As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Tidewater Golf Club this summer, we’re taking a moment to look back at the remarkable story behind our opening—a story shaped by both vision and adversity.
When renowned developer Ken Tomlinson first imagined Tidewater, his vision was bold: to build a championship-caliber golf course that showcased the natural beauty of North Myrtle Beach and the Cherry Grove marsh. With dramatic elevation changes, sweeping marsh views, and pristine design, Tidewater was poised to open in the fall of 1989 and immediately set a new standard for coastal Carolina golf.
But Mother Nature had other plans.
Just weeks before Tidewater’s scheduled debut, Hurricane Hugo made landfall on September 22, 1989, as a Category 4 storm. It tore through the South Carolina coast, leaving destruction in its path—and Tidewater was not spared. The storm delayed our grand opening, downed trees, and set back final preparations. Yet the spirit of Tidewater’s founding team never wavered.
With determination and a commitment to excellence, the course was restored and officially opened in 1990 to critical acclaim. From that moment on, Tidewater began building its reputation as one of the premier golf destinations in the Southeast.
This summer marks 35 years since that opening—and we’ve come a long way. We’ve hosted regional qualifiers, supported countless charities, renovated bunkers for improved playability, and welcomed golfers from all over the world. Through it all, our mission has stayed the same: to deliver an unforgettable golf experience surrounded by the natural beauty of the Carolina coast.
Whether you’ve been teeing it up here since the 1990s or just discovered us recently, you’re part of the Tidewater story—and we’re grateful for every swing, smile, and sunset shared on our fairways.
Stay tuned for anniversary celebrations, throwback photos, and special events as we honor 35 years of golf, growth, and community at Tidewater Golf Club.
Here’s to the next 35.