Myrtle Beach National Golf Course remains the undisputed centerpiece of the Grand Strand’s golf scene. Located just off Highway 501, this 54-hole facility has long served as a mandatory stop for anyone making the pilgrimage to the golf capital of the world. With three distinct Arnold Palmer signature designs on one property—King’s North, the West Course, and South Creek—it offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of modern golf architecture. As of April 2026, the facility has never looked better, following the completion of extensive renovations that have revitalized its flagship layout and solidified its reputation for excellence.

The Transformation of King’s North

King’s North has always been the "alpha" of the trio at Myrtle Beach National Golf Course. Originally opened in the early 1970s and famously reimagined by Palmer in the mid-90s, the course underwent its most significant modernization throughout 2024 and 2025. Led by Brandon Johnson, an architect with deep roots in the Palmer design philosophy, the renovation focused on restoring the "King’s" original boldness while updating the infrastructure for the modern game.

The most noticeable change for regular visitors is the putting surfaces. The transition to new, state-of-the-art Bermuda greens has increased the available hole locations and improved consistency. More importantly, the green complexes were expanded to their original dimensions, reclaiming thousands of square feet of putting surface that had been lost to "encroachment" over decades. This means that if you haven't played here since the renovation, you’ll find that the angles of approach are more critical than ever.

Bunker restoration was another primary focus. The sand traps are no longer just hazards; they are visual guideposts. The new liners and drainage systems ensure that the bunkers remain playable even after the heavy spring rains typical of the Carolina coast. Strategically, the reshaping of these bunkers provides clearer lines of play from the tee boxes, rewarding the thinking golfer rather than just the long hitter.

Navigating "The Gambler" and Other Icons

No discussion of Myrtle Beach National Golf Course is complete without a deep dive into Hole 6 of King’s North, affectionately known as "The Gambler." This par-5 remains one of the most photographed and debated holes in the country. The central premise is simple but terrifying: do you take the safe route around the water to the right, or do you attempt to land your tee shot on the narrow island fairway to the left?

Choosing the island fairway—the "gambler's" route—drastically shortens the hole and offers a realistic chance to reach the green in two. However, even with the 2025 improvements to the turf quality on the island, the landing area remains intimidating. The risk-reward philosophy here is Palmer at his finest. In 2026, the strategy remains the same, but the improved turf conditions allow for a more aggressive strike off the deck if you find the short grass.

Then there is the par-3 12th hole. The island green is framed by bunkers shaped like the letters "SC," a nod to the home state. While it looks purely aesthetic in photos, playing it requires a disciplined short iron or wedge. The renovation refined the sightlines here, making the target appear both more inviting and more dangerous depending on the wind coming off the surrounding ponds. The final test comes at the 18th, a par-4 that forces you to navigate over 40 bunkers before reaching the clubhouse. It is a grueling finish that demands concentration until the final putt drops.

The West Course: A Sanctuary of Pine and Quiet

While King’s North draws the headlines, the West Course at Myrtle Beach National Golf Course offers a completely different vibe. It is often described as the most "player-friendly" of the three, but that description can be misleading. While the fairways are wide and the greens are accessible, the West Course excels in its serenity.

There is a total absence of housing on this course. Instead, you are surrounded by ancient Carolina pines and native hardwood forests. This lack of development creates a hushed atmosphere that allows golfers to focus entirely on their game. For many, a round on the West Course is the highlight of their trip because it feels like a private escape.

From an architectural standpoint, the West Course favors those who can manage their way through doglegs and fairway bunkers. The par-3s here are particularly strong, often requiring shots over water hazards that are as dramatic as anything found on the more famous sister course. The 2026 conditions on the West Course reflect a commitment to maintenance that matches the flagship layout, with the Mini-Verde Bermuda greens offering a smooth, fast roll that rewards pure putting strokes.

South Creek: The Precision Challenge

South Creek is the shortest of the three layouts at Myrtle Beach National Golf Course, but what it lacks in raw yardage, it more than makes up for in technical demand. This is a "target golf" course in the truest sense. If you are the type of golfer who likes to spray the ball off the tee, South Creek will provide a stern lesson in discipline.

The layout winds through wetlands and forests, requiring accurate placement on almost every shot. The greens are generally smaller than those on King’s North or the West Course, making them harder to hit in regulation. However, if you can find the fairway, you will often be rewarded with a short iron or wedge into the green, providing ample birdie opportunities for those who are surgical with their approach shots.

South Creek often serves as the perfect afternoon round for groups playing 36 holes in a day. It’s less physically demanding than King’s North but keeps the mental gears turning. The recent upgrades to the drainage systems here have significantly improved the playability of the low-lying areas, ensuring that the course remains in peak condition even during the busier spring season.

The Overall Facility Experience in 2026

Walking into the clubhouse at Myrtle Beach National is like entering a museum dedicated to the history of the game. The tribute to Arnie, featuring his clubs and memorabilia, sets the tone before you even check in. The staff recently received accolades for service excellence, and it shows in the details. From the efficiency of the bag drop to the knowledge of the cart attendants, the operation is a well-oiled machine.

The practice facilities have also seen improvements. The driving range and short-game areas are kept to the same standards as the courses themselves, allowing for a proper warm-up. Given its location on Highway 501, it is arguably the most convenient multi-course facility for those staying in the heart of Myrtle Beach or those catching a flight at the nearby international airport.

Strategic Advice for Your 2026 Visit

When planning a trip to Myrtle Beach National Golf Course this year, consider the following perspectives to maximize your experience:

  1. The 36-Hole Play: If you have the stamina, pairing King’s North with the West Course offers the ultimate contrast. You get the high-drama, stadium-style golf in the morning, followed by a quiet, forest-enclosed walk in the afternoon.
  2. Evaluating Skill Levels: For groups with varying handicaps, the West Course is often the most successful choice. It allows the lower-handicap players to go low while providing enough room for the higher-handicap players to enjoy their round without losing a dozen balls.
  3. Booking Logic: In 2026, the digital booking systems for the Grand Strand have become much more responsive. It is generally advisable to look for "Value Packages" that bundle all three National courses, as this often provides a better rate than booking them individually.
  4. Weather Considerations: April is prime time. The overseeding from the winter has fully transitioned, and the new Bermuda surfaces on King’s North are starting to reach their peak speed. The weather is typically mid-70s, but the wind can be a factor, particularly on the more open holes of South Creek.

The Verdict on the 2025/2026 Renovations

There was some concern in the golf community when the renovations were announced—people worry about changing a classic. However, the 2026 reality is that the work has successfully bridged the gap between nostalgia and necessity. King’s North feels faster and firmer, yet it still retains that "Arnie" personality that makes it so fun to play. The greens are more interesting, the bunkers are more defined, and the overall aesthetic is sharper.

Myrtle Beach National Golf Course remains a bedrock facility for a reason. It doesn't rely on gimmicks; it relies on solid design, exceptional maintenance, and a deep respect for the traditions of the game. Whether you are chasing a personal best on the West Course, testing your accuracy on South Creek, or taking the ultimate risk on The Gambler, this property continues to deliver the quintessential Myrtle Beach golf experience. It’s not just about the 54 holes; it’s about the atmosphere of a place that truly understands why we play this game.