If you’ve ever glanced at a Myrtle Beach scorecard and wondered what the slope rating means—or why it matters—this is for you. Whether you’re planning your first Grand Strand golf trip or you’ve been teeing it up here for years, understanding slope ratings can help you choose the right tees, manage expectations, and enjoy your round even more.

What Is a Slope Rating?

Let’s start with the basics: a slope rating is a measure of a golf course’s difficulty for the average bogey golfer compared to a scratch golfer. The USGA defines the slope scale from 55 (easiest) to 155 (hardest), with 113 considered “average” difficulty.

Put simply:

• Higher slope = more difficult for higher-handicap players
• Lower slope = less punishment for mistakes

It doesn’t necessarily mean longer or tighter—it could be elevation changes, tricky greens, forced carries, or penal rough that bumps up the challenge.

Why It Matters in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is home to nearly 80 courses, and no two play alike. From wide-open resort layouts to tree-lined Lowcountry tests, the variety is unmatched. That’s why slope rating becomes a key part of choosing where (and how) to play.

Here’s what it can tell you:

• Which tees are best for your skill level
• How much difficulty is “baked in” beyond yardage
• What kind of experience to expect—fun and forgiving or demanding and precise

Course Examples: Slope Ratings in Action

Let’s take a look at how slope ratings can vary across three popular Myrtle Beach-area courses—all from the white tees, which are the most commonly played set for recreational golfers. This gives us a true apples-to-apples comparison for what most players can expect.

🟢 Myrtle Beach National – West Course

• White Tees: 6,114 yards​
• Course Rating: 69.4
• Slope Rating: 118​
• Overview: Designed by Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane, the West Course offers a player-friendly experience with wide fairways and minimal water hazards. Its moderate slope rating indicates a course that is approachable for mid-handicap golfers seeking an enjoyable round without excessive difficulty. ​

🟡 Willbrook Plantation Golf Club

• White Tees: 6,292 yards
• Course Rating: 70.5
• Slope Rating: 133​
• Overview: A Dan Maples design, Willbrook Plantation is woven through Lowcountry marshes and centuries-old oak forests. The course’s higher slope rating reflects its strategic layout, requiring precise shot-making and thoughtful course management, making it a suitable challenge for golfers seeking a moderately demanding round.

​🔵 TPC Myrtle Beach

• White Tees: 6,193 yards​
• Course Rating: 71.0​
• Slope Rating: 136

Overview: Designed by Tom Fazio, TPC Myrtle Beach offers a PGA Tour-caliber experience with challenging holes featuring strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and fast, undulating greens. The course demands accurate shot-making and thoughtful course management, providing a challenging experience for golfers aiming to test their skills.

These comparisons illustrate that yardage alone doesn’t determine a course’s difficulty. The slope rating provides insight into the challenges posed by course design, hazards, and terrain. For instance, despite similar yardages, TPC Myrtle Beach’s higher slope rating indicates a more demanding experience compared to Myrtle Beach National – West Course.

How to Use Slope to Choose the Right Tees

We get it—no one wants to feel like they’re “playing short,” but picking the right tees based on slope and skill can make for a much better round. Here’s a quick guide:

Handicap Range	Recommended Slope
0–5	130–145+
6–12	120–135
13–20	110–125
21+	< 115

If you’re in Myrtle Beach to enjoy the game (and maybe a post-round drink with a view), let slope guide your tee selection, not just yardage or ego.

The Bottom Line

Slope ratings are more than just numbers—they’re insight. They help you set expectations, play smarter, and ultimately have more fun on the course. So next time you’re picking a tee time in Myrtle Beach, take a closer look at the slope. It might just help you shoot your best score of the trip—or at least avoid losing another sleeve of golf balls.

Want help choosing courses based on your game? Drop us a comment or check out our Myrtle Beach tee time deals—we’ve got something for every skill level. Click Here to Get a Free Myrtle Beach Golf Trip Quick Quote. Our golf directors play golf and can assist you with finding the best courses for your game!

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