#BayTree May 18

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

In May 2025, many of us have decided to participate in the 30-Day Golf Coach4aday Challenge. Each day the goal is to share something about a particular golf course, golf equipment, or to actually get on the course and play a few holes. Golf is the only sport where you can be furious, humbled, and ecstatic—all in the span of one hole, and still call it “relaxing.” It’s a game where you are cajoling and chasing a tiny ball into a gopher hole. For many it becomes a lifelong obsession and an excuse to buy outrageous pants and the latest driver.

Today my golf observation is on BAY TREE Golf Plantation.

This challenge will not be for everybody but there are plenty that enjoy the game despite not being anywhere close to playing at a high level. That includes me.

Golf 30-Day Challenge Guidelines

As with previous challenges, participants are encouraged to adapt the guidelines to fit their own circumstances. If you can, commit to getting out on the golf course—but if that’s not in the cards, share a story about a favorite course or a piece of gear you love (or love to hate).

1. Record something about your day on the course or talk about a golf course or piece of equipment.
2. Share with a challenge partner if you have one.
3. Join the conversation by posting on social media with the hashtag #Coach4adayChallenge

Day 18-Bay Tree

If you visited Myrtle Beach, SC in the 1980s or 1990s, you probably remember that golf was one of the Grand Strand’s biggest selling points. By 2001, the area boasted an impressive 120 golf courses stretching from Little River to Murrells Inlet. Among them was Bay Tree Golf Plantation, a 54-hole facility designed in the 1970s by George Fazio—uncle of renowned architect Tom Fazio—featuring three courses: Gold, Silver, and Green, and a memorable golf ball-shaped water tower on a tee that was a visible sign for many they were at the beach

In 2006, the property, located along SC 9 at the entrance to North Myrtle Beach, was sold and later redeveloped. After it was sold the recession hit and no real activity occurred until 2017 today it is bustling with new housing.

I was able to go on a number of golf trips with fellow coaches and athletic staffers while at Western Carolina University in the 1980’s. One of our annual stops was to play multiple rounds at Bay Tree. The Silver course was my favorite.

The number of golf courses in Myrtle Beach has dropped from 120 in 2001 to just 80 in 2025. I still enjoy golf trips there and find myself playing some outstanding courses—but I can’t help but miss Bay Tree and the memories it holds.