The Surf Golf and Beach Club is the Grand Strand’s third-oldest course and yet it remains a mystery to many players. It is tucked away just steps from the ocean, yet designed by George Cobb, in a maritime forest that is home to many wildlife.
The Surf Club opened in 1960 and is a shotmaker’s course and challenges all skill levels of golfers. Precision is particularly important when approaching the course’s multi-tiered green complexes, which underwent a 2016 renovation project that included the installation of Champion Bermudagrass.
The course’s most demanding stretch comes at the start as holes 2-5 require players to be at their best, but the back nine is even more memorable.
The home nine begins with the mammoth par-5 10th hole, which plays 554 yards from the white tees. Water looms on the dogleg left, requiring players to decide how much risk and reward they are willing to assume off the tee in an attempt to shorten the hole.
Finishing with a par 3 isn’t common and is a signature finishing hole at other prestigious clubs. The 18th hole, which requires a carry over water, stretches to 217 yards from the blue tees, bringing a memorable round to a dramatic conclusion.