Winter Golf in Myrtle Beach: A Snowbird’s Guide to Arcadian Shore

Arcadian Shores Golf Club in Myrtle Beach is open all winter, and for snowbirds spending weeks or months on the Grand Strand it is one of the most convenient places to play. The course sits in central Myrtle Beach next to Kingston Plantation, the pace is relaxed in the off-season, and local golfers get the best rates with the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail card.

Why do so many golfers spend the winter in Myrtle Beach?

Winters along the Grand Strand are mild compared with much of the Northeast, Midwest and Canada, and golf is played year-round. In more than 20 years in the Myrtle Beach golf business, I’ve watched a familiar pattern: golfers who came for a spring buddy trip start coming back for a month every winter, and many of them eventually move here. Winter is when the courses belong to the people who play them most.

What is winter golf like at Arcadian Shores?

Winter is the quietest time of year on the course. Tee sheets are less crowded than in spring and fall, rounds move at a comfortable pace, and it’s easier to find a time that fits your week. You’ll still play the same Rees Jones layout: a par 72 with five sets of tees from 5,113 to 6,857 yards and two holes, No. 2 and No. 13, on The Sun News’ “Dream 18.”

What are the winter hours?

Hours at Arcadian Shores follow the daylight. During Standard Time, from early November to mid-March, the course closes around 4:30 to 5:00 PM. Carts cross a public road during the round, so everyone is brought in before dark. Plan a late-morning or midday tee time and you’ll have plenty of light to finish.

What about frost delays?

On the coldest mornings, frost can delay the first tee times across Myrtle Beach until the course is safe to play. If you have an early tee time on a cold day, call the pro shop at 843-449-5217 before you head over.

What’s the best way for a snowbird to play regularly?

If you’re in town for more than a few rounds, the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail card is the way to go. Arcadian Shores is a Trail course, and cardholders get the best local rates here and at the other Trail courses. The Trail also runs member events, including its Scramble Series, a good way to meet other regular golfers when you’re new to town. More about the Golf Trail card at Arcadian Shores.

Where can snowbirds stay near the course?

Arcadian Shores sits next to Kingston Plantation, across from the entrance to the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort, with condos, villas and oceanfront hotels a short drive away. Many winter visitors book monthly rentals in this part of central Myrtle Beach, which puts the first tee only minutes from home. See nearby hotels and driving directions.

What else should winter golfers know?

Practice: the driving range and chipping and bunker practice areas are open, a good way to warm up on a cool morning.
Dress in layers: mornings can start cool and warm up by midday. The dress code still applies: collared shirts, no denim, soft spikes only.
Food and drinks are available at the course.
Pick your tees: cooler air means the ball doesn’t carry as far, so moving up a set of tees in winter is a smart play. Which tees should you play?