News Summary
The Carolina Shores Golf & Country Club, a local staple since 1974, has closed its doors and plans to redevelop its property into 120 homes. With strong community opposition and environmental concerns, the future of the golf course remains uncertain as public hearings approach.
Carolina Shores Golf & Country Club Faces a New Chapter with Proposed Home Development
In the serene town of Carolina Shores, North Carolina, big changes are on the horizon as the long-standing Carolina Shores Golf & Country Club gears up for a potential redevelopment proposal. Originally opening its doors in 1974, the golf course has been a beloved feature of this charming community, which was officially incorporated back in 1998.
Closing the Doors on 50 Years of Golf
Fast forward to November 2024, when the golf course unexpectedly closed its fairways, leaving many residents and avid golfers scratching their heads. The property owner, Philippe Bureau, has cited increasing financial strains exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary reason for this abrupt shutdown. With the course no longer operational, Bureau has set his sights on a new vision: a proposal to rezone the property for the development of 120 new homes.
The Proposal Details
Bureau plans to submit his rezoning request on July 31, 2025. If approved, this new housing development would occupy just 25% of the 156-acre property, primarily situated between the clubhouse and several key holes of the course. However, the remaining 75% of the land is intended to be preserved as open space, a promise that aims to appease community concerns over losing green areas.
Addressing Environmental Concerns
As part of the redevelopment plan, Bureau has pledged to tackle stormwater drainage issues in collaboration with local authorities. With frequent flooding in the area making headlines, this commitment could be a vital step toward alleviating residents’ worries. The site is currently designated as a Conservation Recreation District (CRD), which means its primary purpose is to maintain the area’s open spaces. Although housing construction is not entirely off the table, it would depend on specific town ordinances.
The Community’s Voice
Local community member Zachary Ferguson has expressed the collective frustration of residents, noting that the golf course has been a crucial part of maintaining the town’s unique natural beauty. For many, it represents not just a recreational space, but a sanctuary for local wildlife and an integral part of the area’s charm.
Concerns About Property Values and Community Character
As more golf courses close across Brunswick County—over the last 24 years, Carolina Shores Golf & Country Club has become one of at least nine to do so—there’s a creeping fear that redevelopment could erode property values and disrupt the tranquil atmosphere that residents cherish. The golf course not only provided leisure activities but also contributed to the area’s character, characterized by sprawling green spaces and picturesque wildlife.
Moving Forward Cautiously
Bureau, who has been part of the Myrtle Beach golf scene for more than two decades and has owned the course since 2011, has witnessed the ups and downs of the industry. Residents are already seeing survey crews on-site, which has only fueled speculation about the future and amplified calls for better communication from the property owners. As anxious residents look ahead, they are understandably concerned about losing not only recreational opportunities but the very essence that the golf course has brought to their community.
As the town prepares for an upcoming review of the rezoning request, residents are hopeful that their voices will not go unheard. The town administrator has indicated that a comprehensive review will take place alongside public input before any final decisions are made. Community sentiment remains clear: they want to safeguard their green spaces while ensuring that any new developments complement the tranquil lifestyle they cherish.
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Additional Resources
- On the Green Magazine
- WWAY TV3
- Brunswick Beacon
- Golfweek
- WECT
- Wikipedia: Carolina Shores
- Google Search: Carolina Shores golf course redevelopment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
- Google Scholar: Carolina Shores golf course
- Google News: Carolina Shores golf course redevelopment
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.
