So, you’re headed to North Myrtle Beach. You’ve probably heard about the "classic" vibes at Azalea Sands. It’s one of those spots that locals either love for its quirkiness or avoid because it isn't a manicured country club. Honestly, it’s a bit of a throwback. Built in 1972 by Gene Hamm, this course doesn't try to be something it’s not. There are no houses lining the fairways, which is rare for the area. But before you pull up to the starter, you need a realistic look at the Azalea Sands Golf Club scorecard and what those numbers actually mean for your handicap.
It's short.
Wait, let's be more specific. From the back tees (the Blues), you’re only looking at 6,902 yards. That sounds like a lot until you realize the greens are relatively accessible if you can keep your driver straight. Most casual golfers are going to play from the Whites, which sit comfortably at 6,213 yards. If you’re playing the Golds, it’s 5,148, and the Reds come in at 4,494 yards. The slope and rating tell a story of a course that is "player-friendly" but has a few teeth if the wind kicks up off the Atlantic.
Breaking Down the Front Nine
The round starts with a par 4 that measures 360 yards from the white tees. It's a gentle handshake. You don't need a massive drive here. Just put it in the short grass. Most people get in trouble at Azalea Sands by trying to overpower a course that was designed for 1970s technology.
Take Hole 3. It’s a par 5, roughly 505 yards from the back. It’s reachable in two for the big hitters, but the bunkers are strategically placed to catch that slightly thin 3-wood. The Azalea Sands Golf Club scorecard lists this as a handicap 7, but it feels easier if you play for par.
Then you hit the par 3s. Hole 4 is a mid-iron for most, playing around 165 yards from the whites. The greens here aren't massive. They have some subtle breaks that might frustrate you if you’re used to the giant, undulating surfaces at some of the newer Myrtle Beach "signature" courses. It’s old-school. Think flat-ish but sneaky.
One thing you’ll notice on the front side is the lack of forced carries over water. It makes it a great spot for high handicappers who are tired of losing a dozen balls a round. You can actually find your ball here. Usually.
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The Back Nine Scramble
The turn brings a bit more challenge. Hole 10 is a par 4 that requires a bit more precision. By the time you get to the par 5 13th, you’re either feeling great about your score or you’re ready for a drink at the 19th hole. This hole is the longest on the course, stretching to 542 yards from the tips.
The Azalea Sands Golf Club scorecard identifies the 15th hole as one of the toughest on the inward half. It’s a par 4 that requires a solid tee shot to give you any look at a green that is well-guarded.
- Blue Tees: 6,902 Yards | Rating 72.5 | Slope 123
- White Tees: 6,213 Yards | Rating 69.4 | Slope 116
- Gold Tees: 5,148 Yards | Rating 65.3 | Slope 103
- Red Tees: 4,494 Yards | Rating 65.9 | Slope 108
Look at those slope ratings. A 116 from the whites is significantly lower than the national average. What does that tell you? It means the course doesn't have a ton of "hazards" that penalize a slightly off-line shot. It’s a confidence builder.
Why the Yardage Can Be Deceiving
People see a sub-7,000 yard course and think they’re going to shoot their career best. Maybe. But the turf at Azalea Sands is different. It’s often a bit softer, meaning you don't get that massive 30-yard roll you might find at a links-style course. You’re playing the "air game" here.
Also, the wind. You are literally blocks from the ocean. That 150-yard approach shot can quickly turn into a 170-yard struggle if the breeze is coming off the water. The scorecard doesn't show you the wind. You have to feel that for yourself.
The Real Talk About Course Conditions
Let's be real for a second. If you’re looking for TPC Sawgrass conditions, you’re in the wrong place. Azalea Sands has had its ups and downs over the years regarding maintenance. It’s a "value" course. This means the greens might be a little slower than you like, or the fairways might have a few bare patches in the off-season.
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But for the price? It’s hard to beat in the North Myrtle Beach area. It’s a walk-on friendly type of place. The vibe is relaxed. Nobody is going to yell at you if you’re wearing a slightly untucked polo.
Strategy for a Low Round
If you want to post a good number on the Azalea Sands Golf Club scorecard, leave the driver in the bag on at least four of the par 4s. The fairways narrow in spots where the old trees have matured. A 220-yard hybrid shot into the center of the fairway is worth way more than a 280-yard drive into the trees.
Focus on your chipping. Since the greens are smaller, you're going to miss a few. The good news is the bunkers aren't incredibly deep. You can usually splash out with a standard sand wedge without needing a PhD in physics.
Logistics and Location
The course is located at 2100 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. It’s right in the heart of the action. You can finish your round and be at a seafood buffet or a beach bar in five minutes. This convenience is why it stays busy despite not being a "Top 100" destination.
They don't have a massive practice range, so don't expect to spend two hours hitting balls before your tee time. It’s a "warm up and go" kind of facility. The clubhouse is functional—grab a hot dog, a cold beer, and your scorecard, and get out there.
Surprising Facts about Azalea Sands
Most people don't realize that Azalea Sands was one of the first courses in the area to fully embrace the "no homes" layout. In a world where every golf course is a real estate development, playing here feels like a bit of an escape. You aren't worried about slicing a ball through someone's sliding glass door.
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Another weird quirk? The par is 72, which is standard, but the balance of the holes feels a bit lopsided on some days depending on which tees are moved. Always check the daily pin sheet if they have one; the scorecard yardages are just estimates based on the permanent markers.
How to Record Your Score Properly Here
Because the slope is lower (116 from the whites), your handicap won't get a huge "bump" from playing here. If you shoot an 85, it’s probably going to count as an 85 or an 86 toward your index. On a harder course like TPC Myrtle Beach, an 85 might count as a 78 for handicap purposes.
Basically, this is a "show me" course. It shows you exactly where your game is without the fluff of a high-difficulty rating.
- Check the wind before you even pull a club. It’s the invisible hazard.
- Aim for the center of the greens. Avoid chasing pins tucked behind those small bunkers.
- Manage your expectations. Enjoy the history and the casual atmosphere.
- Keep it in play. You don't need distance; you need accuracy.
The Azalea Sands Golf Club scorecard is a roadmap to a fun, low-stress afternoon. It’s not the U.S. Open. It’s vacation golf. It’s the kind of place where you can play with your kids or your buddies who only swing a club once a year.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your round at Azalea Sands, start by booking your tee time online at least 48 hours in advance to snag the lower "value" rates. When you arrive, verify which set of tees are being used for the day; sometimes the "whites" are moved up significantly to help pace of play. Download a GPS app like 18Birdies or GolfLogix because the on-course yardage markers can sometimes be hard to spot in the grass. Finally, pack an extra towel; the coastal humidity means your grips will get slick fast, and you'll want a dry hand for those subtle putts that define your final score on the back nine. After the round, take a photo of your card—even if it isn't your best day—because the classic logo is a staple of North Myrtle Beach golf history.