Heron at Carolina National Golf Club

The Heron Course at Carolina National Golf Club is one of three championship layouts at this facility in Bolivia, North Carolina, located inland from the Brunswick County coast near Myrtle Beach. Designed by Fred Couples in collaboration with Gene Bates and Kipp Schulties, the course reflects Couples' preference for playable, strategic golf that accommodates a range of skill levels while rewarding thoughtful course management. The design team brought together Couples' playing experience and design sensibility with Bates' technical expertise in shaping courses suited to the Carolina Lowcountry environment.

The routing moves through coastal plain terrain characteristic of southeastern North Carolina, with relatively flat topography punctuated by stands of longleaf pine, live oak, and native vegetation. Water features and wetlands come into play on several holes, typical of courses built in this region's sandy, low-lying landscape. The layout emphasizes width off the tee and strategic options into greens, allowing players to choose aggressive or conservative lines based on their confidence and conditions. Generous landing areas reduce penal elements while still presenting clear risk-reward decisions.

Carolina National serves primarily as a daily-fee facility, drawing golfers from the greater Myrtle Beach area and visitors to the Brunswick Islands. The Heron Course, along with its companion Ibis and Egret nines, provides accessible championship golf in a region known for high-volume play and diverse course offerings. The design aims for a balance between challenge and enjoyment, fitting the resort-style golf market of coastal Carolina.