Located in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, just over the South Carolina line, Thistle Golf Club & Estates is one of the most refined and highly rated golf experiences along the Grand Strand. Known for its authentic Scottish heritage, impeccable conditioning, and elegant clubhouse, Thistle offers a taste of old-world links golf blended with the beauty of Carolina marshlands.

Course Overview

Thistle features 27 championship holes, arranged into three 9-hole layouts: Stewart, Cameron, and Mackay. Each nine showcases rolling fairways, deep bunkers, native grasses, and dramatic water features—all designed to echo the tradition of Scottish links golf while leveraging the lush Lowcountry landscape.

  • Architect: Tim Cate

  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

  • Yardage: ~7,200 yards from the tips

  • Slope / Rating: Up to 140 / 74.4 depending on combo

  • Course Type: Public

  • Greens: Bentgrass (one of the few in the region)

  • Top Feature: Consistently ranked among the best-conditioned courses in the Carolinas

The Golfer’s Review

Thistle is a treat for serious golfers. The layout is fair but demands strategic thinking. The greens are fast and true, the bunkering is deep and penal, and the wind can be a real factor. I’ve played all three rotations and can say this is one of the most beautiful and well-kept courses on the entire Grand Strand. It’s worth every mile of the short drive from Myrtle Beach.

Amenities

Thistle doesn’t just deliver on the course—it elevates the entire golf experience from the moment you arrive.

  • Clubhouse: A stunning 10,000 sq. ft. facility modeled after a 19th-century Scottish estate

  • Pro Shop: Premium gear and high-end apparel

  • Locker Rooms & Lounge: Luxurious player comforts

  • Practice Facilities: Expansive range, short game area, and practice green

  • Dining: The Thistle Pub offers a first-class food and beverage experience with golf course views

  • Event Facilities: Ideal for weddings, tournaments, and corporate retreats

Location

  • Address: 1815 Olde Thistle Club Road, Sunset Beach, NC 28468

  • Distance from Myrtle Beach: ~40 minutes north of central Myrtle

  • Nearby Attractions: Ocean Isle Beach, Calabash restaurants, Bird Island Reserve

Thistle Golf Club is the epitome of class in the Myrtle Beach golf scene. If you’re seeking championship-caliber golf wrapped in Scottish tradition and delivered with southern hospitality, this is a can’t-miss stop on your golf trip.

Pro Tip: Try to play all three nines—each one has its own flair, and the closing holes are breathtaking.