Pete Dye built this course to punish the overconfident. This July, it hosts a championship worthy of that reputation.
The Championship Open arrives at Barefoot Resort & Golf’s Dye Course on July 10-11, bringing competitive golf to one of the Grand Strand‘s most demanding layouts. Whether you’re playing or spectating, North Myrtle Beach rolls out the welcome mat for tournament week.

Where the Action Unfolds
The Dye Course sits within Barefoot Resort, tucked beside the Carolina Bays in North Myrtle Beach. Address-wise, you’ll find it at 2600 Pete Dye Drive, nestled inside the exclusive, gated Dye Estates community.
This isn’t just another Myrtle Beach course. Golf Digest recognized it among South Carolina’s best in 2025, and it’s widely considered the most challenging of Barefoot’s four championship layouts. Multiple architects built courses at this resort, but only Pete Dye earned the semi-private distinction for his design.
Insider tip:
The par-4 18th hole plays alongside water with classic Dye mounding, creating one of the most photogenic finishing holes in South Carolina golf. Arrive early enough to catch a group finishing their round there.
Tournament Dates and Format
Mark July 10 and 11 on your calendar for this two-day championship event. Competitive rounds typically run from early morning through late afternoon, so plan your viewing accordingly.
Given the Dye Course’s difficulty, expect scores to reflect the challenge. Multiple reviewers describe the layout as visually intimidating yet fair for golfers who play within their own game, which makes for compelling tournament viewing.
What most visitors don’t know:
This course’s slope rating of 146 ranks among the toughest in the region. Even skilled amateur competitors will find this layout demanding under tournament pressure.

Parking and Getting Around
Barefoot Resort provides on-site parking for tournament attendees, though arriving early during peak tee times remains a smart strategy. North Myrtle Beach traffic picks up considerably during summer months, especially along Highway 17.
Local’s take:
If you’re staying elsewhere along the Grand Strand, budget extra travel time. Summer beach traffic through North Myrtle Beach can turn a fifteen-minute drive into something considerably longer during peak hours.
Who’s Competing
Tournament fields at this level typically draw a strong mix of competitive amateur and club-level golfers from across the Carolinas and beyond. Given the Dye Course’s reputation, expect a field that respects both the course and the format.
Insider tip:
Amateur championship events at courses like this often attract regional standouts who’ve cut their teeth on other Grand Strand layouts throughout the season. Following local golf social media accounts ahead of time can help you track notable names in the field.
A Note on Celebrities and Notable Names
Barefoot’s Dye Course carries some serious celebrity pedigree, even beyond this particular event. The venue has hosted Darius Rucker’s well-known “Monday After the Masters” celebrity pro-am for over a decade, cementing its reputation as a course comfortable hosting big names.
While this specific tournament’s field should get confirmed directly through official channels, the Dye Course’s history suggests North Myrtle Beach golf events regularly draw more star power than casual visitors might expect.

Where to Stay Nearby
Barefoot Resort itself offers convenient lodging options steps from the course, making it the simplest choice for tournament week. For those wanting more of a beach-town feel, North Myrtle Beach’s Cherry Grove and Ocean Drive sections offer oceanfront condos within a short drive.
Local’s take:
Book accommodations early. July remains peak season along the Grand Strand, and tournament week combined with regular summer tourist traffic fills rooms quickly.
How to Get There
Myrtle Beach International Airport serves as the closest major airport, roughly 20 minutes from Barefoot Resort depending on traffic. Drivers coming from elsewhere along the coast will find Highway 17 the most direct route into North Myrtle Beach.
What most visitors don’t realize:
North Myrtle Beach sits far enough north on the Grand Strand that it feels noticeably calmer than downtown Myrtle Beach proper, even during peak tournament and tourist season.

Women’s Golf Is Having a Moment on This Coast
Tournament season along the Carolina coast increasingly reflects a broader shift happening in golf nationally. Women’s golf participation has grown substantially in recent years, driven by increased LPGA visibility and stronger media coverage of women’s major championships.
That momentum shows up locally too. Golf destinations across the Grand Strand and Lowcountry report growing interest from women golfers, both as competitors and spectators. Amateur tournaments increasingly reflect this shift, with stronger women’s fields and greater crowd interest than in years past.
Local’s take:
If you’re new to competitive golf spectating, tournament weeks like this one offer a great entry point. Watching a challenging course like the Dye Course test skilled golfers, regardless of gender, makes for genuinely compelling viewing.
FAQ: Championship Open at Barefoot’s Dye Course
When does the Championship Open take place?
The tournament runs July 10-11 at Barefoot Resort’s Dye Course in North Myrtle Beach.
Is the Dye Course open to the public?
Yes, though it operates as Barefoot Resort’s only semi-private course, distinct from the resort’s three fully public layouts.
How difficult is the Dye Course compared to other Myrtle Beach courses?
It’s widely considered the most challenging of Barefoot’s four courses, with a notably high slope rating.
Where’s the closest airport for tournament attendees?
Myrtle Beach International Airport sits roughly 20 minutes from the venue.
Are tickets required to watch the tournament?
Spectator policies vary by event; confirm current access details directly with tournament organizers before attending.

North Myrtle Beach doesn’t just host golf. It hosts golf worth watching, and this July proves it again.
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