Is it illegal to hit golf balls into the ocean? What Myrtle Beach officials say

Myrtle Beach may have just been named No. 5 for best golf destinations in the south, but city officials warn to keep the golf balls on the fairway.

“The ocean is many things. Your personal driving range is not one of them,” a Myrtle Beach City Government Facebook post said.

The recent post criticized beach goers for hitting golf balls into the ocean, which city officials said is extremely harmful to marine life.

Golf balls release toxins over hundreds of years and will be ingested by animals, the post said.

“Actions like hitting golf balls into the ocean, releasing balloons or launching lanterns may seem harmless in the moment, but what goes up must come down,” city spokesperson Meredith Denari said in an email. “When those items return to the ground or water, they litter our city or beach and pose serious risks to wildlife both at sea and on land.”

Legal consequences of hitting golf balls into the ocean

Not only can they cause environmental impacts, folks who get caught could face legal consequences.

Denari said the act is considered littering, and according to the city’s website, penalties for this misdemeanor could range from fines up to $500 to 30 days of jail time, upon conviction. State law punishes littering in amounts less than 15 pounds from a base fine of $25-$100, eight hours of community service and up to 30 days imprisonment.

The post said Myrtle Beach Police Department is handling a case of someone who posted a photo online of a person hitting golf balls into the water. Police Public Information Officer Randolph Angotti said the department has reached out to the individual who provided the photo to the city, but no other details were available.

“Our intent in sharing this is not to single anyone out, but to raise awareness and encourage thoughtful choices that help protect our environment and keep Myrtle Beach clean for everyone,” Denari said.