One of the first courses to bring national recognition to the Myrtle Beach golf scene, Oyster Bay Golf Links in Sunset Beach, NC, remains a favorite for players who enjoy a coastal setting with a serious edge. Opened in 1983 and designed by Dan Maples, Oyster Bay helped usher in the era of destination golf on the Grand Strand—and it’s still every bit the challenge it was meant to be.

This isn’t just a scenic round—it’s a shotmaker’s course with wind, water, and wicked greens that will test your patience and your strategy.

Course Overview

Carved into coastal marshland just minutes over the North Carolina line, Oyster Bay plays along natural saltwater inlets, lakes, and forests. It’s best known for its demanding par 3s, dramatic finishing holes, and a routing that feels both wild and refined.

  • Architect: Dan Maples

  • Difficulty: Challenging

  • Yardage: 6,685 yards from the tips

  • Slope / Rating: 135 / 73.0

  • Course Type: Public / Premium Resort Access

  • Greens: TifEagle Bermuda

  • Signature Hole: #17 – A par 3 over marshland to a small green framed by bunkers and wind—bring your best swing or your best excuse

The Golfer’s Review

Oyster Bay can beat you up and make you love it at the same time. It’s one of the more mentally demanding courses on the Strand, where wind and water force you to be precise. Every hole has personality. The back nine, especially 13 through 18, brings a thrilling mix of risk-reward and pure coastal intimidation. It’s not a bomber’s paradise—it’s a tactician’s dream.

And for fans of Lowcountry scenery, it’s one of the most photogenic rounds you’ll play, with gators sunning near the water and towering trees lining the inland stretches.

Amenities

Part of the Legends Golf Group, Oyster Bay offers excellent facilities and the option to bundle with other Legends courses in a golf package.

  • Clubhouse: Spacious with panoramic views of the finishing hole

  • Pro Shop: Full selection of gear and logo wear

  • Dining: Grillroom with hot breakfast, lunch service, and bar

  • Practice Area: Modest range, putting green, and short game area

  • Extras: Golf packages often include lunch and drinks when booked through the Legends group

Location

  • Address: 614 Lake Shore Dr, Sunset Beach, NC 28468

  • Distance from Central Myrtle Beach: ~45 minutes north

  • Nearby Courses: The Pearl, Sea Trail, Rivers Edge

  • Nearby Attractions: Sunset Beach Pier, Bird Island Reserve, Calabash dining

Oyster Bay Golf Links is a course that commands respect—and gives it right back in the form of a memorable and rewarding round. If you like bold design, natural beauty, and a little bite in your golf game, don’t leave this one off your itinerary.

Pro Tip: The wind off the marsh can turn a short iron into a long conversation—club up on the par 3s and commit to your line.