Par 3 Golf Course In South Charlotte Getting Justin Timberlake Makeover

Golf in Charlotte is no different from golf in other big cities in this respect. There are golf courses that everyone WANTS to play, and then there are courses that everyone HAS played. Pebble Creek in Indian Trail definitely falls into the latter category. And with a new ownership group (including Justin Timberlake) and promised concept makeover, Pebble Creek is about to become one of those courses that tops the "WANTS to play" list.

For the uninitiated, Pebble Creek Golf Course is a venerable 18-hole golf course right off of 74 in Indian Trail, North Carolina.

As par three courses go, Pebble Creek is unique in that if offers 18 holes. And I've never had a round there where I didn't have fun. Now, Pebble Creek is no Augusta National in terms of budget, aesthetics, or really anything. It is what it is, a low-budget, low-cost golf operation that allows access to all to the game. And that's great. No problem with this. Pebble Creek's biggest issue is that it sits in a low-lying area that's always had drainage issues and therefore is subject to fairly frequent, serious flooding. All that being said, when one plays Pebble Creek, the prevailing thought is, "You know, there's some serious good bones here. If someone could/would just invest a little money..." Well, now that's happening in a big way!

Golf entertainment concept 3's-backed by superstar singer, Justin Timberlake (noted golf fanatic)-has swooped in like a hero for Pebble Creek. Charlotte Business Journal reports 3 Cheers Holdings LLC purchased the nearly 33-acre Pebble Creek Golf Course in Indian Trail for $1.5 million, according to Union County real estate records. That holding company’s address matches the one for 3’s in Greenville, South Carolina. So, what does this look like?

IKR? I and every golfer should be stoked. The "3's" concept is pretty standard across the nation. So, this is what we can expect when the facility re-opens in the latter half of 2025. 12 completely redesigned holes that can all be played during the day AND under lights at night (with illuminated golf balls). The "Grubhouse" is a combination diner/bar/retail shop where one can get a burger, cocktail, and merch. In other words, the perfect one-stop, casual golf stop. Also, there will be firepits and Adirondack chairs, and music to add to the intended laid-back vibe.

If the prices for the Greenville, South Carolina location are any indicator, this is going to be a really good alternative to the rapidly escalating prices of public golf in the Charlotte area. At the Greenville 3's, an all-day pass can run you from $47-$60 (depending on the day of the week) and a standard 12-hole round is a MORE than reasonable $30-$34.

For the last 8-9 years, my best friend and I have been taking the last week of February and heading down to Myrtle Beach for a huge golf week. My definition of huge? This year we were gone 8 days and played 216 holes of golf at that time. Myrtle Beach, to me, is the golf capital of America, and perfect for that "escape the cold weather/buddies golf trip."

Nowhere else in the country has a population of greater golf courses over such a relatively small area.  Everyone has their favorites, but here is my list of 10 in no particular order.

Note, my friend has a condo down there and so worrying about where to sleep has never been an issue.  Consequently, this list is based just off my thoughts about the golfing experience only. Accommodations, dining, etc. I leave to others.

There are three courses at the Myrtle Beach National facility. The gem, though is this one. Arguably one of the best Arnold Palmer designs anywhere, the highlight is "The Gambler" a fantastic risk/reward par 5 that will always be one of your favorite holes (pictured above).

On just about anyone's list of great Myrtle Beach Courses, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club is at or near the top of it.  Designer, Mike Strantz was the genius behind "Tobacco Road" in the Sandhills of North Carolina (which just so happens to be my favorite course on Earth).  This, and its sister course are artistic masterpieces.  Now, these are among the most expensive to play, but for an annual treat, so worth it!

Which leads me to Caledonia's sister course, True Blue.  Another Strantz gem and again, on the pricier side.  However, it is well worth it with some of the best and most memorable holes in the area.

For many years, this course for me had the title of "Best Bang for Your Golfing Buck at Myrtle Beach."  It's got a little bit of everything:  elevation changes, challenging par 3s, tremendous par 4 variety and some of the finest holes along the Intercoastal Waterway anywhere in the area.  Also, its practice facilities are among the best.

My current "Best Bang..." title holder is this course that many drive by on 17 on the way to N. Myrtle and don't pay a bit of attention to.  Arcadian Shores was purchased by Hilton 7-10 years ago and over that time, millions of dollars have been poured into the course, facilities, and amenities.  The greens and bunkers are always a good method to judge a course by and the consistency of both at Arcadian Shores take a backseat to no one in town.  Plus, on this list, it is among the most economically friendly.

I made mention with Grande Dunes of holes along the Intercoastal Waterway.  NO ONE in the Myrtle Beach area can touch the Intercoastal views and holes of Tidewater Golf Club.  Legend has it that designer Ken Tomlinson commissioned a couple of designers to build his course, but none met with his expectations, so he took on the project himself.  And pulled it off.  Tidewater at times feels like Harbor Town in Hilton Head, Pebble Beach, and a fine inland course all rolled into one.  It is beautiful, challenging, a bit pricey, but well worth the experience.

There are four courses at the Barefoot Resort facility, of them there are two that get my recommendation.  The first of which is The Dye Course.  Designer Pete Dye is a sadist.  Normally, I am NOT a fan of his work.  However, there's real genius here.  The variety of holes is great.  The variety of trouble you can get into is great.  The protection of this golf course is wind.  And when it's blowing (hard), this course is a tough day at the office.  However, if you want to be challenged and have an afternoon everyone on the trip will be talking about a year from now, The Dye Course is a must-play.

Davis Love III is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame as a player.  I feel like he's well on his way to becoming of similar status as a designer.  His contribution to the Barefoot Resort collection of courses is one of my favorites in the area.  Variety is a good word to use here.  I've probably played 10 rounds on that course in the last few years and each time I feel like I get to a hole and go, "Oh yeah, I remember this one.  What a great hole."  I'm not gonna say playing golf at Barefoot is cheap, but research package deals to get a round at Dye and Love for sure.  Two of the best in the area.

"The Grandaddy" is the one that started it all.  The first resort course in the area and stylistically one of the best.  Just out of respect, you must play Pine Lakes if you never have.  They have just redone their greens and bunkers and both are outstanding.  Now, here are couple of drawbacks.  Fist off, there's ZERO practice range if you wish to get loose prior to the round.  And two, there is a TREMENDOUS amount of real estate construction going on right now that really takes away from what used to be a really nice visual golfing experience.

The Surf and Beach Club is located just across the street (basically) from the Atlantic Ocean in North Myrtle Beach.  It was designed by George Cobb, the same designer behind Quail Hollow Club and Rolling Hills Country Club here in the Charlotte Area.  And, it's unique on this list as it is a private facility.  HOWEVER, there is public play allowed, and I would suggest you book the experience.  If I was going to play one course-day in, day out-at the beach, The Surf and Beach Club would be the one.