You’re driving through the marshlands of Sunset Beach, and you see them. Huge, prehistoric-looking creatures just lounging by the water. Honestly, if you didn’t know any better, you’d think you stumbled into a Jurassic Park set instead of a golf course. But that’s the reality of Oyster Bay Golf Links North Carolina. It’s weird. It’s wild. It’s arguably the most unique track in the entire Myrtle Beach golf market, even if it technically sits just across the state line in Brunswick County.
Dan Maples outdid himself here.
Most designers try to "blend" a course into the environment, but at Oyster Bay, it feels like the environment is actively trying to take the course back. You have these massive oyster shell waste bunkers—hence the name—and these tricky, undulating greens that make a three-putt feel like a genuine accomplishment. It opened back in 1983, which makes it a veteran in a region where new courses pop up and disappear like coastal fog. Yet, it remains a staple. Why? Because it doesn’t play fair, and golfers are masochists.
The Layout That Legends (and Nightmares) Are Made Of
Let's talk about the par. It's a 70.
That right there throws people off. We’re so conditioned to look for a par 72 that a 70 feels "short" on paper. It’s not. At around 6,700 yards from the tips, Oyster Bay uses every inch of that distance to make you second-guess your club selection. You’ve got two par 5s on the back nine that require actual strategy rather than just swinging out of your shoes.
The marsh is everywhere.
If you have a slice, bring a sacrificial bag of balls. The Calabash River and the surrounding wetlands are hungry. It’s not just the water, though; it’s the way Maples used the elevation. In a part of the world that is notoriously flat, Oyster Bay has these surprising rolls and drops. You’ll find yourself standing on a tee box looking down at a green that's framed by nothing but blue water and white shells. It’s gorgeous. It’s also terrifying.
Take the 13th hole. It’s a par 4 that isn't particularly long, but the approach shot is basically a dare. You’re hitting into a green that feels like it’s floating. If you’re short, you’re in the marsh. If you’re long, you’re in a bunker that’s deeper than your last mid-life crisis. You have to be precise. There is no "kinda" safe at Oyster Bay. You’re either on the dance floor or you’re dropping.
The Alligator Factor
We need to address the residents.
The gators at Oyster Bay aren't just a side attraction; they are the gallery. Because the course is so integrated with the natural wetlands, you will see them. Often. I’ve seen 10-footers sunning themselves right next to the 17th tee. They don’t care about your handicap. They don't care that you're trying to break 90. They just want the sun.
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Pro tip: if your ball rolls within five feet of a gator, it’s theirs. That’s a local rule. Don't be the guy trying to retrieve a $4 Pro V1 from the snout of a reptile that hasn't changed its DNA in 60 million years. Just take the penalty and move on with your life.
Why the Island Greens Define the Experience
A lot of courses claim to have "island greens." Usually, it’s just a green with a little pond around it. At Oyster Bay Golf Links North Carolina, the 15th and 17th holes are the real deal.
The 17th is a par 3 that basically defines the course.
You’re hitting onto a green completely built up by oyster shells. It’s a literal island of calcium and grass. When the wind coming off the Atlantic starts whipping through the marsh, that 160-yard shot suddenly feels like 220. Your brain starts doing math it isn't qualified for. "If the wind is 15 mph from the left and the humidity is 90%..." Stop. Just hit the ball.
The 15th is another par 3 that demands respect. It’s shorter, sure, but the visual of that green sitting out there in the water is enough to make even a low-handicapper’s knees rattle. This is where rounds go to die. You can play 14 holes of brilliant, inspired golf, and then the "Cauldron of the Coast" (as some locals call the finishing stretch) just eats you alive.
- The 15th: Short, nerve-wracking, surrounded by water.
- The 17th: The signature. Built on a mountain of shells.
- The 18th: A finishing hole that requires a carry over water to a narrow fairway.
It’s relentless.
Maintaining a Legend in a Modern World
There’s been some chatter over the years about the conditioning of the older North Carolina courses. Let’s be real: the coastal environment is brutal on turf. Salt air, extreme heat, and tropical downpours are a constant battle. However, the management at Oyster Bay—part of the Legends Golf Resort group—has dumped significant resources into keeping this place up to snuff.
They’ve stuck with the classic feel.
While other courses are "modernizing" by ripping out trees and flattening greens to accommodate higher speeds, Oyster Bay keeps its teeth. The greens are generally kept at a fair speed—fast enough to be challenging, but not so fast that the internal slopes become unfair. If they stimped these greens at a 12, nobody would ever finish a round. The contours are just too aggressive for that.
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The clubhouse is another story. It’s not a sprawling, ultra-modern palace of glass and steel. It’s rustic. It feels like a coastal fishing lodge. You grab a burger, a cold beer, and you sit on the deck overlooking the water. It fits the vibe. People don't come here for the locker room amenities; they come here to wrestle with the marsh.
Strategy Over Strength
If you’re a long hitter, Oyster Bay might actually frustrate you.
This isn't a "grip it and rip it" kind of place. If you try to overpower this course, it will punish you. It’s a chess match. Many of the fairways taper exactly where a 280-yard drive would land. You’re often better off hitting a 3-wood or even a long iron off the tee to find the fat part of the fairway.
Positioning is everything.
Because the greens are so complex, where you land your drive dictates whether you have a legitimate birdie look or a defensive 40-foot putt over a ridge that looks like a buried Volkswagen. You have to think two shots ahead. Most public golfers aren't used to that. They want to see the ball fly far. At Oyster Bay, "far" often means "lost."
Practical Realities: What to Know Before You Tee It Up
Let’s talk logistics because honestly, getting to Sunset Beach can be a bit of a haul if you’re staying in the heart of Myrtle Beach. It’s about a 45-minute drive from the "Golden Mile." Is it worth it? Absolutely. But plan for it.
The pace of play can be a bit slow on weekends.
Because the course is difficult and the scenery is so distracting, people take their time. They’re taking photos of the gators. They’re looking for balls in the shells. They’re staring at the 17th green in disbelief. If you’re looking for a sub-four-hour round on a Saturday morning in April, you’re probably going to be disappointed. Expect a 4.5 to 5-hour experience. Just lean into it. Enjoy the scenery.
- Seasonality: Spring and Fall are peak. The weather is perfect, but the prices reflect that.
- Summer: It gets hot. Like, "surface of the sun" hot. The humidity in the marsh is no joke. Bring extra water and plenty of sunscreen.
- Winter: Great deals can be found, and the course usually stays in decent shape, though the grass will be dormant (brown). It actually plays a bit faster when it's dormant, which is a fun challenge.
The Cost of Admission
Oyster Bay is surprisingly affordable for a course with its reputation. You aren't paying the $250+ rates you see at some of the "big name" tracks further south. Depending on the time of year and the time of day, you can usually find rounds anywhere from $60 to $130.
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For a Dan Maples signature course that has been ranked among the top resort courses in the country by Golf Digest, that’s a steal. Honestly, it’s one of the best values in the Carolinas. You get a "bucket list" experience without the "bucket list" price tag.
Addressing the "Gimmick" Accusations
Every now and then, you’ll hear a disgruntled golfer complain that Oyster Bay is "gimmicky." They usually point to the oyster shell bunkers or the island greens.
I disagree.
A gimmick is something used to hide a poor design. Oyster Bay isn't a poor design. The shells are a nod to the local industry and the natural geography. The island greens aren't just there for show; they require genuine shot-making. If you hit a bad shot, you're penalized. That's not a gimmick; that's golf.
The course has a soul.
In a world where many new courses feel like they were generated by an algorithm—perfectly spaced bunkers, wide-open fairways, predictable greens—Oyster Bay feels hand-crafted. It’s quirky. It has character. It’s the kind of course you remember three years later, whereas you might forget a "perfect" but boring course by the time you reach the parking lot.
Actionable Insights for Your Round
If you’re heading out to play Oyster Bay Golf Links North Carolina, don't just show up and swing.
First, check the wind. If the flags are humming, adjust your expectations immediately. Wind is the biggest defense this course has. Second, stay below the hole. This is the most cliché advice in golf, but at Oyster Bay, it’s a survival tactic. Putting downhill on these greens is like putting on a marble floor.
Third, take more club than you think on the island greens. The breeze off the water usually knocks the ball down more than you’d expect. A "safe" shot to the back of the green is always better than a "perfect" shot that clips the bank and trickles into the water.
- Trust the yardage markers, but account for the breeze. The marsh creates micro-climates.
- Use the "Scramble" mindset. Even if you’re playing your own ball, if you get into trouble, just take your medicine and get back to the fairway.
- Watch the shadows. Late afternoon rounds are stunning here, but the shadows on the greens can make reading the breaks incredibly difficult.
- Buy the yardage book. Or use a GPS app. Knowing where the hidden hazards are (and there are many) will save you at least five strokes.
Ultimately, Oyster Bay is about the experience. It’s about the smell of the salt marsh, the sight of the white shells against the deep green grass, and the terrifying thrill of a forced carry over water. It’s a reminder that golf is supposed to be an adventure. Pack your patience, leave your ego in the car, and keep your eyes peeled for the gators.
The next step for any golfer visiting the Brunswick Isles is simple: book a morning tee time to avoid the worst of the heat, then head over to Calabash afterward for some world-famous fried seafood. That’s the authentic North Carolina golf experience. No frills, just great golf and better food.