On a recent trip to Myrtle Beach, I traveled a little further south and played Caledonia and True Blue; these are definitely two must plays at the beach! Here is a quick snapshot of the two golf courses and the great golf experience that I believe they have to offer.
Caledonia Golf and Fish Club
Caledonia is one of the Grand Strand’s most prestigious layouts and is ranked among the best golf courses in America. One only needs to drive down the entranceway to realize this; a canopy of centuries old live oaks warmly welcomes you to this special corner of golf course heaven. Golf Magazine, Golf Digest and Golfweek all include Caledonia on their respective Top 100 lists, and the Pawleys Island layout is very worthy of the praise that it receives for its spectacular beauty and challenging layout.
As you navigate the golf course, you will find yourself repeatedly saying, “Wow, this is such a great hole and this place is so special.” The late Mike Strantz’s genius use of the natural terrain among the soaring live oaks, lakes and 
waste areas is absolutely breathtaking. Built on what was once an old rice plantation, Caledonia is always in immaculate condition and is one of the Grand Strand’s most sought after courses to play.
Due to land constraints, Caledonia is not a traditional layout but don’t let this fool you. Playing to a par-70, there are three par threes on the front nine, while the back nine sports only one par five. This adds to the challenge of the golf course as some of the par fours are pretty stout and also require careful placement of your tee shot. There is water that comes into play on ten of the eighteen holes and the waste areas are sometimes penal as well.
Although the golf course is full of unforgettable holes and views, the eighteenth hole will certainly get your attention; measuring 362 yards from the white tee box, this par four requires some critical thinking. Hit your tee shot down the left side of the fairway so as to avoid the hazard on the right; driver is not the play, as accuracy is far more important than distance. This will leave you with a mid-iron approach that is all carry over water to a green that is protected by bunkers front, left and right. The green features slight undulations, pay careful attention to your speed so as not to three putt.
One of their goals at Caledonia is insure that each guest remembers their outing as a complete golf experience. The 6,526 yard, par-70 beauty has been accurately described by some as having “18 signature holes,” There are holes routed around majestic live oaks, along meandering streams and beside gorgeous lakes that are home to a wide-variety of our feathered friends. Folks, Caledonia is without question, one of the best golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area and should be on everyone’s list to play. A last word of advice, make sure to stop at True Blue to hit range balls (included in your greens fee), Caledonia has a good “short game” warm up area but no driving range.
True Blue Golf Club
True Blue Golf Plantation in Pawleys Island is located a short drive up the road from Caledonia and offers a perfect 
combination of natural beauty and man-made craftsmanship. Built on a former rice and indigo plantation and designed by the late Mike Strantz, the course was created to harmonize with its natural terrain. Strantz used the unique low country landscape of twisted live oaks and towering pines, tidal creeks and salt marshes as the setting for this one-of-a-kind work of art. Golf Digest named True Blue the “No. 1 Public Course in the Myrtle Beach Area,” and put it on its list of “America’s Top 100 Public Courses.” Players of all skill levels return often to enjoy the golf and fine southern hospitality that True Blue has to offer.
Featuring five different sets of tees that stretch the length of the golf course from 4,900 to 7,100 yards. True Blue allows its guests the option to play the course longer or shorter. If you play the tees relative to your handicap then you’ll definitely enjoy this golf course. Every hole is set up to challenge you, but none are overwhelming and they are all so picturesque. True Blue is one of those courses you simply must play.
True Blue has a lot of good golf holes and starts out with a lengthy par five (499 yards – white tee’s) that is pretty demanding. You will need to hit your tee shot down the right side of the fairway to open up your approach into the green. The green is long and narrow and is also slightly elevated. A word of caution, the green is completely surrounded by a creek and a deep waste bunker. In order to make an easy par or a chance at birdie, I suggest a lay up second and then a wedge (of some sort) into this green.
This well manicured layout features wide fairways and remarkable elevations. The rolling terrain and native vegetation of this once thriving indigo and rice plantation makes True Blue one of the most spectacular settings in golf. True Blue also features a nice practice facility with a driving range, chipping area and a practice putting green. Guests can look forward to a fully stocked pro shop and a wonderful restaurant.
As mentioned earlier, these are two really good golf courses and I would not hesitate to play them again. The condition of both layouts was exceptional, the staff were friendly and very accommodating. Although a little further south of Myrtle Beach, these two golf courses are really worth the drive. When planning your next golf trip, ask one of our golf directors to quote Caledonia and True Blue as you may want to consider booking them; they’re both definitely must plays.
Please visit Coastal Golfaway’s website or give us a holler at 800-368-0045, we’re here and willing to help you with your golf needs!
