Among the many outstanding courses on the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail, few offer the Old World feel and pure shotmaking experience of the Heathland Course at Legends Golf & Resort. Designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, Heathland pays homage to the great links-style courses of the British Isles, offering wide fairways, rolling terrain, and strategic design that demands thoughtful play from tee to green.
If you’re looking for a Myrtle Beach golf experience that feels a world away from water-lined target golf, Heathland should be high on your list.
Course Overview
-
Designer: Tom Doak
-
Par: 71
-
Yardage: ~6,800 yards from the back tees
-
Opened: 1990
-
Course Style: Links-inspired
-
Greens: TifEagle Bermuda
Heathland’s layout features minimal tree cover, generous landing areas, and large, undulating greens. The course was designed to let the wind be a key factor — just like in traditional Scottish and Irish links golf — and the absence of forced carries makes it accessible to golfers of all abilities.
Design Philosophy and Playability
Doak’s design is a tribute to courses such as St. Andrews, Muirfield, and Royal Dornoch, prioritizing:
-
Ground game options: creative bump-and-run approaches encouraged
-
Wide but deceptive fairways: often framed by pot bunkers or natural fescue
-
Minimal water hazards: very few water features, but plenty of strategic sand
-
Large greens: reward accuracy and short game precision
The course plays firm and fast, especially in spring and fall, and wind direction can completely change how the course plays from one day to the next.
Memorable Holes
A few standouts that showcase Heathland’s unique character include:
-
Hole 6 (Par 4): A short but sneaky dogleg with a heavily bunkered green — a true test of touch on approach.
-
Hole 13 (Par 5): A classic links-style risk-reward hole with a wide fairway and hidden trouble near the green.
-
Hole 18 (Par 4): A strong closing hole that rises gently to an elevated green, often into the wind.
While there are no dramatic water features or forced carries, the windswept, rolling terrain and subtle elevation changes provide more than enough challenge.
Conditions and Experience
The Legends staff maintains Heathland to high standards year-round. Highlights include:
-
Fast, true greens
-
Firm fairways that encourage strategic shotmaking
-
Clearly marked yardages and GPS carts
-
Efficient pace of play, even during peak seasons
The layout allows for a smooth rhythm to your round — a major reason why many visiting players return for multiple rounds during their stay.
Facilities and On-Site Amenities
Heathland is part of the larger Legends Golf & Resort, which also includes Moorland and Parkland. As such, players enjoy access to:
-
Massive driving range with grass tees
-
Short game area and putting greens
-
On-site pub with hearty food, drinks, and covered patio seating
-
Stay-and-play villas for traveling golf groups
The resort feel adds convenience and comfort for golfers staying multiple days and playing all three Legends courses.
Who Should Play Heathland?
Heathland is ideal for:
-
Golfers who love links-style golf
-
Mid- to low-handicap players who enjoy using imagination
-
Beginners who appreciate wide fairways and playable rough
-
Groups looking for variety in a 36- or 54-hole resort experience
Whether you’re looking for a break from forced carries or a round that requires creative shotmaking, Heathland delivers.
Booking a Round at Heathland
You can book Heathland Golf Course directly through the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail:Add it to a Legends or Trail package with multiple courses
-
Use your MBGT Local Member Card if eligible for discounted rates
-
Call ahead for group reservations or stay-and-play quotes
Final Thoughts
The Heathland Course at Legends Golf & Resort is a refreshing alternative to typical Myrtle Beach layouts. Its nod to classic links design, paired with strategic bunkering and open fairways, provides a unique challenge — one that rewards creativity and rewards golfers who think their way around the course.
Whether you’re staying at Legends for a full golf vacation or just squeezing in 18 holes during a Trail trip, Heathland is a course you won’t want to miss.
