If you’re planning a golf trip to the Grand Strand, the Barefoot Fazio golf course in Myrtle Beach should be on your itinerary. Nestled between the resort’s Dye and Love courses, this championship layout combines stunning Lowcountry scenery with a strategic design that rewards smart shot-making. Whether you’re hoping to post a great score or simply enjoy a memorable round at one of Myrtle Beach’s top golf courses, here’s everything you need to know before you tee off.
Why is the Fazio Course one of Myrtle Beach’s top golf courses?
Tom Fazio designed a golf course that blends scenic beauty with thoughtful playability, making it one of the most popular layouts at Barefoot Resort. Instead of relying on sheer length, the course rewards golfers who plan each shot carefully and stay patient throughout the round.
Some of the features that make the Fazio Course stand out include:
- A par-71 championship layout that rewards smart course management.
- 6,834 yards from the back tees, providing a challenging yet enjoyable test.
- Strategic hole designs that emphasize accuracy and shot placement.
- A picturesque Lowcountry setting with towering live oaks, Carolina pines, lakes, and native grasses.
- A balanced layout that appeals to both experienced golfers and recreational players.
Hole highlights you should know before playing
Every hole at the Barefoot Fazio Course offers something memorable, but a few stand out for their design, strategy, and visual appeal.
- Hole 5: An elevated tee box creates a blind tee shot, requiring golfers to trust their target line and commit to the swing.
- Hole 6: This scenic par 3 plays approximately 170 yards over water to a well-protected green surrounded by three bunkers. Taking an extra club is often the safer choice.
- Holes 6–8: Three consecutive par 3s form one of the course’s signature stretches. Each requires a different shot shape and club selection, putting precision and course management to the test.
- Hole 9: A long fairway bunker runs alongside the hole, creating one of the course’s most striking visual features while also influencing tee-shot strategy.
- Hole 13: Two separate greens give this hole its distinctive character. One green is guarded by a lake, so the challenge varies depending on the day’s pin position.
Best playing tips for the Barefoot Fazio Course
A smart strategy can make all the difference on the Fazio Course. Keep these tips in mind before you tee off.
Prioritize accuracy over distance
While the fairways are fairly generous, well-placed bunkers and natural areas can quickly punish errant shots. Focus on finding the fairway to set up better approach shots.
Pay attention to wind conditions
Coastal winds can significantly affect ball flight, particularly on the more open holes. Check the wind before selecting your club, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Choose the right tees
With five tee options ranging from 4,820 to 6,834 yards, selecting the appropriate set of tees allows you to play the course as intended while giving yourself the best opportunity to score well.
Play conservatively around hazards
Water hazards, waste areas, and native grasses are strategically incorporated throughout the course. When faced with a high-risk shot, the smarter play is often to lay up, avoid trouble, and take your par opportunity.
What to expect at the Barefoot Fazio Course
From the first tee to the final green, the Fazio Course delivers excellent playing conditions and a layout that is both scenic and strategic. Here’s what you can expect during your round:
- GN-1 hybrid turf on the tees and fairways, providing consistent lies throughout the course.
- TifSport Bermuda grass around the approach areas, creating smooth transitions into the greens.
- Champion UltraDwarf Bermuda greens that roll true and reward a confident putting stroke.
- Water features on many holes, adding visual appeal without creating an overly penal layout.
- Subtle elevation changes that add character to the layout while remaining easy to walk.
- A player-friendly design that is enjoyable for recreational golfers while offering enough strategic challenge for lower-handicap players.
Best time to play the Barefoot Fazio Course
The Fazio Course offers great golf year-round, but each season provides a slightly different experience.
Spring
Spring is one of the most popular times to play, thanks to warm temperatures, blooming landscapes, and excellent course conditions. Tee times fill quickly, so it’s best to book well in advance.
Summer
Summer brings lush fairways, longer days, and greater tee-time availability. Early morning rounds are ideal for avoiding the afternoon heat and occasional thunderstorms.
Fall
Many golfers consider fall the best season to play. Cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and pristine course conditions make for an enjoyable, comfortable round.
Winter
Winter offers mild weather, fewer crowds, and attractive green fees. While mornings can be cool, the quieter atmosphere makes it an excellent time to experience the course.
Barefoot Fazio Course compared with other Barefoot Resort courses
Each of the four championship courses at Barefoot Resort offers a unique playing experience. The Fazio Course is known for its scenic Lowcountry setting and strategic design, making it a favorite among golfers who enjoy thoughtful shot-making.
Compared with the other courses:
- Dye Course: A more demanding layout with bold design features and a greater emphasis on risk and reward.
- Norman Course: A coastal-style course with wide fairways, water views, and a more open feel.
- Love Course: The most forgiving of the four, featuring generous fairways and distinctive visual elements.
If you enjoy a course that combines beautiful scenery with strategic challenges, the Fazio Course is an excellent choice and a favorite among both first-time visitors and returning golfers.
Barefoot Fazio Course reviews, ranking, and accolades
The Fazio Course has earned widespread recognition for its outstanding design, exceptional conditioning, and memorable playing experience. Its consistent rankings from leading golf publications and industry organizations reflect its reputation as one of the top public golf courses in Myrtle Beach.
Fazio Course accolades
- 2017: North America Golf Resort of the Year — IAGTO
- 2017: Best: Next 100 Resort Courses — Golfweek
- 2016–2017: Best Courses You Can Play in South Carolina (#12) — Golf Magazine
- 2015: Best: Next 100 Resort Courses — Golfweek
- 2013–2015: Best You Can Play on the Grand Strand — SC Golf Course Ratings Panel
- 2014: Best Public Courses You Can Play in South Carolina (#9) — Golf Magazine
- 2014: Best Courses You Can Play in South Carolina (#15) — Golfweek
- 2013: Top 15 Best You Can Play in South Carolina (#14) — Golfweek
- 2012: Top 20 Best Public Golf Courses in South Carolina (#9) — Golf Magazine
- 2012: Top 15 Best You Can Play in South Carolina (#11) — Golfweek
- 2012: SC Top 50 Golf Courses, Grand Strand (#16) — SC Golf Course Ratings Panel
- 2010: Top 20 Best Public Golf Courses in South Carolina (#8) — Golf.com
- 2009: America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses (#96) — Golf Digest
- 2005: Top 50 Courses in Myrtle Beach (#6) — Golf Digest
Things to do near Barefoot Fazio Course
- Explore Barefoot Landing’s unique shops and waterfront attractions.
- Spend an afternoon on the water with a dolphin cruise or boat rental along the Intracoastal Waterway.
- Play the other three Barefoot Resort courses: Dye, Love, and Norman, for a true multi-course golf trip.
- Relax at one of the area’s oceanfront beaches, just a short drive from the resort.
- Enjoy dinner and waterfront drinks at one of Barefoot Landing’s popular restaurants.
Plan your round at the Barefoot Fazio CourseÂ
Planning your Myrtle Beach golf getaway is easy with the right local expertise. Coastal Golfaway can help you secure the best tee times, compare seasonal rates, and build a customized golf package that fits your schedule and budget.
Call one of Coastal Golfaway’s golf directors to check current pricing for the Barefoot Fazio Course and the other championship layouts at Barefoot Resort. Whether you’re planning a weekend golf trip or a multi-course vacation, the team can help you make the most of your time in Myrtle Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the Barefoot Fazio Course?
The Barefoot Fazio Course layout was designed by Tom Fazio, one of the world’s most recognized golf course architects.
Is the Barefoot Fazio Course worth playing?
Yes. Between its accolades, Lowcountry scenery, and a layout that challenges golfers of every skill level, the Fazio Course is consistently ranked among the top courses in the Myrtle Beach area.
Where is the Barefoot Fazio Course located?
The course is located within Barefoot Resort in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, between the Dye and Love courses.
Is the Barefoot Fazio Course suitable for beginners?
Yes. With five sets of tees and forgiving fairways in many areas, beginners can enjoy the course from the forward tees, while more advanced players can challenge themselves from the back tees.
Is the Barefoot Fazio Course difficult?
The course offers a moderate challenge, with difficulty coming from strategic design, hazards, and shot placement rather than excessive length.
What should I know before playing the Fazio Course?
Golfers should choose suitable tees, focus on accuracy, consider wind conditions, and avoid unnecessary risks around hazards.