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!

Welcome to the amazing Brunswick Isles Golf Trail, we hope that you take full advantage of this magnificent stretch of golf courses along the gorgeous Carolina coastline.

Organized in the summer of 2008, the Brunswick Isles Golf Trail combines great golf courses with nearby accommodations to create a golf experience unlike any other on the East Coast. The Trail stretches some 60 miles from Southport, NC to North Myrtle Beach, SC, winding its way through some of the most beautiful beaches and unspoiled coastal areas known as the Brunswick Islands.

Along the Trail, golf courses are in such close proximity that you can easily play two or more different courses on the same day, in fact, you can travel the Trail from end to end in just over an hour. You will enjoy pure golfing excellence on lush fairways with rolling grassy mounds and immaculate greens on world class golf courses.

After dark, relax and enjoy some of the best live entertainment on the East Coast, or simply indulge yourself in first class accommodations and elegant dining. For more information, simply call one of the Trail’s exclusive golf packagers and experience a golf getaway like no other.

The Trail

Over the years, award after award has been heaped upon the Trail’s golf courses, from “Best New Course in America” to four-star ratings in “Places To Play”. Three of Golf Magazine’s “Top 20 Courses In South Carolina” are part of the new Trail, as are five of Golf Magazine’s “Top 20 Courses In North Carolina”, and Golf Digest’s list of “America’s Top 100 Greatest Public Courses” includes three of the Trail’s golf courses. Following is a bite size description of the comfortable accommodations, professional package providers and outstanding golf courses that make up the Brunswick Isles Golf Trail.

Coastal Golfaway

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.

Village at the Glens

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.

Village at the Glens features a quality putting green on site, as well as a beautiful pool facility and just down the road is an outstanding practice facility at Heather Glen, complete with a driving range, putting green, chipping and practice bunker area. The Heather Glen pub is also the home of delicious breakfasts and lunches, as well as an impressive variety of cocktails. Glens Golf Vacations offer the lowest prices at the four award-winning Glens courses–Heather Glen, Glen Dornoch, Possum Trot, and Shaftesbury Glen Golf & Fish Club, as well as free range balls, complimentary breakfast, and discounted advanced replays, and that is just some of the added bonuses they feature. Glens Golf Vacations can customize any package, to accommodate any requirement, and book rounds of golf on over one hundred of the areas best golf courses.

Village at the Glens is located just minutes away from some of the top restaurants and entertainment venues that have made Myrtle Beach famous. Whether you are driving or flying into town, Village at the Glens is very conveniently located, with easy access to both the Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, NC airports. Simply put, they offer comfort, convenience, and truly great golf…..all in one great location. The Carolinas’ newest golf trail straddles the border of North and South Carolina, with hundreds of holes that offer pure fun. If you’re looking to be challenged by the best, then this is where you will find them, please call Glens Golf Vacations at: 866-259-0558

Bald Head Island Club

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.

The championship golf course was designed by renowned golf architect George Cobb, who created the Par 3 Course at Augusta National and was charged with tweaking Augusta National’s championship course for more than 20 years. Well bunkered Bermuda fairways provide generous landing areas and nice lies, their Bermuda greens are always in excellent condition. Bald Head’s eighteen holes majestically wind their way through a trail of maritime forests that over time has been naturally carved by wind and water. A large part of the golf course wraps itself around scenic salt marshes, gorgeous tidal creeks and fifteen freshwater lagoons. Massive sand dunes are home to several tee boxes and the views of the ocean and low country are absolutely breathtaking, and to top it all, every once in a while, you see “old Baldy”. Several holes feature rolling dunes and additional gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean, representing the true feeling of links golf with the distinct flavor of Scotland and Ireland. The ocean winds can wreak havoc and play a pivotal role in club selection and shot making, conditions will vary each time you play this golf course. Simply put, it is golf on the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand at its best.

Lockwood Folly Country Club

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.

Rivers Edge Golf Club

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.

Ocean Ridge Plantation ~ The Big Cats

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.

Taming the cats begins with Lion’s Paw, one of Golf Digest’s “Top 50 Courses In Myrtle Beach.” A Willard Byrd design, Lion’s Paw is an open, hilly golf course with outstanding views of a beautiful creek valley that borders natural wetlands. The golf course features boldly-contoured Bentgrass greens, lush fairways and deep white sand bunkers.

The next big cat is Panther’s Run, the Tim Cate design is ranked by Links Magazine as one of the “Top 30 Courses in Myrtle Beach”, Panther’s Run blends beautifully with the natural terrain, featuring tree lined fairways, an abundance of freshwater ponds and plenty of white sand bunkers. This spectacular golf course, offers undulated Bentgrass greens, with generous landing areas on gorgeous fairways, creating a fair and challenging test for golfers all skill levels.

Then there is Tiger’s Eye, ranked among Golf Digest’s “Top 100 Public Courses in America” for 2007-2008. An elite, Tim Cate design, this challenging golf course has been carved out of a beautiful pine forest with an abundance of natural waste areas, dazzling scenery and elevation changes reminiscent of those in the North Carolina sand hills. Native marshlands and gorgeous waterfalls add to the ambience of this spectacular golf course, bring your best short game, as this course demands precision shot making.

Leopard’s Chase, another masterpiece by Tim Cate, debuted as one of Golf Digest’s “Best New Public Golf Courses $75 and Over” for 2007, and GOLF Magazine’s “10 Best New Public Golf Courses in the United States”. Scenic views from tee boxes set the stage on each hole, creating an outstanding view of lush fairways and immaculate Bent Grass greens. The outstanding layout also features several holes that require short carries over water and wetlands, and once again, Cate has creatively used native grasses and plants to enhance the stunning good looks of the landscape on this gorgeous golf course.

Sea Trail Golf Resort

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.

Sea Trail’s Willard Byrd Course opened in the fall of 1990, each hole of the Byrd Course at Sea Trail is memorable for both beauty and strategic play. The golf course wraps around several man-made lakes that come into play on 13 holes, each ranging from 14-20 acres. Every hole on this par-72 signature course requires a distinctly different approach. Carefully placed tee shots are essential to set up successful approach shots to Byrd’s undulating Bentgrass greens. The breathtakingly picturesque 18th hole, snakes between two beautiful ponds and finishes at the Jones-Byrd Clubhouse. The golf course measures 6750 yards from the blue tees; 6251 yards from the white tees; 5561 yards from the gold tees; and 4697 yards from the red tees.

The Rees Jones Golf Course at Sea Trail, designed by “The Open Doctor” himself, opened in the spring of 1990 and has become a favorite of visitors and locals alike. Players of all skill levels will enjoy an extraordinary golf experience on this straight forward golf course with typical Jones abounding. Wide fairways with dramatic grassy mounds greet your tee shot, while elevated Bentgrass greens anxiously await your approach shots. Eleven of the 18 championship holes feature water hazards that come into play and if that’s not enough, the many pot bunkers and sand traps will certainly make for a delightfully challenging round of golf. This spectacular golf course measures 6761 yards from the blue tees; 6334 yards from the white tees; 5716 from the gold tees; and 4912 yards from the red tees.

Sea Trail’s Dan Maples Course opened in 1986; this one-of-a-kind golf course has newly renovated A1/A4 blended Bentgrass greens and boasts five holes that wind their way along the scenic Calabash Creek, home to nesting ospreys and other native wildlife. The golf course is peppered with numerous waste bunkers; some of them massive, with one extending the entire length of a fairway, water also comes into play on ten holes. Wind shaped oaks and tall Carolina pines define each hole on this beautiful par 72 course, still regarded as one of Maples finest, the golf course measures 6751 yards from the blue tees; 6332 yards from the white tees; 6035 yards from the gold tees; and 5090 yards from the red tees and offers a fair test to golfers of all skill levels.

Oyster Bay

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!

Thistle Golf Club

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!

Sandpiper Bay

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.

Brunswick Plantation & Golf Resort

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.

Cape Fear National

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.

Provided you play from the appropriate tees, this traditional par 72 will give golfers of all skill levels a stout but fair challenge. A unique feature of these two nines is that both finishing holes are outstanding par 3’s. Cape Fear National is definitely a thinking man’s course and several holes require strategy from tee to green. Cate has put together a nice mixture of straightaway holes and dogleg holes and although most look very intimidating from the tee, he has allowed sufficient landing areas.

Taking full advantage of the terrain, Cate has optimized the use of natural wetlands, native grasses and indigenous vegetation to enhance the golf course, several holes feature narrow tree-lined fairways, large grassy mounds and berms with staggering bunkering and vast waste areas, as well as gorgeous man-made lakes and ponds. Lush Bermuda fairways and tee boxes await as do the superbly manicured and subtly undulated Bentgrass greens, another unique feature at Cape Fear National is that the aprons of the fairway bunkers are Zoysia grass, a tough turf that thrives on extreme temperatures and is very low maintenance.

There are too many fabulous holes to choose from but one of the frontrunners may well be the 16th, a nice par 4 that bends slightly from right to left with a beautiful fresh water pond right beside the green. This tiered pond features a rugged rock formation that creates a natural waterfall and the relaxing sound of trickling water will certainly provide you with a much needed calming effect as you make your way to the seventeenth tee. A driving range and full practice facility is available for your game improvement and a full service clubhouse is fast reaching completion. Don’t be surprised to see this premier golf facility rated at or near the top of the rankings in the very near future, it is simply that good.

The Pearl Golf Links

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.

Meadowlands Golf Club

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.”

Farmstead Golf Links

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.

Heather Glens Golf Links

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.

Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links

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.

Glen Dornoch’s honors and accolades are many, listed on Golf Digest’s Top 10 Courses in Myrtle Beach and Top 25 Courses in South Carolina, as well as Golf Magazine’s Top 20 courses in South Carolina, to name a few. When you step onto the first tee, you will appreciate why this golf course receives such rave reviews. Glen Dornoch features wide fairways that roll naturally over sandy terrain, with century-old live oaks and massive magnolias that provide an outstanding backdrop to dramatic 35-foot elevation changes and spectacular panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Glen Dornoch’s final three holes are among the most unforgettable and exciting closing holes on the entire East Coast. The ambiance at Glen Dornoch is so pristine and beautiful that you may want to cap off your round by relaxing on the back porch with a cold one as you watch players finish on the course’s unique double green that serves both 9 and 18.

River Hills Golf & Country Club

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.

Tidewater Golf Club

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.

Conveniently Located

Reaching the Brunswick Isles Golf Trail is really easy; it is within a day’s drive of most major East Coast and Midwestern cities, and a short drive down I-40 from North Carolina cities like Raleigh. Convenient air service is available via Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) located in downtown Myrtle Beach, SC or Wilmington International Airport (ILM). Located just minutes from the first stop on the Trail, the Wilmington, NC airport is one of the most dynamic, hospitable and progressive airports in the Carolinas, and offers nonstop service to a variety of cities throughout the country.

By The Azor Edge

The golf course layout resembles a distinct Scottish links feel, with wind-swept fairways, large subtle contoured Bent Grass greens and surrounding hillsides, covered in Heather and a palette of colorful wild flowers.

The Creation of the Thistle Golf Club began with an amazing piece of land, located close to the Myrtle Beach border and a talented golf course Architect, Tim Cate. Skillful blending of natural elevation changes and using wetlands and freshwater ponds to border lush fairways, Cate has combined his exceptional talent with the best that nature has to offer, the landscape is strikingly stunning.

Cate, with an uncanny knowledge of the local soil, terrain and climate in the Myrtle Beach area, has exceeded in producing large green complexes, with beautifully shaped bunkers to create yet another masterpiece. The golf course is absolutely spectacular and will provide a fair challenge to golfers of all skill levels.

A hole that really grabs your attention is the fourth on the Cameron course; a demanding and stimulating par three that plays one hundred and eighty three yards, from the back tees. Just standing on this tee is exhilarating, let alone having to take it on. A dramatic and captivating hole that is visually intimidating, facing you is what seems like an impossibly tiny target to hit and hold, an isolated green that sits unhappily all alone in the middle of a  lake. Besides the watery grave to negotiate, guarding the front of this green is a bunker on the left and on right, placing even more importance on your tee shot and be warned, if the wind blows, no matter the direction it can really hurt.

This Myrtle Beach area golf course offers five sets of tees on each nine, on the Cameron course, the Thistle measures 3455 yards, the blues measure 3187 yards, the whites measure 2949 yards, the gold’s measure 2580 yards and the reds measure 2257 yards. The McKay course plays slightly longer, the Thistle measures 3547 yards, the blues measure 3380 yards, the whites measure 3092 yards, the gold’s measure 2776 yards and the reds measure 2355 yards. The Stewart course is slightly shorter than the other two nines, the Thistle measures 3351 yards, the blues measure 3168 yards, the whites measure 2891 yards, the gold’s measure 2627 yards and the reds measure 2211 yards respectively.

Architect, Tim Cate’s influence has triumphed yet again; his design is so aesthetically pleasing to the eye, you will be inspired and simply amazed at the beauty of the scenery on this quality golf course. On your next visit to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, we highly recommend you include a visit to the Thistle Golf Club for a round of unforgettable golf.

Find more information:

• Course Guide – Thistle Golf Club

This outstanding Tim Cate creation features a significant number of holes that require forced carries over water or wetlands, most greens are heavily guarded and require strategic shot making. Cate has cleverly utilized native grasses, plants and natural rock formations to provide some of the most scenic landscapes seen on any golf course, in the Myrtle Beach area.

Large level tee boxes, offer an invitation to lush fairways that are strategically bunkered, while huge, immaculate undulated L-93 Bent Grass greens await your approach, club selection and strategy are paramount on this golf course, to say it is a thinking man’s golf course is an understatement.

The eighteenth hole is an intimidating yet majestic masterpiece; this is one par four you won’t soon forget. Playing four hundred and thirty nine yards off the back tees, with water and bunkers down the left and right side of the fairway, it definitely requires some threading off the tee. Assuming you find the fairway, one is still faced with a daunting second shot into a well guarded, heavily contoured green, good luck… and enjoy!

The golf course offers five sets of tees, the blacks measure an astounding 7155 yards, the blues measure 6645 yards, the whites measure 6165 yards, the gold’s measure 5458 yards and the reds measure 4872 yards respectively.

Architect, Tim Cate’s design is delightfully captivating, and although long and challenging, this ferocious feline, must be played to be appreciated, on your next visit to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, we challenge you to garner all your courage, bring the big stick, ignore the growls and take on the new cat.

Find more information:

• Course Guide – Ocean Ridge Plantation

Crow Creek Golf Club opened in February 2000, and has fast become one of the most popular destinations for golfers visiting the Myrtle Beach area. Created by architect Rick Robbins, a former Jack Nicklaus design associate, Crow Creek Golf Club is an attractive layout with beautiful natural surroundings set on developer Jerry McLamb’s 500-acre family homestead.

The golf course features large undulating L-93 Bent Grass greens and lush, manicured Tifsport Bermuda fairways, and is always in immaculate condition. You will enjoy great hospitality from the staff, one of the reasons golfers that have played Crow Creek always return, on their visits to Myrtle Beach. Strategic bunker placement and water that comes into play on more than half the golf course, places a premium on skillful approaches to large fast greens. Although this golf course will play tough during windy conditions, Crow Creek offers the player a fair and very enjoyable round of golf.

The eighth hole is a gorgeous and testy par three that is all carry over water and measures one hundred and ninety three yards off the black tees. Depending on the strength and direction of the wind, this hole can be quite a challenge; most times it will require a long iron or hybrid (back tees), a word of warning to our friends who play the ball from left to right, sneakily awaiting any short tee ball that is hit to the right of this green, is a rather large bunker. Your safest bet is to aim left, if you come up short or miss this green left, you will still have a relatively good chance of saving par… a good par three.

Catering to golfers of all skill levels, there are five sets of tees, the blacks measure 7101 yards, the blues measure 6679 yards, the whites measure 6090 nine yards, the gold’s measure 5628 yards and the reds measure 5097 yards respectively.

The new clubhouse is simply divine, lavish and expansive; it is elegantly furnished with a hint of stylish Scottish flair and although rather roomy, remains warm and cozy. Enjoy a fine dinner in their fabulous restaurant or perhaps a favorite beverage or two in the bar. At days end, watch the wood ducks fly in and settle down for their evening roost on the banks of the Caw Caw River. Or simply sit back, relax awhile and witness the astonishing array of brilliant colors that portray a Carolina sunset… it’s out of this world.

Rick Robbins has created an interesting and visually attractive golf course that compares with some of the best that you will find in the Myrtle Beach area. As most who have played Crow Creek will tell you, not only will they be back to play, but they be will quick to recommend this golf course.

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• Course Guide – Crow Creek Golf Club

Hole #9

From the stone-gated entrance to the Olde English clubhouse, the entire environment evokes the spirit of Shaftesbury, England – the project’s namesake. A truly unique concept, imagine a world-class golf course combined with a superb fishing spot along the Waccamaw River in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Shaftesbury features immaculate A-1 Bent Grass greens that are elevated and have also been rated Myrtle Beach’s best, lush fairways are generously wide and flow naturally. There are several demanding doglegs on the golf course and the picture-perfect sand traps patiently await any miscued golf shot, the par three’s are pretty long and challenging, while the par fives provide a fair test for golfers of all skill levels.

Shaftesbury has enjoyed receiving rave reviews and numerous awards since opening, in Myrtle Beach, among them are; “Named the #34 Golf Resort Course in the United States” Golf World, October 2008; “Named among the Top 22 golf courses in South Carolina” Golf World, October 2008; “4 Star” Rating Golf Digest 2005 and “Nominated Best New Public Course in America” Golf Digest 2001.

Though not one of the longest golf courses in Myrtle Beach (by today’s standards), Shaftesbury is still a formidable opponent. With ponds on nine holes to contend with and a creek that crosses the ninth hole and returns just short of the ninth green. We take a look at a couple of their outstanding holes.

Hole #18

The ninth hole is a four hundred and fifty yard par four (blue tees), the longest and toughest par four on the golf course; keep your tee shot down the left center to avoid hitting into the hazard and you should have a medium to long iron into the pear shaped green, careful not to miss this green to the left as there is a hazard that comes into play, there is also quite a large bunker guarding the right side of this green.

The eighteenth hole is a great finishing hole, a 435 yard par four (blue tees), with a pond to your immediate right off the tee box and another pond closer to the green on your left. We suggest you aim your tee shot down the right center of the fairway, and pay close attention to the pin location, because this two tiered 60 yard green is very deep and completely surrounded by bunkers.

The golf course offers four sets of tees, the blues measuring 6935 yards, the whites measuring 6445 yards; the gold’s measuring 5989 yards and the reds measuring 4976 yards respectively. Shaftesbury also offers a full practice facility and one of Myrtles Beaches top golf academies.

Architect, Clyde Johnston has truly captured the very essence of golf in this design. Inspired by Winged Foot and Augusta National, he has delicately crafted a flowing memorable, traditional layout of wide fairways and elevated Bent grass greens, where one is completed immersed in every facet of the game; this is golf as it was meant to be, right here in the golf capital of the world, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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• Course Guide – Shaftesbury Golf and Fish Club