2015 Year-in-Review: Rivers Edge, Sandpiper Bay Undergo Facelifts, Leave Golfers Smiling

Rivers Edge installed new Sunday Ultradwarf Bermuda grass, bringing premium greens to a stunning layout that plays along the Shallotte River. The Arnold Palmer design has been ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses and it has positioned itself to return to national prominence. 

“The greens allow the experience to meet the expectations,” Rivers Edge head pro Jeff Pianelli said. “The reaction has been awesome. It’s a great improvement.”

In addition to installing new greens, the Rivers Edge staff used the summer months to remove trees, renovate bunkers and improve drainage areas, enhancing the course in ways both large and small. 

While Rivers Edge underwent the most substantial facelift in 2015, it wasn’t the only one. 

Sandpiper Bay Golf Club continued to improve a layout that has long been regarded as one of the most player-friendly Myrtle Beach golf courses. 

The popular North Strand facility closed the Piper Course for a short period of time this summer to repave the cart paths and remove 250 trees that impacted sunlight and turf growth. 

The work at the course extended beyond the Piper nine, as the bunkers on all 27 holes were rejuvenated or renovated. Every bunker on the property received new drainage and sand, some were removed, while others, such as the 60-yard bunker on the third hole on the Bay nine, were refashioned.

Sandpiper is a former Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course of the Year that has consistently worked to upgrade an already outstanding facility. 

In a destination that thrives based on the quality and conditioning of its courses, renovation projects help ensure a quality experience for players in the short and long term. That’s always an important story.