Top Five Myrtle Beach Golf Courses Where Kids Play Free

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In the age of cellphones, the internet and social media, finding a fun way to connect with your children can be a tricky proposition. But one of the most popular generational bridges also happens to be one of Myrtle Beach's specialties — golf.

With more than 80 championship courses located within a 60-mile radius, Myrtle Beach is nicknamed “Golf Town USA” for good reason. Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Greg Norman are among the big names who have built courses on the Grand Strand, and the Myrtle Beach golf market is famous for its affordability. Taking a child to play a round is even cheaper — often even free. Fifty courses on the Grand Strand offer a free round for children with a paying adult, including these five within easy driving distance of North Beach Plantation:

* Arcadian Shores Golf Club: Take the short drive south to Restaurant Row and discover this hidden jewel tucked away off Lake Arrowhead Road. Featuring pine forests and natural lakes, Arcadian Shores provides a picturesque landscape that is ideal for getting away from the crowds and playing a quality round of golf.

* Grande Dunes Golf Club: This is the perfect place to introduce a child to the world of golf. Featuring a state-of-the-art driving range and practice facility, as well as a golf school offering private instruction and computer swing analysis, Grande Dunes can provide a great foundation for the little ones before they are ready to play with the big dogs. An immaculate course that runs along the Intracoastal Waterway, Grande Dunes is located at 82nd Avenue North on Highway 17 Bypass, about 5 miles south of North Beach Plantation.

* Myrtlewood Golf Club: This popular spot for locals is also welcoming to visitors and offers two 18-hole layouts to choose from — the Pinehills and Palmetto courses. Located about 9 miles south of North Beach Plantation, Myrtlewood features scenic woodlands and wetlands along the Intracoastal Waterway, and it offers a fairly low degree of difficulty for beginners.

* Pine Lakes Country Club: Give your child a golf lesson and a history lesson, all in one. Nicknamed “The Granddaddy” for its status as Myrtle Beach's first golf course, Pine Lakes is a living legend and a tribute to Myrtle Beach golf. The historic clubhouse features old photos of the former Ocean Forest Hotel and was the site of the founding of Sports Illustrated magazine. The pristine course and Southern hospitality will make a good first impression during your child's introduction to golf. Located off Kings Highway near 53rd Avenue North, Pine Lakes is about 9 miles away from North Beach Plantation.

* River Oaks Golf Plantation: Make the trek south and across the Intracoastal Waterway to this scenic layout and avoid the hustle and bustle of the beach. This recently renovated complex features three nine-hole courses, so you and your child can play a quick nine or a combination of any two layouts for a full day of 18 holes. Built on a former wildlife refuge, you and your child are likely to see a lot of birdies even if you don’t put any on your scorecard.

If you are introducing young children to the game and plan to play more than once during your stay, check out our stay & play packages to view golf packages that will save you money! If you prefer to spend most of your time on the beaches or by the pool, you can also book single tee times with our best-rate guarantee.