Myrtle Beach's River Oaks Golf Club Closing for Housing: What’s Next?

Indian River Shores, USA - The River Oaks Golf Club, a familiar name in Myrtle Beach’s golfing scene since opening in 1987, is set to close its doors on October 31, 2024, making way for residential development. With the course managing 27 holes until recently, the future of this cherished local landmark is now tied to a significant shift towards housing. Chris Manning of Chris Manning Communities acquired the remaining 18 holes reports that he plans to convert the space into single-family homes as part of a larger development effort.

With 370 lots in the works, this transformation follows the ongoing redevelopment of previously sold portions of the golf course. Notably, Manning sold the Bear property, which he acquired in September 2021, to Mungo Homes for a hefty $9.5 million, planning to add 220 homes there. The impending changes signal a significant uptick in the number of residential units in the area, with nearly 600 homes anticipated across the two developments.

Community Reactions and Concerns

Despite the promise of new homes, sentiments among residents are far from rosy. Just recently, a development proposal by Diamond Shores, LLC, to transform additional golf course land into over 550 housing units was withdrawn amidst widespread community opposition. Concerns regarding stormwater drainage, increased traffic, and overcrowded schools dominated the discussion, as highlighted in a report from WPDE. Councilman Dennis DiSabato emphasized that adequate infrastructure must accompany such growth, further voicing his disapproval of high-density developments reports WPDE.

Fear of losing the natural beauty of the area weighed heavily on the minds of residents like Melissa Joos, who argued that increased housing would worsen existing flooding issues. DiSabato, echoing these concerns, does not foresee any development occurring in the near term for River Oaks until a sound infrastructural framework is established.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just a Myrtle Beach issue; a parallel narrative is unfolding at other golf courses across the nation. As documented in the Mercury News, neighborhood leaders in San Jose have accused housing advocates of undermining plans for redevelopment at the Pleasant Hills Golf Course. While housing advocates are pushing for increased density to tackle housing shortages, residents are wary of high-rise developments that clash with the suburban character of their neighborhoods. Just like in Myrtle Beach, discussions around traffic, local services, and the impact on property values echo the sentiments found here.

As the River Oaks Golf Club prepares for closure, general manager Scott Taylor is committed to keeping the course in top shape until the end. With a fundraiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation approaching and staff entrusted with years of memories, the community’s support remains crucial during this transition. Taylor aims to honor the club’s legacy with commemorative events, providing residents a chance to say farewell to a local institution that has hosted countless tournaments and has long been cherished for its accessible green fees.

As development pushes forward, the balance between growth and preserving community character will be critical for both new housing projects at River Oaks and similar projects elsewhere. Before we know it, this once-vibrant golf course may just become a line of homes, a transformation that’s sparking tough conversations across the nation.