King’s North Reopens After Transformative Renovation
King’s North at Myrtle Beach National, one of Arnold Palmer’s most iconic designs, has reopened for preview play following a two-year renovation led by architect Brandon Johnson, a longtime Palmer Design associate. The comprehensive project, completed in two phases beginning in 2024, modernizes the celebrated course while preserving the spirit of Palmer’s original vision.
A Reimagined Experience
Golfers returning to King’s North will discover restored fairway widths, repositioned bunkers, refined green complexes, and expanded strategic options that enhance playability and variety. Johnson and his team also implemented vegetation removal and sightline improvements, unveiling new vistas and giving golfers fresh visual perspectives across the course.
“People who played King’s North in the past are going to find a course that looks and plays different,” Johnson said. “We paid homage to the original features but presented them in a fresh way.”
Honoring the Past, Enhancing the Future
The updates celebrate Palmer’s design philosophy while adding modern shot-making intrigue. Subtle yet meaningful adjustments—especially around holes No. 14 and No. 15—introduce new angles, contouring, and recovery options that reward creativity and course knowledge.
“If Mr. Palmer were here today, I believe he’d be proud of what we achieved,” Johnson added.
A Jewel of the Grand Strand
Founders Group International President Steve Mays praised the results, saying, “Brandon Johnson did a phenomenal job of preserving the integrity of Arnold Palmer’s original design while enhancing the experience. Architecturally and visually, King’s North is better than ever.”
With the reopening, King’s North continues its legacy as one of Myrtle Beach’s most distinguished courses—bold, beautiful, and built for every level of golfer.
Continuing FGI’s Commitment to Excellence
The King’s North renovation is the latest in a series of capital improvement projects across Founders Group International’s 21-course portfolio, including recent work at Grande Dunes, Pawleys Plantation Golf Club, Myrtlewood Golf Club, Pine Lakes, and TPC Myrtle Beach. With more than a dozen renovations completed, FGI continues to set the standard for golf course quality and innovation along the Grand Strand.
