Long Bay Golf Club

Sure to get a mention anytime there’s the talk of the Grand Strand’s toughest courses, most folks would naturally assume Long Bay Club Golf Course’s name comes up because of its length. That, however, is not the case.

Instead, it’s the greens in this Jack Nicklaus design, with some dramatically falling to pot bunkers and grassy swells and others with what are essentially valleys running through them. Still, others are more rollercoaster in design.

Of course, getting to the greens here can be challenging as well. Long Bay offers solid evidence of an imaginative mind at work with water carries an occasional bit of visual trickery from the tee, an island green or two, double fairways, and more.

Nicklaus has also put natural sand to good use with waste areas that are at the same time both cart path and hazard. Fairways are generally flat although to their sides you’ll often find an explosion of small mounds and hills. And while landing areas can be a bit on the tricky side, it’s near the greens where things really get interesting with pot bunkers, water, expansive waste areas, and the aforementioned bumps and hills standing guard. Amenities include a pro shop, putting green, driving range, lounge, snack bar, and more.