Carolina Shores, August 12, 2025
News Summary
The closure of the Carolina Shores Golf and Country Club has prompted residents to voice their frustrations as plans for a housing development emerge. With a proposal for 120 single-family homes amidst concerns of environmental safety and preservation of community charm, residents are anxiously watching developments unfold. Town officials have acknowledged community worries, committing to oversee the situation as the future of this cherished location hangs in the balance.
Carolina Shores Golf and Country Club Linked to Housing Development Plans as Residents Express Frustration
In the quaint town of Carolina Shores, just a stone’s throw from the South Carolina border and a 40-minute drive from the bustling Myrtle Beach, residents are facing a wave of uncertainty following the recent closure of the Carolina Shores Golf and Country Club. This beloved golf course, designed by the talented Tom Jackson and opened back in 1974, has been a cherished spot for many. Equipped with an 18-hole championship layout, a driving range, a pro shop, a cozy bar and grill, and practice greens spread across a generous 156-acre property, it has long been a focal point of the community.
After years of operation, the golf course closed its doors for good in November 2024. Previously managed by Philippe Bureau, who took over in 2011 after serving as the director of golf at Ocean Ridge Plantation from 2005 to 2008, the course had endured speculation about its future. Bureau announced in late 2024 that despite rumors swirling about the property being sold to a developer, there were no immediate plans to put the course on the market or to reopen it.
As hope dwindled for a revival, a developer stepped in, catching the attention of local residents. The proposal submitted back on August 1 outlines a development plan designed by G3 Engineering, envisioning an ambitious project that includes 120 detached single-family homes on .80-acre lots, alongside 82 acres of open space. However, this has sparked a significant amount of concern within the community, as many residents worry about the implications of such a development.
According to FEMA guidelines, this property falls into a moderate flood hazard zone, raising further alarm among residents regarding safety and environmental factors. Developer Mike Matheny, who previously owned the property, has reassured the community that his plans focus exclusively on building single-family homes, steering clear of any multi-family units. As it stands, the property hasn’t been sold yet, which leaves some modicum of hope amongst residents clinging to the idea of upholding the golf course’s legacy.
Currently, the zoning classification for the property is designated as Conservation Recreation District, which aims to preserve open space and the area’s natural resources. This notwithstanding, there are conditions that could allow for single-family residential development. Bureau has petitioned to have the area rezoned to a Planned Unit Development, which would facilitate increased residential building, a notion that directly contradicts the community’s desire for maintaining its charm.
While developers argue that only 40% of the former golf course would be converted into housing, it’s important to note that under the existing zoning, the site could accommodate up to 140 one-acre lots. This revelation has left many residents feeling anxious, as it serves as a stark reminder of the potential rapid change approaching their neighborhood.
Concerns have been vocalized by local residents, particularly Rich Gagliano, who fears that the abrupt closure of the golf course has not only diminished the community’s atmosphere but also led to a significant drop in property values. Observations of survey crews operating on the course have only heightened worries about the future and the potential impact of such developments.
In light of these community anxieties, Town Manager Chad Hicks has acknowledged these concerns, assuring residents that the town is committed to monitoring the situation and addressing any potential ordinance violations that may arise as the development process unfolds.
The unfolding saga of the Carolina Shores Golf and Country Club continues to evoke a mix of hope and frustration among residents, as the future of both the land and the community remains in a state of limbo. As plans progress, it’s clear that many are keeping a watchful eye on the process, hoping for a resolution that honors the spirit of this cherished location.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Myrtle Beach Community Remembers Sherri Davenport Crawford’s Legacy in Golf
Myrtle Beach Surf Schools Promote Inclusive Water Sports
Family-Friendly Getaways Around Lynchburg for Labor Day Weekend
FGCU Men’s Golf Team Unveils Thrilling 2025-26 Schedule
Myrtle Beach to Honor Golf Legends in 2025
Carolina Shores Golf Club Shuts Down for Development Plans
Myrtle Beach Golf: America’s Top Beach Getaway for 2025
East Tennesseans Seek Alternative Routes Amid I-40 Construction
Nonstop Flights Linking Manchester to Myrtle Beach Golf Paradise
South Carolina Beaches: A Hidden Gem for Golf Enthusiasts
Additional Resources
- Star News Online
- WECT
- My Horry News
- Wikipedia: Carolina Shores, North Carolina
- Brunswick Beacon
- Google Search: Carolina Shores Golf Course development
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.
