Little River, South Carolina
River Hills delivers a unique Myrtle Beach-Area golf experience with rolling elevation, mature woods, and a design that rewards thoughtful positioning over raw power. Impeccable greens and strategic doglegs make this a must-play for those seeking a true shotmaker’s test. The tranquil, secluded setting offers a compelling break from the usual resort bustle.
Take a moment on the signature 17th tee to soak in the panoramic downhill view—locals say it’s the best vista on the course and a Myrtle Beach-area surprise.
River Hills is an uncommon Carolina shotmakers’ course, sequencing sharply contoured holes through mature forests and along dramatic elevation changes—features rarely seen in the lowcountry. Tom Jackson’s routing leverages doglegs, sloping fairways, and water hazards to place a premium on thoughtful placement and approach precision. The recent restoration expanded green sizes, improved bunker aesthetics, and revived the strategic intent, bringing new challenge and flavor to every hole. Layout variety, visual movement, and thoughtful use of terrain set it apart from more mundane local options.
Tom Jackson is known in the Carolinas for crafting player-friendly but strategically engaging layouts—his work at River Hills marries shotmaking with southeastern beauty.
This long par-4 sweeps sharply left through a towering stand of mature pine and hardwood trees, requiring both precision and controlled power. A pinpoint drive sets up a tough approach over a well-guarded green. Accuracy is everything as trees and subtle fairway movement catch anything slightly offline.
Favor the right side off the tee for a more open approach—risk being blocked out if you drift left.
Miss the fairway, and dense trees plus bunkers make par a challenge.
Expect firm, immaculate greens and excellent fairways thanks to recent renovations; strategic bunkering and quick putting surfaces throughout.
Pace of play is consistently strong, with a well-run tee sheet and minimal bottlenecks.
The atmosphere is calm, unhurried, and friendly, with an emphasis on classic golf over crowded resort frills.
Standard golf attire recommended; collared shirts and golf shoes expected.
Long irons, hybrids, and fairway woods are often the smart play from the tee, especially on doglegs.
Though walkable, undulating terrain means you’ll want supportive shoes and perhaps a push cart for comfort.
Water hazards and dense forest lines can make wayward shots costly on several holes.
Expanded TifEagle greens offer more room but also more subtle breaks—use your practice green time well.
Opened, original Tom Jackson design
Major $2 million course reconstruction and greens conversion
Complete clubhouse, grillroom, and pro shop renovation
Greens restored to original size, TifEagle installed
Complete bunker overhaul with new liners and drainage
Official reopening after restoration, renewed acclaim
The course record at River Hills is a sizzling 62, set by Chip Deason—a score that stands as a target for ambitious ball-strikers looking to master its doglegs and quick greens. Locals still talk about his round as the gold standard for attacking the layout.
Unlike most flat Myrtle Beach-area courses, River Hills unfolds over rolling land and features genuine elevation changes that shape tee shots, approaches, and even green complexes. This topography gives the course a feel more like North Carolina foothills than coastal Carolina lowlands.
River Hills hosts major sections of the World Amateur and Palmetto State Open, packing the fairways each year with players ranging from scrappy grinders to future pros. The course’s subtle demands reward those who keep the ball in the right places.
After major greens and bunker restorations in 2022–23, River Hills resurrected its original challenge and playability. Recent player reviews praise the greens as the best they’ve ever seen at the club, with the course now outshining many of its Grand Strand neighbors.
River Hills’ greens were expanded by nearly 40% in the 2022-23 restoration.
Course topography is so distinct that elevation changes surprise even Grand Strand regulars.
The club claims future PGA Tour players have competed here during their NGA Tour stints.
Large stone bulkheads frame many of the course’s water features.
River Hills was a nominee for Golf Digest’s Best New Course after opening.
Sweeping marsh and waterway views, considered among the Grand Strand’s best
Challenging water carries and a scenic finishing stretch along the Intracoastal
Quiet, value-oriented play with accessible routing
Casual, enjoyable layout easily paired with a River Hills round
Atmospheric oak-lined setting, a regional bucket-list
North Myrtle Beach or Little River for maximum course access and minimal drive times
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. River Oaks Country Club offers similarly polished playing surfaces, making it a compelling counterpart to River Hills Golf & Country Club.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Lost Rail Golf Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to River Hills Golf & Country Club.
Why it matches: The Reserve Club at Woodside is a natural next stop after River Hills Golf & Country Club: it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
Noted for vibrant shaping and playable resort style
Features marshland and Carolina coastal scenery
Cypress swamp and creative water hazards
Scottish-inspired, multiple nines
Community Sentiment
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