Location and History
Only a stone’s throw away from the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, tucked away amidst the guttural merriment of Myrtle Beach lies the splendid Azalea Sands Golf Course – a local treasure and a global attraction. This sublime jewel of South Carolina has been a part of the local landscape since 1972, offering 18 holes of delightful, challenging and egalitarian golf.
Public Accessibility and Design
Azalea Sands is a public course, designed by the legendary Gene Hamm with the goal of creating a golfing haven that caters to both novices and experienced players alike. Routed through towering trees and around many mesmerising lakes, the course is known to be user-friendly yet intriguing, offering a unique balance of accessibility and challenge.
Universal Accessibility Commitment
The commitment to access for all at Azalea Sands is an integral part of its mission. They believe every individual should have the opportunity to appreciate the thrill and tranquility of the golfing experience, regardless of their age, gender, skill level, or disability. Azalea’s universal accessibility initiative is more than a slogan; it manifests in storage and cart facilities available for disabled players, open spaces for strollers, and exceptionally friendly staff always prepared to lend a hand.
Suitable for All Skill Levels
Azalea Sands doesn’t shy away from challenging its players, but it is in this challenge where the course truly shines as a universally inclusive destination. Whether a budding golfer, a weekend warrior, or a seasoned pro, everyone can find their match in the well-distinct fairways and the meticulously trimmed greens. Terry Wiloughby, Golf Director, has often remarked, “the great thing about Azalea is that what you see is what you get. There are no hidden hazards, just a straight away design that golfers truly appreciate.”
Family Friendly
Azalea Sands isn’t specifically targeted at the serious, often daunting, world of golfing enthusiasts, making it a family-friendly environment where children and beginners have the opportunity to learn the ropes. The special reduced green fee for junior golfers under the age of 16 is testament to Azalea Sands’s commitment towards encouraging the younger generation to engage in the sport.
Environmentally Conscious
In recent years, Azalea Sands has also shown a pragmatic approach towards environmental consciousness. They have adopted eco-friendly course maintenance strategies, employing organic treatments wherever possible, and minimizing the use of water resources. In this way, not only does the course remain verdant and vibrant, but it does so with the least possible impact on the surrounding environment.
Hurricane Florence Recovery
Significant in the story of Azalea Sands is their remarkable recover from the devastating Hurricane Florence in 2018, which forced the course to close down temporarily. The spirit of resilience was evident in the collective effort of the local community and the staff to rebuild and restore the golf course, promoting a sense of shared ownership and pride in this local landmark.
Final Thoughts
Azalea Sands Golf Course continues to epitomize the quintessence of egalitarian golf. With its challenging, stunning and accessible design, it’s little wonder that the course garners such unanimous appreciation from golfing enthusiasts around the globe. Whether you’ve just picked up your first set of sticks or have seasoned hands, Azalea Sands is a course that invites every golfer to simply pick up a club and play, demonstrating that the compelling ethos of golf truly lies in its ability to unite and include all. In the sun-dappled fairways of Myrtle Beach, inclusive golf isn’t just an afterthought – it’s a way of life.