The Reimagining of King’s North: A New Era for Myrtle Beach National
The iconic King’s North course at Myrtle Beach National in South Carolina is undergoing a significant transformation, with the front nine renovations progressing on schedule for an early October reopening. This ambitious project, overseen by architect Brandon Johnson of Johnson Golf Design, marks the beginning of a two-year, two-part overhaul that promises to enhance the golfing experience on this Arnold Palmer-designed layout.
A Vision for Transformation
King’s North closed its doors in June to embark on this extensive renovation. The project aims to restore the course to its original glory while incorporating modern design elements that will appeal to today’s golfers. The back nine is set to be revamped next summer, ensuring that the entire course will benefit from Johnson’s innovative vision.
Johnson, who spent 17 years with Arnold Palmer Design before establishing his own firm, is excited about the changes. “The greens are going to be a lot bigger,” he noted, emphasizing the restoration of the greens to their original sizes, with some even expanded to accommodate an additional 30,000 square feet of putting surface. The greens have been sprigged with TifEagle bermudagrass, and they are growing on schedule, ready to welcome players back in just a month.
Rediscovering the Course’s Heritage
One of the most intriguing aspects of the renovation has been the discovery of the course’s original green boundaries. Johnson and his team have meticulously peeled back layers of the course to reveal where greens once existed, allowing them to smooth contours and create a more natural flow. “It was fun discovering a lot of the old, original green boundaries,” Johnson remarked. This attention to detail not only honors the legacy of Arnold Palmer but also enhances the overall playability of the course.
Strategic Enhancements
With the greens and surrounding areas nearing completion, Johnson is now focusing on the renovation of the front nine bunkers. These changes are designed to add strategic value to the course, which has long been a favorite among golfers. “Between widening fairways, opening up the front of some of the greens so you can play the ball on the ground, and tweaking angles of the bunkers, there are going to be some new strategic locations that will present some fun riddles for players to solve,” Johnson explained.
The design team is also embracing the rugged aesthetic that King’s North is known for, expanding the layout’s waste bunkers to highlight the area’s naturally sandy soil. This approach not only enhances the visual appeal of the course but also integrates it more seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
Anticipation for Reopening
As the reopening date approaches, excitement is building among golfers and the local community. Steve Mays, president of Founders Group International, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming changes, stating, “We are excited to welcome golfers back to King’s North in October, so they can enjoy the rare opportunity to experience an architect’s vision for a reimagined layout at the halfway point.” Mays believes that Johnson’s work will recapture the magic of Palmer’s original design while incorporating fresh ideas that will resonate with modern players.
A Legacy of Excellence
King’s North has a storied history, having last undergone a significant renovation in 1996 when Palmer himself oversaw a complete redesign. Since then, the course has consistently ranked among Myrtle Beach’s best designs and was even recognized as one of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest. The current renovation is part of a broader trend of investment by Founders Golf in its portfolio of courses, which includes significant improvements at other renowned locations like Grande Dunes, Pine Lakes, and TPC Myrtle Beach.
Conclusion
The reimagining of King’s North at Myrtle Beach National is not just a renovation; it’s a celebration of golf’s rich heritage and a commitment to providing an exceptional experience for players. With the front nine set to reopen in October and the back nine renovations on the horizon, golfers can look forward to a revitalized course that honors its past while embracing the future. As anticipation builds, King’s North is poised to reclaim its status as a must-play destination in the heart of South Carolina’s golf mecca.