Myrtle Beach, August 15, 2025
News Summary
The Horry County government has proposed significant reductions to the popular Socastee Disc Golf Course, shrinking it from 19 holes to 9 to accommodate additional sports facilities. This plan has sparked criticism from local residents and disc golf enthusiasts who cherish the course for its unique challenges and natural setting. While new sports fields will be added, many argue that the proposed changes could detract from recreational opportunities and the area’s disc golf culture.
Plans to Reduce Myrtle Beach’s Socastee Disc Golf Course Sparks Community Outrage
The Horry County government has announced plans to significantly reduce the Socastee Recreation Park Disc Golf Course, prompting widespread backlash from local residents and disc golf enthusiasts. The proposal aims to condense the popular 19-hole course located at 7485 Butler Road to just nine holes to make way for additional sports fields. The changes include the addition of eight pickleball courts, two futsal courts, and four multi-use fields.
Built in 2012, the Socastee disc golf course has grown from a handful of baskets to a well-loved venue for tournaments, attracting a variety of players. The course boasts a diverse layout featuring 13 par threes, three par fours, and three par fives. Local residents, such as Dylan Orschell, have expressed their appreciation for the course’s natural setting, which many argue offers a unique outdoor experience compared to urban alternatives.
Community Response
The proposed downsizing of the Socastee course has drawn criticism from community members who fear the loss of this cherished recreational space. Local disc golf player Chad Sullivan noted the limited options for disc golf in the area, emphasizing that cutting the Socastee course would detract from recreational opportunities for residents. While other disc golf courses exist in Myrtle Beach, including those at Splinter City and Loris Nature Park, supporters believe that Socastee provides a distinct challenge that cannot be easily replicated.
Concerns have also been raised about the necessity of adding more sports fields at the expense of existing recreational amenities. Many players utilize the Socastee course not just for its accessibility but for its peaceful natural surroundings, contrasting with the more urban offerings seen in Myrtle Beach. Residents questioned whether more soccer and sports facilities could be built without impacting the local disc golf course.
Historical Context
In 2019, the disc golf course at Socastee set a tournament record of 48, achieved by Stephen Miller, showcasing the caliber of play it attracts. In recent years, the area’s recreational landscape evolved due to a public-private partnership that led to the construction of the Splinter City disc golf course. Community members are now frustrated that just a few years after this investment, plans for the Socastee course could result in a loss of recreational facilities.
Despite the county’s focus on expanding sports fields, disc golf advocates are actively seeking reconsideration of the plans to preserve the Socastee course, which they view as a vital part of the local community and its outdoor culture.
FAQ Section
What is happening to the Socastee Disc Golf Course?
The Horry County government plans to reduce the Socastee Disc Golf Course from 19 holes to 9 to create more sports facilities in the area, including pickleball and futsal courts.
Why are community members upset about the changes?
Community members are concerned about losing a beloved recreational space and the limited options for disc golf in the Myrtle Beach area. They believe that the changes will negatively impact local disc golf culture.
Are there other disc golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area?
Yes, there are other disc golf courses at locations such as Splinter City and Loris Nature Park, but many players feel that Socastee offers a unique experience that these other courses do not.
What types of sports fields are planned for Socastee?
The plans include eight new pickleball courts, two futsal courts, and four multi-use fields to accommodate various sports.
Key Features of the Socastee Disc Golf Course
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 7485 Butler Road, Myrtle Beach |
| Number of Holes | 19 (proposed to reduce to 9) |
| Course Layout | 13 par threes, 3 par fours, 3 par fives |
| Year Established | 2012 |
| Record Score | 48, set by Stephen Miller in 2019 |
| Proposed Additions | 8 pickleball courts, 2 futsal courts, 4 multi-use fields |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Filming for Netflix’s ‘Outer Banks’ Canceled at Socastee
Community Voices Concerns Over Changes to Socastee Golf Course
New Golf Haven Opens in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach to Open New Luxury Golf House
Temperature Swings in Myrtle Beach This Week
Myrtle Beach’s Dangerous Reputation Grows
South Carolina High School League Introduces New Transfer Rule
Habitat for Humanity of Horry County Launches New Housing Initiative
New Medical Facilities Planned to Enhance Healthcare in Myrtle Beach
Health Violations Discovered in South Carolina Restaurants
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Area Disc Golf Course Preserve
- Wikipedia: Disc Golf
- Garden and Gun: Hammerhead Shark Falls
- Google Search: Disc Golf
- People: Shark Falls from the Sky
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disc Golf
- ABC News: Hammerhead Shark Falls
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Disc Golf
- WSOC TV: Baby Hammerhead Shark Drops
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.
