Expanded Tee Options Bring New Playability to Pine Lakes

Nearly a century after it first opened, Pine Lakes Country Club continues to evolve with a clear focus on the future. As Myrtle Beach’s oldest golf course approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, the club is in the midst of a comprehensive tee renovation aimed at improving playability, enjoyment, and flexibility for golfers of all skill levels.

The project will expand Pine Lakes from four sets of tees to six, including the addition of new forward tees and a blended “combo” option. Once complete, the par-70 layout will offer approximate yardages of 4,300, 4,800, 5,500, 6,000, 6,300, and 6,700 yards, creating a more consistent progression of difficulty from tee to green.

Course architect Craig Schreiner, who also led Pine Lakes’ 2008 renovation, is overseeing the work with an emphasis on accessibility and enjoyment while preserving the integrity of the historic design.

“Everybody will have the option to move up,” Schreiner said. “Not just older golfers, but juniors, women, beginners—everyone. When people move up, they start enjoying the course more, and they start seeing it on the scorecard.”

Schreiner notes that thoughtful tee placement is one of the most effective ways to enhance the playing experience, allowing a broader range of golfers to comfortably enjoy the course without altering its original character.

From an operational standpoint, the renovation provides Pine Lakes with a level of flexibility it has never had before. General Manager Kurtis Kuhn explained that the expanded tee system addresses yardage gaps that previously created uneven challenges from hole to hole, giving golfers more intuitive and consistent options throughout the round.

The most noticeable changes are expected on the back nine, where several new tee locations will shorten holes enough to improve pace of play while reducing forced carries for shorter hitters. The result should be smoother rounds and a more enjoyable experience for players across all ability levels.

The new tees are expected to open for play this summer, delivering immediate benefits while positioning Pine Lakes for its next century. As the club approaches its centennial milestone, this renovation represents a thoughtful step forward—honoring Pine Lakes’ rich history while adapting to the modern game.