Overview
Five centuries of rice plantation. Ron Garl's quiet masterwork.
18 Holes
72 Par
6,772 Yards Black tees
147 Slope Rating 73.5
Named South Carolina Golf Course of the Year in 2001 and a host of the World Amateur Handicap Championship and South Carolina Golf Association Tournament of Champions, the Tradition Club has a competitive resume that speaks to both its design quality and its conditioning standards. The slope of 132 to 134 makes it accessible without being forgiving — a balance that keeps the course on the regular circuit for serious players and casual visitors alike.
The plantation landscape is present throughout: natural wetlands, mature hardwoods, and the flat, open character of former rice fields give the routing a quality of space and calm that distinguishes it from the more manicured resort courses nearby. Tradition Club is the kind of course that rewards players who find it — and tends to become a quiet favorite on every Pawleys Island itinerary it joins.
Golf Digest 4.5 Stars Places to Play 2008
SC Golf Course Owners Association Golf Course of the Year 2000, 2001
Golf Digest Nominee Best New Public Course 1996
Golf For Women Top Fairways 1998
Before You Play
At Tradition Club
Caddie's Notes
4 things worth knowing before your round — from tee selection to where to eat when you're done.
01
Course Character & Design
Ron Garl, in his only Carolinas design, set Tradition Club on a 500-year-old rice plantation in Pawleys Island, routing wide tree-lined fairways through towering live oaks and lofty pines that create a traditional parkland feel distinctly unlike the coastal and links-inspired layouts that dominate the Grand Strand. Twisting waste bunkers and strategic water hazards require precise shot-making without resorting to the penal design that characterizes many Myrtle Beach resort courses.
02
Signature Holes
Two island greens are Tradition Club's most discussed features: the par-3 7th and par-3 15th (174 yards) both require a full carry over water to a putting surface surrounded by hazards. The par-5 14th at 500 yards is reachable in two for longer hitters, while the par-5 18th offers an eagle opportunity for those willing to carry water to reach the green in regulation.
03
Course Conditions
TifDwarf Bermuda greens are well-maintained year-round, and the 500-year-old rice plantation setting, with its mature tree canopy and established landscape, contributes to course conditions that hold up well through seasonal variation. The Signature Mega Practice Complex is acknowledged as a model facility for other courses in the region, reflecting the management standard across the property.
04
Before You Play
Take full advantage of the Signature Mega Practice Complex before your round, it's genuinely one of the best warmup facilities on the Strand, and Tradition Club's island greens reward the player who arrives with their short iron game sharp. Tradition Club has hosted the SCGA Tournament of Champions for 15-plus years and the World Amateur Handicap Championship, worth knowing if you enjoy playing courses with competitive pedigree. The Turn Bar and Grill is on-site for mid-round and post-round dining, and the par-5 finishing hole is a legitimate eagle opportunity if you're firing.
Course Details
The Essentials
Designer Ron Garl
Opened 1996
Access Public / resort
Course Type Lowcountry Plantation / Pine / Waste Bunker
Walking Cart only
Caddies Not available
Greens TifDwarf Bermuda
Fairways Bermuda
Short Game Area Yes
Driving Range Mega Practice Complex — large teeing area, putting green, short game area; ranked among best practice facilities on the south strand; design has been copied at other courses
Club Rental Available
GPS Carts No
Golf Trail Hammock Coast Golf Trail / Myrtle Beach Golf Trail
Instruction Available
Dining The Turn Bar and Grill (on-site mid-round and post-round dining)
Lodging None
Green Fees $100 – $155
Best Months October-May
Peak Season March-May
Nearest Airport MYR · 35 min
Notable Features
Ron Garl design — his only course in the Carolinas — set on a 500-year-old rice plantation in Pawleys Island. Wide tree-lined fairways through towering live oaks and lofty pines create a traditional parkland feel distinctly unlike most Myrtle Beach courses. Twisting waste bunkers and strategic water hazards (including two island greens — holes 7 and 15) require precise shot-making. Par-5 14th (500y) is reachable in two for long hitters. Par-3 15th (174y) plays to island green. Par-5 18th finishing hole features water carry to reach in two — risk/reward with eagle possibility. Signature Mega Practice Complex widely acknowledged as a model for other courses. Part of Founders Group International's 20+ course portfolio. Managed by Kurtis Kuhn (GM/Head Pro).
Tee Information
Scorecard
| Tee | Gender | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | M | 72 | 6,772 | 73.5 | 147 |
| White | M | 72 | 6,254 | 71 | 134 |
| Gold | M | 72 | 5,691 | 68.6 | 124 |
| Silver | M | 72 | 5,354 | 67.5 | 117 |
| Red | M | 72 | 5,088 | 66 | 115 |
| Blue | M | 72 | 4,125 | 61.7 | 110 |
Ratings and yardages are approximate and may vary by season. Verify with the pro shop before your round.
Photo Gallery
Tradition Club in Pictures
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Community Reviews
What Golfers Are Saying
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Getting Here
Location
Tradition Club
1027 Willbrook Blvd, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
✈ MYR — approx. 35 min Pawleys Island / Litchfield Beach area
⛳ Willbrook Plantation Golf Club — Less than 1 mile away
FAQ
Common Questions
Spring & Summer 2026 rates look to mostly run around $135 per round, with cart included. Twilight rates are available. Check the website for current pricing as rates vary dynamically.
Yes, Tradition Club's Signature Mega Practice Complex is widely recognized as one of the model practice facilities in Myrtle Beach golf.
Carts are required at Tradition Club, walking is not permitted.
