Planning a Myrtle Beach golf trip is not just about picking a few courses and filling your schedule. The right course can shape the entire experience, especially when you’re looking for a round with a distinctive setting and plenty of character.
Heritage Club in Pawleys Island combines scenic Lowcountry surroundings with a course that rewards thoughtful shot-making. Set on more than 600 acres near the Waccamaw River, the course winds through mature oaks, freshwater lakes, marshland, and the grounds of a former rice plantation. Designed by Dan Maples, Heritage Club opened in 1986.
If you’re considering adding Heritage Golf Club in Myrtle Beach to your itinerary, here’s what you should know before booking your round.
What makes Heritage Golf Club Course special?
Heritage Golf Club stands out for how naturally the course blends into its Lowcountry setting. Rather than following the look and feel of a conventional resort-style layout, it incorporates the area’s natural features into the design.
The course was developed on land that was once part of the True Blue and Midway plantations, with the nearby Waccamaw River and surrounding marshes contributing to its distinctive character. Mature live oaks, flowering plants, freshwater lakes, and rolling fairways give many holes a distinctly South Carolina feel.
Heritage Club course layout and design
The Heritage Club golf course plays to a par 71 and stretches to roughly 7,000 yards from the tips, though the exact yardage can vary slightly depending on which tee sheet you check. That length alone tells you this is not a short, forgiving track. It’s a shot-maker’s course, meaning position matters more than raw distance off the tee.
Fairways and approach shots
The fairways are generally spacious, but that does not mean every tee shot should be hit as far as possible.
Position matters here, as a tee shot that leaves you with a comfortable angle into4.5-star Google ratingthe green can be more useful than an extra 20 yards from an awkward position.Â
Pay attention to the shape of the hole before choosing your club. Some approaches can become considerably more difficult when the ball is on the wrong side of the fairway.
Greens and short game
The greens are one of the course’s defining features. They are large and undulating, which means simply hitting the putting surface is not always enough.
Pay attention to the pin location and the natural movement around each green. If you can leave yourself a manageable first putt, you will have a better chance of avoiding a three-putt.
A reliable short game is also valuable when an approach misses its intended landing area.
Water, marshes, and risk-reward holes
Water is a major part of the experience, coming into play on 11 holes, while dual fairways and peninsula-style greens add another layer of strategy throughout the round.
The key is knowing when to attack and when to take the safer option. Some holes favor a more aggressive strategy, while others can quickly punish a risky shot. If you’re playing well and looking to protect your score, taking the safer line can pay off. Golfers chasing birdies, however, will find a few opportunities to take on additional risk for a potentially greater reward.
Heritage Golf Club reviews and ratings
Heritage Golf Club reviews are generally positive, particularly when it comes to the course conditions, layout, and surrounding scenery. The club has a 4.5-star Google rating and has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of the Top 100 Public Courses in America. Golfers also frequently mention the friendly service, which adds to the overall experience. If you’re planning a Myrtle Beach golf trip, Heritage Club is definitely one to consider.
When is the best time to play at Heritage Golf Club?
The best time to play depends on what you want from your Myrtle Beach golf trip.
Spring and fall are popular choices, as the weather is generally more comfortable for spending several hours on the course. These seasons can be especially appealing for golfers planning to play multiple rounds during their trip.
Summer typically brings higher temperatures and humidity, making an early-morning tee time a more comfortable choice. Winter can also be a good option, with cooler temperatures and potentially less demand, although weather conditions tend to be more variable.
Regardless of when you plan to visit, check the course’s current maintenance and aeration schedule before booking, as these activities can temporarily affect playing conditions.
Heritage Golf Club tee times and booking tips
When booking a tee time at Heritage Golf Club, it’s best not to wait until the last minute, especially if you’re traveling with a larger group.
A golf trip often involves coordinating flights, accommodations, transportation, and multiple rounds. Your tee time at one course can affect the rest of the day’s schedule, so planning ahead can make the entire trip easier to manage.
A few simple booking tips can help:
- Book early, especially when traveling with a larger group.
- Choose tee times that allow enough travel time between courses.
- Confirm current rates and booking conditions before finalizing your reservation.
- Consider your overall itinerary rather than booking each round separately.
- Ask about available golf package options if you are planning to play several roundsÂ
Coastal Golfaway can arrange tee times as part of a Myrtle Beach golf trip based on your travel dates, group size, and course preferences.
Is Heritage Golf Club worth playing on a Myrtle Beach golf trip?
Heritage Golf Club is worth considering on a Myrtle Beach golf trip, particularly for golfers who enjoy traditional Lowcountry scenery and a course where strategy matters. Water hazards, fairway positioning, and green complexes all influence club selection and how aggressively you approach each hole.
The course also offers several tee options, allowing golfers to choose a distance that suits their game. Lower-handicap players can test themselves from the longer tees, while those looking for a more relaxed round can play from the forward tees and still enjoy the layout.
For golfers building an itinerary that includes the best courses in Pawleys Island and the surrounding Myrtle Beach area, Heritage Club is a worthwhile addition.
How to include Heritage Golf Club in your Myrtle Beach golf package
The biggest mistake when planning a golf vacation is treating every round as a separate booking. A better approach is to look at the entire trip. Where are you staying? How many rounds do you want? Which courses are must-plays? How much driving are you willing to do between rounds?
Heritage can work well as part of a broader Grand Strand itinerary, particularly when you are planning rounds in the Pawleys Island and Litchfield area.
Coastal Golfaway has been helping golfers plan coastal vacations since 1986 and can build a trip around your dates, group size, lodging preferences, and course choices.
Contact us today to start planning your rounds, accommodations, and golf getaway.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Heritage Club in Pawleys Island?
Heritage Club was designed by Dan Maples and opened in 1986. The course was built on the former True Blue and Midway Plantation properties and incorporates the area’s distinctive Lowcountry landscape into its design.
Is the Heritage Club open to the public?
Yes. Heritage Club is a public golf course and is open to visiting golfers. You can book tee times through various golf booking channels or as part of a golf package.
What is the Heritage Club known for?
Heritage Club is known for its Lowcountry setting, mature oak trees, marshes, freshwater lakes, large undulating greens, and strategic design. Water comes into play on 11 holes, adding another layer of decision-making to the round.
How much does it cost to play Heritage Club?
Heritage Club green fees vary based on factors such as the date, season, tee time, and booking arrangement. Published third-party rates can also change, so it’s best to confirm the current rate when making your reservation rather than relying on an outdated price.
Is Heritage Club good for beginners?
Yes, but beginners should choose their tees carefully. The course offers multiple tee options, so newer golfers don’t have to play from the longest yardages. The layout can still be challenging because of water, green contours, and strategic hazards, but choosing the right tees can make the round much more manageable.
Is Heritage Club a good choice for a Myrtle Beach golf trip?
Yes. If you enjoy scenic courses that reward smart decision-making, Heritage Club is a strong option. Its Pawleys Island location also makes it a convenient addition to an itinerary focused on the southern end of the Grand Strand.