By Chase, General Manager at Coastal Golfaway | Updated April 2026
Quick Comparison: Pinehurst vs Myrtle Beach Golf Trips
| Category | Pinehurst | Myrtle Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Couples, purists, bucket-list golf | Buddies trips, large groups, variety |
| Price Range (per golfer/day) | $300–$1,400+ | $100–$400 |
| 3-Night Trip Estimate | $700–$4,500 per golfer | $400–$1,500 per golfer |
| Number of Courses | ~25 within 30 minutes | 80+ within 45 minutes |
| Lodging Style | Resort-centric, historic inns | Condos, oceanfront rentals, resorts |
| Vibe | Quiet, historic, golf-focused | Lively, beach town, tons of options |
| Peak Season | March–May, Sept–Nov | March–May, Sept–Nov |
| Dining & Nightlife | Upscale and limited | Wide range, casual to fine dining |
Who Am I and Why Should You Trust This Review?
I’ve been playing golf in the Carolinas for over 20 years. I grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina — an hour from Myrtle Beach, two hours from Pinehurst, and three and a half hours from Kiawah. I’m a 5-handicap and I run Coastal Golfaway, a family-owned Myrtle Beach golf vacation company that’s been operating since 1986.
(Jerry and Chase after first time playing No.2)
Here’s the important thing: we do not book Pinehurst. I go to Pinehurst on my own time and on my own dime. So this is about as unbiased a comparison as you’re going to get from someone who makes a living in one of these destinations.
I grew up on Donald Ross courses — our municipal course in Wilmington is a Ross, and the club I belong to is a Ross. So I’ll admit that bias up front. But I also love Mike Strantz’s work, and the variety in Myrtle Beach is unmatched. Both destinations are special. The question is which one is right for your group, your budget, and your trip.
Pinehurst Resort: The Luxury Tier (And Why It Stands Alone)
Let’s address this first, because a lot of people search “Pinehurst vs Myrtle Beach” when the real question is whether they can afford Pinehurst Resort.
Pinehurst Resort is one of the premier luxury golf resorts in the world. This spring, a 3-night, 3-round stay at the Carolina Hotel with unlimited golf, breakfast, and dinner included runs about $4,400 per golfer.
That is a lot of money. But a Pinehurst golf trip is also packed with value when you consider what you’re getting: world-class dining, impeccable service, a historic property, and access to courses like No. 2, No. 4, and the new Tom Doak-designed No. 10.
Pinehurst No. 2 is arguably the most iconic golf course in the world. It has hosted more single championships than any other course in America. Myrtle Beach simply cannot compete with this level of pedigree, luxury, and all-in-one resort experience.
If your group has $4,000+ per person to spend, go to Pinehurst Resort. Stop reading. Book it. It’s incredible for couples’ trips, buddies’ groups, and even family golf vacations (I’ve been there at Christmas multiple times with my parents and it’s a special experience).
But if you’re like most golfers and that number makes you wince, keep reading — because that’s where this comparison gets interesting.
Where the Real Debate Begins: Non-Resort Courses Head to Head
The conversation changes completely when you step outside Pinehurst Resort and start comparing the surrounding Sandhills courses to what Myrtle Beach has to offer. We’re moving from top-10-in-the-world territory to courses that are still excellent, still memorable, but competing on a more level playing field.
Here’s my personal power ranking of the top 10 non-resort courses across both regions, with approximate peak-season pricing as of April 2026:
| Rank | Course | Region | Approx. Green Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dunes Golf & Beach Club | Myrtle Beach | $400 |
| 2 | Pine Needles | Pinehurst | $335 |
| 3 | Caledonia Golf & Fish Club | Myrtle Beach | $250 |
| 4 | Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club | Pinehurst | $285 |
| 5 | True Blue Golf Club | Myrtle Beach | $200 |
| 6 | Tidewater Golf Club | Myrtle Beach | $185 |
| 7 | Barefoot Resort (Dye Course) | Myrtle Beach | $250 |
| 8 | Tobacco Road Golf Club | Pinehurst | $320 |
| 9 | TPC Myrtle Beach | Myrtle Beach | $220 |
| 10 | Mid South Club | Pinehurst | $250 |
Pricing is dynamic and pulled from course websites on 4/4/2026. Late-season rates may vary.
A few things jump out. First, Myrtle Beach dominates this list with 6 of the 10 spots. That’s not a knock on the Sandhills — it’s a reflection of sheer volume. Myrtle Beach has 80+ courses within a short drive. The Pinehurst area has around 25. More options means more chances to crack a top-10 list.
Second, the pricing gap is real but not as dramatic as people assume outside of the resort tier.
A Note on the Dunes Club
“Dunes 1 month Before Myrtle Beach Classic”
You’ll notice the Dunes Golf & Beach Club tops this list at $400. That’s a steep rate, but context matters. The Dunes Club is a private course that selectively allows outside play. They’re also hosting the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, a PGA TOUR event, May 7–10, 2026 — the third year of the tournament at this Robert Trent Jones-designed layout.
I believe the Dunes Club has perfected a model that very few clubs in the country can pull off: blending limited outside play, elite tournament hosting (PGA TOUR, Coastal Carolinas Collegiate), and a genuine private-club membership experience. The staff operates at a championship level year-round because they have to. That’s rare, and it’s why the Dunes sits at #1.
Apples-to-Apples: Caledonia & True Blue vs Pine Needles & Mid Pines
This is the comparison I get asked about the most, and it’s the fairest head-to-head matchup between the two regions.
On the Myrtle Beach side, you have Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and True Blue Golf Club in Pawleys Island — two Mike Strantz designs that are bold, photogenic, and wildly fun. On the Pinehurst side, you have Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club and Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club — two Donald Ross classics dripping with history and subtlety.
The Price Breakdown
| Pairing | Combined Green Fee (2 rounds) |
|---|---|
| Caledonia + True Blue | ~$450 |
| Pine Needles + Mid Pines | ~$620 |
| Difference | $170 per golfer |
At a $170 discount per golfer, the Pawleys Island pairing is a significant value play. For a group of 8, that’s $1,360 in savings — enough to add another round or upgrade your accommodations.
But It’s Not Just About Price
I love all four layouts. They’re all in my personal rotation with my own group. But the experience is different in ways that matter.
Pine Needles and Mid Pines offer something Myrtle Beach can’t replicate: ambiance. These are places where you can feel the history of the game. The ground game is alive and well on Ross’s crowned greens. The lodges have a warmth to them that feels intentional, not manufactured. It’s quieter. It’s slower. It’s golf for the sake of golf.
Caledonia and True Blue are dramatic, visual, and exciting. Strantz was an artist, and every hole feels like it was sculpted rather than routed. The downside? Myrtle Beach courses can sometimes feel like they’re trying to push as many golfers through as possible. Pace of play and crowding are real issues during peak season.
My Verdict on This Matchup
Honestly, it’s a toss-up — and I say that having played all four courses many times. Right now, I’d give Caledonia and True Blue a slight edge on pure value. But once Pine Needles and Mid Pines get their on-site lodging fully back up and running, they’ll have a real advantage because the south end of Myrtle Beach doesn’t have the same golf-centric resort lodging that the Sandhills provides.
Winner: Draw. Pick based on your group’s personality.
Best Values in Pinehurst
You don’t have to spend $4,400 per person when planning a golf trip to Pinehurst. Here are a few of my favorite ways to experience the area without the resort price tag.
Lodging: The Pinecrest Inn. This is my go-to. It’s right in the heart of the Village of Pinehurst, walkable to restaurants and the resort. You can stay here for around $100 per person per night and still walk over to enjoy the resort’s atmosphere and some of its amenities — without paying resort room prices. The rooms are dated, but that’s part of the charm. If you’re the type of golfer who wants to feel like you’ve stepped back in time, the Pinecrest delivers.
(My wife and I love a night trip to the Pinecrest)
Most Underrated Resort Course: Pinehurst No. 3. My favorite resort course that doesn’t carry a surcharge. No. 3 is essentially a smaller, more intimate version of No. 2. It’s perfect for an afternoon round after one of the big-ticket courses, and it will absolutely challenge your short game. This is a course that doesn’t get nearly enough attention.
The Cradle. I’m a huge fan. Pinehurst’s par-3 course is one of the most inclusive experiences in golf. Whether you’re out there with your buddies, your kids, or your significant other, it just works. Cold drinks, a relaxed pace, and a design that’s fun for everyone from beginners to scratch players. Pinehurst knocked this one out of the park.
Best Values in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is already the value destination, but you can stretch your dollar even further with the right picks.
Lodging: Tilghman Beach & Golf Resort. This is my top recommendation for golf groups on a budget. You’re right on the beach, the pricing is affordable, and the larger bedroom layouts are perfect for groups splitting rooms. It checks every box without making you feel like you’re cutting corners.
Arrowhead Country Club has to be one of the best value golf trips in the Carolinas. Day in, day out, this course is in great shape and always at a reasonable price. If you’re building a budget-friendly Myrtle Beach itinerary, Arrowhead should be on it.
Prestwick Country Club is next on my list. It’s widely regarded as one of the best Myrtle Beach golf courses, well-maintained, and consistently priced below what you’d expect for the quality of the experience.
Shaftesbury Glen rounds out my value tier. Another course that punches above its weight class and won’t break the bank.
What If Talamore and Tobacco Road Are Too Expensive? The Myrtle Beach Alternative
This is a question I hear a lot. Golfers see Talamore, Mid South, and Tobacco Road on their wishlist, love the look of the Sandhills, but can’t justify the price — especially for a larger group.
Here’s what I’d recommend as a comparable Myrtle Beach trip: stay at the Tilghman Beach & Golf Resort and play Prestwick, Arrowhead, Shaftesbury Glen, and finish with Tidewater. Almost every time, this itinerary will come in cheaper than the Pinehurst courses, and it’s about as close to an apples-to-apples comparison as you’ll find. You’re getting four quality layouts, a beachfront home base, and change left in your pocket.
How Much Does a Myrtle Beach Golf Trip Actually Cost?
This is where Myrtle Beach pulls away for most traveling golfers. Here’s a realistic budget for a 3-night, 4-round buddies’ trip during peak spring season:
| Expense | Per Golfer Estimate |
|---|---|
| Lodging (3 nights, condo split) | $250–$450 |
| Golf (4 rounds, mid-tier courses) | $500–$800 |
| Meals & Drinks | $200–$350 |
| Total | $950–$1,600 |
Compare that to the $4,400 per golfer at Pinehurst Resort, and you can see why Myrtle Beach moves 4+ million rounds per year. Even if you play premium courses like Caledonia, the Dunes Club, and Barefoot Dye, you’re looking at roughly $1,800–$2,200 all-in for a premium Myrtle Beach experience.
For a group of 8, 12, or 16 guys splitting condos and tee times, Myrtle Beach is almost impossible to beat on value.
Who Should Go to Pinehurst?
- Couples looking for a luxury, all-inclusive golf getaway
- Small groups (4–8) who want a quieter, more intimate experience
- Golfers who prioritize course architecture and history over variety
- Anyone with Pinehurst No. 2 on their bucket list (it should be on every golfer’s bucket list)
- Groups willing to spend $2,500–$4,500 per person
Who Should Go to Myrtle Beach?
- Larger groups (8+) who want to split costs on condos and villas
- Buddies’ trips that want 54–72 holes in a long weekend
- Groups with mixed skill levels who want course variety (from executive courses to championship layouts)
- Golfers on a budget who still want to play excellent courses
- Anyone who wants beach, restaurants, and nightlife alongside their golf
- Annual trip groups who want to play different courses each year without running out of options
Best Time to Visit Each Destination
Pinehurst: March through May and September through November are the sweet spots. Summer gets hot and humid, and winter mornings can be cold in the Sandhills. The fall in particular is beautiful — the pine straw, the light, the temperatures in the 60s and 70s.
Myrtle Beach: Spring is king during the Myrtle Beach golf season. September and October are also excellent with lower rates and smaller crowds. Avoid mid-summer if heat is a concern — July and August are scorching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pinehurst worth the money?
Yes, if you can afford it. Pinehurst Resort is a bucket-list experience and the value is real when you factor in unlimited golf, meals, and the quality of service. It’s not overpriced — it’s a luxury product priced accordingly.
How many golf courses are in Myrtle Beach?
There are over 80 golf courses along the Grand Strand, making it the highest concentration of golf courses in the country. Variety ranges from affordable public courses to championship-caliber layouts that have hosted professional events.
Can I do both Pinehurst and Myrtle Beach in one trip?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it for most groups. They’re about 3 hours apart, and each destination deserves at least 2–3 nights to do it justice. Pick one and do it right.
What’s the best golf course in Myrtle Beach?
That depends on your criteria. For pure quality and experience, I’d say the Dunes Golf & Beach Club — a Robert Trent Jones design that hosts a PGA TOUR event. For the best value, True Blue and Tidewater are hard to beat. For a dramatic, one-of-a-kind layout, Caledonia is special.
What’s the best course in the Pinehurst area outside the resort?
Pine Needles, without question. It’s a U.S. Women’s Open venue and one of the purest Donald Ross designs you’ll find anywhere. Tobacco Road is the wildcard — a love-it-or-hate-it Strantz design that’s unlike anything else in the Sandhills.
Is Myrtle Beach still the Golf Capital of the World?
With 80+ courses, 4 million+ rounds per year, and now a PGA TOUR event at the Dunes Club, I’d say the title is well-earned. No destination in the world offers this combination of volume, variety, and value for traveling golfers.
Final Verdict: Pinehurst vs Myrtle Beach
These are two of the best golf destinations in the world, and they happen to be a few hours apart in the Carolinas. But they serve different golfers with different needs.
Pinehurst is about legacy, luxury, and the pure experience of the game. It’s fewer courses, fewer distractions, and a deeper connection to golf history.
Myrtle Beach is about options, value, and building a trip that works for your whole group — no matter how big, how skilled, or how tight the budget.
The real answer? Play both. Just not on the same trip.
Planning a golf trip to Myrtle Beach? Coastal Golfaway has been building custom golf packages on the Grand Strand since 1986. We handle tee times, lodging, and everything in between so you can focus on your game. Get a free quote today.