If you play one round on the Grand Strand, which calls itself the Golf Capital of the World, Tidewater Golf Club makes a strong case to be it. The course sits on a peninsula at 1400 Tidewater Drive in the Cherry Grove section of North Myrtle Beach, between the tidal salt marsh of Cherry Grove Inlet and the Intracoastal Waterway, and that setting gives it something most Myrtle Beach courses cannot offer: water views on half the round. Nine holes play along either the inlet or the waterway. Four of the most scenic run along the marsh of Cherry Grove Inlet, including the par-3 third and 12th, the gentle dogleg-left fourth, and the 13th, whose green looks out to the Atlantic Ocean; the Intracoastal comes into play on five more, among them the par-5 16th, where passing sailboats provide the backdrop. The layout mixes reachable par 5s with demanding par 4s and par 3s that ask for real precision over marsh and water, and conditions are a point of pride. Tidewater has been ranked among the nation's top 100 public courses and among South Carolina's best, and the club has been managed by KemperSports since 2023. The clubhouse restaurant, Joey's Clubhouse Grille, serves a seasonal menu and brunch, with Bogey's Grab N' Go for the turn, and the golf school offers lessons. Book tee times on the official site; autumn, including November, is one of the best seasons to play the Strand.
Playing it well: the inlet holes are where the round is won or lost. Wind off the marsh and the ocean changes club selection from one day to the next, and the par 3s over the marsh punish anything short. Take one more club than you think when the breeze is in your face, and enjoy the views on the 13th green before you putt. The waterway holes on the back nine are slightly more forgiving but just as pretty, with boat traffic gliding past the fairways.
When to go: the Grand Strand's prime golf seasons are spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and stay-and-play packages are popular with golf groups; summer brings heat and the most budget-friendly rates, and winter brings cool, often sunny days and quiet tee sheets. In November the course is in its autumn rhythm, with comfortable temperatures and long views across the marsh. Check the club's course-conditions page for aeration dates before you book a trip around a round.
Fit and logistics: Tidewater suits keen golfers who want a memorable, scenic round rather than a resort course, and it is an easy drive from any North Myrtle Beach base and about half an hour from central Myrtle Beach. Pair the round with lunch at the clubhouse, an afternoon at Cherry Grove Pier a few minutes away, and dinner at Barefoot Landing or on Main Street in the Ocean Drive section.
What to expect
The experience
An 18-hole public course between Cherry Grove Inlet and the Intracoastal Waterway, with nine holes on the water, a clubhouse grille and a golf school.
Best time
Spring and autumn for the best weather; November is mild and quiet.
How long
Four to five hours for a round, plus lunch.
Tips
Club up into the marsh wind. Check aeration dates before booking a trip. Book tee times online for the best choice of times.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Golfers who want the most scenic public round on the Strand.
- Families
- For golfing families with teens; younger kids are better off at mini golf.
- Couples
- A morning round for golfing couples, then lunch with marsh views.
- Pair with
- Cherry Grove Pier and dinner on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Where is Tidewater Golf Club?+
At 1400 Tidewater Drive in the Cherry Grove section of North Myrtle Beach, between Cherry Grove Inlet and the Intracoastal Waterway.
What makes the course special?+
Nine holes play along the inlet or the waterway, the 13th green looks out to the Atlantic, and the course has been ranked among America's top 100 public layouts.
Is there food at the club?+
Yes. Joey's Clubhouse Grille serves meals and brunch, and Bogey's Grab N' Go covers the turn.
Is November a good time to play?+
Yes. Autumn is one of the Grand Strand's prime golf seasons, with mild temperatures and quieter tee sheets.
Can I take lessons?+
Yes. The club runs a golf school and offers lessons with its instruction team.
