Inside Grande Dunes Members Club: Where Luxury Golf Feels Like Home
April 24th, 2026
Tucked within the gates of Grande Dunes is something many residents in Myrtle Beach don’t even realize exists: a fully private golf club experience that feels as effortless as it is elevated.
According to Joe De Maio, PGA, the head golf professional at Grande Dunes Members Club, it isn’t just another course. It’s Myrtle Beach’s only fully private golf club, and it offers a level of exclusivity that immediately sets it apart. Designed by Nick Price and quietly evolving since 2005, the club is stepping into a new era — one defined not just by premier golf, but by the way it makes members feel the moment they arrive.
An Elevated, Yet Effortless Experience
At its core, De Maio says the Members Club is about golf done right. He says that while it’s the southeast’s premier private golf course, it’s also designed to be casual and family-friendly.
“We want everybody to have that feeling like you’re walking into your house,” De Maio explains. The atmosphere is refined but relaxed, honoring the traditions of the game while embracing the laid-back rhythm of Myrtle Beach. There’s no competition with public tee times and no overgrown fairways. Instead, the Members Club offers pristine course conditions and a pace of play that respects your time.
“It’s a deliberate balance,” De Maio explains. Jackets and strict etiquette give way to genuine hospitality. Members aren’t performing status — they’re simply enjoying where they are. And it’s a feeling of ease that members say they love.
In fact, he says it’s a sentiment he hears from members frequently. “It’s like — I can’t put my finger on that one thing at the Members Club that makes it special, but when I show up, they make me feel good.”
That intangible sense of ease is what keeps members coming back — not because they have to, but because they want to.
A Culture Built Around People
While the course may be the draw, it’s the community that defines the experience.
From the beginning, the Members Club has been intentional about creating an environment that feels inclusive rather than exclusive. “We’ve got groups out here that are very inclusive — not invite-only,” De Maio says.
New members aren’t left to find their way alone. Through club ambassadors, organized groups, and thoughtfully curated events, connections happen naturally, whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just getting started.
In short, it’s a place where skill level doesn’t dictate belonging, and where a casual nine-hole round can be just as meaningful as a competitive tournament.
Beyond the Game
De Maio says life at the Members Club extends far beyond the fairways. A full calendar of events brings the community together in ways that feel both elevated and approachable — from high-energy member tournaments to relaxed family nights and social programming designed for all ages.
For those looking to improve their game, the club offers one of the most comprehensive practice experiences in the area, combining a premier short game facility with advanced simulator technology. “If you’re serious about your practice, you’re not going to find one better than what we have,” he adds.
There are also opportunities to simply enjoy the experience, regardless of whether that’s a casual evening event, a beginner-friendly clinic, or a relaxed round with friends.
He said overall, everything offered at the Members Club is designed to be a draw. From services to food to programming, he says, “Everything’s good. We have people who come from our neighboring golf course, say to me, ‘Man, this is not what I would have expected from this place.’ It’s true — everything we do is really good.”
Belonging That Extends Beyond the Club
What makes the Members Club even more distinctive is how seamlessly it connects to the broader Grande Dunes lifestyle. While one member tees off, another might spend the afternoon at the Ocean Club, on the tennis courts, or enjoying the beach just minutes away. It’s a rhythm of living that blends recreation, relaxation, and connection without compromise.
In the end, what defines Grande Dunes Members Club isn’t just its course, its amenities, or even its exclusivity. De Maio believes it’s the feeling of being exactly where you want to be. “Our members are using it because they genuinely want to be here,” he says.
