Pawleys Plantation is within an upscale residential development on Pawleys Island between the Atlantic and the Waccamaw River.

The front nine is a more traditional parkland layout, while the back nine is through marsh and wetlands. There are interesting left and right doglegs, yet otherwise, the layout is generally straightforward. The trouble comes in the form of water hazards, including a few forced carries off the tee, trees along the fairways, long and massive bunker complexes, and greens with a generous amount of slope and undulation. It's one of the more difficult courses along the Grand Strand, especially the par-3s, which may be the best combination in Myrtle Beach. It plays to 7,026 yards, 75.3/146, course/slope ratings from the back tees with four shorter tees, designed in 1988 by Jack Nicklaus.