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Dunes Golf and Beach Club: Myrtle Beach’s Championship Masterpiece
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Dunes Golf and Beach Club: Myrtle Beach’s Championship Masterpiece
Starting May 8th, 2025, golf’s greatest golfers will travel to Myrtle Beach to test their skills against this Robert Trent Jones designed championship course. The Dunes Golf and Beach Club stands ready to host the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, marking the second consecutive year this storied venue welcomes PGA Tour professionals to the Grand Strand.
This isn’t just another round of golf—it’s a chance to play where legends have competed and where golf history continues to unfold. From the moment you step onto the first tee, you’ll understand why The Dunes has earned recognition as one of America’s Top 100 golf courses by both Golf Magazine and Golf Digest.
A Legacy Built on Championship Golf
The Dunes Golf and Beach Club opened in 1949 as only the second golf course in the Myrtle Beach area, following Pine Lakes Country Club. Legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. crafted this masterpiece on sandy, rolling terrain perfectly suited for championship golf. What makes this course special isn’t just its design—it’s the incredible tournament history that has unfolded on these fairways.
Major Championships Hosted:
- 1962 U.S. Women’s Open
- Six PGA Senior Tour Championships (1994-1999)
- 2014 PGA Professional National Championship
- 2017 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball
- PGA Tour Qualifying School Finals
- 2024 & 2025 ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic
When Lee Trevino first played The Dunes, his reaction said it all: “That’s a fabulous golf course. It’s one of the best I have ever played.” This sentiment echoes through decades of professional golfers who’ve tested their skills against Jones’s strategic design.
Course Statistics That Matter
| Measurement | Championship Tees | Regular Play |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yardage | 7,450 yards | 7,165 yards |
| Par | 72 | 72 |
| Course Rating | 76.1 | 75.4 |
| Slope Rating | 148 | 141 |
| Green Size Average | 6,000 sq ft | 6,000 sq ft |
The numbers tell part of the story, but they don’t capture the strategic complexity that makes The Dunes a true championship test. Recent renovations by Rees Jones (Robert Trent Jones’s son) have enhanced the original design while maintaining its classic character.
Course Conditions & Playing Characteristics
The Dunes plays firm and fast year-round, thanks to exceptional drainage and its naturally sandy foundation. In 2013, the club converted all greens from A-1 Bentgrass to Champion ultradwarf Bermuda surfaces, dramatically improving performance in South Carolina’s warm climate.
Key Playing Features:
- Firm, fast conditions that reward precision
- Narrow fairway landing areas (20-25 yards wide)
- Deep, imposing greenside bunkers (110 total)
- Elevated putting surfaces with subtle slopes
- Water hazards on 11 holes
The 2-inch overseeded ryegrass rough makes accuracy off the tee crucial. Miss a fairway, and controlling your approach becomes significantly more challenging—exactly what Jones intended when he designed the course to reward strategic thinking over pure power.
Championship-Level Difficulty Analysis
Hole Difficulty Rating (Professional Level):
Water Hazards Distribution:
Holes with Water:
Major Water Carries:
Strategic Water:
Virtual Tour: Hole-by-Hole Breakdown
The Front Nine: Setting the Stage
Hole 1 – “Opening Statement”
Par 4
420 yards
420 yards
Strategy
Wide fairway welcome
Wide fairway welcome
Challenge
Elevated green
Elevated green
Wide fairway eases you into the round. Approach plays to elevated green with bunkers left and right.
Hole 2 – “The Gauntlet”
Par 4
385 yards
385 yards
Hazard
Water right
Water right
Key
Pin placement
Pin placement
Tight driving hole with water right. Pin placement determines approach strategy.
Hole 3 – “Precision Required”
Par 3
185 yards
185 yards
Challenge
All carry over water
All carry over water
Defense
Well-protected green
Well-protected green
All carry over water to well-protected green. Multiple tee positions change the angle dramatically.
Hole 4 – “Early Drama”
Par 5
515 yards
515 yards
Opportunity
Reachable in two
Reachable in two
Risk
Pond fronts green
Pond fronts green
Reachable in two for longer hitters. Pond fronts the green, demanding precise distance control.
The Back Nine: Championship Pressure
Holes 11-13: “Alligator Alley”
This three-hole stretch represents the heart and soul of The Dunes Golf and Beach Club. Lake Singleton winds through all three holes, creating the most dramatic and challenging sequence on the course.
Hole 11 – “Alligator’s Entrance”
Par 4
440 yards
440 yards
Hazard
Water right side
Water right side
Strategy
Risk vs reward
Risk vs reward
Water runs along the right side from tee to green. Aggressive line shortens the hole but increases risk.
Hole 12 – “The Bite”
Par 3
210 yards
210 yards
Style
Island-style green
Island-style green
Factor
Wind critical
Wind critical
Island-style green surrounded by water and bunkers. Wind conditions dramatically affect club selection.
Hole 13 – “Waterloo” ⭐ SIGNATURE HOLE
Par 5
590 yards
590 yards
Fame
World-renowned
World-renowned
Shape
Boomerang design
Boomerang design
Recognized as one of the greatest golf holes in the world. Boomerang-shaped hole that curves around Lake Singleton. Water threatens both tee shot and approach. Small, two-tiered green demands precise third shot.
Hole 18 – “The Finale”
Par 4
445 yards
445 yards
History
Originally par 5
Originally par 5
Drama
Tournament decider
Tournament decider
Pond fronts the green with spectacular clubhouse backdrop. Where tournaments are won and lost.
The Championship Experience
Playing The Dunes feels different from typical resort courses. The firm conditions mean your ball reacts more like professional tournaments you watch on TV. Shots that would stop quickly on softer courses will release and roll, demanding course management skills that many amateur golfers rarely need to employ.
What Makes It Special:
- Championship pedigree that attracts serious golfers
- Conditions that mirror professional tournament setups
- Strategic design that rewards thinking over power
- Historic significance that adds prestige to every round
The 2025 ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic will showcase these conditions to a national television audience, featuring a $3.9 million purse and 300 FedExCup points for the winner.
Facilities That Match the Course
The Dunes clubhouse overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, providing stunning views during your pre- and post-round dining. The facility includes:
Practice Facilities
- Expansive grass driving range
- Multiple practice putting greens
- Short game area with practice bunkers
- Professional instruction available
Dining & Entertainment
- Oceanfront dining room
- Full-service bar
- Private event spaces
- Tournament-quality food service
Pro Shop
- Premium equipment and apparel
- Logo merchandise
- Club repair services
- Expert fitting services
Understanding the Investment
The Dunes Golf and Beach Club represents premium golf, and pricing reflects this positioning. While specific rates vary by season and demand, expect championship-level pricing that typically ranges from $150-300+ depending on time of year and tee time.
Value Considerations:
- Championship course conditions year-round
- Historic significance and prestige
- Professional tournament venue
- Premium facilities and service
For golfers seeking affordable alternatives in Wisconsin, consider that The Dunes offers an experience that justifies the premium pricing for special occasions or bucket-list rounds.
Planning Your Championship Round
Best Times to Visit:
- Spring (March-May): Perfect weather, tournament-quality conditions
- Fall (September-November): Excellent conditions, lower humidity
- Summer (June-August): Hottest period but longer daylight hours
- Winter (December-February): Milder weather, potential for excellent deals
Booking Recommendations:
- Reserve well in advance – Premium tee times fill quickly
- Consider weekday rounds – Better availability and potentially lower rates
- Check for package deals – Many Myrtle Beach resorts include The Dunes
- Weather contingency – Have backup plans for coastal weather
What to Bring:
- Multiple golf balls (water hazards claim their share)
- Range finder or GPS watch (distances crucial for course management)
- Camera (spectacular photo opportunities throughout)
- Patience and positive attitude (championship courses demand respect)
Getting There
Location: 9000 N Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
The Dunes sits in the heart of Myrtle Beach, easily accessible from major highways and Myrtle Beach International Airport. The oceanfront location means spectacular views but also coastal wind conditions that can affect play.
Transportation Options:
- Rental car (recommended for flexibility)
- Resort shuttle services
- Ride-sharing services
- Golf vacation packages with transportation included
The Bottom Line: Championship Golf Awaits
The Dunes Golf and Beach Club offers more than just a round of golf—it provides a genuine championship experience that few courses can match. From the moment you arrive at the stately clubhouse to your final putt on the 18th green, you’ll understand why this course has hosted major championships for over 75 years.
Whether you’re planning a golf vacation, celebrating a special occasion, or simply want to test your skills against a legendary course, The Dunes delivers an unforgettable experience. The upcoming 2025 ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic adds even more prestige to an already storied venue.
Ready to take on the challenge? Book your tee time and discover why golf’s greatest players continue to test their skills against this championship layout. Your own “Waterloo” moment awaits on the legendary 13th hole.
For more information about affordable golf options throughout the region, explore our comprehensive guides to public golf courses in Wisconsin and other budget-friendly destinations.
Sources: The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, PGA Tour, Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, Rees Jones Inc.
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