News Summary
The River Oaks Golf Club in Myrtle Beach will close on October 31, 2024, to make way for nearly 600 new homes. The transition follows the purchase of remaining golf course assets and will play a significant role in addressing the area’s housing demand. Events to commemorate its legacy are planned as the community bids farewell to the cherished golf club.
Exciting Changes Ahead for River Oaks Golf Club
In a big shift for the local community, the River Oaks Golf Club in Myrtle Beach is set to close its doors on October 31, 2024. After being a cherished spot for golf enthusiasts since 1987, this beloved course is preparing for a new chapter as the site transforms into nearly 600 new homes aimed at helping to accommodate the area’s growing population.
What Led to the Closure?
The decision to close the club was set in motion when Chris Manning of Chris Manning Communities purchased the remaining 18 holes in February 2024. Previously, the Bear nine holes had already shut down in September 2021, leaving just the Fox and Otter nine holes operational. The remnants of the Bear nine were sold for a substantial $3 million and eventually transferred to Mungo Homes for a whopping $9.5 million.
What’s Next for River Oaks?
Once the golf course closes, Manning plans to develop the land further with about 370 lots dedicated to single-family homes. The keys to this development are rooted in the land previously sold to Mungo Homes, with a total of 220 lots expected to rise from those grounds alone. This project, which is currently navigating the approval and permitting processes with Horry County and the state, promises to contribute significantly to the local housing market.
The Remaining Course
Although changes are looming, River Oaks Golf Club LLC, under the leadership of general manager Scott Taylor, remains dedicated to maintaining the course’s quality until it closes. Recent improvements, including sodding four greens with the highly esteemed Sunday ultradwarf Bermudagrass, show the team’s commitment to preserving the golfing experience in these last months. Many staff members have been with the club for over a decade and share a genuine passion for ensuring the course remains in top shape until the last day.
Farewell Events Planned
To celebrate the end of an era, Taylor has shared intentions for commemorative events and tournaments leading up to the closure. Notably, a major fundraiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation is scheduled for Saturday, with 41 foursomes participating. This highlights the club’s longstanding reputation for hosting charity golf tournaments and engaging with the community over the years.
The Future of River Oaks Drive
As developments commence, locals can expect increased traffic on River Oaks Drive, which is being planned for an expansion from two to four lanes to better accommodate incoming residents. Manning has expressed interest in potentially stepping into golf course management and redevelopment on a case-by-case basis induced by demand for available land and lots within Horry County.
Reflecting on River Oaks’ Legacy
Throughout its 36 years of operation, River Oaks Golf Club has forged many memories for countless golfers and community members alike. With its original design by Gene Hamm, the course had begun as a 27-hole facility, only to transition into a cherished spot for sport and social gatherings. As the clock ticks down on this once-thriving golf club, it’s evident that while some doors will close, new ones are ready to open for the next chapter of development in our ever-evolving community.
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Additional Resources
- On the Green Magazine: Myrtle Beach Market to Lose Another Golf Course
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach Online: Golf News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Golf Courses
- The State: South Carolina News
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach Golf Courses
- Golf Digest: Best Golf Courses in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- The Golf Wire: Kids Play Free in Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Golf
