You've probably seen the pictures. It's usually a drone shot of a green completely surrounded by water, looking more like a private island than a place you're supposed to land a Titleist. That's Man o' War Golf Club. It’s located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, specifically off Highway 501, and honestly, it’s one of the weirdest—and most fun—layouts you’ll ever play in the Grand Strand.
Most people come to Myrtle Beach for the "Big Three" or the high-end private-feeling tracks. But Man o' War is different. It's built on a 100-acre lake. No, really. The architect, Dan Maples, basically took a massive body of water and decided to see how much golf he could cram into it without making it impossible. It’s a literal "water world" for golfers. If you have a slice that you haven’t quite tamed yet, you’re going to want to pack an extra dozen balls. Maybe two dozen.
What Sets Man o' War Golf Club Apart From the Pack
There are over 80 golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area, so standing out is tough. Most courses use trees or bunkers to penalize you. Man o' War uses H2O.
What’s wild is that the course features back-to-back island greens. That’s not a typo. Usually, a course is lucky to have one "signature" island green—think TPC Sawgrass. Here, holes 14 and 15 both force you to carry the water to a target that feels about the size of a postage stamp when the wind starts kicking up. It’s nerve-wracking. It’s also incredibly satisfying when you actually stick the green and your buddies are fishing around in their bags for a provisional.
The grass here is another talking point. They use Bentgrass greens. In the humid, salty air of South Carolina, keeping Bentgrass alive and fast is a Herculean task for the grounds crew. But somehow, they do it. These greens are known for being smooth, true, and surprisingly quick, provided you aren't playing in the absolute dead heat of a 100-degree August afternoon when the grass is just trying to survive.
The Design Philosophy of Dan Maples
Dan Maples comes from a legendary lineage of course designers. His family has been shaping the earth into golf holes for generations. At Man o' War, he didn't just dig some ponds; he used the water to create "mound routing." Because the site was originally a lake bed, the soil moved to create the fairways left behind the massive water hazards.
The fairways are actually quite wide. That’s the secret. People get intimidated by the water, but if you just aim for the middle of the short grass, there’s plenty of room. It’s a psychological game. Maples wants you to see the water and freak out. If you can stay calm, the course is actually quite fair.
The Reality of Playing the Back-to-Back Island Greens
Let's talk about the 14th and 15th.
👉 See also: Royal Family Vacation Mustique: What Most People Get Wrong About the Secret Island
The 14th is a par 3. It’s not overly long, but there is nowhere to miss. Short is wet. Long is wet. Left and right? You guessed it. It’s a pure test of your mid-iron game.
Then you step up to the 15th, which is a par 4. Most island holes are par 3s, but this is a full-on island hole where you have to hit a drive and an approach over water. It’s technically an "island fairway" and an "island green." It’s one of the most unique holes in the Southeast. Honestly, it’s the kind of hole that ruins a good scorecard but makes for a great story at the 19th hole later that night.
Why This Isn't Just "Another" Tourist Track
Myrtle Beach has a reputation for "cookie-cutter" courses. You know the ones—pine trees, a few bunkers, maybe a creek. Man o' War avoids this by being unapologetically bold.
- The Clubhouse: It’s built out over the water. You can literally sit on the deck, have a burger, and watch people struggle with their finishing shots.
- The Aesthetics: Because there are very few trees in the interior of the course, it has a links-style feel, but with a tropical, swampy twist.
- The Pace of Play: It can be hit or miss. Because there’s so much water, people spend a lot of time looking for balls. If you’re playing during peak season (March/April or October), expect a five-hour round. It’s just the nature of the beast.
Some critics argue that the course is "gimmicky." They say that having that much water is overkill. But golf is supposed to be entertainment, right? If you wanted a boring, straightforward walk in the woods, you could stay at home. You come to Man o' War for the drama.
📖 Related: What is the time in South America now: A Chaos-Free Guide
Navigating the Challenges: Tips from the Locals
If you talk to the guys who play here every week, they’ll tell you the same thing: Leave the driver in the bag on the short par 4s. A lot of the holes reward position over power. Because the water is everywhere, a 220-yard shot into the middle of the fairway is infinitely better than a 290-yard bomb that catches a gust of wind and ends up at the bottom of the lake.
- Check the Wind: Since the course is so open, the wind off the Atlantic (which isn't far away) can wreak havoc. A one-club wind is common; a two-club wind isn't rare.
- Trust the Yardage: The GPS on the carts is usually spot on. Don't try to "feel" the distance over the water. Trust the number and swing.
- Aim for the Fat Part of the Green: On the island holes, the pins are often tucked near the edges. Don't be a hero. Aim for the center, take your two-putt, and run to the next tee.
The Financials: Is It Worth the Green Fee?
Pricing in Myrtle Beach is seasonal. In the shoulder seasons, you can find rounds at Man o' War for a steal, often bundled in "Prime Times" packages with its sister courses, The Wizard and Witch.
Is it a $200 round? No. Is it a fantastic value at $70–$110? Absolutely. You’re getting a world-class design that is meticulously maintained for a fraction of what you’d pay at a big-name resort course in Florida or Arizona.
Maintenance Standards
One thing to keep an eye on is the aeration schedule. Because they use Bentgrass, they have to be aggressive with maintenance to keep the greens from dying in the South Carolina humidity. Always call the pro shop or check the Myrtle Beach Golf Insider website before booking to make sure you aren't playing on freshly punched greens. When they are "on," though, they are among the best surfaces in the area.
✨ Don't miss: Getting From Philadelphia to Penn State University Without Losing Your Mind
What Most People Get Wrong About Man o' War
A common misconception is that this course is "too hard" for high handicappers.
That’s actually not true. While the water is intimidating, the fairways are some of the widest in the state. Dan Maples designed it so that if you can hit the ball relatively straight, you’ll be fine. The "scary" water is mostly lateral. It’s the mental hurdle of seeing the blue stuff that causes people to chunk their shots.
Also, people think it's a "links" course. It’s not. It’s a "parkland-on-water" hybrid. You won’t be doing much ground-game running of the ball onto the greens because most of them are elevated or protected by hazards. You need to fly the ball to the target.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
If you’re planning to add Man o' War Golf Club to your next Myrtle Beach itinerary, here is exactly how to do it for the best experience.
- Book a Morning Tee Time: The wind usually picks up in the afternoon. If you want to tackle those island greens without a 20mph crosswind, get out there before 9:00 AM.
- Check the Multi-Course Deals: Man o' War is often paired with The Wizard (right next door) and The Witch. You can usually get a significant discount by booking all three together. It's known as the "Mystical Golf" package.
- Stock Up on "Water Balls": Seriously. Even if you're a scratch golfer, a bad kick can send your ball into the drink. Don't let a lost $5 ball ruin your mood. Bring some recycled balls for the high-risk holes.
- Stop by the Grill: The clubhouse food is surprisingly good for a public course. The "Man o' War Burger" is a local favorite and the view of the 18th hole from the deck is the perfect place to tally up the scores.
The course is located at 4301 Carolina Exchange Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579. It's easily accessible from the airport and the main hotel strips.
Ultimately, Man o' War is about the experience. It’s about the "I can't believe he put a hole there" moments. It’s about the tension of the ball hanging in the air over a lake. Whether you shoot your career low or lose a dozen balls, you’re going to remember the round. In a town with nearly a hundred courses, that’s perhaps the highest praise you can give.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify the current aeration schedule via the official Mystical Golf website to ensure the Bentgrass greens are in peak condition for your visit.
- Inquire about the "3-round Mystical" package which typically includes a free steakhouse dinner and daily lunch, significantly lowering your cost per round.
- Download a local wind-tracking app like Windfinder; the 14th and 15th holes play entirely differently depending on the breeze coming off the intracoastal waterway.