The Grand Strand Has More Golf Communities Than Almost Anywhere in the Country
Between North Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island, buyers can pick from more than 60 championship courses and a whole spectrum of golf-community lifestyles. That is either a dream or an overwhelming problem, depending on how organized the search is.
Here is a practical comparison of what golf-course living actually looks like across the Grand Strand's biggest categories — and what buyers should weigh before writing an offer.
The Big-Community, Multi-Course Model
These communities anchor around four or more courses, a marina or beach club, and a wide range of housing types. The lifestyle skews resort — social calendar, dining amenities, seasonal snowbird energy alongside full-time residents.
Anchor example: Barefoot Resort in North Myrtle Beach. Four championship courses (Fazio, Norman, Love, Dye), an Intracoastal Waterway marina, a private beach club with shuttle service, and housing that ranges from patio homes and villas through single-family and larger custom builds.
What buyers get:
- Multiple course choices without ever leaving the community
- Active social layer with events, tournaments, and clubs
- Rental potential on many properties for snowbird owners
- Range of price points from villa entry-level up through custom estates
What buyers should weigh: club membership rules and dues, transfer fees, and any assessments funded by the community versus by the club — these vary by section.
The Established Gated Golf Community
Smaller, single-course, gated, and full of longtime residents. Quieter than the resort-scale communities but with the same day-to-day golf access.
Anchor example: Tidewater Plantation in Little River. One highly-regarded course, gated entry, established homes with mature landscaping, and a close-knit community feel.
What buyers get:
- Established neighborhood character and mature trees
- Active membership base with real social ties
- Lower entry point than the very largest resort communities in many cases
- Predictable, low-turnover streets
What buyers should weigh: some sections have age of home to factor in, and roof/HVAC/deck lifespans are shorter on the coast than inland.
Pawleys Island Golf
Pawleys Island has its own golf-community identity — private, wooded, and quieter than the North Strand. Communities like Pawleys Plantation, Litchfield, and Prince George Plantation attract buyers who want the golf lifestyle without a resort atmosphere. Days-on-market tend to be longer here than in Myrtle Beach, but that has always been true of the Pawleys market. Our companion post on Pawleys Island golf communities to explore covers the specifics.
Little River Golf Communities
Little River sits at the north end of the Strand, close to the North Carolina line, with a distinct set of golf communities that combine coastal access with Intracoastal proximity. Buyers who want boat access alongside golf — a distinctive combination — often end up here. Our overview of golf communities in Little River walks through the choices.
Central Myrtle Beach Golf-Adjacent Living
Not every buyer wants a community-plus-course model. Some prefer a home near multiple courses without committing to any one club. Neighborhoods off River Oaks Drive, along Highway 17 Bypass, and inside Grande Dunes give buyers golf-adjacent living without a mandatory single-club membership. Explore Myrtle Beach real estate broadly to see current inventory.
What Actually Matters When Choosing a Golf Community
Buyers narrowing their options should weigh five things:
- Membership structure — mandatory versus optional, transfer fees, dues escalation history
- Course quality relative to price — some higher-priced communities have courses that need capital investment
- HOA and club financial health — reserve studies, recent assessments, insurance renewals
- Home condition — coastal wear-and-tear varies dramatically home to home even in the same community
- How the community will feel Wednesday at 3 pm in February — that is what full-time residents live with
How Retirees Weigh These Choices
Retirees specifically often add walkability, proximity to healthcare, and low-maintenance-yard availability to the list above. Golf communities differ meaningfully on all three. For a broader look at retirement-oriented neighborhoods, see our post on the best Myrtle Beach communities for retirees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a golfer to live in a Grand Strand golf community?
No. Many residents of these communities do not play, and many communities let owners skip membership entirely. Some communities do have mandatory club fees regardless of play — verify the exact structure before you buy.
Are golf-community homes a good short-term rental?
Depends heavily on the community and section. Barefoot Resort has sections that rent well; other communities restrict short-term rentals via HOA rules. Ask for the short-term rental rules before making an offer if that is part of the plan.
Is Little River or North Myrtle Beach better for golf living?
Different, not better. Little River is quieter and closer to the Intracoastal with boat access. North Myrtle Beach carries more resort infrastructure and more housing choices at scale. Match to lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
Grand Strand golf living comes in four broad shapes: the large resort community with multiple courses and full amenities, the smaller established gated golf community, the Pawleys Island wooded-and-quiet model, and the central Myrtle Beach golf-adjacent home without mandatory membership. Each fits a different buyer. The right choice depends less on which course is best on paper and more on which community matches how you actually want to live day to day — plus a careful look at the club membership rules, financial health of the HOA, and the specific home's condition.
About Greg Harrelson
Greg Harrelson is a seasoned Realtor® with more than 30 years of experience serving the Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand markets. As the founder of Century 21 The Harrelson Group, Greg has built his career helping buyers, sellers, and investors achieve success in every corner of the coastal Carolina real estate market. His expertise spans residential homes, investment properties, land development, and coastal condos. Known for his deep local knowledge, innovative marketing strategies, and commitment to personal service, Greg consistently helps clients reach their real estate goals while navigating the ever-changing market with confidence and precision.
