Renovated Arcadian Shores Delivers a New Experience to Myrtle Beach Golfers

Arcadian Shores Golf Club, once ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, has always enjoyed great respect amongst locals.

The layout, which opened in 1974, was Rees Jones’ first solo design and evokes comparisons to his father’s work at the famed Dunes Golf & Beach Club. While the integrity of the layout has always been strong, Arcadian Shores received a facelift last year that has, rightfully, elevated its status within the Myrtle Beach golf market.

What did they do at Arcadian Shores?

What didn’t they do?
The course closed for 4 ½ months last summer to install new Sunday ultra-dwarf Bermuda greens, repave every inch of cart path, improve irrigation and install new sand in the bunkers. Even after an unusually harsh winter, the greens are in good shape and will be nearly perfect by the time the calendar hits May. As for those new cart paths, enjoy the smoothest ride in Myrtle Beach. Arcadian Shores is better than it has ever been.

Why will you like the layout?
Arcadian Shore is fully mature. Holes are framed beautifully by a combination of pine and oak trees, and golfers need to avoid the large greenside and fairways bunkers, both of which will be a detriment to your dreams of a career round. Each side starts with a par 5, so you have the chance to get off to a good start. If the Dunes Club doesn’t fit into your budget and you want to play a classically designed course, Arcadian Shores won’t disappoint.

Home to two of the best
The Sun News, the area’s local newspaper, put together its Dream 18, a ranking of Myrtle Beach’s best holes, and Arcadian Shores had a pair of entrants on the list. The par 3 second hole – 148 yards from the white tees – requires a carry over water, providing a beautiful and daunting challenge early in the round. The 13th, a downhill, par 4, is relatively short at 367 yards (white tees), but the longer your tee shot, the trickier the approach as you will be playing off a downhill lie. The green is fronted by water, adding to the anxiety of the approach. When the azaleas are blooming behind the green, it’s a beautiful setting and an unforgettable hole.

So, you want to play Arcadian …
Groups can play Arcadian as part of a variety of packages, but the Myrtle Beach Elite with Myrtle Beach Golf Directors is hard to beat. The 3-night, 4-round deal lets you choose among Arcadian Shores, Tidewater, Arrowhead Country Club, Prestwick Country Club, and the Rees Jones Course at Sea Trail. Throw-in accommodations and free afternoon, 9-hole replays and the Elite package is a winner.

After the round is over
We typically recommend a nearby spot for happy hour or dinner, but part of the renovation project at Arcadian Shores was the construction of a new clubhouse. Take advantage of the new digs and enjoy the drink of your choice and some food on the deck overlooking the 18th green.