News Summary
Myrtle Beach’s River Oaks Golf Club will close permanently on October 31, 2024, to make way for nearly 600 single-family homes. The redevelopment reflects a shift in local land use, impacting long-time golfers and the community. River Oaks Golf Club has offered affordable golfing and hosted numerous charity events since its establishment in 1987. As the closure nears, plans for commemorative events are in place to honor its legacy.
Myrtle Beach Golf Course Set for Major Transformation
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is set to see a significant _change_ in its landscape as the River Oaks Golf Club prepares to close its doors permanently on October 31, 2024. The golf course, a well-loved hub for both amateur and professional golfers, will be redeveloped into nearly 600 single-family homes. This decision introduces a new chapter for the area, which has been known for its beautiful greens and affordable golfing experience.
A Shift in Focus
The River Oaks Golf Club, established in 1987, expanded to a 27-hole course by adding the Bear nine in 1991. This past year, Chris Manning of Chris Manning Communities took over ownership of the remaining _18 holes_ in February 2024. His plans for redevelopment involve creating 590 single-family housing units, with 370 lots anticipated on the Fox and Otter portions of the golf course. Meanwhile, the Bear nine holes were previously sold to Manning in September 2021 and later transferred to Mungo Homes for a whopping $9.5 million, where an additional 220 lots are set to be developed.
The Final Countdown for River Oaks
As the clock counts down to the closure, the management team, including general manager Scott Taylor, is dedicated to maintaining the high-quality conditions of the _remaining holes_ until the final day. This includes recent upgrades, like sodding four greens with Sunday ultradwarf Bermudagrass, ensuring the course stays in tip-top shape for visitors to enjoy. The club’s reputation for _affordable green fees_ has made it a popular spot, hosting numerous charity golf tournaments in the Myrtle Beach area. To honor its legacy, River Oaks is planning various commemorative events and tournaments, encouraging folks to swing by for one last game before it’s gone.
Impact on the Community
The closure of River Oaks Golf Club reflects a broader trend across Myrtle Beach, where several golf courses have been shuttered, making way for residential development. These shifts might feel bittersweet to local golfing enthusiasts. Courses such as The Witch Golf Links and Farmstead Golf Links have also fallen prey to the changing tides of land use, emphasizing an _ongoing transition_ in the area.
Staff and Instructors
Many staff members at River Oaks have developed long-standing relationships with their patrons and have pledged to remain until the closure. However, the golf instructors currently working at the course will need to search for new venues after October. This additional layer of uncertainty also brings up the personal connections that long-time visitors have enjoyed through their interactions with staff and instructors alike.
A New Vision for the Area
The redevelopment plan has received a green light without requiring any rezoning approvals from the Horry County Council, as the site is already zoned for single and mixed residential use. This change in zoning will allow for a seamless transition as construction begins on the planned 590 single-family homes. River Oaks covers a sizable 172 acres, which will undoubtedly create an influx of new residents and opportunities in the community.
In Conclusion
As the River Oaks Golf Club approaches its closing date, golfers and residents in Myrtle Beach face a _moment of reflection_ and anticipation for what the future holds. The transformation of this beloved course into a residential area will undoubtedly change the scenery of Myrtle Beach, capturing the essence of a community in transition, while also marking the _end of an era_ for golfers who have cherished the course throughout the years.
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Additional Resources
- On the Green Magazine: Myrtle Beach Market to Lose Another Golf Course
- Wikipedia: Myers Brignac
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News on Golf Course Closures
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Golf Course Closures
- Golfweek: Myrtle Beach Golf Course Closing for Redevelopment
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach Golf Courses
- My Horry News: Municipal Golf Course Renovations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach Online: Golf Course Developments
- Google News: Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach
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.
