You’ve probably seen the photos. Those massive, sprawling waste bunkers that look more like a desert than a golf course. The towering pines of Pawleys Island framing fairways that seem roughly the size of a landing strip at LAX. But here’s the thing about True Blue Golf Course South Carolina: it’s a total head game. If you stand on the first tee and see only the trouble, you’ve already lost. It is big. It is loud. It is unapologetically Mike Strantz.
Most courses in the Myrtle Beach area follow a predictable rhythm. You get your parkland layouts, your faux-links, and your standard resort tracks where the rough is fluffy and the greens are predictable. True Blue isn't that. It’s built on the site of old indigo and rice plantations, and it feels ancient yet radical at the same time. Strantz, the "Maverick" architect who left us way too soon, didn't just move dirt here; he sculpted a landscape that demands you play golf with your brain as much as your wedges.
The Strantz Aesthetic and the Myth of Difficulty
People talk about True Blue as if it’s an impossible beast. They see the 7,126 yards from the back tees and the Slope rating of 145 and they start shaking. Honestly, though? It’s one of the widest courses you’ll ever play. Strantz was a master of visual intimidation. He used "scale" better than almost anyone in the business. By creating these massive visual corridors, he makes the targets feel smaller than they actually are.
Take the par-4 4th hole. It’s basically a massive sandbox with a sliver of green grass in the middle. If you look at the yardage book, you realize there is plenty of room to land a ball. But when you’re standing over it? It looks like you're trying to hit a dime in a rock quarry. This is the hallmark of True Blue Golf Course South Carolina. It’s a theater of the mind.
Strantz was an artist first—literally, he would sit on a bulldozer and sketch the holes as he built them. He didn't use CAD programs or a team of suit-wearing consultants to tell him where the bunkers should go. You can feel that hand-crafted nature in every undulation. The greens aren't just surfaces; they are multi-tiered complexes that require you to be on the correct level if you want any hope of a two-putt.
Why the "Sister Course" Comparison Matters
You can't talk about True Blue without mentioning its sibling across the street, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club. They are the twin pillars of the Lowcountry, but they couldn't be more different. Caledonia is the elegant, refined sister—think sundresses and mint juleps. True Blue is the rugged, rebellious brother in a denim jacket.
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While Caledonia is tight and intimate, True Blue is expansive. It’s built for the modern game. You can swing out of your shoes on several holes here, provided you know where the "miss" is. If you play both in one trip (which you absolutely should), you’ll see the full range of Strantz’s genius. He took the same South Carolina soil and created two completely different universes.
Navigating the Signature Holes Without Losing Your Mind
Let’s talk about the 18th. It is arguably one of the most stressful closing holes in the Southeast. You have water all along the left side, and the clubhouse deck is usually packed with golfers who have already finished their rounds, beer in hand, watching to see if you’ll dunk it. It’s a long par-4 that requires a bold drive and an even bolder approach over the lake to a green that feels like it’s floating.
Then there’s the 3rd hole. A par 3 that is basically all water and sand. It’s not long, but the wind coming off the coast can turn a simple 8-iron into a desperate prayer.
- The Par 5s: They are the heartbeat of this course. They aren't just "long holes." They are puzzles. On the 1st hole, you’re immediately tested with a massive waste area. You have to decide how much of the corner you want to bite off.
- The Greens: Expect elephant-sized mounds. Seriously. If you’re on the wrong side of the ridge on the 13th, you’re looking at a putt that might travel 40 feet and break 15. It’s fun, but it’s exhausting if your lag putting is off.
- The Waste Bunkers: They are everywhere. The good news? You can drive your cart right into them in most cases. The bad news? The sand consistency varies. Sometimes it’s firm and easy to nip a clean 7-iron off of; other times, it’s soft and hungry.
Maintenance and the "Lowcountry" Vibe
One thing that often gets overlooked at True Blue Golf Course South Carolina is the turf quality. Because the fairways are so wide, they take a lot of abuse from carts. Yet, the maintenance crew manages to keep the TifEagle Bermuda greens rolling fast and true. In the winter months, they typically oversee with perennial ryegrass, giving the course that emerald-green-against-white-sand look that pops on Instagram.
The atmosphere isn't stuffy either. This isn't a "tucked-in-shirt-at-all-times-or-else" kind of place. It’s high-end, sure, but it retains a relaxed, coastal South Carolina vibe. The clubhouse serves a killer breakfast, and the porch is the best place in Pawleys Island to settle up bets after the round.
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The Real Cost of Playing a Top-100 Track
Is it expensive? Compared to a local muni, yeah. But in the world of destination golf, it’s a steal. Depending on the season, you might pay anywhere from $100 to over $250. If you’re a savvy traveler, you look for the "True Blue/Caledonia" packages. Often, you can play both courses plus a few others in the area for a bundled rate that makes the per-round cost much more digestible.
The value isn't just in the grass; it’s in the experience. You aren't just playing a round of golf; you're seeing a piece of architectural history. Strantz only designed a handful of courses before his death in 2005, making True Blue a rare commodity.
Common Mistakes Amateurs Make Here
The biggest mistake? Pin seeking. If the pin is tucked behind a massive bunker on a multi-tiered green, don't go for it. Take your medicine and aim for the fat part of the green.
I’ve seen dozens of players try to be heroes on the par-4 10th, only to end up in the sand with a flat lie and a 20-foot wall in front of them. The course rewards bravery, but it punishes stupidity with a vengeance. You have to play for the "center of the green" more than almost anywhere else.
Also, don't neglect your sand game before you arrive. You will be in the sand. It’s not a question of "if," but "when." If you can't hit a long bunker shot, you're going to have a very long afternoon. Practice those 40-yard sand shots; they are the "True Blue Special."
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The Ecosystem of Pawleys Island
True Blue is part of a larger ecosystem. Pawleys Island is "the arrogant-free" zone of the Grand Strand. It’s quieter, more refined, and honestly, the food is better than what you’ll find in the heart of Myrtle Beach.
- Stay: Look for the on-site villas. They aren't five-star luxury resorts, but they are spacious, clean, and you can roll out of bed and be on the putting green in three minutes.
- Eat: The Hanlons, who own the place, have a great setup at the True Blue Grillroom. Try the blackened mahi-mahi tacos.
- After Golf: Head to the MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet. It’s a short drive and offers the best seafood and live music in the region.
Is True Blue Actually "Better" Than Caledonia?
This is the eternal debate among South Carolina golfers. Caledonia is more scenic in a traditional sense—the drive in through the oaks is legendary. But True Blue is the better test of golf. It asks more questions of your bag. It requires more variety in your shot-making.
If you like a challenge and you enjoy seeing how a master architect can manipulate your perspective, True Blue wins every time. It’s a "big boy" golf course. It’s loud, it’s aggressive, and it’s unforgettable.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To get the most out of your visit to True Blue Golf Course South Carolina, you need a plan. Don't just show up and wing it.
- Download a GPS App: Because the waste areas are so vast, it can be hard to judge distances to the "safe" parts of the fairway with the naked eye. An app like 18Birdies or a dedicated rangefinder with slope is essential.
- Book 90 Days Out: The tee sheet at True Blue fills up fast, especially in the spring (March-May) and fall (October-November). If you want a morning tee time, you need to be proactive.
- Check the Aeration Schedule: Like any high-end course, they punch the greens twice a year. Call the pro shop directly to make sure you aren't booking a week after they've turned the greens into Swiss cheese.
- Play the Right Tees: Forget your ego. If you’re a 15-handicap, do not play the back tees. You will lose ten balls and hate your life. Move up one box and enjoy the angles Strantz intended for the average player.
- Warm Up Your Wedges: The "short game" at True Blue is where rounds go to die. Spend thirty minutes on the chipping green getting a feel for the grain of the Bermuda grass. It’s different than northern bentgrass; it’s sticky and will grab your clubhead if you aren't careful.
True Blue remains a polarizing course for some, but for those who appreciate the "Maverick" style of golf architecture, it is a bucket-list destination. It doesn't apologize for its difficulty or its scale. It simply sits there, amidst the pines and the ghosts of the old plantations, waiting for you to try your luck. Go play it, bring a camera, and for heaven's sake, keep your ball out of the water on 18.