The Architectural Elegance of Pine Lakes Country Club’s Course

There’s an undeniable charm that engulfs Pine Lakes Country Club, one of the crown jewels nestled in the heart of Myrtle Beach. Since its doors swung open in 1927, it has established itself as a desirable destination and an historic landmark for golf enthusiasts from across the globe.

A Nose for History

Known as the ‘Granddaddy’ of Myrtle Beach golf, Pine Lakes Country Club is not just the first golf course in Myrtle Beach, but it is also regarded as the birthplace of Sports Illustrated. While it is home to a rich tapestry of history, the club has evolved over the years to bring the best out of modern golf while capturing the essence of tradition.

Its storied past is filled with interesting tidbits and trivia, including that early golfers used mules to transport clubs around the 18-hole course. Pine Lakes also had a close association with the New Yorker magazine, a relationship forged by the course’s owner, Henry T. Pearson, a native New Yorker who aimed to capture the charm of Southern hospitality intertwined with his home’s big-city flair.

Architecture by Robert White

Robert White, a founding member of the PGA of America and its first president, designed the Pine Lakes Country Club. He was a protegé of golfing legend and course designer Donald Ross, so it’s no surprise that Pine Lakes has an engaging and captivating course layout.

He seamlessly blended the course’s fairways and greens with the natural terrain, intending to make every hole both a challenge and a pleasure to play. His work here helped to jump-start what is now a bustling hub of multiple top-tier golf courses in Myrtle Beach.

Revamped but Respectful

In 2009, Pine Lakes Country Club underwent a substantial renovation, led by architect Craig Schreiner. He endeavored not only to revamp the course design, but also to honor Robert White’s original vision. Many of the changes in the renovated course reflect White’s initial design concepts and uniquely incorporate elements of traditional Scottish design, which was a significant influence on White.

Today, the course plays to a par 70. The Seashore Paspalum grass, a native to the coastal Carolinas, blankets everything tee-to-green. This turf tolerates salty, brackish water well, creating vibrant emerald fairways and greens all year-round.

Experience the Charm

Stepping into Pine Lakes Country Club, one is greeted by an impressive colonial-style clubhouse exuding Southern charm. Inside, the Clubhouse exudes history, with a dedicated Hall of Fame room showcasing artifacts, images, and heirlooms from the historic golf course’s storied past.

One cannot discuss Pine Lakes without acknowledging the unique gourmet experience on offer, most notably the renowned Southern-style lunch. Each golfer’s day includes this unique culinary experience, accentuating the overall Southern charm that Pine Lakes Country Club offers in abundance.

In the Heart of Myrtle Beach

Being in Myrtle Beach, a city synonymous with world-class golf, is a distinctive feature of Pine Lakes Country Club. Resting minutes away from the ocean, the club offers easy access to the beach after playing a round or finishing lunch.

Pine Lakes Country Club’s reputation has grown with the city itself, and despite the urban development around it, the course has retained its tranquility. It stands out like an oasis in the heart of a bustling city, a living testament to Myrtle Beach’s illustrious golf history.

In conclusion, Pine Lakes Country Club weaves a timeless blend of tradition, elegance, and high-class golf. Its deep-rooted history, coupled with modern architectural flourishes, makes it more than just a golf course. It is a living, breathing monument to the sport loved by many, a testament to a time that may have passed but in which the spirit still very much lives on, especially when you’re standing on the first tee, looking out over a course steeped in history.