You’ve seen the photos of the Love Hole. That crumbling brick wall at the Barefoot Resort and Golf Greg Norman course that looks like it was imported straight from a Scottish ruin. It’s iconic. But honestly, most people heading to North Myrtle Beach for a golf trip don't realize how massive this place actually is until they’re sitting in traffic on Highway 17 trying to find the right entrance.
It’s big. Really big. We’re talking 2,300 acres of prime real estate tucked between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic.
Barefoot Resort and Golf isn’t just a singular hotel or a lonely course; it’s a sprawling ecosystem of four distinct championship courses, multiple villa communities, and a massive marina. If you’re planning a trip, you need to know that staying here feels more like living in a high-end gated town than a standard resort. There’s a certain vibe here that’s different from the neon-soaked boardwalk of Central Myrtle. It’s quieter, but the golf is significantly more intense.
The Big Four: Not All Barefoot Courses are Equal
Let’s get real about the "Big Four." Most golf resorts are lucky to have one "trophy" course. Barefoot has four, designed by the Mt. Rushmore of golf architecture: Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Davis Love III, and Greg Norman.
The Dye Course is the one that humbles you. It’s a semi-private setup, meaning it feels a bit more exclusive than the others. Pete Dye was known for being a bit of a sadist with his designs—think "railroad ties," "pitiless bunkers," and "optically confusing fairways." If you’re a high handicapper, this course might actually ruin your dinner. But for the low-stakes gambler or the scratch golfer, it’s the ultimate test in South Carolina. It’s the only one of the four that’s a par-72, and it’s consistently ranked by Golf Digest as one of the toughest in the state.
Then you have the Love Course. Davis Love III really leaned into the Lowcountry aesthetic here. It’s famous for the "ruins" on holes 3 through 7. These aren’t actual ancient structures—they’re replicas of an old plantation house—but they create a visual backdrop that you just don't see anywhere else. It’s widely considered the most "fun" course of the bunch because the fairways are a bit more generous.
The Fazio Course is a different beast entirely. Tom Fazio loves his elevation changes. In a region that is notoriously flat, he managed to move enough dirt to create a layout that feels like you’re playing in the sandhills rather than the coast. It’s got a lot of water, but it’s rarely a forced carry, making it playable for the average tourist who just wants to drink a beer and hit some greens.
Finally, the Norman Course. It’s the shortest of the four, but don’t let that fool you. Greg Norman used the natural waste areas and the Intracoastal Waterway to create a "bump and run" style of play. Seven holes run right along the water. If the wind is kicking off the Atlantic, those holes will eat your Titleists for breakfast.
Where You Actually Sleep Matters
You can’t just "book a room" at Barefoot Resort and Golf and expect a standard Marriott experience. This is a condo and villa world.
The North Tower is the big one you see from the bridge. It overlooks the marina and has that massive pool—literally one of the largest in South Carolina. If you want a balcony where you can watch yachts crawl up the Intracoastal while you sip a bourbon, that’s where you stay.
But if you’re here specifically for the golf, the Golf Villas are usually the smarter play. They’re tucked away near the courses. They aren't flashy. They’re basically functional apartments with kitchens and multiple bedrooms. This is key for "buddy trips." Nobody wants to share a queen bed with their college roommate after a six-hour round. Having a kitchen means you aren't spending $40 on breakfast at a diner every morning before your tee time.
One thing people get wrong: Barefoot Landing and Barefoot Resort are two different things, though they share the name. The Landing is the shopping and dining complex across the water. You’ll probably spend your evenings there at Flying Fish Market or Greg Norman Australian Grille, but you’ll need the shuttle or a short drive to get back to your villa.
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The Logistics of a Barefoot Trip
Parking is a thing. Navigation is a thing.
If you’re staying in the villas, you’re going to be driving or taking the resort shuttle to the clubhouses. There are two main clubhouses. One serves the Dye Course exclusively, and the other serves the Love, Fazio, and Norman courses. Don't show up to the wrong one five minutes before your tee time. It happens every day.
Seasonality and Pricing Realities
Myrtle Beach has "seasons," and Barefoot dictates the market.
- Spring (March–May): This is peak. The grass is transitioning, the weather is 75 degrees, and the prices are highest. You need to book these 6-9 months in advance.
- Fall (October–November): My personal favorite. The air is crisp, the courses are usually in the best shape of the year, and the "Snowbird" crowds haven't fully descended yet.
- Summer (June–August): It’s hot. Brutally hot. Humidity so thick you can wear it. If you can handle the sweat, you can find deals, but honestly, golfing in 95-degree heat with 90% humidity isn't for everyone.
- Winter (December–February): Cheapest time to go. You might get lucky with a 60-degree day, or you might be wearing three layers and a beanie.
The "Secret" Driving Range
Most people just use the warm-up ranges at the clubhouses. But Barefoot has a massive, lighted Driving Range and Sports Bar located off-site (but still within the resort grounds). It’s one of the few places in the area where you can practice under the lights at 9:00 PM. It’s got a massive grass hitting area and a bar right there. It’s basically the local hangout for pros and serious sticks who want to grind after their round.
Misconceptions About Barefoot Resort and Golf
One common myth is that it’s "all-inclusive." It isn't.
You’re paying for your lodging and your golf separately, or as part of a "stay and play" package. You still have to pay for food, drinks, and range balls in most cases. Another misconception is that you need a car. While a car makes life easier, the resort shuttle is actually pretty decent during the high season, shuttling guests between the beach, the courses, and Barefoot Landing.
Also, people think it’s "stuffy." It’s not. While the Dye Course has a slightly more "country club" feel, the overall vibe is very much "vacation golf." You’ll see plenty of groups in loud shirts having a blast. As long as you keep up the pace of play, the marshals are generally pretty chill.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Dye Course
There's this rumor that the Dye Course is private. It used to be much more restrictive. Today, it’s "semi-private." If you’re staying on-site, you can usually get a tee time. If you’re staying off-site, it’s much harder. It is, without question, the most visually intimidating course in Myrtle Beach.
The bunkers aren't just holes in the ground; they’re sprawling waste areas that frame the entire hole. If you have a tendency to slice, the Dye Course will expose it on every single hole. Bring an extra sleeve of balls. Maybe two.
Actionable Steps for Planning Your Visit
If you’re serious about a trip to Barefoot Resort and Golf, stop looking at third-party booking sites for a minute. They often don't have the "stay and play" inventory that the resort’s own golf directors control.
- Call a Golf Master: Barefoot has dedicated golf directors. Talk to them. Tell them your group’s average handicap. If you’re all 20-handicappers, they might suggest skipping the Dye Course and playing the Love Course twice. Trust their local knowledge.
- Check the Aerification Schedule: Nothing ruins a golf trip like showing up to greens that were punched and sanded two days ago. These courses usually aerate in the summer (June/July). Check the schedule before you put down a deposit.
- Download the Barefoot App: They have an app that provides GPS distances for the courses. It’s better than the units on some of the older carts and helps you navigate the massive resort property.
- Book Barefoot Landing Dinner Reservations: In the summer, places like Taco Mundo or Blueberry’s Grill get packed. Use OpenTable a few days in advance.
- The "Day of Play" Routine: Arrive at least 45 minutes early. The resort is spread out, and getting from the bag drop to the range and then to the first tee takes longer than you think.
Barefoot Resort and Golf isn't just another stop on the Grand Strand. It’s the anchor of North Myrtle. Whether you’re trying to survive the pitfalls of the Dye Course or just looking to lounge by the North Tower pool, it requires a bit more planning than your average hotel stay. Do the legwork early so you aren't the person lost on Highway 17 while your foursome is on the first green.