Oyster Bay Golf Links
A celebrated Dan Maples design in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, Oyster Bay Golf Links blends saltwater marsh, coastal lakes, maritime forest, island greens, bold bunkering, and strategic water carries into one of the Grand Strand’s most distinctive rounds.
A marshland classic where pretty does not mean easy.
Oyster Bay Golf Links has long been one of the most recognizable north-end courses on the Myrtle Beach golf map. Set in Sunset Beach near the Calabash River, the course uses marsh, water, pines, lakes, wildlife, and memorable green sites to create a round that feels coastal, strategic, and very alive.
Designed by Dan Maples and opened in 1983, Oyster Bay plays as a par 70 from 6,685 yards. The scorecard is not enormous by modern standards, but the course is famous for proving that yardage is only one way to defend par. Bunkers, water carries, island greens, and undulating putting surfaces keep the round sharp.
Oyster Bay has a strong architectural identity because no two holes feel copied and pasted. It mixes penal, heroic, and strategic design ideas, meaning some holes ask for caution, some tempt a bold carry, and some simply demand that the ball start on the right line.
For a 2026 Myrtle Beach golf trip, Oyster Bay works especially well for groups that want a scenic course with history, character, and enough bite to make the round memorable without feeling like a forced march.
Dan Maples design
Oyster Bay is one of Dan Maples’ defining Grand Strand courses, blending creative shot values, water carries, marsh edges, and risk-reward decisions.
Island-green drama
The course is known for a pair of island greens, giving players postcard views and pressure shots that can change a match quickly.
Alligator Alley character
Marshland, coastal lakes, wildlife, and alligator-spotted fairways give Oyster Bay a Lowcountry personality that feels different from inland resort golf.
Oyster Bay Golf Links gallery
A look at Oyster Bay’s island greens, marsh views, lakes, pine corridors, water carries, and coastal Carolina golf scenery.
How Oyster Bay plays.
Oyster Bay rewards control more than power. The course gives players chances to score, but water, marsh edges, bunkers, and uneven green complexes make careless misses feel expensive.
The island-green holes and longer par 4s are the pressure points. Many approaches ask for commitment over water or sand, so the smart play is often choosing the correct miss before reaching for the flag.
For 2026 trips, Oyster Bay is a strong fit for groups that want scenery and strategy in the same round. It is memorable, playable from the right tees, and sneaky enough to make the post-round stories better.
| Category | Useful Course Details |
|---|---|
| Gold Tees | 6,685 yards · 72.1 rating · 136 slope |
| Blue Tees | 6,325 yards · 69.8 rating · 130 slope |
| White Tees | 5,576 yards · 67.6 rating · 120 slope |
| Red Tees | 4,665 yards · 65.2 rating · 118 slope |
| White Ladies | 5,576 yards · 72.6 rating · 133 slope |
| Red Ladies | 4,665 yards · 66.8 rating · 118 slope |
| Signature Features | Pair of island greens, marsh carries and coastal lakes |
| Design Character | Penal, heroic and strategic shot values mixed into one layout |
| Course Defense | Cavernous bunkers, undulating greens, water carries and lengthy par 4s |
| Recognition | Golf Digest 4.5-star Places to Play and Best New Resort Course of the Year honors |
What’s available at Oyster Bay
Oyster Bay offers the core pieces golf groups need for a full day: bar, restaurant, golf shop, carts, club rentals, driving range, practice areas, and a scenic Sunset Beach setting.
Bar
Club Rental
Golf Carts
Golf Shop
Restaurant
Driving Range
Add Oyster Bay to your 2026 golf trip.
Oyster Bay Golf Links is a strong choice for groups that want a scenic Dan Maples design, island-green drama, marshland views, strategic water carries, and a memorable North Strand round with real Lowcountry character.