Long Bay Golf Club

350 Foxtail Drive, Longs, SC 29568

$$$

Located just north of Myrtle Beach in Longs, Long Bay Golf Club is one of two elite courses along the Grand Strand that proudly bears the design label of "The Golden Bear,” Jack Nicklaus. Like any course with Nicklaus’ touch, its layout relies on the ability of players to think their way around the course rather than make hasty decisions.

Long Bay is situated amid forests of pines and maple trees aplenty. Winding streams are prominent on many holes, where an eclectic collection of wildlife congregates upon the banks. Hand-carved deep bunkers and man-made mounds make for a challenging round of placement golf, while small, tucked Bermuda greens add to the challenge. Measuring at more than 7,000 yards from the back tees, Nicklaus’ course is anything but straightforward.

A cavalcade of undulating hills and unforgiving bunkers intensifies the challenge of a number of holes. While much of the mounding at Long Bay is man-made, Nicklaus was sure to incorporate the natural contours of the terrain into the construction of greens and fairways. Some of the more recognizable holes on the course are the par-4 No. 10 that famously showcases a conspicuous horseshoe waste bunker that wraps around an elevated fairway. Hole No. 13 is one of the more challenging par 3s along the Grand Strand featuring a compact island green surrounded by water.

It comes as no surprise, then, that Long Bay Golf Club continues to amaze more than three decades after its opening, as it is ranked among the top courses in South Carolina. Golf Digest highlighted the course in its "Places to Play” guide, awarding it 4.5 stars due to its captivating beauty and challenging layout. If you’re up for the challenge of a "throwback” Jack Nicklaus design, this is the course for you.