but by the narrowest of margins, Caledonia gets the nod.

When you have this many great courses and architects, tough calls are inevitable. These are my picks, for better or worse. Let me know where you agree, or where you think I got it wrong.

Photos for this feature from MyrtleBeachGolfTrips Instagram Account