Playing a new golf course for the first time always comes with a little uncertainty. You may have looked at photos, or read a few reviews of Pawleys Plantation, but those things cannot fully prepare you for how the course feels when you’re standing on the first tee.
If you’re planning your first round, a few practical details can make the experience much easier to navigate. From choosing the right tees to understanding what to expect as the round unfolds, a little preparation can help you arrive confident and enjoy the course with fewer surprises.
What makes Pawleys Plantation different
Pawleys Plantation opened in 1988, and Jack Nicklaus designed it. The 18-hole layout follows the natural Lowcountry landscape, creating a setting that feels distinctly different from many other Myrtle Beach golf courses. The front nine winds through a maritime forest, while six holes on the back nine play along the tidal marsh.
The course also offers plenty of variety, with bunkers, trees, mounds, split fairways, and a large double green shared by the 13th and 16th holes. Rather than relying on the same type of challenge from hole to hole, the layout continually asks golfers to adjust their strategy as the round unfolds.
Pawleys Plantation is a par-72 course, with tee options ranging from 4,081 to 7,008 yards. The current scorecard features several tee choices, giving golfers the flexibility to choose a yardage that suits their game.
| Tee | Rating/Slope | Front 9 | Back 9 | Total |
| Golden Bear | 74.1/144 | 3,546 | 3,462 | 7,008 |
| Green Winged Teal | 72.3/140 | 3,319 | 3,273 | 6,592 |
| Redtail Hawk | 70.6/133 | 3,146 | 3,085 | 6,231 |
| White Egret | M:68.1/120, L:73.0/132 | 2,903 | 2,714 | 5,617 |
| Yellow Finch | M:65.3/112, L:69.5/120 | 2,603 | 2,388 | 4,991 |
| Blue Heron | M:62.2/106, L:64.5/108 | 2,055 | 2,026 | 4,081 |
The 2023 renovation significantly altered the course’s look and playability, expanding fairways and replacing sprawling bunkers on several holes with smaller bunkers and native areas. The clubhouse also received a major upgrade, while every green was rebuilt with fresh Bermudagrass.
Extensive tree removal reopened fairways that had narrowed over the years, and the course now plays a bit easier than its old reputation suggests. Since reopening, turf conditions have been immaculate.
The front nine rewards smart positioning
The front nine introduces you to Pawleys Plantation with tree-lined fairways, natural surroundings, and strategically placed hazards. The opening holes can look inviting, but that doesn’t mean you should automatically reach for the driver.
On your first round, take a little time to understand the landing areas before committing to a club or target. Sometimes a more conservative shot will leave you in a much better position for your next one, especially when hazards are waiting to punish an overly ambitious line.
What changes when you reach the back nine?
The back nine introduces one of Pawleys Plantation’s most recognizable features: the tidal marsh. Six holes play alongside it, opening up the scenery and giving the natural Lowcountry landscape a much bigger presence.
Wind can become more of a factor around these exposed areas, so take a moment to check the conditions before hitting your shot. Don’t think only about distance. Consider how the wind might affect the ball’s flight and, just as importantly, where a miss is likely to end up.
The marsh also provides some of the most memorable views on the course. Take them in, but when it’s time to hit, keep your attention on your target.
How long does a round at Pawleys Plantation take?
Expect a round at Pawleys Plantation golf course to take about 4.5 hours. As a semi-private club, it generally has a faster pace of play than many courses in the area.
If you’re fitting Pawleys Plantation into a Myrtle Beach golf trip with several rounds, avoid scheduling your next activity too close to your tee time. Giving yourself some breathing room means you won’t spend the back nine checking the clock.
First-time players may also take a little longer as they get familiar with the layout, check distances, and figure out the best lines to take. Leaving some flexibility around your tee time can make the day more enjoyable and give you time to appreciate the course without feeling rushed.
Which holes stand out at Pawleys Plantation?
The par-3 13th is one of the most memorable holes on the course. It sits beside the marsh, and its green connects with the 16th green to form the large double green that has become one of Pawleys Plantation’s distinctive features.
The 17th is another standout thanks to its marshside setting. Holes like these are a big reason the course is remembered as much for its Lowcountry scenery as for its golf design.
You don’t need to play these holes aggressively to enjoy them. Take in the setting, pay attention to the conditions, and choose the shot that makes the most sense for your game.
How should you choose your tees?
Pawleys Plantation offers multiple tee options, so choose a set that matches your typical playing distance and comfort level rather than simply defaulting to a particular color.
If you’re not sure which tees are right for you, ask the golf staff for a recommendation. Playing from an appropriate yardage gives you a better chance to experience the course as intended without turning every approach shot into an unnecessarily long one.
What should you know before booking?
Before booking your round, check the available tee times at Pawleys Plantation and consider how they fit with the rest of your Myrtle Beach itinerary. Whether you choose a morning or afternoon round, allow enough time before and after your tee time so the day does not feel rushed.
It’s also worth checking current green fees before making your reservation. Rates can vary by season and booking conditions, so knowing the price ahead of time will give you a better idea of what to budget for your round.
If you are traveling with a group, choose a tee time that works comfortably for everyone. A little planning can make the golf day run more smoothly while still leaving plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your trip.
Ready for your first round at Pawleys Plantation?
Your first round at Pawleys Plantation will be easier to enjoy when you know what to expect. Give yourself enough time, choose tees that suit your game, and be ready for the course to change character as you move from the wooded opening nine to the marshside holes on the back.
If you’re putting together a premium itinerary, Pawleys pairs naturally with True Blue and Caledonia. Or if you want it to anchor a bigger trip, add in Founders Club, Litchfield, or Blackmoor.
If you’re planning a golf trip and want to include Pawleys Plantation in your Myrtle Beach itinerary, Coastal Golfaway can help you find a golf package that fits your schedule, group preferences, and the courses you want to play.
Frequently asked questionsÂ
Who designed Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club?
Legendary golfer and course architect Jack Nicklaus designed Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club. The course opened in 1988 and was built around the natural Lowcountry landscape.
How many holes at Pawleys Plantation play along the marsh?
Six holes on the back nine play along the tidal marsh, making it a defining part of the course’s natural setting and visual character.
Is Pawleys Plantation hard to play?
Pawleys Plantation can be challenging, but recent renovations have made the course more open and playable. Selecting the right tees can also make it more manageable for first-time players.
What is Pawleys Plantation’s signature hole?
The par-3 13th is one of the course’s most memorable holes. It sits beside the marsh and shares a large double green with the 16th hole.
What should I know before playing Pawleys Plantation?
Choose tees that suit your game, pay attention to the wind around the marsh, and consider your target before selecting a club. A measured approach can help you enjoy the course without taking unnecessary risks.