Casper Leon Benton
A Pioneer of Myrtle Beach Golf Course Construction
A true pioneer, Casper Benton left Myrtle Beach in the 1920s for New York to learn the business of golf course instruction. He returned to build the foundation of the world’s most popular golf destination. In 1927, Benton built the Grand Strand’s first golf course, Ocean Forest Country Club, which would later come to be known as Pine Lakes. Benton lived on-site while the courses were under construction and three of his four children were born nearby. When Ocean Forest Country Club opened, he became its first greenskeeper, nurturing a layout that helped lead Myrtle Beach to national acclaim.
Benton’s contributions to the Myrtle Beach golf community were only beginning at Ocean Forest Country Club. He would build the Dunes Club, the area’s most iconic course, and his namesake company, C.L. Benton & Sons, would eventually construct Tidewater Golf Club, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and True Blue Plantation, all courses that have been ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest.
He launched the C.L. Benton Company in 1938 and his influence is still felt throughout the area as the Benton family continues to be an integral part of the Myrtle Beach golf community.
