News Summary
The River Oaks Golf Club in Myrtle Beach, a beloved 18-hole course, is set to close its doors on October 31, 2024. The land will be redeveloped into nearly 600 housing units, raising concerns among locals about the impact of this transition. The golf club, a staple since 1987, has hosted numerous events and tournaments but is now facing a significant change. While new housing brings opportunities, residents are concerned about future traffic and the loss of green space. The club will celebrate its legacy with planned events before closing.
River Oaks Golf Club to Close Its Doors for Good This Fall
Hey there, Myrtle Beach! It’s a bittersweet time for golfing enthusiasts and local residents alike, as the River Oaks Golf Club, a cherished 18-hole golf course, is set to close its doors permanently on October 31, 2024. This move comes as part of a larger plan to transform the beautiful green landscape into nearly 600 new housing units. Sounds like a big change, right?
A Dedicated Golf Course Heads for Redevelopment
The redevelopment will feature 370 housing lots on the Fox and Otter sections of the course, along with an additional 220 lots on the Bear section. The land’s new owner, who has been gradually acquiring parts of River Oaks, has clear plans to kick-start residential development in the area. The Bear course was sold in 2021 for $3 million, and the Fox and Otter sections changed hands more recently in February 2024 for $9.2 million. Things are moving fast!
Goodbye Golf, Hello Housing
Now, for some of you who might be wondering about the specifics, this redevelopment comes with a green light for the Fox and Otter sections since they don’t require any rezoning approvals. That means transitioning from a golf course to residential lots is set to be smooth sailing. Can you imagine those rolling greens and fairway turns replaced with rows of houses?
The River Oaks Golf Club has been part of Myrtle Beach’s charm since it opened its doors back in 1987, originally boasting a 27-hole course. Though it dwindled down to 18 holes over the years, it has seen its fair share of local events and charity tournaments. It’s been a favorite for golfers chasing affordable green fees while also contributing to noble causes.
Shifting Concerns Among Locals
Of course, with such a significant overhaul, come concerns. Many locals have raised eyebrows about increasing traffic and the recent trend of closing golf courses to make way for housing. In fact, this closure joins a growing list of courses that have gone offline in the past seven years. Residents are understandably worried about the future landscape of their community.
Plans for Development
On a brighter note, the development will include plans to expand River Oaks Drive from two lanes to four! It’s certainly an effort to prepare for the influx of new residents and manage any potential traffic issues that may arise.
Keeping Tradition Alive Until the End
It’s important to note that many of the staff members have been with River Oaks Golf Club for over a decade and plan to stick around until it officially closes. This speaks volumes about the camaraderie and community built on this beloved course.
Looking Ahead in Horry County
As Chris Manning, the landowner, points out, there is a strong demand for housing lots in Horry County. While River Oaks Golf Club may be transitioning, the plans for future golf course development will be evaluated based on local needs—one project at a time. It’s quite the balancing act!
So there you have it, Myrtle Beach! While it’s sad to see a longstanding favorite close its doors, new opportunities for housing development are on the horizon. Who knows what the future holds? The River Oaks Golf Club may be saying goodbye, but its legacy will certainly live on in the hearts of its many fans.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Search: River Oaks Golf Club Myrtle Beach
- On The Green Magazine
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach real estate trends
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- WMBF News
- Google News: Myrtle Beach housing 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.
