River Oaks Golf Club
River Oaks Golf Club, established in 1972, is a premier golf destination renowned for its scenic beauty and challenging course layout. Located in the heart of the region, it has a rich history of hosting local tournaments and providing a welcoming environment for golfers of all skill levels. Over the decades, the club has evolved to incorporate modern amenities while preserving its natural landscapes and traditional charm. It features a 18-hole championship course, practice facilities, and a clubhouse offering dining and event services. Committed to community engagement and excellence in recreation, River Oaks Golf Club remains a beloved landmark for golf enthusiasts and visitors alike.
News Summary
River Oaks Golf Club, a cherished Myrtle Beach golfing destination since 1987, is set to close in 2024 to facilitate the construction of nearly 600 single-family homes. The development, initiated by Chris Manning of Chris Manning Communities, aims to transform the golf course into a residential community. As the transition approaches, community reactions are mixed, with concerns about infrastructure and environmental impacts. The club’s management plans to hold commemorative events as a nod to its history and ongoing community impact.
Myrtle Beach, SC – River Oaks Golf Club, a popular local golf destination since its opening in 1987, will officially close its doors on October 31, 2024, to make way for the construction of nearly 600 single-family homes. The decision comes after Chris Manning of Chris Manning Communities purchased the remaining 18 holes of the club in February 2024 and has since initiated the necessary permitting and approval processes with Horry County and the state.
Manning anticipates receiving the required permits by fall 2024, allowing him to commence development on 370 lots. The golf course currently comprises the Fox and Otter nines, which are still managed by River Oaks Golf Club LLC, directed by general manager Scott Taylor. Although Taylor’s lease for the club ends alongside its closure, he has committed to maintaining the course conditions until that time. Recent enhancements included the sodding of four greens with Sunday ultradwarf Bermudagrass to ensure the course remains in good condition for golfers.
Development Plans and Community Impact
The golf club, which expanded to a 27-hole layout with the opening of the Bear nine holes in 1991, had been closed since September 2021 before Manning acquired it for $3 million. In a substantial transaction, Manning sold the Bear nine to Mungo Homes for $9.5 million in February 2024, marking a significant shift in the use of the land. Mungo Homes will oversee the construction of homes on 220 lots on the former Bear nine, with plans already laid out for infrastructure installation to begin, aiming for construction to start by summer 2025.
To accommodate the expected rise in traffic from the new residential developments, River Oaks Drive, a key two-lane road in the area, is scheduled to be expanded to four lanes. The development also raises concerns for nearby communities such as Waterway Plantation and Waterway Palms regarding infrastructure and environmental impact.
History and Community Role
River Oaks Golf Club, originally designed by Gene Hamm, had become a cornerstone of the local golfing community, hosting many charity tournaments and maintaining relatively affordable green fees, making it accessible to the Myrtle Beach area’s residents. Scott Taylor has expressed intentions to organize commemorative events and tournaments leading up to the course’s closure, aiming to foster community spirit and involvement in the club’s final days.
Many staff members of River Oaks Golf Club, some with over a decade of experience, have indicated their plans to remain employed until the final closure. This adds to the emotional weight of the transition for both employees and regular visitors, many of whom have formed lasting connections to the course.
Residential Development Landscape
The acquisition and development of River Oaks Golf Club are part of an ongoing trend in Myrtle Beach, where golf courses increasingly make way for housing projects. The land currently holds a residential zoning designation (SF-10), which allows for single-family homes on lots measuring 10,000 square feet.
With the impending growth in residential properties, community sentiments remain mixed, with some residents rallying against the developments due to concerns over increased traffic, infrastructure strains, and potential environmental impact. The closure of River Oaks Golf Club adds to the list of well-known local courses that have transitioned to residential use, reflecting broader changes in the area’s landscape.
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Additional Resources
- My Horry News
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Search: River Oaks Golf Club
- On The Green Magazine
- Google Scholar: River Oaks Golf Club development
- WMBF News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf Courses
- WPDE News
- Google News: Myrtle Beach golf courses closing
