News Summary
North Myrtle Beach is experiencing a revival at Beachwood Golf Club under the leadership of Nic Sparks, the new head superintendent. With a vision to rejuvenate the 57-year-old course, Sparks is focusing on landscaping, infrastructure upgrades, and creating a family-friendly environment for golfers. Improvements include enhanced greens, upgraded bunkers, and a welcoming atmosphere that has already garnered positive feedback from returning players. The club, which never closed during renovations, is on its way to becoming a cherished destination for families and golf enthusiasts alike.
North Myrtle Beach Welcomes New Life at Beachwood Golf Club
North Myrtle Beach is buzzing with excitement as Nic Sparks, a talented 28-year-old graduate of Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC), steps into the role of head superintendent at the iconic Beachwood Golf Club. This isn’t just any job; it’s a key position leading the charge in transforming a 57-year-old course that had seen better days.
A Journey to Beachwood
After honing his skills for four years at some prestigious private golf clubs—including the renowned Augusta National Golf Club—Sparks was ready to tackle a new challenge. When he joined Beachwood Golf Club in August 2023, he was approached by the majority owner, Rick Elliott, who believed Sparks had the vision to restore this charming course.
A New Beginning
The journey to revitalize Beachwood was no small feat. The course had been showing signs of neglect, characterized by overgrown areas and outdated infrastructure. However, Sparks was not deterred. He was assured that adequate funding would be available to make vital improvements that would eventually bring Beachwood back to life.
Family-Centric Vision
Understanding the importance of community and family, Sparks makes it a priority to create a welcoming atmosphere. He wants Beachwood to be a place where families can gather, enjoy, and have fun, allowing his wife and young daughter to relish in the beautiful surroundings.
Transforming the Landscape
Static since its opening in 1968, Beachwood Golf Club was in dire need of an overhaul. Sparks set to work right away, rebuilding and expanding tee boxes, re-grassing various areas, and giving the entire course a thorough cleanup, which included removing scrap and obsolete maintenance equipment.
The aesthetic appeal of the course has notably improved, thanks to the strategic removal of dead or damaged trees, alongside the planting of new palms, pines, hardwoods, and ornamental trees. Native plants, grasses, and a vibrant array of flowers—including azaleas, camellias, and magnolias—have been cultivated to enhance the beauty of the space.
Upgrading Infrastructure
Not only did Sparks focus on the landscape, but he also revitalized the maintenance shop and acquired new equipment to streamline operations. Weed management has become a priority, particularly in the rough, with clear mowing lines now visible demarcating different areas of the course.
Improving Playability
One of the significant advancements under Sparks’ leadership has been the improvement of the greens. Previously rolling at a Stimpmeter reading of 6, they now maintain an impressive average of 9 or better. Sparks introduced a new deep tine aerator, enhancing both the health and playability of the greens.
The bunkers have also seen extensive rehabilitation, including sand replacement and reshaping of edges to bring them back into prime condition. Additionally, the course has received upgrades such as better drainage solutions and new sprinkler heads aimed at improving irrigation.
An Open Course
Surprisingly, Beachwood Golf Club never closed its doors during renovations, welcoming over 50,000 rounds of golf per year. Thanks to the ongoing improvements, revenue has seen a notable uptick—something the ownership is certainly pleased about.
A Welcoming Environment
In addition to the gorgeous greens and bunkers, Beachwood Golf Club offers a spacious driving range, professional lessons, and a custom club fitting service, ensuring everyone—from beginners to seasoned players—feels at home.
Positive Feedback and Future Plans
Returning players have noticed the significant progress made, especially regarding the greens and bunkers, adding to the overall enjoyment of the game. With Sparks at the helm, he is not one to rest on his laurels, as he plans to address ongoing challenges like weed management while continuing to refine the course’s aesthetics and playability.
With Nic Sparks leading the transformation, Beachwood Golf Club is poised not just to become a local favorite but a cherished retreat for families and golfers alike in North Myrtle Beach.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Myrtle Beach Golf Courses Ready for Summer Aeration
Kids Play Golf for Free in Myrtle Beach this Summer
Grand Strand Reintroduces U.S. Kids Golf Tour for Young Players
Myrtle Beach Offers Limited Golfing Options This Christmas Day
Golf Lovers in Myrtle Beach Tee Off This Christmas Day
Golfing on Christmas Day in North Myrtle Beach
Additional Resources
- On The Green Magazine: Beachwood Golf Club Transformation
- My Horry News: Beachwood Golf Club Welcomes Night Golf
- Cleveland.com: Missing Boyfriend Found
- PGA: Barefoot Resort and Golf
- Golf Digest: Canterbury Golf Club
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Beachwood Golf Club
- Google Scholar: Beachwood Golf Club
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Beachwood Golf Club
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
