Oyster Bay is Getting Better with Age

Oyster Bay Golf Links is one of the Myrtle Beach area’s most significant courses. The Dan Maples design was the first to open just across the state line in Brunswick County, N.C., and it was the perfect layout to open the floodgates.

Maples was at his best, taking advantage of a stunning piece of property that runs along the Calabash River to craft a design that was named best new course in America by Golf Digest upon its 1983 opening.

Celebrating its 35th birthday this year, Oyster Bay remains among the North Strand’s best and most popular layouts. Here is what you need to know about the 4.5-star course.

Getting Better With Age
Oyster Bay provides a beautiful setting. The holes that play along the marshy waters of the river are unforgettable, as are the pair of island greens, highlighted by the 17th, which is ringed by oyster shells. Regardless of score, this is a course golfers don’t forget.

Diversity is the Spice of Life
A par 71, Oyster Bay is a shot-makers design, rewarding accuracy and creativity as much it does raw power. Don’t misinterpret, there is room to hit the driver but it’s not a necessity on a layout that plays 6,000 yards from the white tees. The ability to successfully play the course in a variety of ways is at the heart of its popularity.

Don’t Fail With The Flatstick
Oyster Bay’s greens are small by contemporary standards and contain plenty of undulation, so pay attention to pin positions. Putting from beneath the hole is a recipe for success. Your score will likely be determined by how you play on and around the greens, so try and leave yourself in a favorable position as often as possible.

By Popular Demand
One of the most popular golf packages in America (seriously) is the Legends Resort deal, ranging from 3- to 5-night stays from package providers like Coastal Golfaway and allowing players to choose among the five Legends Resort courses, including Oyster Bay. The other layouts on the menu are Heritage Club and Moorland, Parkland and Heathland at Legends Resort. The deal also includes hot breakfast, lunch and two draft beers. It’s a ridiculous offer and golfers love it.

Alligator Alley
Most golfers enjoy an alligator sighting, and Oyster Bay is as good place as any to catch a glimpse of the prehistoric reptiles. Assuming good weather, the back nine is particularly popular with alligators, including a nearly 13-footer that calls No. 14 home. Think I’m exaggerating? Enjoy the video above of an alligator meandering across the tee box with dinner in his mouth.