2026 Myrtle Beach Golf Aerification Dates: Your Complete Planning Guide

 

Published January 15, 2026 | Updated for 2026 Season | By Chase McGraw

Planning a Myrtle Beach golf trip in 2026? Understanding aerification dates is crucial for ensuring you experience courses at their best. As specialists in Myrtle Beach golf packages since 1986, we’ve compiled the complete 2026 aerification schedule to help you plan the perfect golf vacation.

Quick takeaway: Be careful in June—29 courses aerify this month. Spring and Fall are peak seasons for a reason. By Mid July though most courses have completed aerification.

What is Aerification and Why Does It Matter for Your Myrtle Beach Golf Trip?

Aerification (also called core aeration) is mandatory annual maintenance where small plugs of soil and thatch are removed from greens. While essential for long-term turf health, it temporarily affects playing conditions—and that impacts your golf vacation experience.

Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

• Days 1-7: Holes visible on greens, slight reduction in ball roll quality
• Days 8-14: Holes healing, surface improving but still imperfect
• Days 14-18: “Package shape” – good enough for most golfers on a Myrtle Beach golf trip
• Days 21-28: Pristine conditions restored – ideal for your golf package

At Coastal Golfaway, we recommend avoiding courses for at least 14 days post-aerification, though we recommend you should wait 3-4 weeks for truly pristine conditions.

Not to Be Confused with Top-Dressing

Top-dressing is weekly maintenance (usually Monday/Tuesday) involving light sand application. It has minimal impact on playability and shouldn’t affect your Myrtle Beach golf package planning.

2026 Aerification Calendar: Month-by-Month Breakdown

We’ve analyzed aerification patterns across 60+ Myrtle Beach golf courses to help you identify the best windows for your golf trip. Here’s what the 2026 calendar reveals:

 

June 2026: The Peak Aerification Month

29 courses aerifying – This is the busiest aerification month. You just need to be aware of which courses are going through aerification and be flexible with course selection.

Course	Aerification Date	Playable Again (14 days)
The Links at Brick Landing	June 4	June 18
Sea Trail Byrd	June 7	June 21
Barefoot Fazio	June 8	June 22
Blackmoor	June 8	June 22
Crow Creek	June 8	June 22
Dunes Golf and Beach	June 8	June 22
Sandpiper Bay	June 8	June 22
The Pearl Golf Links	June 8	June 22
Colonial Charters	June 9	June 23
Crown Park Golf Club	June 15	June 29
Prestwick CC	June 15	June 29
True Blue	June 15	June 29
Aberdeen	June 16	June 30
Founders Club	June 16	June 30
Glen Dornoch	June 16	June 30
MBN Southcreek	June 16	June 30
Wachesaw East	June 16	June 30
Barefoot Dye	June 22	July 6
Caledonia	June 22	July 6
Legends Heathland	June 22	July 6
Oyster Bay	June 22	July 6
The Pearl Golf Links	June 22	July 6
MBN West Course	June 23	July 7
River Club	June 23	July 7
TPC	June 23	July 7
Sea Trail Jones	June 28	July 12
Heritage Club	June 29	July 13
Myrtlewood – Palmetto	June 29	July 13
Brunswick Plantation	June 30	July 14

Important Note: If you’re booking a June golf trip, courses aerifying early June (June 4-9) will be in good shape by late June. Conversely, avoid courses aerifying late June if you’re traveling in early July.

July 2026: Still Busy but Better Options

19 courses aerifying – July sees significant aerification activity, but it’s more manageable than June for Myrtle Beach golf packages.

Course	Aerification Date	Playable Again (14 days)
Barefoot Norman	July 6	July 20
International Club	July 6	July 20
Legends Moorland	July 6	July 20
Wellman Golf Club	July 6	July 20
MBN King’s North	July 7	July 21
Myrtlewood – PineHills	July 7	July 21
Tradition	July 7	July 21
Pine Lakes	July 14	July 28
Willbrook	July 14	July 28
World Tour	July 14	July 28
Sea Trail Maples	July 19	August 2
Barefoot Love	July 20	August 3
Legends Parkland	July 20	August 3
Pawleys Plantation	July 21	August 4
River Hills	July 21	August 4
Wild Wing	July 21	August 4
Grande Dunes	July 28	August 11
Litchfield	July 28	August 11
Long Bay	July 28	August 11

Planning Strategy: Early July is excellent if you avoid the few courses that aerified late June. By mid-July, you’ll have great options as early-June courses are back to pristine condition.

August 2026: Fall Conditions begin to Emerge

Only 2 courses aerifying – August is another excellent window for Myrtle Beach golf packages, with minimal disruption and often competitive rates.

Course	Aerification Date	Playable Again
Tidewater	August 2	August 16
Burning Ridge	August 4	August 18

Insider Tip: August combines excellent course conditions with late-summer rates, making it a sweet spot for value-conscious golfers planning Myrtle Beach golf trips.

Special Cases: Staggered Aerification(27 Hole Facilities)

Some courses use staggered aerification, aerifying nine holes at a time. This means the course always has 18 holes playable condition:

• Arrowhead
• Thistle

These courses can be excellent backup options during peak aerification season for your Myrtle Beach golf packages.

Courses with Unconfirmed 2026 Aerification Dates

The following courses haven’t finalized their aerification schedules. We’ll update this guide as dates are confirmed:

• Tigers Eye – Expected in June (exact date TBD)
• Leopards Chase – Expected in June (exact date TBD)
• Panthers Run – Expected in June (exact date TBD)
• Shaftesbury Glen – Expected mid-June (not yet set)
• Eagle Nest – Date not set
• Azalea Sands – Dates not set
• Beachwood – Dates not set

 

How to Use This Information When Booking Myrtle Beach Golf Packages

Strategy #1: Target the Sweet Spots

For the best overall experience on your Myrtle Beach golf trip:

• March to May– No aerification
• June and July – Most course maintenance is done during this time period.
• August (avoiding August 2-18 for Tidewater and Burning Ridge) – Minimal disruption
• Late September/Early October – Most courses have now hit peak condition for the fall season

Strategy #2: Navigate Peak Season (June-July)

If you must travel during June or July for your Myrtle Beach golf packages:

• Early June: Book courses that aerify late June or in July
• Late June: Play courses that aerified early June (they’ll be recovered)
• Early July: Avoid courses aerifying late June; favor early June aerifications
• Late July/Early August: Most June courses are pristine again

Strategy #3: Build a Custom Package

When planning your Myrtle Beach golf trip, mix courses strategically:

• Choose 2-3 “must-play” courses that haven’t aerified recently
• Include 1-2 value courses that may have aerified 2-3 weeks prior (still good conditions at better rates)
• Keep staggered-nine courses (Arrowhead, Thistle) as backups

Why Weather Can Change Everything

All aerification dates listed above are subject to change based on weather conditions. Heavy rain or extreme heat can force courses to postpone or reschedule aerification. That’s why booking with a knowledgeable local operator like Coastal Golfaway is crucial—we monitor these changes in real-time and can adjust your golf package if needed.

The Coastal Golfaway Advantage: 40 Years of Myrtle Beach Golf Expertise

Since 1986, we’ve been helping golfers navigate the complexities of planning Myrtle Beach golf trips. Unlike national booking platforms, we:

• Monitor aerification changes daily and proactively contact you if your booked courses are affected
• Have personal relationships with course superintendents who give us advance notice of schedule changes
• Can pivot your package instantly if weather forces aerification changes near your trip dates
• Know recovery timelines for each specific course (some recover faster than others)
• Offer honest advice even if it means suggesting you avoid peak aerification periods

We don’t just book tee times—we ensure you experience Myrtle Beach golf at its finest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aerification and Myrtle Beach Golf Trips

Can I play on aerified greens?

Yes, courses remain open during and immediately after aerification. However, the playing experience is diminished. Balls may bounce erratically, putts won’t roll true, and greens appear “holey.” Most golfers prefer to avoid these conditions, especially when traveling for a special golf trip.

How long does it really take for greens to fully recover?

We recommend 14-18 days minimum for acceptable conditions on Myrtle Beach golf packages. For pristine conditions (especially important for destination golfers), wait 3-4 weeks. Recovery can be faster in ideal growing conditions or slower if weather doesn’t cooperate.

Do courses offer discounts during aerification recovery?

Occasionally, yes. Some courses reduce rates during the 7-14 day window. At Coastal Golfaway, we can build value-focused packages that take advantage of these discounts if you’re flexible with your Myrtle Beach golf trip timing. Note the courses are not in optimal condition.

Why do so many courses aerify in June?

June offers optimal growing conditions (warm temperatures, regular rain) that promote faster recovery. Superintendents also want greens fully healed before the peak summer season. That said, it creates challenges for golfers planning June golf trips—which is why we emphasize late May or August alternatives.

What if my trip is already booked and I discover aerification conflicts?

If you booked through Coastal Golfaway we have already begun on finding alternatives for you. This is how we help you save time, and a free service we offer our guests.

Are there courses that never aerify?

No. Aerification is essential maintenance that every course with grass greens must perform annually. Skipping aerification leads to compacted soil, poor drainage, and ultimately unplayable conditions. Think of it like changing your car’s oil—mandatory for long-term performance.

Can I request courses skip aerification for my group?

Unfortunately, no. Aerification schedules are set months in advance based on optimal turfgrass health windows. However, you CAN plan around them—which is exactly what this guide helps you do for your Myrtle Beach golf packages.

Ready to Plan Your Perfect Myrtle Beach Golf Trip?

Don’t let aerification ruin your golf vacation. Let Coastal Golfaway’s 40 years of expertise work for you. We’ll design a custom Myrtle Beach golf package that navigates aerification schedules, secures the best tee times, and ensures you experience courses in peak condition.

Related Planning Resources

• Top 10 Myrtle Beach Golf Courses for 2026
• Understanding Myrtle Beach Golf Pricing and Value Seasons
• Stay and Play vs. Book Separately: What’s Best for Your Trip?

 

About Coastal Golfaway: Established in 1986, Coastal Golfaway specializes in Myrtle Beach golf packages and trip planning. Our family-owned business has arranged hundreds of thousands of golf trips, leveraging deep local knowledge and course relationships to create unforgettable golf experiences.