Few public courses in the Southeast carry the name recognition of King’s North at Myrtle Beach National, an Arnold Palmer original that has long been woven into the fabric of Grand Strand golf. But after a sweeping, two‑year renovation led by architect Brandon Johnson, the course has reemerged not as a nostalgic relic, but as a bold, modernized version of itself—one that elevates strategy, aesthetics, and playability in ways that will surprise even its most loyal fans.
This is not a restoration. It is a reinvention that honors Palmer’s spirit while embracing today’s golfer’s expectations. And in doing so, King’s North has positioned itself as one of the most compelling public‑access experiences in South Carolina.
A Transformation Rooted in Strategy, Not Cosmetics
The renovation unfolded in two deliberate phases: the front nine in 2024, followed by the back nine in 2025. But the timeline only hints at the scale of the work. Johnson—who spent 17 years working alongside Palmer—approached the project with a clear mandate: sharpen the course’s strategic identity while preserving its soul.
That meant more than resurfacing greens or refreshing bunkers. Fairway corridors were widened and restored to their original intent. Angles were reintroduced. Greens were expanded, reshaped, and surrounded with short‑grass areas that invite creativity rather than forcing aerial approaches. Hazards were repositioned to create meaningful decisions rather than merely penal ones.
Johnson described the philosophy succinctly: every hole should ask a question. And now, they do.
The result is a layout that feels familiar in outline but entirely new in execution. Golfers who once relied on muscle memory will now find themselves rethinking lines, trajectories, and risk‑reward opportunities from the opening tee shot to the final putt.
King’s North: Built for Walkers, Thinkers, and Shot‑Makers
One of King’s North’s enduring strengths has always been its routing. Free of residential development and designed with walkability in mind, the course has a natural flow that encourages rhythm and immersion. The renovation amplifies that experience.
Selective vegetation removal opened long, sweeping views across the property, revealing landforms that had been hidden for decades. The course now breathes in a way it never has before. Fairways feel broader, but not easier. Greens feel more expressive, but not unfair. And the ground game—long overshadowed in coastal golf—has returned as a legitimate option.
This balance is what makes the new King’s North so compelling. Elite players will find a course that demands precision and imagination. High handicappers will discover a layout that offers width, recovery options, and strategic choices rather than forced carries and narrow chutes. It is a rare achievement: a course that challenges without punishing, and entertains without overwhelming.
Bold Changes, Intentional Vision
Steve Mays, president of Founders Group International, called the renovation “big, bold, and intentional,” and that description is no exaggeration. The changes are not subtle. They are meant to be seen, felt, and experienced.
Yet the boldness is grounded in respect. Johnson’s work does not overwrite Palmer’s vision—it reframes it. The iconic risk‑reward DNA remains intact, but the modernized presentation reflects how golfers think and play today. Wider fairways encourage strategic aggression. Rebuilt surrounds reward touch and creativity. Greens with expanded pinnable areas allow for more variety and nuance.
Johnson believes Palmer would approve. And it’s hard to disagree. The course now feels like a contemporary interpretation of Palmer’s design philosophy: fun, daring, and full of personality.
A Course That Reveals Itself Over Time
One of the most intriguing aspects of the renovation is its depth. Johnson noted that while some changes are immediately obvious, others will reveal themselves only after multiple rounds. That’s the hallmark of great architecture—layers of strategy and nuance that unfold gradually, rewarding repeat play.
Golfers will notice new angles off the tee, subtle contours around greens, and recovery options that encourage experimentation. The course invites players to think, adapt, and evolve. It is not a one‑note experience. It is a conversation between golfer and architect, renewed each time the player steps onto the first tee.
A Statement of Commitment from Founders Group International
The rebirth of King’s North is not an isolated project. It is part of a broader, sustained investment by Founders Group International, which owns 21 Myrtle Beach‑area courses and has completed more than a dozen major renovations in recent years. From Grande Dunes to Pine Lakes to TPC Myrtle Beach, the company has demonstrated a clear commitment to elevating the region’s golf offerings.
King’s North, however, stands out. It is one of the most recognizable names in Myrtle Beach golf, and its transformation signals FGI’s intent to ensure its flagship properties remain nationally relevant.
This renovation is not just about improving a course. It is about preserving a legacy and positioning it for the next generation of golfers.
A Timeless Course, Reimagined for Today
With the renovation now complete, King’s North enters a new era—one defined by bold visuals, strategic shot‑making, imaginative greens, and the unmistakable Palmer spirit of risk and reward. It is a course that feels both timeless and entirely new, familiar yet invigorating.
Golfers returning to King’s North will find a layout that honors their memories while challenging their expectations. New visitors will encounter a course that stands confidently among the best public golf experiences in South Carolina.
In a region known for its depth of quality golf, King’s North has reclaimed its place near the top of the conversation. And for a course with such a storied past, its future has never looked more exciting.
