News Summary
River Oaks Golf Club in Myrtle Beach is set to close on October 31, 2024, paving the way for the development of nearly 600 single-family homes. The purchase of the club’s remaining 18 holes by Chris Manning marks a shift for both golf enthusiasts and the local community. While the Fox and Otter nines will remain open for play until closure, the surrounding community expresses concerns about traffic and infrastructure changes. A fundraiser for Folds of Honor Foundation highlights the club’s legacy, ending an era for the beloved golf course.
Big Changes Ahead for River Oaks Golf Club in Myrtle Beach
Residents of Myrtle Beach are gearing up for some significant changes as River Oaks Golf Club wraps up its final days. The beloved golf course is all set to close its doors on October 31, 2024. That’s right—after decades of hosting golf enthusiasts, the club will transition into a new chapter, as plans unfold for the development of nearly 600 single-family homes.
The New Vision
In February 2024, the remaining 18 holes of the golf club were purchased by Chris Manning of Chris Manning Communities. With the redevelopment process already underway, the necessary permits and approvals from both Horry County and the state are in the works. Manning is optimistic about securing all needed permits by fall 2024, with plans currently in motion to kick off the development of 370 lots.
What’s Happening Now?
If you’re still keen on hitting the links, you’re in luck! The Fox and Otter nines will remain open for play until the closure date. The management team, led by River Oaks Golf Club LLC and general manager Scott Taylor, is committed to maintaining high standards on the course. In fact, just recently, four greens were newly sodded, ensuring that players will continue to enjoy quality golf right up to the finish.
River Oaks Golf Club has been a staple in the community since it opened in 1987. Originally designed as a challenging 6,800-yard course, the facility expanded to a total of 27 holes by 1991. However, history was made in September 2021 when the Bear nine holes closed and were sold to Manning for a whopping $3 million. He later sold that property to Mungo Homes for $9.5 million, paving the way for future development. Manning plans to create 220 lots on the former Bear nine, with Mungo Homes handling the actual construction of the new homes.
Community Concerns
With all this development on the horizon, it’s no surprise that nearby residents are expressing some concerns. They’re rightly worried about how this new wave of construction will affect local traffic and infrastructure. The proposed housing development is anticipated to substantially impact River Oaks Drive, which may need to be expanded from two lanes to four to accommodate the increased population.
Residents are advocating for careful planning to ensure that all necessary infrastructure upgrades happen. It seems that plans for new developments along River Oaks Drive have been in the works since 2007, and the construction of over 560 homes is on the agenda. Tree removal has already started for future residential developments adjacent to the River Oaks site—an early sign that change is definitely coming.
Community Engagement Through Golf
While the golf course is closing, it’s not going out without a bang! A major fundraiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation is just around the corner with an impressive 41 foursomes set to participate. This event reflects the club’s rich legacy of hosting charity tournaments and engaging the community while supporting worthy causes.
As River Oaks Golf Club gets closer to its closing date, the club’s golf instruction staff will be looking to relocate, marking another shift for those involved with the club. It truly is the end of an era, but it’s also the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the area.
In the coming months, keep an eye open for further developments as Manning continues to expand his real estate portfolio. He has plans to acquire more golf course properties for potential development. While nostalgia may fill the air as this beloved course bids farewell, there’s no denying that Myrtle Beach is gearing up for a significant transformation in its landscape.
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Additional Resources
- On The Green Magazine: Myrtle Beach Market to Lose Another Golf Course
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News Article
- WMBF News: River Oaks Golf Club Property Sold
- Wikipedia: River Oaks Golf Club
- My Horry News: What’s Next for River Oaks Golf Club
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
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.
