News Summary
Prestwick Country Club has been recognized as the 2025 Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course of the Year by MBAGCOA. With its TifEagle ultradwarf Bermudagrass greens and beautiful renovations, Prestwick offers golfers a challenging and enjoyable experience. Under the leadership of Jay Smith and Paul Kaufman, the club prioritizes community connection and is committed to providing opportunities for junior golfers. Prestwick’s recent achievement paves the way for future accolades at state and national levels, highlighting its quality and contributions to the sport of golf.
Prestwick Country Club Celebrates Recognition as Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course of the Year
Golf enthusiasts have something to cheer about as the Prestwick Country Club has been named the 2025 Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course of the Year by the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association (MBAGCOA). This beautiful 7,086-yard course, designed by renowned architects Pete Dye and P.B. Dye, opened its gates in 1989, and has become a beloved destination for golfers near and far.
A Closer Look at Prestwick Country Club
What makes Prestwick so special? For starters, its golf course is graced with TifEagle ultradwarf Bermudagrass greens known for their smoothness and playability. Players can expect a challenging layout that keeps you on your toes—with dramatic mounding and deep-faced bunkers that add flair to your game. Over the years, Prestwick has undergone substantial renovations, such as new bulkheads, rebuilt bunkers, and gorgeous clubhouse updates, making it a well-rounded facility for all.
A Legacy of Leadership
At the helm of this fantastic establishment are general manager Jay Smith and superintendent Paul Kaufman, who have both dedicated over 25 years to ensuring Prestwick remains a top-notch golfing venue. Transformed into a fully public course in 2016 after 26 years of being semi-private, it opened its doors wider, enabling more golfing aficionados to experience its grandeur. Prior recognition includes being named one of “One of the Five Best Kept Secret Golf Courses In America” by Golf Digest in 2004—an honor that clearly holds true!
Community Commitment
Prestwick Country Club doesn’t just focus on its courses; it deeply values community connection. The club hosts the Horry County Special Olympics Golf Team and offers complimentary access for junior golfers eager to learn the game. Such initiatives contribute to the club’s reputation as a great supporter of local sports and youth programs.
Upcoming Changes and Recognitions
Prestwick’s recent award opens doors for further accolades at the state and national levels through the National Golf Course Owners Association. Nominees for this award are evaluated on course quality, management, community contributions, and overall contributions to the sport of golf.
Celebrating Achievement: Scott Taylor Named Employee of the Year
This year brought another round of applause with Scott Taylor, the general manager of River Oaks Golf Club, being honored as the MBAGCOA Employee of the Year. With over three decades in the golf market, Scott is a respected figure in the industry and a second-generation PGA professional, making his recognition well-deserved.
The Future of River Oaks Golf Club
However, changes are afoot for River Oaks Golf Club, which is set to close its doors on October 31. This beloved venue has been operational since 1987, once offering a sprawling 27-hole course, but will soon be redeveloped into residential housing. Plans include the transformation of the property into 590 housing lots, requiring no rezoning approval from local authorities due to existing zoning laws.
Family Golf Week Highlights
In other golf news, the recently held Family Golf Week saw over 400 teams participating from across 40 states, concluding with a grand celebration of achievements. A particular standout was the Long family, John and Jeffrey, who triumphed in the Super Senior Division for the fourth consecutive time at the National Father-Son Invitational—hats off to that remarkable duo!
A Bright Future Ahead
As Prestwick Country Club basks in the glow of its award and the community continues to evolve, it’s clear that the passion for golf remains strong. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, there’s so much to enjoy in this vibrant golfing community. Here’s to many more years of excellence, camaraderie, and unforgettable golf!
