If you’ve ever driven down Highway 17 toward the South Carolina border, you know the vibe changes once you hit the Calabash area. It’s quieter. Saltier. And honestly, the golf gets a lot more interesting. Among the sea of courses in the Myrtle Beach orbit, The Pearl Golf Course Calabash NC stands out because it isn't just one thing. It's a shapeshifter.
You aren't just playing "The Pearl." You’re choosing between two distinct personalities: the East and the West.
Most people come here expecting a standard coastal resort experience. They want flat fairways and maybe a glimpse of water. What they actually get is a Dan Maples masterclass that uses the Calabash River as a dramatic backdrop. It’s gritty in the right places and polished in others.
The Identity Crisis That Works
Here is the thing about The Pearl. It opened back in 1987. In golf years, that’s practically ancient for a destination like this. But it doesn't feel like a relic. When Maples designed these tracks, he wasn't interested in making them look identical.
The West Course is your classic links-style setup. Think wide-open spaces and the kind of wind that makes you rethink your entire club selection. Then you have the East Course. It’s a parkland dream. It’s tighter, more traditional, and frankly, a bit of a psychological grind if your driver is acting up.
It’s rare to find a facility where you can play 36 holes and feel like you visited two different states.
Breaking Down the East Course
If you like trees, you’ll love the East. If you hate losing balls in the woods, well, bring a few extras.
The East Course is often cited as the more "scenic" of the two, mainly because of how it finishes. You’re playing through dense hardwoods for most of the round, feeling tucked away from the world. Then, you hit the stretch along the Calabash River. It’s stunning. It’s also terrifying.
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Take the signature holes on the back nine. You’re looking out over the marshlands, and the breeze is coming off the water. It’s beautiful enough to distract you from the fact that there is zero room for error on your approach shot. The par-5 18th is a beast. You have to navigate the river on the right, and the pressure of finishing strong in front of the clubhouse is real.
The greens on the East are typically bentgrass, which is a bit of a rarity this far south these days. They require a softer touch. You can’t just hammer it.
Why the West Course is a Different Animal
Now, let’s talk about the West. It’s the "Cousin" that spent too much time in Scotland.
It’s open. It’s airy. But don't let the lack of trees fool you into thinking it's easy. The West Course at The Pearl Golf Course Calabash NC is a par-72 layout that stretches over 7,000 yards from the back tees. That is a lot of golf.
The challenge here isn't threading the needle through pines; it's managing the elements. Since it's so open, the wind whips across the fairways. On a gusty afternoon, a 150-yard shot can play like 180. Or 120. It depends on how much the golf gods like you that day.
The West underwent a major renovation a few years back. They switched over to Champion Bermuda greens. These things are fast. Like, "don't even breathe on the ball" fast. If you’re used to slow, shaggy muni greens, the West will be a rude awakening.
The Calabash River Factor
The river is the soul of this place.
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Most courses claim to be "on the water," but they usually just mean a pond or a drainage ditch. The Pearl actually hugs the Calabash River and the surrounding salt marshes. This creates a specific micro-climate. It also means the ground can be a little softer depending on the tide and recent rain.
There’s a specific smell here—that low-tide, marshy aroma—that signifies you’re playing true lowcountry golf. It’s peaceful. You’ll see herons, maybe an alligator if the sun is hitting the banks right, and plenty of local hawks.
It’s also an environmental challenge. Maples had to work around protected wetlands, which is why some of the holes have those quirky "forced carries." You can't just run the ball up the fairway; you have to fly it over the muck.
What Most People Get Wrong About Playing Here
Look, I’ll be blunt. Some people show up to The Pearl expecting a $400-a-round, pristine private club experience. It’s not that. It’s a high-end public resort.
Because it’s popular with "golf packages" (those groups of 12 guys from Ohio who come down every March), the pace of play can sometimes crawl. If you’re a speed golfer, don't book a 10:00 AM tee time on a Saturday in April. You’ll lose your mind.
Another misconception is that the East is "easier" because it’s shorter.
Absolutely not.
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The East is a strategic nightmare if you’re a "grip it and rip it" type of player. You have to play for position. The West, while longer, actually allows for some misses. You can spray it a little on the West and still find your ball. On the East, a bad slice is a souvenir for the squirrels.
Practical Advice for Your Round
- Check the Greens: Since the two courses use different grass types (Bentgrass vs. Bermuda), your putting stroke needs to adapt. If you’re playing 36 holes in one day, the transition from the East to the West can be jarring.
- The "Turn" Strategy: The snack bar at The Pearl is legendary for a reason. Get the hot dog. I’m serious. It’s a staple of the Calabash golf diet.
- The Wind: If you see the flags at the clubhouse whipping, take an extra club on every hole on the West Course. Just do it.
- Ammunition: If it’s your first time, bring a fresh sleeve. The marsh on the East is a ball magnet.
Beyond the Fairway
One of the best things about playing The Pearl Golf Course Calabash NC is where you end up when the round is over. You’re in Calabash.
This town is the "Seafood Capital of the World," or so the signs say. After a grueling 18 holes, you’re five minutes away from some of the best fried shrimp on the East Coast. Captain Nance’s or Ella’s are the local go-tos. It’s the perfect way to wash away a triple bogey.
The area has a slower pace than Myrtle Beach. It feels more like a village and less like a tourist trap. That’s why people keep coming back to The Pearl. It feels like a getaway within a getaway.
Is It Worth the Trip?
In a word? Yes.
Is it perfect? No. Like any course that sees thousands of rounds a year, you might find a worn tee box or a stray ball mark. But for the price point and the sheer variety of the holes, it’s one of the best values in the Carolinas.
You’re getting a high-caliber Dan Maples design without the pretentiousness of a private gate. You’re getting the river views. You’re getting the challenge of two completely different styles of play.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Book the East Course for a morning round to catch the light hitting the Calabash River on the final holes—it’s the best photo op on the property.
- Verify the aeration schedule before you book. Like all coastal courses, they punch the greens twice a year; playing a week after aeration will ruin your experience.
- Pack for humidity. Even in the "shoulder season," the marsh air holds moisture, making it feel 5-10 degrees hotter than the inland courses.
- Download a GPS app. Many of the hazards on the West Course aren't visible from the tee, and "blind" water hazards can wreck a good scorecard if you don't know the distances to the banks.