The Grande Dunes Members Club golf course, one of the courses within the master-planned community located in Myrtle Beach, S.C. is now fully open after a series of renovations and course improvements took place. The renovations began in 2019 and were part of an extensive venture to update the 7,048 yard championship course and provide a better golfing experience to players orchestrated by McConnell Golf, the award-winning golf management company with properties in North & South Carolina and Tennessee.
The Members Club team worked directly with Golf Course Architect Craig Schreiner, the original architect who collaborated with Hall of Fame player Nick Price, to help oversee the project so the updates progressed according to plan.
“It’s always great to return to the Grande Dunes Members Club. I was glad to work with the golf team once again to rejuvenate the course and even incorporate new ideas and solutions. Golfers will enjoy a whole new level of play,” said Schreiner, who is headquartered in Myrtle Beach.
The renovation was a multi-phased endeavor, the first stage lasting 120 days. During this time, improvements were made to the foundations of all course bunkers, with all new sand. They made drainage enhancements to reduce flooding and water retention in high-traffic areas.
The second phase lasted 90 days and focused on the greens that were transitioned from bentgrass to ultradwarf bermudagrass, a popular hybrid species recognized as one of the more heat-tolerant grasses, used at several of the country’s top courses, During this transition phase, Grande Dunes worked with other local courses in the area to provide golfing alternatives while also keeping the double-sided driving range open.
“The course has never looked better,” said Brian Vest, Head Golf Professional. “We are thrilled that these renovations have taken place and we’re excited for our golfers to see all our hard work in person.”
I played the course over a year ago and the layout was superb. With the noted improvements to the greens and bunkers, this is a must-play when visiting the Grand Strand. There are 5 sets of tees to allow players of different levels an enjoyable round.
Known for delivering unrivaled golfing experiences, McConnell Golf’s renovation is just one measure in their ongoing effort to maintaining, updating and caring for their courses, having just completed renovations at the historic Raleigh Country Club, N.C.
Grande Dunes is a 2,600-acre master-planned community which upon completion, will have over 5,000 single-family homes, villas, and 2 million square feet of retail and commercial properties. Grande Dunes stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the west of the Intracoastal Waterway. Homes start at the low $200,000s to more than a million dollars.
Adding to the value of the community is a range of private and public club amenities including the semi-private Members Club and golf courses, including an 18-hole Nick Price/Craig Schreiner designed championship course. The private 25,000 square foot Ocean Club and resort-style pool offer beach access to the Atlantic Ocean. Grande Dunes Tennis Center offers 10 Har-Tru clay courts that are nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway, with a 126-slip Marina and the popular Anchor Cafe’.
The Grande Dunes Members Club has several membership options including those accommodating families, young professionals and individuals. Those interested in golfing the new course should contact the Members Club at (843)913-1359 or visit GrandeDunes.com/Members-Club.
