The Mackay Nine at Thistle Golf Club
The Mackay Nine at Thistle Golf Club

Thistle Golf Club Continues to be a Brunswick Beauty

Just across of the South Carolina border, Brunswick County (N.C.) is home to nearly 15 layouts designed by names like Fred Couples, Arnold Palmer and Rees Jones, providing the area with a superb cluster of courses.

Among Brunswick County’s best is Thistle Golf Club, a 27-hole facility that has long been a favorite among locals and savvy group leaders.

As you prepare for your next Myrtle Beach golf trip, here are the (many) reasons you should consider playing at Thistle:

The Stewart Nine at Thistle Golf Club

Quality Never Rests
Home to the Stewart, MacKay and Cameron nines, part of what make Thistle, a course GolfAdvisor.com readers rated as the nation’s 14th best, special is the consistency of the experience. All three nines, despite distinguishing characteristics for each, deliver similar quality. At its heart, Thistle is a links-style design and with open greens, mounded fairways and wind whipping off the nearby Atlantic, it delivers on that promise.

The clubhouse at Thistle Golf Club

 

Appreciate Where You Came From
Named after the original Thistle Golf Club in Leith, Scotland, circa 1815, “our” Thistle takes its heritage very seriously and you should to. The course is home to a stunning 16,000-square foot clubhouse and it showcases 200-year-old memorabilia from its namesake facility. Take a minute to tour the Myrtle Beach area’s nicest clubhouse and soak up some of the game’s rich history. If you enjoy a good scotch, Thistle serves an enviable list of single malts as well.

The Cameron Nine at Thistle Golf Club

A Date With Cate
There was earlier mention made of Palmer, Jones and Couples, but Tim Cate, architect of the Thistle, is southeastern North Carolina’s most prominent course designer. Cate has worked almost exclusively in the area, and if you like Tiger’s Eye and Leopard’s Chase, you will love Thistle, one of his best efforts. Cate’s designs are unique and Thistle is a must-play effort.

The Mackay Nine at Thistle Golf Club

The Player’s Choice
If you are looking for a golf package that includes Thistle, let me recommend the Player’s Choice from North Beach Plantation, one of the area’s finest accommodations properties. With luxury rooms and more than 80 courses to choose from, the Player’s Choice is an ideal package, and North Beach, home to multiple pools, a swim-up bar and lazy river, will enhance your experience.

21 Main

Prime Meal Awaits
After playing Thistle, you will want to cap an enjoyable day with a quality meal, so give 21 Main, North Beach’s on-site steakhouse, a try. 21 Main serves USDA prime beef and premium sushi, making it one of the Grand Strand’s best restaurants (Yelp reviews speak for themselves).