If you’re searching for one of the most memorable golf experiences on the Grand Strand, Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links belongs on your list. Located in Little River, South Carolina, just north of Myrtle Beach, this championship course offers a unique blend of natural beauty, strategic shotmaking, and Waterway-front drama that sets it apart from many other layouts in the region.
Part of the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail, Glen Dornoch is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and challenging public courses in the Carolinas — and a must-play for golfers who want a course with character and a thrilling finish.
Course Overview
Designed by Clyde Johnston and opened in 1996, Glen Dornoch was created to showcase the natural coastal terrain while offering a challenging layout that rewards accuracy and decision-making.
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Par: 72
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Yardage: ~6,890 yards from the tips
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Slope: 145
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Course Rating: 73.9
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Greens: TifEagle Bermuda
Set among centuries-old oaks, marshlands, and along the Intracoastal Waterway, the course features tight fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and risk-reward opportunities — particularly on the closing stretch.
Signature Holes and Course Highlights
Glen Dornoch is best known for its final three holes, often referred to as one of the toughest finishes in Myrtle Beach. But the course offers standout holes throughout the round.
Hole 16 (Par 4): A dogleg left that demands an accurate drive to set up a tough approach over marsh to a peninsula green. It’s one of the most photographed and feared holes on the Grand Strand.
Hole 17 (Par 3): A long carry over marsh with little room for error. Wind is often a factor, and par here feels like a birdie.
Hole 18 (Par 4): With the Intracoastal Waterway running along the entire left side, this finishing hole requires two solid shots to reach a narrow green — often with boaters watching from the water.
Other highlights include:
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Hole 8, a short par 4 that tempts you to drive the green but punishes missed attempts
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Hole 12, a long par 5 with risk-reward potential and an elevated green
A Course That Demands Strategy
Glen Dornoch isn’t about raw distance — it’s about precision, placement, and patience. The course challenges you to manage your game with thoughtful tee shots and confident iron play.
Features that define the layout:
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Elevated tee boxes and greens that provide stunning views and elevation shifts
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Forced carries over marsh and water, particularly on par 3s and closing holes
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Undulating greens that test your short game and putting touch
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Strategically placed bunkers and natural hazards that frame each hole beautifully
It’s a favorite among mid-to-low handicappers who enjoy a mental test as much as a physical one.
Conditions and Course Experience
Glen Dornoch is meticulously maintained. Visitors often comment on:
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Smooth, fast greens
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Well-groomed fairways with generous rollout
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Clearly marked distances and helpful staff at the starter hut and clubhouse
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An overall pace of play that reflects the challenge — steady but not rushed
Because of its difficulty and location, Glen Dornoch typically attracts serious players and respectful groups — resulting in a focused and enjoyable round.
Practice Facilities and Amenities
Glen Dornoch offers a solid warm-up area, including:
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Driving range
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Chipping and putting green
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Friendly pro shop staff and a small selection of golf gear
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Scottish-style clubhouse with a pub and patio overlooking the Waterway
The pub is a favorite post-round spot to share stories, especially after navigating holes 16 through 18.
Location and Accessibility
Located in Little River, just 10 minutes from North Myrtle Beach, Glen Dornoch offers a quiet, scenic setting away from the bustle of tourist traffic — yet close enough to area lodging and attractions.
Nearby Trail courses include:
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Crown Park Golf Club
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River Hills Golf & Country Club
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The Pearl
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Brunswick Plantation
Glen Dornoch pairs well with both inland and coastal courses on multi-day Trail packages.
Booking Your Round at Glen Dornoch
As part of the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail, you can book Glen Dornoch in several convenient ways:
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Use the online booking portal for real-time tee time availability
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Add it to a custom Trail package with lodging and other courses
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Play it using your MBGT Local Member Card for preferred pricing
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Call ahead for group bookings or special event reservations
Book your round at Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links
Click HERE to see the Glen Dornoch location map, score card, and more.
Final Thoughts
Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links is not just another course — it’s an experience. From the scenic Intracoastal views to the mentally demanding closing stretch, it’s a round you’ll remember long after the final putt drops.
If you want a course that tests your skills, rewards great shotmaking, and delivers postcard-worthy views at every turn, Glen Dornoch is the kind of course that defines a Myrtle Beach golf trip.
