His and Hers Myrtle Beach
While Myrtle Beach's reputation as a family or golf destination is well established, that doesn't mean it can't make a perfect getaway for couples. But if you're not one of those women who happily tees it up with your husband or boyfriend, you become a "golf widow," left alone all day. Luckily, Myrtle Beach has plenty to keep you both busy. Here's a breakdown of golf courses he should play, nearby places she can go in the meantime, and fun things to do with your evening together time.
By:
Hannah Prince
While He Plays: Tidewater Golf Club
Tidewater is one of the best-known and most awarded golf courses in all of South Carolina, and it certainly lives up to the hype. The holes are tough but fair — as well as beautiful, thanks to great views along the Intracoastal Waterway. Reading the Bermuda grass greens offers a special challenge for Northerners and Midwesterners, who don't have many places to practice the skill back home.
She Can: Take a Casino Cruise
A relaxing boat ride combined with exciting slot machines and table games? Jackpot! The Big M Casino leaves from Little River, SC, and carries passengers out to international waters, where they can gamble the day away. It takes about 45 minutes to get far enough out, so use that time to enjoy a cocktail on the top deck. One warning: The open ocean is choppier than the waters along the shore, so those prone to seasickness may want to try a gentler sightseeing cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway instead.
Later, They Can: Get a Picture With a Tiger
The safari comes to Myrtle Beach. At the T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station at Barefoot Landing, you can get a one-of-a-kind souvenir: a photo of you and your significant other holding a tiger cub and a young ape. Yes, it's a little pricey and it's just for a few seconds, but who wouldn't want to say they held a tiger? If you're on a tight budget, you can still stop by the exhibit to watch tigers both big and small for free.
While He Plays: Grande Dunes Resort Club
Placement is key at this top-notch, undulating course with more elevation change than most in Myrtle Beach. Mounding in the fairway can kick your ball forward and result in some very long drives — if you know where to land it. Players also need to settle their nerves for the par-3 14th, where they'll feel as though they're hitting over the Intracoastal Waterway, usually to tough hole locations.
She Can: Savor the View of the Waterway
Stake out a table on the deck at the open-air Anchor Cafe, a laid-back spot on the Intracoastal Waterway next to the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes. Have a few cocktails, snack on bar food and watch the boats go by while you wait for your partner to reach the ninth hole on the Resort course, where he’ll be able to see you waving from just across the waterway. And if you get bored, Myrtle Beach Watersports has a location on the marina beside the cafe, so you can rent a Jet Ski without having to split driving time!
Later, They Can: Enjoy Live Music on the Beach
There's never a shortage of live music in Myrtle Beach, especially in summer, but at Ocean Annie's Beach Bar, you get the harmony of both the band and the lapping waves. Go early to grab a table and some pitchers of Annie's Slammer or Carolina Cosmo; you'll need some liquid courage before getting up to groove in front of the stage.
While He Plays: Founders Club at Pawleys Island
This exciting course lets players try a different style of golf than most other courses in the area. Its many waste bunkers make it reminiscent of Pinehurst — with much cheaper greens fees. Unusually designed holes and interesting risk-reward par 5's force golfers to think about their strategy. Luckily, a choice of 5 tees makes it playable for a range of skill levels.
She Can: Settle in for a Solitary Beach Day
Sure, there are plenty of sandy stretches up in Myrtle Beach, but they tend to get very busy and noisy with all those families and kids around. Instead, head south to Litchfield Beach, which is just as pretty but less crowded — perfect for picking up a great beach read or walking in the surf. A tip: Parking at beach access points can be limited, so make the day even less stressful by having your guy drop you off on his way to the Founders Club.
Later, They Can: Sing Along at a Piano Bar
There's nothing more fun than swaying next to your sweetie while you both belt out the lyrics to an old favorite being played by dueling pianos. You won't be disappointed at Crocodile Rocks, one of many hot nightlife spots in Broadway at the Beach's Celebrity Square. And if for some reason you decide to go bar-hopping before they break out Don’t Stop Believin', your cover charge also gets you entrance into the dance club across the square.
While He Plays: Arrowhead Country Club
Mix and match the trio of 9-hole stretches at Arrowhead to create the perfect 18. Each course features a different layout and its own challenges: The Cypress takes players through the wetlands; the Lakes is full of slopes and water hazards; and the Waterway offers wide fairways and amazing landscapes. Arrive early to take advantage of free balls on the driving range, where you can work out the kinks in your swing before hitting the first tee.
She Can: Shop and Stroll Along the Boardwalk
No doubt you’ll be back at the boardwalk at night to ride the SkyWheel and catch some free live music. But going by yourself while he’s golfing means that you can browse all those kitschy souvenir shops (without any nagging!) until your heart’s content. Afterward, splurge on some boardwalk fries and a funnel cake — which you won't have to share.
Later, They Can: Race Each Other Down the Zip Line
Get a burst of adrenaline just a few blocks from the boardwalk at Myrtle Beach Zipline Adventures. You can ride side by side on the zip lines at speeds of up to 40 mph. (Whoever reaches the other side last buys dinner!) Then, experience another thrill by free-falling 60 feet off the tower. That's bound to get your blood pumping better than any round of miniature golf.
While He Plays: The Fazio Course at Barefoot
With 4 first-class courses created by 4 big-name designers, you can't really go wrong at Barefoot Resort in North Myrtle Beach. The 18 holes by world-famous architect Tom Fazio take advantage of the classic Lowcountry style, with native grasses, oaks and pines. Lakes and ponds add picturesque detail but not needless difficulty, since many are out of play. If you have a few extra days, tee it up on the Barefoot courses by Davis Love III, Greg Norman and Pete Dye as well.
She Can: Get Pampered at the Spa
There's no reason to go far from the golf course when you can just cross Route 17 and be at Cinzia Spa at North Beach Plantation. Since you have the time, splurge on a day package with a combination of massages, facials and nail services. Or experiment with one of the international rituals inspired by traditions in Fiji, India or Hawaii. You'll leave relaxed and rejuvenated for a night out on the town!
Later, They Can: See a Show
Myrtle Beach has plenty of entertainment choices at a number of venues, from the impersonators at Legends in Concert to the exciting dinner show at Pirates Voyage. But you can’t beat the House of Blues for variety. This venue at Barefoot Landing hosts big-name artists in every musical genre, as well as local bands, murder-mystery dinner theater and even weekly Comedy Zone shows.

Photo By: Tidewater Golf Club