Myrtle Beach, January 13, 2026
The iconic King’s North golf course in Myrtle Beach has reopened after a two-year renovation, marking a significant investment in local tourism. This transformation, spearheaded by Founders Group International, aims to revitalize Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a premier golf destination. Featuring modern enhancements while preserving the original design, the course is set to attract more visitors and boost the local economy, benefitting small businesses in the area.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What’s the big news regarding King’s North at Myrtle Beach National?
Announces its full reopening as of early 2026 after a comprehensive two-year, multi-million dollar renovation, significantly boosting Myrtle Beach’s golf tourism and local economy.
When did the renovation take place and when did the course reopen?
Conducted over two phases from June 2024 to October 2025, the front nine reopened in October 2024, the back nine in early October 2025, and the entire course officially reopened for play by early 2026.
Who was the lead architect for this extensive renovation?
Architect Brandon Johnson, who previously worked with Arnold Palmer for 17 years, led the project, focusing on modern enhancements while preserving the spirit of Palmer’s original design.
What specific improvements were made to the course?
Features include greens restored to 36% larger and grassed with TifEagle ultradwarf Bermudagrass, renovated bunkers with Capillary Concrete liners, reimagined green surrounds, and strategic updates to iconic holes like the 12th and 18th.
How does this investment impact the broader Myrtle Beach economy?
Represents a multi-million dollar private investment by Founders Group International, which is expected to attract more golf tourists, create jobs, and increase business for local hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments.
Myrtle Beach, SC
King’s North Reopens, Boosting Myrtle Beach’s Golf Economy
After a comprehensive two-year renovation, the iconic Arnold Palmer-designed course welcomes golfers back, marking a significant private investment in local tourism and reinforcing Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a premier golf destination.
The Grand Strand’s economic landscape is continually shaped by forward-thinking businesses and strategic private investments that fuel growth and enhance community assets. The recent completion of the multi-million dollar renovation at King’s North at Myrtle Beach National stands as a testament to this entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrating how private enterprise can revitalize cherished local institutions and contribute significantly to the regional economy. Founders Group International (FGI), the parent company of Myrtle Beach National, has shown a profound commitment to maintaining and elevating the quality of Myrtle Beach’s renowned golf offerings, an endeavor that benefits not only golfers but also the broader local Myrtle Beach SC business community.
This substantial investment in King’s North underscores a proactive approach to economic development, showcasing how private capital, coupled with innovative design, can drive job creation and attract visitors, thereby strengthening the tourism sector, a vital component of Myrtle Beach’s economic growth. The dedication to enhancing such a key attraction reflects the resilience and determination of local businesses to thrive and evolve, ensuring that Myrtle Beach remains a vibrant hub for both residents and tourists.
A Comprehensive Transformation: The Renovation Journey
The extensive renovation of King’s North at Myrtle Beach National was a meticulously planned two-year, two-phase project that aimed to modernize the course while honoring its original Arnold Palmer design. The project began with the closure of the front nine on June 3, 2024. This initial phase of work on the front nine was completed, with the course’s front nine reopening around October 1, 2024.
The second phase focused on the back nine, which closed on May 26, 2025, with an anticipated reopening in early October 2025. The comprehensive reimagination of King’s North, including the significant back nine renovations, was completed by October 7, 2025. The entire course officially reopened for preview play on October 6, 2025, marking the successful conclusion of the ambitious renovation. As of early 2026, the course is fully reopened and welcoming golfers.
Visionary Leadership: Architect Brandon Johnson’s Impact
Leading this transformative renovation was architect Brandon Johnson, who previously worked alongside Arnold Palmer for 17 years. Johnson’s approach focused on preserving the integrity and spirit of Palmer’s original design while introducing modern enhancements to elevate the playing experience. His vision aimed to deliver a course that felt both familiar and fresh, bold yet timeless.
The renovation involved restoring the greens to their original size, expanding them by more than 36 percent, and installing TifEagle ultradwarf Bermudagrass for enhanced playability and resilience in the subtropical climate. Every bunker on the course received an overhaul, featuring Capillary Concrete bunker liners to improve drainage and eliminate washouts, along with the installation of premium bunker sand. Significant changes were also made to the layout, particularly in reimagining the green surrounds by removing mounding that previously limited strategic shots, thereby creating a course that can be attacked both through the air and along the ground.
Enhancing Iconic Features and Playability
The renovation brought striking changes throughout the course, particularly on several of its most iconic holes. The famous “SC” shaped bunkers on the island green 12th hole were reinterpreted, now featuring seven distinct traps that still clearly form the letters. The par-4 18th hole, once known for more than 40 bunkers, underwent a complete overhaul with a reconfigured bunkering strategy designed to emphasize strategy with fewer, more impactful hazards.
Other planned changes included new teeing areas, updated shared waste bunkers, and a refresh of dramatic beach-style bunkers on various holes. These thoughtful adjustments were designed to offer golfers more strategic options for approach and recovery shots, alongside visually striking new aesthetics. The expanded putting surfaces and regained pin positions also contribute to a more diverse and engaging golfing experience.
Investment in Excellence and Broader Economic Impact
Founders Group International’s multi-million dollar investment in King’s North is part of a broader strategy of capital improvements across its portfolio of golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area. This commitment to quality ensures that Myrtle Beach maintains its status as a top golf destination, attracting golfers from across the nation and contributing significantly to the local economy. The revitalized course is expected to further boost golf tourism, leading to increased patronage for local Myrtle Beach small business establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets.
Beyond King’s North, Founders Group International has undertaken significant capital improvement projects at nearly a dozen other facilities, including Grande Dunes, Pine Lakes, and TPC Myrtle Beach. The Myrtle Beach National clubhouse is also slated for future renovation, further enhancing the overall visitor experience. These ongoing investments highlight a dedication to fostering economic growth and personal achievement within the vibrant South Carolina entrepreneurs and business community, demonstrating how private initiative can drive continuous improvement and prosperity for the region.
Key Features of King’s North Renovation
| Aspect | Detail | Scope |
| Project Duration | Two years | Local |
| Lead Architect | Brandon Johnson | Local |
| Owner/Operator | Founders Group International (FGI) | Local |
| Original Designer | Arnold Palmer | Local |
| Project Scope | Comprehensive, two-part renovation (front nine 2024, back nine 2025) | Local |
| Estimated Cost | Multi-million dollars | Local |
| Key Reopening | Front nine: October 1/3, 2024; Back nine: early October 2025; Full course preview: October 6, 2025; Fully reopened as of early 2026 | Local |
| Greens Renovation | Restored to original size, 36% larger, TifEagle ultradwarf Bermudagrass | Local |
| Bunker Renovation | Every bunker renovated, Capillary Concrete liners, premium sand | Local |
| Layout Changes | Reimagined green surrounds, removal of mounding, enhanced strategic options | Local |
| Iconic Hole Changes | Reinterpreted “SC” bunkers on 12th hole (7 traps), reconfigured 18th hole bunkers | Local |
A Stronger Future for Myrtle Beach Golf
The successful renovation and reopening of King’s North at Myrtle Beach National exemplify the power of private investment and entrepreneurial foresight in driving economic vitality. By committing significant resources to enhance a key tourism asset, Founders Group International has not only revitalized an iconic golf course but has also fortified Myrtle Beach’s position as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. This commitment to excellence resonates throughout the Grand Strand, contributing to job creation, supporting local businesses, and ensuring continued economic growth for the region. We encourage residents and visitors alike to experience the reimagined King’s North and to continue supporting the local Myrtle Beach SC business community, which consistently strives for innovation and quality, shaping a prosperous future for all.
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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.
