Myrtle Beach, November 22, 2025
News Summary
River Oaks Golf Club, a cherished golfing venue in Myrtle Beach, is set to permanently close on November 30, 2024, to make way for residential development. With plans for nearly 600 homes, the club’s last event took place on November 20, 2024, marking an end to an era that began in 1988. The transformation reflects the growing demand for housing in the area, while the community mourns the loss of its affordable greens and memorable events.
Goodbye Green: River Oaks Golf Club to Close in Myrtle Beach
The peaceful greens of River Oaks Golf Club in sunny Myrtle Beach are set to close their doors for the last time on November 30, 2024. This beloved golf course, an iconic part of the Grand Strand community, is making way for new residential development. With nearly 600 homes planned, the transformation marks a significant change in the area.
Final Farewell: Tournament Marks the End
The final event, aptly named “The Final Round” Scramble, took place on November 20, 2024, bringing together golfers for one last round of fun and camaraderie. Originally slated to close on October 31, 2024, the club received a one-month extension allowing its loyal patrons an extra chance to enjoy the course one last time.
A Brief History of the Course
Opened in 1988 and designed by the talented Gene Hamm, River Oaks started as a 27-hole course and expanded to that size in 1991. However, in 2021, a portion of its land was sold to Mungo Homes, reducing its size to 18 holes. This decision reflected the changing dynamics of the area as the demand for housing steadily increased.
What’s Next for River Oaks?
Fast forward to February 2024, Chris Manning Communities acquired the remaining property, paving the way for a new housing community. Plans are in the works for 590 single-family homes to be constructed on the now-closed golf course. This plan includes 220 homes on the land sold back in 2021 and a further 370 homes on the current course.
Community Impact and Changes Ahead
One of the biggest changes to come will be to the area surrounding River Oaks Drive. The bustling traffic is expected to increase significantly as new residents move in, prompting plans to widen the road from two lanes to an accommodating four lanes. These growing pains are a sign of the area’s development and the ongoing appeal of Horry County as a prime housing destination.
A Fond Farewell
River Oaks Golf Club has been a community hub over the years, known for its affordable green fees and for hosting a number of charity events. Among its notable fundraisers is the one for the Folds of Honor Foundation, which occurred in June 2024. Managed by Scott Taylor and a dedicated team since 2009, many staff members have called the club home for over a decade.
Challenges Faced
The course faced several challenges during its lifespan, especially its proximity to the Intracoastal Waterway, which sometimes led to flooding issues and mixed course conditions. Unfortunately, these factors contribute to the decision to shut down.
A Bigger Picture
As River Oaks Golf Club joins the list of other recently closed golf courses in the area—like The Witch Golf Links and Possum Trot Golf Club—the landscape of Myrtle Beach continues to shift towards residential development. With the community’s growing demand for housing, this transition stands to reshape not only the local environment but also the lives of its former golf instructors, who now face an uncertain future as they search for new teaching venues.
With Chris Manning’s previous experience in redeveloping golf courses, as seen with Diamondback Golf Club and International Club of Myrtle Beach, this evolution reflects a proactive change amid the rising need for homes in the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- On the Green Magazine
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach golf courses
- GolfPass
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach golf course closures
- My Horry News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Golfweek
- Google News: Myrtle Beach 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.
