If you’re looking for a golf course that combines Southern charm, historic Lowcountry beauty, and championship-caliber play, The Heritage Club in Pawleys Island is a must-play. Nestled among centuries-old live oaks and located on the site of a former rice plantation, this course offers a truly unique golf experience — both visually and strategically.
As part of the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail and a standout among the Waccamaw Golf Trail, The Heritage Club blends rich tradition with modern conditioning, making it one of the most memorable rounds in the Myrtle Beach area.
Course Overview
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Designer: Dan Maples
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Par: 71
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Yardage: ~7,118 yards from the back tees
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Course Rating: 74.2
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Slope: 142
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Opened: 1986
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Greens: Champion Bermuda
Set on the former True Blue and Midway rice plantations, The Heritage Club is known for its rolling terrain, towering oaks draped in Spanish moss, and graceful corridors framed by natural marshland. The setting alone is enough to make it special — but the layout is equally compelling, offering strategic shot values and plenty of variety.
A Classic Lowcountry Layout
Unlike many courses built for sheer distance or dramatic visuals, The Heritage Club emphasizes:
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Shotmaking over raw power
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Precision off the tee, with doglegs and narrowing fairways
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Large, tiered greens that demand a good short game
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Beautiful, natural hazards that frame rather than overwhelm
The course plays differently depending on weather and tee selection, but it always rewards smart decisions and careful execution.
Memorable Holes
Every hole at Heritage feels like a postcard, but a few stand out:
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Hole 4 (Par 5): A reachable par 5 with water in play on the second shot — a classic risk-reward opportunity.
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Hole 9 (Par 4): A challenging end to the front nine, requiring a carry over water to a sloped green guarded by bunkers.
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Hole 13 (Par 3): A short but tricky par 3 over water to a deep, narrow green that plays smaller than it looks.
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Hole 18 (Par 5): A spectacular finishing hole framed by live oaks and bunkers, with water coming into play near the green — a true signature hole.
The finishing stretch is among the strongest on the Grand Strand and provides a fitting close to a round steeped in history and challenge.
Course Conditions and Experience
The Heritage Club is consistently ranked among the Top 100 Public Courses in America and Top 50 Courses in the Southeast, thanks to its:
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Impeccable greens and fairways
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Thoughtful routing that allows the natural land to shine
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Peaceful ambiance, free of surrounding real estate or noise
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Strong pace of play and excellent course marshals
You’ll walk away from your round feeling like you’ve played something special — not just another course, but one with character, context, and craftsmanship.
Practice Facilities and Clubhouse
The Heritage Club offers everything you need to prepare for your round and relax afterward:
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Full driving range with target greens
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Spacious putting and chipping area
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Well-stocked pro shop with logo apparel and top-brand gear
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Traditional Southern-style clubhouse with locker rooms and a grill
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Shaded outdoor patio for post-round drinks and conversation
Many groups choose The Heritage Club as the anchor course for their Myrtle Beach golf vacation, thanks to its location, quality, and service.
Location and Nearby Attractions
Located in Pawleys Island, about 30 minutes south of central Myrtle Beach, The Heritage Club is surrounded by other top-rated Trail courses including:
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Wachesaw East
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International Club
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Blackmoor
It’s also near some of the area’s best restaurants and scenic spots like the Pawleys Island Hammock Shops, Brookgreen Gardens, and the Atlantic coast.
Ideal For…
The Heritage Club is perfect for:
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Golfers who appreciate scenery and strategy
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Mid- to low-handicappers looking for a challenge
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Group trips that want a signature round to highlight their itinerary
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Locals who want to play one of the most beautiful layouts in the state
It’s a course that both challenges and calms — combining the peacefulness of the setting with the tension of well-designed golf.
Booking a Round at The Heritage Club
The Heritage Club is a proud member of the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail and can be booked in multiple ways:
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Redeem benefits with your MBGT Local Member Card
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Contact the course or Trail rep for group arrangements
Final Thoughts
The Heritage Club is more than just a golf course — it’s a journey into the soul of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. With its centuries-old oak trees, carefully preserved landscape, and world-class layout, it stands among the most beautiful and respected courses on the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail.
If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Strand, don’t miss your chance to play a course that’s as rich in history as it is in golf.
