Pine Lakes Country Club

Popularly known as the granddaddy of them all, Pine Lakes Golf Course is famous for being the first golf resort course in Myrtle Beach. Initially opening as the Ocean Forest Golf Club back in 1927, this 27-hole course was originally designed by Robert White with the Pine Lakes Country Club being home of Sports Illustrated magazine.

Closed in 2007 for a 20-month, $15 million renovations with Craig Schreiner handling redesign honors, both the country club and the course have been restored to the luster they had in the age of the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. The renovation of the white-columned country club and Ocean Forest Hotel recaptures the flavor of days gone by, including Snug Pub where the idea for Sports Illustrated came to a group of executives from Time-Life while on a golfing outing in 1954.

As for the Pine Lakes course restoration, it accomplished a masterful blend of the old and new with a more playable and friendly layout the result. Holes of note include No. 9, a par-4 dogleg around and over water that’s short and irresistible to try ad drive the green. No. 14 is another memorable hole, a daunting valley hole that features water at its bottom, a steep incline up to the green and then huge bunkers guarding it. And then there’s No. 18, with water hazards near the tee and on the green. Amenities include a pro shop, restaurant, snack bar and driving range. Lessons are available