North Myrtle Beach is to golf what La Jolla is to surfing: the ultimate destination. If golfing is a family activity in your home, include your junior golfers in the vacation fun by visiting golf courses that offer special rates for youngsters. Four courses stand out.
Eagle Nest Golf Club: Children Under 15 Play Free Until August
3820 Fairway Drive in Little River, SC 29566843-249-1449
4.64 miles from North Myrtle Beach
Tee times for adults cost between $48 and $58. This is an 18-hole course, with the toughest holes being 16, 17, and 18. The grass is mini-Verde Bermuda. Be sure to call ahead and verify that your junior golfer will play free; this is a special that the golf club only runs occasionally. Treat your youngster to a burger or sandwich after the game; the snack bar is next to the pro shop.
Heather Glen Golf Course: Children Play Free if an Adult Pays Full Price
4650 Heather Glen Way in Little River, SC 29566888-999-9520
4.73 miles from North Myrtle Beach
Heather Glen is a public golf course with 27 holes. Bermuda grass allows for easy play, while greens fees between $48 and $87 make this a mid-range course for those with an eye on the budget. Architects Willard Byrd and Clyde Johnston have used numerous landscape features to create a course reminiscent of Scotland. Golf World ranked the venue in the top 30 of South Carolina golf courses. If you would like to book a stay-and-play package, consider staying at the Village at the Glens, which caters to the golfing family with onsite putting greens and chipping areas.
Aberdeen Golf Country Club: Children Under 16 Play Free
701 Bucks Trail in Longs, SC 29568800-882-3420
10.20 miles from North Myrtle Beach
Adult greens fees range from $28 to $54, depending on the time of day and the season. There are 27 holes bored into Tift Eagle Bermuda grass. The course was designed by Tom Jackson, and younger players may do best by playing a shorter nine-hole course, while older children should have little trouble with the entire course. Since this course emphasizes chipping as well as putting, the junior golfer who has a bit of a hard time with the fairway will not get too frustrated.
International World Tour Golf Course: Children Play Free Anytime
2000 World Tour Boulevard in Myrtle Beach, SC 29579877-377-7773
18.07 miles from North Myrtle Beach
This is a difficult course best played by accomplished junior players. Bermuda grass is the turf of choice. Tee times cost between $59 and $134. Designer Mel Graham aspired to recreate 27 of the world's most famous holes, such as the famous 18th hole of St. Andrews, the 17th hole of Stadium Course, and the eighth hole of Spanish Bay, which belies the apparent ease of the first tee. This is not the course for beginners or youngsters who do not have a strong affection for watching and playing the game.
Insider Booking Tips
Traveling with a junior golfer is always a bit of a mixed bag. Do not bring the child to a course that considerably exceeds the youngster's playing abilities. I have found that playing a nine-hole round is always better than committing to 18 holes. Remember that you can always come back for a longer or second round. While booking, verify that quoted specials will not disqualify your junior golfer from playing free, as is the case at Heather Glen and courses associated with the group.
