Reclaiming Its Place: The Reinvention of Long Bay Club

From golfers to the guys on the grounds crew, the staff, and the clubhouse grille, a new vibe has overtaken Long Bay Club, and it’s only the beginning.

The Jack Nicklaus design has embarked on a three-year, three-part renovation that is already building momentum.

Led by Troy Vincent of Nicklaus Design, the renovation will ultimately touch all 18 holes. By the time the project is complete, every bunker will have been rebuilt or reshaped, infrastructure will be modernized, and the course’s look and playability will be elevated – all while allowing golfers to play throughout the effort.

Laying the Foundation
After battling through challenges in 2022 and early 2023, Long Bay installed new TifEagle bermudagrass greens in the summer of 2023 and the new putting surfaces have thrived, particularly since superintendent Gene Meyle arrived a year ago.

“This is the best I’ve seen it since I’ve been down here,” said Meyle, an industry veteran.

With the foundation reestablished by the new greens, Long Bay opted to double down on its surging popularity with the three-part renovation.

“We’re trying to get back to that tier-one status,” said general manager Jason Jackson.

Phase One Makes Its Mark
The first phase of the renovation, completed this winter, has already made a visible impact, particularly on holes 8 and 9.

The most striking change is the removal of bulkheads around the water and the introduction of more slopes on the par 4 ninth. Where hard edges once defined the hole, softer contours now slope naturally into the water, creating a seamless look.

“It really looks like it’s always been there,” Meyle said of the changes.

Additional Phase One work included:
● A reshaped green complex on No. 4 and the introduction of a developing stream feature along the left side of the fairway
● A reimagined No. 16, where a split fairway was unified and smaller fairway bunkers replaced a large waste area
● Infrastructure upgrades, including drainage improvements to address aging underground pipes

The goal isn’t just aesthetics; it’s sustainability and playability.

A Course-Wide Bunker Overhaul
At the core of the project is a comprehensive bunker renovation that will reach every hole.

But this isn’t about making Long Bay easier.

“We’re not trying to make it softer,” Meyle said. “We’re trying to make it more appealing, more manageable, and more maintenance friendly.”

Over time, the course’s bunker faces have grown steep and edges more abrupt. The new approach softens those features, creating a more natural look while improving consistency.

The updates will include lower, more playable bunker faces, smoother transitions into surrounding turf, capillary concrete liners for improved drainage, and new G-Angle sand in greenside bunkers.

What’s Ahead
The biggest emphasis during Phase Two, expected to begin in 2027, will be on Nos. 15 and 18, including bulkhead repairs and continued bunker work across nearby holes.

Hole 18 could see one of the most dramatic evolutions, with plans under consideration to expand the pond toward the tee and soften the approach into the green, creating a more visually appealing finish.

Phase Three in 2028 will complete the remaining course work and include a full cart path resurfacing.

Renovating Without Closing
Executing a project of this scale while remaining open hasn’t been simple, but Long Bay has managed it with careful planning and communication.

Most of the work is being done during winter months and early mornings, allowing crews to stay ahead of daily play. Golfers, meanwhile, have embraced the process.

“When they see what it looks like, they understand it’s worth it,” said Jason Jackson, Long Bay’s general manager.

The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly after the completion of holes 8 and 9.

The reinvigoration has extended into the clubhouse, including a fully renovated golf shop, updated grill room with new menu options, enhanced outdoor seating, and plans for a warming kitchen to expand event capabilities.

The unveiling of a new logo is another indicator of the fresh start Long Bay is enjoying.

“It’s a new era for Long Bay,” Jackson said.

Reclaiming Its Place
For both Meyle and Jackson, the project represents more than upgrades, it’s an opportunity.

“It’s super exciting,” Meyle said. “To see where we were a few years ago and where we’re headed now.”

With strong conditions already in place and a clear vision unfolding, Long Bay Club isn’t just improving, it’s poised to reclaim it place among Myrtle Beach’s most popular layouts.

And it’s doing it in full view of the golfers who get to experience the transformation as it happens.

Photos for this feature from MyrtleBeachGolfTrips Instagram Account

(Photos below: 8th green, 9th fairway, golf shop & restaurant, plus new logo)