Golfing At Prestwick Country Club | Campground Conversations

This week, on Campground Conversations, we are working on our golf game at Prestwick Country Club with Prestwick’s PGA General Manager, Jay Smith!

Meet Jay | Previously, Jay spent 21 years as the Head Golf Pro at Prestwick but has been playing since he was just 4 years old! Jay attended Coastal Carolina University and played on the CCU Golf Team from 1988-1992 before graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Jay was elected to the PGA Membership in October 1995. He began his career at Blackmoor Golf Club prior to accepting the position as Head Golf Pro at Prestwick Country Club in 1999.  Jay was named the area’s “Golf Professional of the Year” by the Myrtle Beach Herald in 2009.

Here is what Jay had to say about Prestwick Country Club |

Prestwick Background | Prestwick Country Club opened in 1989 as a private club. A division of The Jackson Companies, many of our guests may not realize that Prestwick was founded by the same family that created Ocean Lakes, the Jackson family.

The course was designed by Pete and P.B. Dye and includes some of the most beautifully sculpted holes in the area with TifEagle Bermuda greens, which greatly enhance the putting surface.

It was a collaboration design by renowned architect Pete Dye and his son, P.B. At the course opening in 1989, PGA Tour players Jay Don Blake, Gil Morgan, Scott Verplank, and Keith Clearwater played in a skins game. Joining them on the opening round were amateur Billy Jo Patton, Pete Dye, Alice Dye, and P.B. Dye.

Multiple pros have played the course over the years. Senior and PGA Tour player Leonard Thompson lived on property and was the Golf Director in the 1990’s. In 1996, it transitioned into a semi-private club accepting packages and walk in play on a daily basis. In January 2016, Prestwick became a public golf course.

Why Golf At Prestwick | Prestwick is a Pete and P.B. Dye design that is one of the more challenging courses on the Grand Strand. When playing Prestwick, the golfer forgets they are playing at the beach as the course is in the forest on the front side and links style on the backside. This Par 72, 18-hole beauty plays over 7000 yards from the Black Tees; however, Prestwick has 6 sets of tees to fit every golfer’s game. There is a full Driving Range with a bunker and putting green. The condition of the course remains constant throughout the year as it stays in good condition. You can always count on having an enjoyable experience when playing at Prestwick.

Perfect Your Golf Game | The PGA professionals at Prestwick have clinics and lessons available for everyone, no matter your skill level. Individual lessons are available by appointment and can be on the range or on the course. And the best part, all lessons are tailored to suit your needs! To arrange a lesson, call the pro shop at 843-293-4100.

Tip From A Golf Pro | Hold your club like a baseball bat – Put your hands together and do not let them be apart. Place your hands together and with your thumbs down the shaft.

When you put the club down and you are about to swing, ensure you shift your weight from your left side to your right side. You have to load up and then when you come down, shift your weight from your right side to your left side. Then, hit the ball!

If you do not shift your weight, then you cannot get all of the momentum and speed to hit a long golf shot.

Grab A Bite | Prestwick has a restaurant and bar located inside the Clubhouse where they serve lunch every day. Golfers should plan their outing to include a stop into the restaurant at Prestwick before or after their round. 

An Ocean Lakes Perk | When vacationing at Ocean Lakes, our guests receive the best rate guarantee, as well as the opportunity to book their tee time in the Recreation Center. We will take care of everything for you!

Call Or Visit | Prestwick Country Club is located at 1001 Links Road in Myrtle Beach off of Highway 544, just west of Ocean Lakes’ main entrance. For more information, visit Prestwick Country Club’s website or call (888) 250-1767 or (843) 293-4100.

Until Next Time | Stay tuned for the Campground Conversations video segment tomorrow on our social media! You will hear from Jay on golfing at Prestwick and even get a step-by-step tip from a Head Golf Pro.