Myrtle Beach, August 13, 2025
News Summary
The Socastee Disc Golf Course, a beloved local spot since 2012, is facing drastic changes as the Horry County Government plans to shrink the current 18-hole layout to 9 holes. This decision aims to make room for additional sports facilities, prompting a strong reaction from the disc golf community. Local players emphasize the importance of the course as a recreational escape and a hub for community engagement, advocating for the preservation of this cherished venue.
Community Raises Concerns Over Changes to Socastee Disc Golf Course
Located at 7485 Butler Road, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588, the Socastee Recreation Park Disc Golf Course has been a cherished spot for local disc golf enthusiasts since it opened in 2012. With its 19 distinct holes—featuring 13 par threes, three par fours, and three par fives—this course is known for its heavily wooded areas and serene, natural setting. However, recent plans announced by Horry County Government to restructure the course are stirring up quite the buzz among the community.
A Beloved Course Faces Significant Change
The plan is to shrink the existing 18-hole course to just 9 holes to make space for additional sports facilities. These would include eight pickleball courts, two futsal courts, and four multi-use fields. While the need for more sports space is evident—especially during busy soccer seasons when demand for fields spikes—many in the disc golf community feel that this decision overlooks the importance of what Socastee offers to its players and visitors alike.
Local players, including Dylan Orschell and Seth Karpulk, spent time at the course on August 9, 2025, unaware that their favorite spot might be undergoing such a dramatic transformation. With limited options for disc golf in the Myrtle Beach area, primarily centered around the Socastee and the nearby Splinter City courses, losing the Socastee venue would hit the community hard.
Voicing Community Concerns
Concerned players, led by members of the Myrtle Beach Disc Golf Club, have expressed their frustration over the proposed changes. Many feel that they are being sidelined, especially after recent improvements and additions, such as the opening of Splinter City in 2020. The Socastee course is a unique venue that not only attracts locals but also visitors from afar, owing to its blend of picturesque nature and challenging play.
Countless players have recorded personal bests at Socastee, including the impressive tournament record of 48 set by Stephen Miller back in 2019. This type of legacy creates a community around the sport, allowing disc golfers to share experiences and forge connections over their shared love for the game.
The County’s Response
In light of community pushback, county officials have indicated that they are actively engaging with the disc golf community to explore alternative locations and solutions. While there is uncertainty about what the future holds, local disc golfers have decided to band together and leave it to community organizing efforts to advocate for changes in the plans.
Despite the emphasis on expanding other sports facilities, many simply wish to retain the outdoor escape they currently enjoy. The discourse around the Socastee course emphasizes not just a place to play, but a space where friendships are forged and memories are created.
Disc Golf in the Future
The decision to reduce the course has sparked conversations not only about playing disc golf but about the overall landscape of recreational opportunities in the area. Supporters of maintaining the original design hope that community lobbying can encourage the county to reconsider its plans. As they weigh their options, disc golfers remain hopeful for a solution that honors the past while accommodating the future needs of the sporting community.
As discussions continue, players are encouraged to engage in dialogue and express their perspectives. In the world of sports, it’s often the community voices that shape the landscape, leading to outcomes that benefit everyone. Whether it’s letting their voices be heard or perhaps even finding creative solutions, the local disc golfers aim to keep their passion alive and thriving in Myrtle Beach.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Area Disc Golf Course
- Vice: Hammerhead Shark Falls from the Sky
- Garden & Gun: Tiny Hammerhead Shark Falls from the Sky
- ABC News: Hammerhead Shark Falls from the Sky
- WSOC TV: Baby Hammerhead Shark Drops onto Disc Golf Course
- Wikipedia: Disc Golf
- Google Search: Disc Golf
- Google Scholar: Disc Golf
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disc Golf
- Google News: Disc 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.
