Feeling antsy about getting to the beach to play golf? To help break up your travel day, Coastal Golfaway is now offering golf at Tobacco Road Golf Club. Located in the heart of the North Carolina Sandhills, Tobacco Road is an exhilarating golf course that exudes beauty. Designed by Mike Strantz (of True Blue and Caledonia fame) Tobacco Road’s design will capture your imagination while providing a thrilling round of golf.
Your first time round at “The Road” may not produce the prettiest scorecard; however, you will most certainly remember the outing! You will be amazed at what you see; the scenery is simply stunning. Playing at a length of 6500 yards from the Ripper tees, the slope of Tobacco Road has been rated second only to the famous Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, South Carolina. The only way to truly appreciate the astonishing beauty of this golf course and its surroundings is to play it.
Since opening in 1998, Tobacco Road has accumulated many awards including:
- Golf Digest: #82 on America’s top 100 courses you can play – 4 ½ stars in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 – Top 10 toughest golf courses in America
- Golf Magazine: #2 Most Underrated course in America – #1 Most adventurous Golf course in America
- GolfWeek: ranked as the #1 modern golf course in North Carolina (Modern = post 1960) – #46 Resort Course in America Golflink: rated as the #8 golf course in America
- GolfInc: 1999 Best New Clubhouse in America
So how about adding some spark to your package? Play Tobacco Road, it’s the perfect stop on the first or last day of your trip. Please ask your golf director for more info on “The Road”… you will not be sorry!
Within minutes of these pristine beaches and the spectacular live attractions of Myrtle Beach is Brunswick Plantation and Golf Resort. Set in a charming and yet casual refined atmosphere with endless amenities and plenty of golf, it is one of the very few complete resorts in the Myrtle Beach area. The spacious and luxurious 1400-acre property features swimming pools, Jacuzzis, a volleyball court, a fitness center and a fabulous restaurant along with 27 stunning holes of golf that will test players of all skill levels. Embraced in Southern-styled elegance and surrounded in a world of lavish, colorful gardens, Brunswick Plantation offers spacious flexible studio to two-bedroom condos in an active yet very relaxing atmosphere, Brunswick Plantation is truly affordable and will add hours of enjoyment to your golf getaway, please call Brunswick Plantation and Golf at: 800-332-8576.
If you’re thinking of a Carolina Golf Vacation, then you’ve come to the right place, Coastal Golfaway is one of the industry’s leading golf package companies. A simple phone call to one of their courteous and professional golf directors relieves a golf group leader of all the stress and strain that goes along with planning a golf vacation. Whether you’re looking for tee times or a complete golf vacation package with lodging from Myrtle Beach, SC to Wilmington, NC and points in between, they will be glad to help. Established in 1986, Coastal Golfaway has been helping golfers plan and enjoy great golf vacations in the Myrtle Beach area for many years and their track record of repeat customers speaks volumes for their outstanding customer service. Experience the Coastal Golfaway difference, totally independent, with no financial stake in any Myrtle Beach resorts, hotels, condos, or golf courses, they answer to only one important entity, and that is…YOU! Allow Coastal Golfaway to put their local knowledge to work for you, they will be happy to answer any questions you may have about Myrtle Beach golf courses, tee times, resorts, hotels, and Myrtle Beach golf in general, for immediate assistance with your golf holiday and seasonal specials!, please call Coastal Golfaway at: 800-368-0045.
Located on the world famous Heather Glen Golf Links, this Scottish-style villa resort complex has everything and more than what a golfer is looking for, spaciousness, comfort, and convenience are hallmarks of the Village at the Glens. Each villa consists of two bedrooms, each with two double beds, two full baths, a kitchen with every amenity, washer and dryer and a large living and dining area, absolutely ideal for any golfing foursome.
The Trail begins with Bald Head Island Club, a layout that Golf Digest calls “one of the Top 50 Courses In Myrtle Beach.” Located just a short distance from Myrtle Beach, SC and Wilmington, NC the Bald Head Island Club is a club so golf-oriented, that there are no cars – only golf carts. The golf course is also very secluded and can only be reached by passenger ferry (or private boat), so golfers and visitors to the island, are encouraged to kick back, relax and enjoy the twenty minute ferry ride from Southport, NC across the Cape Fear River to the island where you’ll be transported by tram to an ultra modern clubhouse and golf shop, that carries a variety of men’s and women’s apparel and equipment.
Lockwood Folly Country Club is the next stop on the Trail, just 30 minutes south of Wilmington lies the “Hidden Gem”. A Willard Byrd Design, Lockwood Folly is located at the confluence of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Lockwood Folly River. This immaculate and challenging golf course was carefully carved out of a once private hunting preserve in 1988. Byrd’s masterful design is surrounded with natural beauty and breathtaking views of the ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. Tight, non parallel fairways are outlined by moss covered hardwoods (red and white oaks, Hickory and Holly Trees) that provide plenty of soft shaded areas and when the ocean breeze blows throughout the summer, one could not ask for more pleasant conditions. Their Bermuda Tiff greens are excellent and are consistent year round. Accuracy off the tee is key to a good round, the length and layout has been designed to test golfers of all skill levels, and there are five sets of tees that cater to all players. The natural beauty and wildlife on this golf course creates a quiet peacefulness and there is no doubt that you will be back to play it again and again. A full practice facility is available as well as a full service restaurant and snack bar. Lockwood has enjoyed national recognition by Golf Digest, earning the 4-star “Places to Play” in 2000, 2002 and 2004 and the Myrtle Beach Sun News voted Lockwood as the “Best Residential Golf Community” in 2002, “Most Picturesque Golf Course” finalist 2002 and “Friendliest Golf Course Staff” finalist 2002.
A few miles further south finds you at Rivers Edge in Shallotte, NC and one you won’t want to miss. An Arnold Palmer Signature golf course, this spectacular layout sits on one of the most breathtaking pieces of property that you’ll ever see, the visually stunning design has seven holes that play along the Shallotte River and the surrounding marsh. Lush fairways offer generous landings areas, while large gently contoured Bentgrass greens await approach shots, producing a tough but fair challenge. After you tee it up at Rivers Edge, you’ll understand why Golf Digest calls it one of “America’s Top 100 Greatest Public Courses”. Located between Myrtle Beach, SC and Wilmington, NC, Rivers Edge is the perfect course to schedule for the first or last round of your Myrtle Beach golf vacation, particularly for golfers traveling from the north to the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand, six of the holes at Rivers Edge Golf Club sit high atop bluffs that overlook two miles of beautiful grassy marshlands bisected by the winding Shallotte River. The interior holes at Rivers Edge are equally gorgeous with gentle elevation changes and sparkling freshwater lakes. GOLF Magazine ranked it among “Top New Courses You Can Play” in 2000. Rivers Edge offers an excellent practice facility and the clubhouse overlooks the ninth and eighteenth greens, offering an ideal setting for lunch or a post round beverage.
Another seven miles south of Rivers Edge in Sunset Beach, NC is Ocean Ridge Plantation, home of the 4 “Big Cats”; Lion’s Paw, Panther’s Run, Tiger’s Eye and Leopard’s Chase.
Now ride the Trail another six miles south and you can enjoy three distinctive and classic golf courses at Sea Trail Golf Resort. Sea Trail’s three courses have been praised as “America’s Best Residential Courses of Distinction” by Golfweek; ranked among the “Top 50 Courses in Myrtle Beach” by Golf Digest; and rated among North Carolina’s Top 20 courses by Golf Magazine. Their three distinctly different signature courses, designed by Willard Byrd, Rees Jones and Dan Maples can be enjoyed by players of all levels, but at the same time are challenging even to the accomplished golfer. In addition to golf, Sea Trail has two clubhouses with full-service golf shops, lounges and snack bars, and their full service restaurant, Magnolias Fine Food & Spirits, is located in the Jones/Byrd Clubhouse. Additional golf amenities include putting greens, a lighted driving range and a PGA-sanctioned Golf Learning Center.
Nicely nestled along the marsh next to the Lake Shore entrance to Sea Trail is Oyster Bay, another Dan Maples masterpiece that was voted “Best New Resort Course” when it opened in 1983. This par-70 innovative golf course plays to just under 6,700 yards and serves up wickedly undulating greens with vast bunkers and stunningly spectacular water views. Oyster Bay Golf Links is the epitome of risk versus reward. Golf architect Dan Maples and developer Larry Young excelled in creating a golf course where variety and experimentation was the name of the game. Picture severe marsh-oriented holes and not one, but two island green par threes, with sparkling fresh water lakes, a nice mix of long holes and short holes that all demand careful shot making skills, it’s no wonder it’s referred to as a gem!
Just north of the South Carolina state line in Sunset Beach near the village of Calabash, is the Thistle Golf Club, offering one of the most strikingly beautiful and challenging 27-hole layouts on the Grand Strand. The Tim Cate designed golf course takes its name from an ancient Scottish golf society dating back to the early 1800’s, and the course layout possesses a distinct Scottish links feel to it, with wind-swept fairways, large Bentgrass greens and surrounding hillsides that are covered in heather and an array of gorgeous wild flowers. Each nine has 5 sets of tee boxes; The North course measures 3450 yards from the thistle tees, 3187 from the blue tees, 2949 from the white tees, 2580 from the gold tees and 2257 from the red tees; The West course measures 3547 yards from the thistle tees, 3308 from the blue tees, 3092 from the white tees, 2776 from the gold tees and 2355 from the red tees and The South course measures 3351 yards from the thistle tees, 3168 from the blue tees, 2891 from the white tees, 2627 from the gold tees and 2211 from the red tees. Cate’s skillful blending of natural elevation changes and wetlands with carefully carved bunkers and large green complexes is simply stunning!
Another few miles further south will have you at Sandpiper Bay, a classic design; this 27-hole facility offers three distinct nines. Located in Sunset Beach, NC Sandpiper Bay is another Dan Maples design and with its rolling contoured fairways, naturally sculptured bunkers and outstanding Bentgrass greens, Sandpiper has quickly become known as one of the best groomed courses in the area. Sandpiper offers a fair test of golf to golfers of all skill levels and is extremely pleasing to the eye, each nine has 4 sets of tee boxes; The Sand nine measures 3191 yards from the black tees, 3042 from the white tees, 2727 from the gold tees, and 2327 from the orange tees; The Piper nine measures 3399 yards from the black tees, 3249 from the white tees, 2946 from the gold tees, and 2452 from the orange tees and The Bay nine measures 3450 yards from the black tees, 3166 from the white tees, 2771 from the gold tees, and 2431 from the orange tees. The newly renovated clubhouse, including Piper’s Restaurant and Lounge offers a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding Carolina pines and gorgeous lakes. Sandpiper Bay enjoys a 4 Star rating by Golf Digest in the category of “Places to Play” based on course condition, pace of play, and overall experience.
Next up, take a short seven-mile drive to Brunswick Plantation and Golf Resort, where you will find 27 holes that meander through tall Carolina woodlands, while wrapping around expansive lakes. Architects Willard Byrd and Clyde Johnston collaborated on this golf course which is best known for its quick, smooth and challenging Champion Bermuda Grass greens. Each of the three nines offer their own distinct look and feel; The Magnolia nine is reminiscent of the Scottish Links, The Azalea nine has been carved out of Carolina woodlands and it’s signature hole features a gorgeous island green while The Dogwood nine runs along the waters of the Caw Caw river and amongst gorgeous hardwood trees. The golf course offers a driving range, practice green and a pro shop housed in an ante-bellum clubhouse that embraces the very definition of Southern charm. An official Trail accommodation, Brunswick Plantation is listed among both the “Top 50 Golf Resort Communities in the U.S.” and “America’s Best Master Planned Golf Communities” by Where To Retire. It offers spacious greenside villas on a compact and convenient campus, which includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Located just a few minutes south of historic downtown Wilmington in one of the fastest growing areas in the Southeast sits Cape Fear National, a 27 hole facility that is located in Brunswick Forest in Leland, NC. Once again, highly acclaimed golf course architect Tim Cate has created another stunning masterpiece and folks you are in for a jaw dropping experience when you to tee it up. Cate’s uncanny vision and creativity has given the areas newest golf course the appearance that it has been here for many, many years and his amazing attention to detail is evident on every hole. The layout, aesthetics and landscape is absolutely astounding and while you make your way around this course, your mind may tend to wander as you catch glimpses of golf courses from across the pond.
Another several miles south will have you arriving at The Pearl Golf Links. The Pearl is located in the delightful little fishing village of Calabash and sits nicely nestled amongst tall whispering pines and unspoiled natural beauty along the banks of the gorgeous Calabash River. Featuring two splendid 18-hole golf courses, Pearl East and Pearl West, the facility is an outstanding combination of a 900-acre marsh preserve and the ingenious design of renowned golf architect Dan Maples, it’s no surprise that these two golf courses have become seaside favorites. The two golf courses offer an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all skill levels, fairways are a lush Bermuda grass and the medium size Bentgrass greens have a nice mix of undulation and crowning. Enjoy a true taste of southern charm in their newly renovated clubhouse and experience a round the way it was meant to be in this classic golf environment on the Grand Strand.
We now travel a few miles down the road, where the Trail leads to Meadowlands Golf Club, a true classic Willard Byrd layout. Meadowlands meanders through native vegetation with fabulous large hardwood trees and an abundance of natural meadows that create a spectacular backdrop. A nice mix of sparkling freshwater lakes and gorgeous wetlands provide dramatic aqua beauty. The golf course features strategically placed tees, lush Bermuda grass fairways and medium sized Bermuda grass greens. There is a nice variety of flat and sloping greens, with plenty of unforgettable holes. At 7,054 yards, Meadowlands measures up well to today’s long hitters, yet still provides a fair round of golf for players of all skill levels. North Carolina Magazine called this course one of the “Top Ten Best New Courses” when it opened. Meadowlands has also become a firm favorite with the ladies and was placed on; Golf for Women’s prestigious list of “Top 100 Women Friendly Courses.”
Right across the street from Meadowlands is its sister course, Farmstead Golf Links. Set on what was once a tobacco farm, Farmstead is also a Willard Byrd design and literally straddles the North Carolina-South Carolina border, with its claim to fame being the only golf course on the Grand Strand to offer a par 6, this is no gimmick, and it really is a good golf hole. The gigantic 767-yard, 18th hole begins with a drive to a wide inviting fairway in South Carolina and finishes on a huge undulating green in North Carolina. Adding to the challenge of Farmstead is the winds that sometimes blow, it’s no wonder that Farmstead showed up on North Carolina Magazines “Mighty 90″ list. The golf course features wide rolling Bermuda grass fairways, with large undulating Bermuda grass greens, native grasses and gorgeous freshwater lakes that enhance the aesthetic beauty of this outstanding golf facility.
Another 4 miles or so south, just outside the charming town of Little River, SC, Trail travelers will find themselves in a place that embraces the best of Scottish-style golf and also an official Trail accommodations choice, Heather Glen Golf Links and The Village At The Glens. From the unique 19th century English-styled Heather Glen Clubhouse to the Scottish-themed Pub with its spectacular views of Heather Glen’s outstanding finishing holes; the environment is tailor-made for a truly special and memorable golf vacation. The Village At The Glens provides fabulous on-site amenities like a heated outdoor pool; a putting green right outside your villa; and a full practice facility complete with a driving range and a chipping and bunker area. The 27 holes that make up Heather Glen Golf Links provide pure, traditional golfing joy from yesteryear. Crowned “America’s #1 Public Golf Course” by Golf Digest when they opened their first 18 holes in 1987, Heather Glen has a great reputation for its consistent pristine conditioning. Designed by Willard Byrd and Clyde Johnston, this masterpiece just north of Myrtle Beach epitomizes Scottish golf, Heather Glen has all the right “Old World” touches from the unusual stacked sod pot bunkers with heather-laced dunes and twisting streams to the natural beauty of it’s many ornamental plants like Scotch Broom and enormous ancient live oaks and pines, beautiful dogwood and holly trees. With the longest of the three nines measuring 3,417 yards, no matter what combination of 18 holes you play, you will be faced with an enjoyable and fair challenge of golf. Each of the three nines are unique and feature Bermuda grass fairways and greens, combine this with natural dramatic elevation changes and rolling grassy mounds and you have a recipe for a golf experience that you will not soon forget.
Located right across the street from Heather Glen is Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links. This golf course is architect Clyde Johnston’s tribute to the legendary architect Donald Ross, who was born in the north Scottish coastal town of Dornoch.
Just south of Glen Dornoch, in Little River, the Trail leads to River Hills Golf & Country Club, where a wonderful blend of old and new design ideas offer a magnificent 18-hole course. River Hills was designed by architect Tom Jackson and features rolling hills with frequent 40-foot elevation changes and non-parallel fairways that meander through picturesque and heavily wooded terrain. Immaculate manicured greens provide beautiful smooth putting surfaces year round and four sets of tees offer golfers of all skill levels an enjoyable and unforgettable round. The clubhouse features a full-service golf shop, grille and bar where friendly and quality customer service with fine southern hospitality flourishes.
The Trail ends six miles south of River Hills at the spectacular Tidewater Golf Club in North Myrtle Beach. Known as “the Pebble Beach of the East,” this outstanding test of golf sits high atop a bluff of a magnificent seaside peninsula. Tidewater stretches out alongside the gorgeous Intracoastal Waterway and marvelous saltwater marshes of Cherry Grove Beach Inlet, presenting spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and beyond. As the most decorated golf course along the Grand Strand, some of Tidewater’s amazing accolades include; Best New Public Course In America and America’s Top 75 Golf Resorts (Golf Digest); Top Ten Public Courses in America, Top 100 Public Places You Can Play and Top 20 Courses In South Carolina (Golf Magazine); and Top 100 Residential Golf Courses (Golfweek). Whatever you do, don’t miss this classic design that has been fashioned after a glorious course such as Merion and Pine Valley, Tidewater delivers an exhilarating finale to the Trail.
