Nestled along the moss-draped oaks of Pawleys Island, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club is widely considered one of the top public golf courses in America—and for good reason. This Lowcountry masterpiece combines natural beauty, brilliant design, and Southern hospitality into a golf experience that’s as unforgettable as it is picturesque.

It’s not just a round of golf—it’s a walk through Carolina history, with every step framed by centuries-old oaks and blooming azaleas.

Course Overview

Built on a former rice plantation, Caledonia features 18 holes of championship golf artfully routed through tidal marshes, freshwater ponds, and towering live oaks. The course has received national acclaim from Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and Golfweek, and is consistently ranked among the Top 100 Public Courses in the U.S.

  • Architect: Mike Strantz

  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

  • Yardage: 6,526 yards from the tips

  • Slope / Rating: 140 / 72.1

  • Course Type: Public / Premium

  • Greens: TifEagle Bermuda

  • Signature Hole: #18 – A par 4 finishing hole framed by the antebellum-style clubhouse, with a forced carry over water and spectators watching from the porch

The Golfer’s Review

Caledonia is one of the most visually stunning and perfectly manicured courses I’ve ever played. Every hole feels like a postcard, but it’s not just about looks—this course has teeth. The green complexes are deceptively tricky, and strategic shot placement is a must. It’s an experience that stays with you long after the final putt. And if you’ve never teed off under Spanish moss or walked fairways that feel like a Southern estate, prepare to be charmed.

Amenities

Caledonia delivers more than just championship golf—it wraps it in elegance and Southern tradition.

  • Clubhouse: Grand antebellum-style with porch seating overlooking 18

  • Pro Shop: High-end apparel and premium gear

  • Practice Area: Modest, but enough for warm-up

  • Dining: Onsite restaurant serves Southern fare and morning biscuits worth the drive alone

  • Guest Experience: White-glove service and a peaceful, refined atmosphere

Location

  • Address: 369 Caledonia Dr, Pawleys Island, SC 29585

  • Distance from Central Myrtle Beach: ~35–40 minutes south

  • Nearby Attractions: Pawleys Plantation, True Blue, Hammock Shops, Huntington Beach State Park

Caledonia Golf & Fish Club isn’t just one of the best golf courses in Myrtle Beach—it’s one of the best in the country. From the first tee to the rocking chairs overlooking the 18th green, it delivers beauty, challenge, and timeless Southern charm.

Pro Tip: Stay after your round. Grab a drink, sit on the clubhouse porch, and watch others face the legendary final hole. It’s a Myrtle Beach rite of passage.