GolfPass Icon
Rating Index Rating
Tooltip Information Icon
4.9
748 Reviews (748)
5 Stars
588
4 Stars
126
3 Stars
17
2 Stars
6
1 Stars
11
Conditions
4.8
Value
4.5
Layout
4.8
Friendliness
4.9
Pace
4.6
Amenities
4.8
99.5%
Recommend this course
721 out of 748 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.9
18 Reviews (18)
5 Stars
17
4 Stars
1
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.9
Value
4.8
Layout
4.9
Pace
4.8
Amenities
5.0
StaffFriendliness
5.0
100.0%
Recommend this course
18 out of 18 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.9
78 Reviews (78)
5 Stars
71
4 Stars
6
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.9
Value
4.5
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.7
Amenities
4.8
StaffFriendliness
4.9
100.0%
Recommend this course
78 out of 78 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 9
Type Public
Par 36
Length 3450 yards
Slope N/A
Rating N/A
Book a Tee Time at
Thistle Golf Club
Powered by GolfNow.com
Hot Deals at Thistle Golf Club

Course Details

Year Built 1999
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Greens TifEagle Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Tim Cate (1999)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
GPS No
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No

Food & Beverage

Bar

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Banquet Facilities

Accolades

The Best Way To Book Is With GolfPass+
waivedfees
10 rounds of waived fees
golf ball.svg
$120 in tee time credits
teetime protection.svg
Tee Time Protection
redeemtrophy
Redeem GolfPass points

Reviews

4.9
748 Reviews (748)

Reviewer Photos

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Ridiculous

I usually don't post unless it's bad however I play here quite often and I can't believe someone would give this place 4 stars never a 1. I would compare this course to any of the #1 courses in the area. Everything is always pristine and I love the updated cats and how well manicured everything is. I tell anyone I can about how well taken care of this course is.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 12/08/2016

Thank you for the awesome review. Our maintenance staff prides themselves in the condition of the course and we will pass along the compliment to them. We look forward to seeing you again in the near future.

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Totally Overrated

We came down from Columbus with a group of friends. Everyone talked about the Thistle. Walked in the Pro Shop. Some tall guy named Chad was speaking rudely with a customer at the other side of the counter. Not a good start. Nobody at the bag drop area seemed to express any warm feelings or do anything to make you feel welcome. The starter was a bit confused about which courses we should play. To top things off, our pace of play was incredibly slow. We complained to the ranger and he didn't seem to care. Lots of courses to play in Myrtle Beach. Don't waste your time at Thistle.

Conditions Average
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Poor
Pace Poor
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 12/08/2016

Thank you for your review. Come back and see us soon.

Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Always stellar!

Too bad everyone knows about this place now...been playing here for a while, but over the last year or two the word has gotten out. Still, they manage to accommodate your requests regarding playing on your own vs. getting paired up with people and they don't overbook the course. That is very welcome...even if the course wasn't always in such good shape and so fun to play, I'd keep coming back because of the service.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 56
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Day 4 2016 Myrtle Beach World Am

Drew the Mackay and Cameron courses at Thistle for day 4 of the Myrtle Beach World Am. Thistle is an extremely nice complex. Beautiful clubhouse and course. I believe I have written an review of Thistle . before and was critical of the grill in the clubhouse. No issues this trip.

The course was in excellent shape. Beautiful course. Greens were smooth and rolled true and very nice speed. Saw very few blemishes on the course itself. Bunkers were well groomed and nice.

Staff was very friendly and helpful. We had 96 players on the course that day. Everything went very smoothly

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 12/08/2016

Thank you for your second review of Thistle Golf Club. We are happy your pub experience was exemplary. We look forward to your next visit and the conditions should be excellent just like they were during the World AM.

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Good

Course in very good condition and I'm pretty picky. Greens rolled true and were fast (probably around 11-12). They send people out on all three 9 hole courses so expect to hit "traffic" at the turn even if your group has the earliest tee time. So you're looking at around a 5hr + round.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 12/08/2016

Thank you for your good review of Thistle Golf Club. We appreciate your compliment about the greens and we look forward to seeing you next time.

Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Outstanding experience (full review)

Excellent experience from start to finish. Gentleman at the front gate's sense of humor, to the friendly staff at the bag drop, and the courteous staff in the club house.

But those greens.....wow. It gave an average hacker like myself a glimpse of the conditions the pros at Oakmont were up against on the greens.

Funny moment of the round: I believe it may have been the ranger that asked me along the way what I thought of the course. I told him it was beautiful and sarcastically told him they should make the greens a little faster. He replied "we are working hard to get them to a 12." - referring to the Stempmeter.

Loved every minute I was there and will definitely return next chance I get.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/17/2016

Thank you for the great review. Glad you and your group enjoyed themselves while on the property...seems you received the complete Thistle Experience.

On the subject of the greens, I apologize for my rangers inaccurate response.....they were rolling 12.4 on the day you played...lol. They are fast, not quite as fast as Oakmont, but boy do they roll true. Please come back and visit soon.

Make sure to book early for the BEST rate! http://www.thistlegolf.com/book-tee-time/

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Tour like shape

I am a local in myrtle beach, and dont see golf courses in this type of shape very often. Green were firm and fast, fairways full and tight, and rough full, but fair. If you have the chance its worth the drive for the conditions and great staff.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/17/2016

Thank you so much for reviewing our golf course! Since you are a local, please consider joining our Hickory Stick Loyalty Program. Hope to see you back soon. http://www.thistlegolf.com/hickory-stick-loyalty-club/

Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Stewart MacKay

This was my 1st time at The Thistle. Drove down from Wilmington and that was an easier drive than I thought. I play a Tim Cate designed course in the Wilmington area and really enjoy it so I was excited to try The Thistle.

Course was in great shape. There was some sand on all the greens but they rolled true and had some pace. Fairways were in good nick. There was some rough but it was not penal Pace of play great (never saw anyone in front or behind. It was a Wednesday morning/afternoon). Some very challenging holes and interesting holes. I am not a long hitter so some of the par 5's played quite tough. Staff was great as well.

Will definitely be adding The Thistle to my rotation of courses. Already looking forward to returning.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/17/2016

On behalf of all of us at Thistle Golf Club, thank you so much for your review! We are so happy you think so highly of our course, don't hesitate to make your next tee time in advance with us to you will save on your round! http://www.thistlegolf.com/book-tee-time/

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Thistle Golf Club - Nicest Course at the Beach

Just finished up a round of 18 at the Thistle Golf Club in Sunset Beach, NC. If you are anywhere near the Wilmington/Myrtle Beach area, you owe it to yourself to play a round here. “Perfection” is the only word I can use to describe the whole experience. The course was in immaculate condition and was manicured to a T. In 20 years of playing, this is the nicest course I have ever played. Greens, tee boxes, sand traps, and fairways were in perfect condition. The club house and the memorabilia in it were breathtaking, and the customer service was second to none. This customer service was demonstrated from everyone from the bag drop, to starter, to the General Manager. The tee times were spaced apart, as we did not see more than one foursome at any hole. Even the ice towels given to customer to keep cool were scented to enhance the customer experience. I will definitely play this course again and will recommend it to anyone I talk golf with. The Thistle Golf Club today demonstrated perfection. - Josh Adams

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/17/2016

Thank you for the kind words and great review. We take great pride in our product, paying attention to the smallest of details.

We are honored to hear this is the Best Course you've ever played. I've passed your comments on to my entire staff. We will continue to get better and better. Please come back the next time you are in town. Book in advance and save. http://www.thistlegolf.com/book-tee-time/

Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course

Really enjoyable great layout greens and fairways were in excellent shape

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/05/2016

Thank you for your review and rating of our course! We are happy to hear you had an enjoyable experience and would welcome you back any time to play. Hope to see you soon!

Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Well worth the price of admission

The course was in excellent condition, with well marked tees and distance markers. The bunkers are sometimes deep, and always have good sand. I was in enough of them to know. This is a challenging layout, with plenty of tee box choices to fit most golfers' ability levels. Quite a few of the green complexes are well bunkered and elevated enough to make club selection far from simple. I enjoyed the round and will be back.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/05/2016

We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your round! We look forward to your next visit, if you book far enough in advance with us, you save on your round!

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Excellent course

A little pricier than other options but worth it. Challenging course, but fair. Excellent condition and attentive staff.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/23/2016

We are so glad to hear you think our course is worth it, we would have to agree with you! Thank you for taking the time to come play and feel free to come back and see us any time!

Played On
Reviews 38
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
South Carolina Advisor
First Time Playing
Used cart

Thistle a no-brainer.

Thistle is everything everyone here has said it would be. From the bag drop to the 18th hole the place is top shelf. We took advantage of a free replay and played 36. Greens are fast, roll true and in great shape .A true test of golf.Wide Fairways were all in good condition. Will definitely be back.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/23/2016

Thank you so much for your review and agreement with other's positive reviews! We look forward to your next visit!

Played On
Reviews 26
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Fair weather
Used cart

Very Happy with this club

I played Thistle as part of a tournament course rotation. I was very pleasantly surprised how good the course was in terms of conditions. No complaints at all. Parts of the round were somewhat awful due to rain, but the rest of the day was fine. Staff is very friendly and helpful except for the cart guy who threw away my tournament score card and almost got my partner and I disqualified.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/23/2016

We are so glad our club was a part of your tournament rotation and that you enjoyed your time with us! We're relieved you got your score card, otherwise, we would've been in a lot of trouble! Hope to see you back here soon (hopefully on a sunny day)!

Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Put this one on your list!

Gorgeous course that you must play if you're in the area. Layout was challenging, greens were absolutely perfect. Water and sand on the majority of holes makes this a shot makers course. Placement in the fairway and on the green is critical. Greens were the best I've played in the area and our group will definitely visit this course again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/02/2016

Stephen, thank you for your rating and review of our course! We are so glad you had an excellent day your first time out here! We look forward to your next visit!

Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

One of the best

If your plaing golf in myrtle beach area and you want to play one of the best play the thistle . Its a first class course always in great shape fantastic layout great greens. Could play this course every day. Will play many more times. can be a little pricey so might want look for a deal but you will have a great day if you go to the thistle i love it

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/31/2016

Thank you so much for reviewing our golf course! Please feel free to come visit and play any time. Keep in mind, if you book in advance, you'll save on your round! http://www.thistlegolf.com/book-tee-time/

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once every three months
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Thistle is a Hidden Gem

Far and away the best course I've played in the South East. Outstanding conditions and an amazing course. From the bag drop team to the grounds crew, the staff is phenomenal. An amazing experience - I will be back to play again!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/02/2016

Thank you for commenting about Thistle Golf Club. We are happy that you enjoyed yourself when you came out and look forward to seeing you in the future. The staff thanks you for your compliment.

Sincerely,

Thistle Golf Club

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

One of the truly great courses in the country

Having the honor of playing Pebble Beach, Cypress Point, Robert Trent Jones etc. I found Thistle to be one of the top five courses I've had the privilegecd to play. From the moment we arrived to the time we left the staff and grounds crew made us feel welcomed and appreciated. Can't wait to return!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/31/2016

On behalf of all of us at Thistle Golf Club, thank you so much for your review! We are so happy you think so highly of our course, don't hesitate to make your next tee time in advance with us to you will save on your round! http://www.thistlegolf.com/book-tee-time/

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Average weather
Used cart

Feb 6th 2016

Always in great condition. Best greens in the area. Tee times are spaced so time of play was excellent. 5 tee boxes so you can pick how much challenge you want.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/31/2016

Thank you for taking the time to review our course; we're so happy you liked it! Please come back any time and see us!

Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/02/2016

Thank you for commenting about the greens and pace of play. We are happy that you enjoyed yourself when you came out and look forward to seeing you in the future.

Sincerely,

Thistle Golf Club

Played On
Reviews 12
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Thistle Cameron

Excellent course, friendly staff, great clubhouse overall 5 star rating

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Nearby Courses
Sunset Beach, North Carolina
Public
4.8533260105
748
Sunset Beach, North Carolina
Public
4.8533260105
748
Sunset Beach, North Carolina
Public
4.3987129561
688
Sunset Beach, North Carolina
Public
4.3987129561
688
Sunset Beach, North Carolina
Resort
3.6868370328
444
Sunset Beach, North Carolina
Public
4.3987129561
688
Sunset Beach, North Carolina
Resort
3.9182984865
505
Sunset Beach, North Carolina
Public
3.9720773594
1068
Sunset Beach, North Carolina
Public
3.5757662947
220
Sunset Beach, North Carolina
Public
3.9720773594
1068
Sunset Beach, North Carolina
Public
3.9720773594
1068
Sunset Beach, North Carolina
Resort
3.0389792614
359
Golf Packages

Talamore Golf Resort Stay & Play Package

FROM $137 (USD)
SOUTHERN PINES, NC | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at the Talamore Golf Resort and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Mid Pines Golf Course, Mid South Course, Tobacco Road Golf Course, and The New Course.

Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club Stay & Play Package

FROM $167 (USD)
SOUTHERN PINES, NC | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at the Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Mid Pines Golf Course, Pine Needles Golf Course, Tobacco Road Golf Course, and The New Course.

Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club Stay & Play Package

FROM $167 (USD)
SOUTHERN PINES, NC | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at the Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Mid Pines Golf Course, Pine Needles Golf Course, Tobacco Road Golf Course, and The New Course.

Francis Marion Hotel Stay & Play

FROM $187 (USD)
CHARLESTON, SC | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at the Francis Marion Hotel and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of RiverTowne Golf Course, Charleston National Golf Course, Wild Dunes – Harbor Course, Wild Dunes – Links Course, and Stono Ferry Golf Course.

Wild Dunes Resort Stay & Play Package

FROM $197 (USD)
CHARLESTON, SC | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at the Wild Dunes Resort and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Wild Dunes – Harbor Course, Wild Dunes – Links Course, RiverTowne Golf Course, and Charleston National Golf Course.
Now Reading
  • Home

  • Memberships

  • Library

  • Account