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Coastal Carolina, TPC Set To Host Nationally-Renowned General Hackler Championship

2010-03-10T20:32:13Z

Coastal Carolina University's men's golf program will host the nationally-renowned General Jim Hackler Championship, Sun.-Mon., March 14-15 at the TPC of Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet, S.C. This is the eighth straight year that TPC of Myrtle Beach has hosted the event.

This year's field is one of the best in the program's history, as 10 of the 12 teams played in last year's NCAA Regionals, with two advancing to the NCAA Championship (Duke and Wake Forest). It also features the last six team champions of the tournament, including Pepperdine (2004), Coastal Carolina (2005), East Tennessee State (2006), Lamar (2007) and Wake Forest (2008 and 2009).

Seven of the 12 teams are currently ranked in the top 50 and all 12 in the top 100, according to GolfStat and Golfweek, with the top being Augusta State, which is ranked ninth in GolfStat and sixth by Golfweek. Among the individuals are 19 players ranked in Golfweek's Top 150 college golfers currently, including Wake Forest's Brendan Gielow at No. 10 and defending medalist and 2009 NCAA individual champion Matt Hill of NC State at No. 55.

]]> The General Hackler Championship is named in honor of the late United States Air Force General James F. Hackler, Jr., a long-time supporter of Chanticleer golf. Coastal Carolina also has previously honored Hackler with the naming of the Coastal men's and women's golf program's Hackler Trophy.

The trophy is awarded annually to the individual chosen on an established record of academic achievement, dedicated to the ideals of citizenship, devotion to preserving the integrity in the playing of the game of golf, and abilities as a golfer with special emphasis on the scholar-athlete’s sportsmanship and attitude toward fulfilling his or her potential in the game.

2010 General Jim Hackler Championship Field
(GolfStat /Golfweek Rankings as of Feb. 24)
65/73 Coastal Carolina**
9/6 Augusta State**
34/33 Duke*
33/38 East Tennessee State**
91/95 Kennesaw State
45/36 Kent State**
56/70 Lamar**
61/68 Minnesota**
28/27 NC State**
50/46 Pepperdine**
55/67 UNC Wilmington
36/35 Wake Forest*
* 2009 NCAA Tournament Team
** 2009 NCAA Regional Team

Individuals Ranked in GolfWeek's Top 150
10. Brendan Gielow Wake Forest
14. Ben Pisani Minnesota
29. Henrik Norlander Augusta State
31. Rhys Enoch East Tennessee State
55. Matt Hill NC State
57. Patrick Reed Augusta State
60. MacKenzie Hughes Kent State
63. John Hahn Kent State
81. Brett Cairns Kent State
82. Brad Revell NC State
86. PierreAlexis Rolland Lamar
97. Mitchell Krywulycz Augusta State
100. Andrew Putnam Pepperdine
102. Julian Suri Duke
121. Brinson Paolini Duke
124. Jeff Karlsson Kennesaw State
125. Mitchell Sutton NC State
127. Taylor Floyd Augusta State
144. Wes Roach Duke

Hot List: Myrtle Beach's 5 Shortest Par 4s

2010-03-03T21:06:10Z

Lining up an eagle putt is one of golf’s most enviable positions. It’s also a rarity for most players, particularly on a par 4, but a Myrtle Beach golf trip does afford a few opportunities.

The Grand Strand is home to more than 1,800 holes, including a handful of short par 4s that provide a chance to drive the green (or possibly record an ace). If you can hit the driver long and relatively straight, here are the five holes you might be able to reach, though there is risk involved (all yardages are listed from the tips):

]]> 1. Love Course at Barefoot Resort, No. 4, 294 yards – The shortest par 4 on the Myrtle Beach golf scene is also one of the most photographed. The fourth hole on the Love Course features the faux ruins of an old plantation home (which, by the way, are in play) and begs player to try and drive the green. If you miss, don’t find the large pot bunker about 30 yards short on the left side. The smart play might call for an iron off the tee, but set the “book” aside and let it rip here.

2. Glen Dornoch, No. 3, 300 yards – Glen Dornoch is full of character and this hole is a prime example. It plays 285 yards from the blue tees and 272 yards from the whites, so it’s reachable for a lot of people. The hole is a slight dogleg and two bunkers guard the left front of the green. If you go for it, your tee shot needs to stay to the right to avoid the bunkers if it comes up short.

3. Avocet at Wild Wing, No. 14 308 yards – One of Wild Wing’s best holes, No. 14 offers a risk-reward choice. The hole plays just 265 yards from the tips, but six bunkers and a three tiered green provide ample defense. This is a hole you have to take a swing at.

4. Moorland at Legends, No. 16, 313 yards – The area around the 16th green at Moorland is known as Hell’s Half-Acre and it earned its nickname. The hole is drivable from every set of tees, but there is plenty of trouble awaiting wayward shots, including pot bunkers, waste areas, grass bunkers, pampas grass and, whatever you do, don’t find the bunker located just over the green. No. 16 at Moorland is a lot of fun to play.

5. Maples Course at Sea Trail, No. 1, 315 yards – The opening hole on the Maples Course offers players the opportunity for a good start, but if it’s great you are looking for, long-hitters can unsheathe the driver and take a poke. No. 1 plays 295 from the whites and 275 from the gold tees so it is reachable, but not without risk. Water runs along the right side of the hole and out-of-bounds on the left makes it a relatively tight drive. It’s an interesting decision to open a round with. What would you do?

* The list doesn’t include the eighth hole at Blackmoor, but it, arguably, should. No. 8 measures 371 yards, according to the scorecard, but designer Gary Player cut a chute through the trees that gives players the opportunity to drive the green. Taking the short cut, knocks 100 yards off the length of the hole, making it very reachable.

Have you ever driven the green on a par 4 in Myrtle Beach?

Barefoot Resort Turns 10, Looks Better Than Ever

2010-03-03T20:54:44Z

A drive through Barefoot Resort in the spring of 2010 reveals a golf community in full bloom. Home of the Love, Fazio, Norman and Dye courses, Barefoot is one of the most popular Myrtle Beach golf facilities for many reasons.

Three of the four layouts have been ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest.

The resort is home to two of the area’s best clubhouses, including one dedicated exclusively to the Dye Club.

]]> The amenities continue far beyond the golf course. The glistening Barefoot Tower, one of the area’s finest accommodations properties, is on the Intracoastal, and a pizza parlor/sports bar are just down the street.

Throw in a private bridge that connects the resort to Barefoot Landing, which includes Greg Norman’s Australian Grille and the House of Blues, among an assortment of restaurants, bars and shops, and a portrait of the area’s most inclusive facility comes into focus.

Today, the magnitude of Barefoot’s opening is almost taken for granted, but as the facility prepares to celebrate its 10th birthday, it’s worth reflecting on what was accomplished at the North Myrtle Beach resort.

When Barefoot opened on April 13, 2000, it was (and remains) the most highly anticipated debut in Myrtle Beach golf history. Barefoot did the previously unthinkable on that spring day, opening four public layouts at the same facility on the same day.

“Being the first time four courses were opened at the same time and being in the Golf Capital of the World, we were the new kid on the block,” said Dave Genevro, who was a co-first assistant on opening day and has grown into his role as Barefoot’s general manager. “They were all anxious to play.”

The golf courses, which immediately rocketed to the top of many favorite course lists, where in impeccable condition from the outside. While the layouts didn’t open until April, they were completed many months before and used the intervening time to fine-tune conditioning.

Beyond the golf course, little of what is now visible existed in the spring of 2000. The property’s trademark drawbridge wasn’t ready on opening day, requiring players and their bags to be shuttled across the Intracoastal Waterway on a pontoon boat.

(Yes, there were occasionally problems transporting clubs and people across the water. On at least one occasion, a set of clubs plunged to the bottom of the Intracoastal where they, presumably, remain!)

The 8,000-square-foot clubhouse that serves players at the Fazio, Love and Norman courses was no where to be found and neither was the opulent 9,000-square-foot facility that welcomes players to the Dye Club. Cart barns doubled as a pro shop in the opening days, but offered all the essentials.

“There was never any disappointment because once they got off the boat and into the golf cart, the courses were complete,” Genevro said of Barefoot’s opening days. “They were very satisfied, because (the golf courses) were in great shape.”

That initial satisfaction has grown has grown into adoration for many players. The resort clubhouse opened in 2001, followed by the Dye Clubhouse a year later, accelerating Barefoot’s ascension in the Myrtle Beach golf hierarchy.

Barefoot’s rise also garnered national attention. The Love Course was honored by Golf Magazine as one of the nation’s top 10 new public courses when it opened, and since 2007, the Love, Fazio and Dye layouts have been ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest.

When Barefoot opened it faced the daunting task of meeting great expectations, but its most harrowing challenge rose from out of the ground last spring. A wildfire that ravaged parts of Horry County and destroyed 70 homes at Barefoot forced the Love Course to close for one month and the Fazio Course to shutter for two month.

Fortunately, neither golf course was damaged (the closures were to allow bridges to be rebuilt and charred trees to be mulched) and there are few reminders of a fire that attracted national attention while it was burning.

This Spring the focus is on a celebration of the property’s past and a look forward to its future.

“It was wonderful to be here from Day 1,” Genevro said. “People who come down can’t believe the (growth) … to be part of this from the beginning was exciting and to still be here 10 years later, I love it.”

Golfers will love some of the plans Barefoot has to celebrate its 10th birthday. In addition to golf package specials that will run throughout the spring, Barefoot is celebrating its birthday March 18-21 with the following promotions:

• Discounted replays
• Daily closest to the pin contest on all courses
• Food and beverage specials
• Special merchandise deals
• Complimentary anniversary cake
• Thursday, March 18 – long drive contest at the driving range
• Friday, March 19 – closest to the pin contest at the driving range
• Saturday, March 20 – closest to the pin contest on a bunker shot contest at the driving range
• Grand prize drawing for a four-round golf trip, including accommodations, golf and breakfast at Barefoot.

5 Things You Need To Know About Barefoot Resort

2010-03-03T20:48:45Z

Barefoot Resort, home of the Dye, Fazio, Love and Norman Courses, is celebrating its 10th birthday this spring. The facility drew national acclaim upon its opening and has been at the forefront of the Myrtle Beach golf market ever since.

While you may have played all four courses, here are five things about Barefoot you need to know:

1. Barefoot Is One of the Nation’s Premier Multi-Course Facilities – Three of Barefoot’s four layouts – Love, Fazio and Dye – have been ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest. The fourth, the Norman Course, has six holes that play along the Intracoastal. Barefoot is one of three single-site facilities in America that is home to three top 100 public courses.

]]> 2. The Dye Club is the Home of the Monday After the Masters – The Hootie & The Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am came to Myrtle Beach in 2002 and the event has been played at the Dye Club every year since. In the soon-to-be-nine years the event has been at Barefoot, Arnold Palmer, Annika Sorenstam and Bill Murray are just a few of the big names that have played the course.

3. Barefoot is the Only Facility to Open Four Courses on the Same Day – When Barefoot opened on April 13, 2001, it became the first American golf facility to open four courses simultaneously. It was a significant undertaking that has grown no less impressive with time.

4. Barefoot Is An All-Inclusive Property - With accommodations, a sports bar and Golf Dimensions all on the resort side of the bridge, the facility is truly an all-inclusive property. Throw in Barefoot Landing, the forerunner to Broadway at the Beach, the House of Blues and Alabama Theatre, and a group can enjoy an outstanding vacation without leaving Barefoot.

5. Barefoot Was Davis Love’s First Marque Design – The selection of Pete Dye and Tom Fazio as architects was easy, as was the decision to bring Greg Norman on board. Davis Love, on the other hand, hadn’t worked on a high profile project prior to Barefoot. The Love Course was Davis’ first plum job and he crafted one Myrtle Beach’s most popular golf courses. Wouldn’t you agree?

Photo Gallery: Barefoot Resort Through the Years

2010-03-03T18:41:14Z

Barefoot Resort, home of the Dye, Fazio, Love and Norman Courses, celebrates its 10th birthday this spring. Enjoy a look back at the evolution of one of the most popular Myrtle Beach golf facilities.

]]>

Charlie's Corner: An Hour With the King

2010-03-03T18:16:25Z

Working for the Golf Channel really has been a dream come true. I’ve been here for a year now and I have had some amazing days and none more fun than this past Thursday.

I sat down for an interview with Arnold Palmer for an entire hour. I have had the chance on several occasions to speak with him but never for that amount of time. The first thing you notice is that when he walks into the room the temperature goes up about ten degrees.

Even at eighty, he’s still got “it” whatever “it” is. His eyes are amazing. You get the since that he doesn’t miss anything. I spoke with him about the changes recently made to Bay Hill. He is quite proud of the course and he should be. I believe the players will be quite happy with the course moving back to a par of 72 for the Arnold Palmer Invitational this year.

Along with new turf and re-contouring on the greens, many bunkers have been relocated and updated. The new Bay Hill is quite a gem.

]]> He spoke of the Masters and Bobby Jones. His description of the twelfth at Augusta was phenomenal. He said the golf hole is like a lady. Sometimes she is your best friend and then there are the other days ...

He told me some Walter Hagen stories. Apparently they were pretty good friends and Mr. Hagen was quite the character. We finished by discussing what the first tee as an honorary starter with Jack Nicklaus at Augusta will be like. I’m thinking they will be pretty competitive on who hits that tee shot the longest. Tough job I have.

Charlie Rymer, a Golf Channel analyst and the host of Road Trip: Myrtle Beach, is a former PGA Tour player and collegiate All-American at Georgia Tech. Rymer, who grew up playing in Myrtle Beach, has traveled the world playing and talking about the game of golf and will share his unique perspective in Charlie's Corner.

Furyk, Esiason Among New Players at 2010 Monday After Masters

2010-02-25T15:49:04Z

Hootie & the Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament organizers announced today that PGA TOUR player Jim Furyk and former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason will make their first appearances in this year’s event to be held April 12 at The Dye Club at Barefoot Resort & Golf in North Myrtle Beach.

Monday After the Masters tournament tickets go on sale this Saturday, Feb. 27 at 10:00 a.m. at the House of Blues, the Barefoot Resort & Golf pro shops and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets are $15 with children 12 years of age and younger admitted free. All ticket proceeds benefit the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation, which supports the educational needs of children in South Carolina and the South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation.

]]> Furyk has recorded 13 PGA TOUR victories, including the 2003 United States Open championship, and has been ranked as high as No. 2 in the world.

Most people know Norman Esiason as “Boomer,” the former quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, and current NFL analyst for The NFL Today show on CBS Sports, and morning co-host of the “Boomer and Carton Show” on WFAN Radio in New York. Esiason played 14 years in the NFL and was named the “Most Valuable Player” in 1988, and the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 1995.

“I am so psyched to know that Jim and Boomer will be here for the 2010 Monday After the Masters for the first time.” said Darius Rucker, lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish. “Each year, the list of great athletes and celebrities continues to grow, and to know we come to Myrtle Beach to have fun and raise money for a great cause, it is without a doubt one of things I look forward to doing every spring.”

Other PGA TOUR players attending this year include John Daly, Woody Austin, Rich Beem, and LPGA player and Myrtle Beach resident Kristy McPherson. Other celebrities and athletes participating in the event include “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, and NFL Hall-of Famer and Chicago Bears great Gale Sayers.

Last year, the six-person team led by Hootie & The Blowfish lead guitarist Mark Bryan, Bill Murray and Woody Austin captured the Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament title with a score of 18-under-par.

“This event has grown so much in the seven years we have held it in Myrtle Beach,” said Bryan. “Barefoot Resort is the perfect location for ‘Monday After the Masters,’ and I look forward to seeing old friends, and defending our title this year.”

Last year, the event recorded its fourth consecutive sell-out and raised $155,000 for various South Carolina charities, pushing its total fundraising total over $4 million. The largest single-day fundraiser in South Carolina, the Monday after the Masters has been played at the Dye club the last eight years.

Volunteers are needed for the Monday After the Masters to assist with various duties associated with staging the event. For more information on volunteer opportunities, please call 843-881-2532, or visit www.HootieGolf.com/volunteers.asp.

Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday has been involved in all seven of the Monday After the Masters Tournaments held on the Grand Strand.

“We are excited to host our eighth Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament here in Myrtle Beach,” said Bill Golden, president of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday. “The Monday After the Masters Tournament has meant so much to the state of South Carolina and we are proud to help present an event that helps fund the state’s junior golf and education programs and attract more national media attention to the Myrtle Beach area.”

The field for past Monday After the Masters tournaments has typically included many of the biggest names in music, television and movies, sports and the professional golf world. Celebrities who have participated in the annual tournament have included actor Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Sorbo of “Meet the Spartans” and actor Anthony Anderson from “Law & Order”. From the sports world, the annual tournament has welcomed former NFL stars Dan Marino, Brett Favre, Jim McMahon and Sterling Sharpe; University of South Carolina head football coach Steve Spurrier and ESPN analyst Lou Holtz.

The professional golf field has always been well represented with Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Tom Kite, Andy North, J.B. Holmes, Kenny Perry, Ricky Barnes, Lee Elder and Robert Gamez having participated in past years.

About the Hootie & the Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Golf Tournament
One of the most popular celebrity pro-am golf tournaments in the country, the Hootie & the Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament attracts thousands of people who enjoy the music of the two-time Grammy award winners as well as the friendly competition between the band and their celebrity and PGA professional friends. Over the past 15 years, the Monday After the Masters has donated more than $4 million to the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation, which supports the educational needs of South Carolina and the South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation.

About Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday
Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday is a non-profit trade association of 76 championship golf courses, 102 golf package providers and five golf schools in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area. Founded in 1967, the organization has been and continues to be the driving force behind the growth of the Myrtle Beach area golf market. The originator of the “Stay and Play Package,” Golf Holiday provides non-biased information about the area accommodations and golf courses to assist golfers in making the most informed decisions when planning for their next vacation. Golf Holiday also hosts seven events and tournaments annually to help grow the game of golf and attract golfers to the Grand Strand during slower times of year. In addition to hosting the Hootie & the Blowfish Monday After The Masters Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament each spring, Golf Holiday also manages the GOLF.com World Amateur Handicap Championship – the world's largest on-site golf tournament, the Summer Family Fun Golf Tournaments, the Spring Palmetto High School Golf Championships, the Veterans Golf Classic and the FDNY 9-11 Memorial Golf Outing. For more information, call Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday at 1-800-833-8798 or visit GolfHoliday.com.

Allegiant Air Announces Non-Stop Service From Fort Wayne, Ind., to Myrtle Beach

2010-02-23T15:55:24Z

Fort Wayne, Ind. scores a hole-in-one with Allegiant Air as the low-cost airline announces new, nonstop flights to Myrtle Beach, S.C. from Fort Wayne beginning April 30. The low-fare carrier will celebrate the convenient new service to the premier golf and beach destination with introductory fares as low as $49.99* each way. Today only, the airline is offering an extremely limited number of fares as low as $9.99** one-way to/from Myrtle Beach, the golf capital of the world.

“We are extremely pleased to again expand the Allegiant brand of low-fare, nonstop jet service to Fort Wayne,” Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., chief executive officer and chairman of Allegiant, said. “This is an exciting new addition for our airline and our customers as we launch the only low-cost, nonstop service between Fort Wayne and Myrtle Beach.”

]]> The self-proclaimed “Official Airline for Sunshine” will launch the new scheduled service from Fort Wayne International Airport to Myrtle Beach International Airport with two flights weekly. With service Monday and Friday, flights will depart Fort Wayne at 4:40 p.m. arriving in Myrtle Beach at 6:30 p.m. Flights leaving Myrtle Beach will depart at 2:10 p.m. arriving in Fort Wayne at 4 p.m. (all flight times are local.) Allegiant will utilize 150-seat, MD-80 series, jet-aircraft on the route.

“We are extremely excited about Allegiant Air’s decision to begin service between Fort Wayne and Myrtle Beach,” Tory Richardson, Fort Wayne’s executive director of airports, stated. “Myrtle Beach is constantly among the most requested destinations for the people of Fort Wayne, and to have nonstop service available is just great. The combination of great beach activities and world class golfing facilities available at the Grand Strand, will appeal to a wide spectrum of the residents of our region.”

“Myrtle Beach will be only a couple of hours away!” David Young, vice president, air service development for Fort Wayne, said. “The people of Fort Wayne have desired better air transportation to the Palmetto state, and now they have the chance to take advantage of these nonstop flights and show their support for this service.”

Known as the “Seaside Golf Capital of the World,” Myrtle Beach offers endless world-class golf and 60 miles of soft, sandy beaches. Recognized as the “World’s Best Beach” and one of the “Top 10 places for Families to Visit in the U.S.” by Yahoo! Travel, the Grand Strand has something for everyone. With more than 100 golf courses to choose from, Myrtle Beach boasts many of the world’s most challenging courses, personally designed by golf greats like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Family fun begins at the beach, inviting visitors to make a splash at any of the many water parks or embark on numerous aquatic adventures like deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, boat rides and jet skiing. The city’s shopping features fashion from couture boutiques to flea market districts. Visitors can indulge in the city’s culture by watching award-winning live entertainment or sampling an assortment of delicious world cuisine—all while enjoying the ocean view.

About the $49.99* one-way fares:

*Seats are limited. Fares are one-way and not available on all flights. Must be purchased by March 17, 2010 for travel by Sept. 20, 2010. Prices do not include PFC, segment tax or Sept. 11 security fee of up to $10.70 per segment. A segment is one take-off and one landing. A convenience fee of $14 per passenger will apply when booked on allegiantair.com. A convenience fee of $14 per passenger, plus $10 per segment, will apply when purchased through Allegiant Air call centers. Purchases made at any Allegiant Air Airport Ticket Office will not incur a convenience or call-center fee. When purchased at the time of booking, a first checked bag fee of $15-$25 per bag and second checked bag fee of $25-$30 will apply per person, per segment. If purchased at flight check-in, a fee of $35 per checked bag, per person, per segment will apply for the first two bags checked. Additional higher fees will apply for three or more checked bags. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply.

About the $9.99** one-way fares:
**Seats are extremely limited. Fares are one-way and not available on all flights. Must be purchased by Feb. 23, 2010 by 11:59 p.m. EST. Prices do not include PFC, segment tax or Sept. 11 security fee of up to $10.70 per segment. A segment is one take-off and one landing. A convenience fee of $14 per passenger will apply when booked on allegiantair.com. A convenience fee of $14 per passenger, plus $10 per segment, will apply when purchased through Allegiant Air call centers. Purchases made at any Allegiant Air Airport Ticket Office will not incur a convenience or call-center fee. When purchased at the time of booking, a first checked bag fee of $15-$25 per bag and second checked bag fee of $25-$30 will apply per person, per segment. If purchased at flight check-in, a fee of $35 per checked bag, per person, per segment will apply for the first two bags checked. Additional higher fees will apply for three or more checked bags. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply.

About the Company
Las Vegas based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT), is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations such as Las Vegas, Phoenix, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Orlando, Fla., Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla. and Los Angeles. Through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, the company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline offering air travel both on a stand-alone basis and bundled with hotel rooms, rental cars and other travel related services.

Restaurant Review: Bumstead's Is A Hidden Gem

2010-02-22T20:05:57Z

Bumstead’s Pub has a name everyone is familiar with and a menu few visiting golfers have sampled. Myrtle Beach is home to more than 1,500 restaurants and if the endorsement of locals counts for anything, Bumstead’s is worth checking out on your next golf trip.

Named after the star of the long-running Blondie comic strip, Bumstead’s and its sister restaurant, Dagwood’s Deli (they share a building and a kitchen), hide in plain sight. Perched on the corner of Mr. Joe White Avenue one block off of Kings Highway in downtown Myrtle Beach, practically everyone who has been to the area has driven by the companion establishments.
Dagwood’s is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, serving Myrtle Beach’s best deli sandwich on homemade bread with Boar’s Head meat. After Dagwood’s serves its last sandwich, Bumstead’s opens at 4 p.m.

]]> Bumstead’s get its Euro-American feel from the dark wood bar and lighting, providing a cozy environment for post-round dinner or drinks. Bumstead’s serves more than 130 different beers, the area’s largest selection, and members of the World Beer Club can get their name engraved on the back of a bar stool (imagine, your own personal seating license!) at a small risk to their liver.

In all seriousness, if you are staying in central Myrtle Beach, it’s a great happy hour destination. Beyond the beer selection, Bumstead’s menu pulls off a rare feat – the food is cheap and good. Nothing on the menu is more than $8.95 – the shrimp quesadilla and peppercorn crusted tuna top the list.

Bumstead’s specializes in bar food, with the wings, nachos and burgers leading the way. They hand-bread their own chicken and use fresh ingredients, but the sandwiches distinguish Bumstead’s, just as they do Dagwood’s.

The Italian Sub, D-Train Philly, a steak and cheese with Worcestershire sauce and banana peppers, and The Shag, a jumbo sub with ham, turkey and swiss cheese, are just a sampling of the signature offerings.

Bumstead’s has nearly 60 televisions, including a flat screen in each booth, and nearly every sports package DirecTV offers, making it an appealing place to watch a game.

The Verdict: The food at Bumstead’s Pub and Dagwood’s Deli is outstanding. The bread, made in-house, is the area’s best and no establishment puts more meat on a sandwich. The hot food at Bumstead’s is equally good.

If you are looking for a steak dinner, Bumstead’s isn’t your answer that night. If you want a quality meal, value prices, and a good environment to watch a game, take the time to find Bumstead’s.

The same holds true for Dagwood’s Deli & Sports Bar in Surfside, which holds itself to the same exacting standards.

Hot List: Myrtle Beach's Top 5 Seafood Restaurants

2010-02-17T19:02:39Z

Sure golf is the main attraction on a trip to Myrtle Beach, but the bounty offered by the nearby Atlantic Ocean is hard to resist, especially at dinner time.

Seafood tops everyone’s menu when they come to town, and Myrtle Beach’s stream of all-you-can-buffets is the answer for many, but some prefer quality over quantity. For those with a more discerning palette, we offer up the five best places in the Myrtle Beach area for a great seafood dinner.

1. Rivertown Bistro – Located in Conway, approximately 12 miles west of Myrtle Beach, Rivertown Bistro is off the beaten path but worth the trip. Nine different types of sushi are available and the entrée menu is as creative as any. You won’t go wrong with the lightly blackened dolphin, jalapeno grit cake, blue crab crème and sautéed swiss chard.

]]> 2. Sea Captain’s House – The area’s oldest and most popular seafood restaurant, Sea Captain’s could easily occupy the top spot. Overlooking the ocean, Sea Captain’s starts every meal with complimentary hush puppies and things only get better from there. The Jambalaya is outstanding, but the Captain’s Seafood Muddle - sautéed shrimp, scallops, fish, mussels and clams in a saffron tomato broth with bacon, potatoes, celery and herbs – is a house specialty.

3. Divine’s Fish House – Murrell’s Inlet is the Seafood Capital of South Carolina and Divine’s is one of the reasons why. A breathtaking view of the marsh is accompanied by a fresh fish menu that includes swordfish, flounder, yellowfin ahi tuna and mahi-mahi. Divine’s is very good.

4. Collector’s Café – The area’s most unique restaurant, Collector’s is a world class restaurant and a working art gallery rolled into one. The sonoran spiced yellowfin tuna, which is caught locally, is excellent, but the scallop cake is an original dish that is as good as any entrée on the beach.

5. Gulfstream Café – The only restaurant in the area where the Atlantic is visible on one side and Murrells Inlet on the other, Gulfstream’s food is often the equal of its stunning views. The she-crab soup is a must, and if you are looking for a recommendation, the grouper francais is a good one.

Charlie's Corner: Covering The Tiger Woods Saga

2010-02-17T18:55:58Z

Welcome to Charlie's Corner, the blog home for Golf Channel analyst Charlie Rymer. A lifelong Myrtle Beach golfer, Rymer, with his charectaristic whit and unique perspective, will be weighing in on all things golf.

The days since Thanksgiving have been challenging for those of us that cover the world of golf for a living.

The Tiger Woods situation took all of us by surprise. I remember walking in to Golf Channel for what was going to be a normal day of show tapings. As soon as I hit the door I was told to get on a suit and have some makeup thrown on and head to the studio.

We did a 2 hour live special that afternoon and we only had 17 minutes to prep for it. In a situation like that, all you can do is be honest and speak from the heart. Hopefully that is what has come across to the viewers

My concerns from the beginning have been for Tiger and his family. I'm very hopeful that he will do the work to get the best possible outcome for his family, whatever that may be. I hope to see Tiger back on the course after he has the family situation and his personal issues sorted out.

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I don't think it does Tiger, his family, or the game any good at all to see him on the course until that point. If and when he returns is the million dollar question. I'm sure his return will be a major media event and I've been overwhelmed at the attention this story has received. It really hit home to me when I was driving by the entrance to the community where Tiger lives the day after his world came tumbling down. It looked like a Super Bowl was about to kick off.

I'm just hopeful that we all give his family the time and privacy they need. I'm not optimistic that will happen.Charlie Rymer, a Golf Channel analyst and the host of Road Trip: Myrtle Beach, is a former PGA Tour player and collegiate All-American at Georgia Tech. Rymer, who grew up playing in Myrtle Beach, has travled the world playing and talking about the game of golf and will share his unique perspective in Charlie's Corner.

Course Review: Grande Dunes Ranks Among The Best

2010-02-17T18:47:54Z

Marylander Steve Kincaid and Barry Carroll, an Ohio native, finished rounds at Grande Dunes on an uncharacteristically brisk February afternoon approximately 15 minutes apart. The mercury struggled to get above 50 degrees, but it made little difference to Kincaid and Carroll, who were traveling with separate groups.

Combine five holes that play along the Intracoastal Waterway, two more that offer stunning waterway views, and a course that enjoys excellent year-round conditions, and the reasons for Grande Dunes’ popularity are many.

“I think it’s one of the finest golf courses on the Grand Strand,” Carroll said. “It’s a very fair test of golf.”

]]> The critics have been equally impressed by the course. Golf Magazine named Grande Dunes one of the nation’s top 10 new courses upon its opening, and Golf Digest has since named it one of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses. It’s also worth mentioning the National Golf Course Owners Association named Grande Dunes its national course of the year in 2009.

Why is Grande Dunes so popular? Architect Roger Rulewich did an outstanding job from a design perspective and a he had a spectacular piece of land to work with. Rulewich crafted the area’s longest course, playing 7,618 yards from the tips, but only Myrtle Beach resident and rising PGA Tour star Dustin Johnson is capable of playing from that distance.

Grande Dunes has six sets of tees, and most players never play any further back than the blues (6,737 yards). The most commonly played tees, the whites, are 6,272 yards, so while the course is long at first glance, it is exceedingly playable.

The fairways at Grande Dunes are generous and there aren’t an abundance of trees, inviting players to smack their driver. The course is open but parallel holes are the exception. The open space allows Grande Dunes’ L93 bentgrass greens, the area’s largest, ample ventilation, helping keep them in good condition even through the hot summer months.

Water is on 16 of 18 holes and provides many of the course’s most stunning visuals. Beginning on No. 8, five of eight holes play directly along the Intracoastal and two more offer memorable views. The stretch is among the most scenic in all of Myrtle Beach golf, highlighted by No. 14, Grande Dunes’ signature hole. The tee shot on 14 requires a carry over a lake and the green runs toward the Intracoastal.

It’s a beautiful hole, but so are 8, 9, 10 and 15, all of which play along the Intracoastal.

Beyond the course, Grande Dunes, which is part of a 2,200-acre community that runs from West of the Intracoastal to the Atlantic, strives to provide the “member for a day” experience and succeeds. From the gated entrance and crossing the Intracoastal on a private bridge to the service in the clubhouse, Grande Dunes treats players as well as any Myrtle Beach golf course.

The staff gets the pin sheets from the superintendent each and day and programs the flag locations into the GPS, insuring accuracy. The course has no signage, tee times are spaced 10 minutes apart, and the clubhouse boasts a full culinary staff.

“When you come over the bridge (to enter the property), we want you to check out of reality and let us take care of you for the next few hours,” Grande Dunes’ senior director, Mike Buccerone, said.

With two 4-star resorts, a Ruth’s Chris and a marina, among many other amenities, you could checkout in the Grande Dunes family of properties for days, but the Resort Course, which helped launched the development, has emerged as one of the area’s best and most popular courses.

Par 3s

An outstanding collection of holes, water is a significant factor on three of the four par 3s.

The Intracoastal first comes into play on No. 8, running behind the green. The hole also demands a tee shot over a lake and the wind coming off the Intracoastal often requires an extra club. No. 8 plays 179 yards from the blue tees and 155 from the whites, so it requires a little muscle.

The 11th is the only par 3 that doesn’t feature water and it’s surrounded by a waste bunker. The 11th is the course’s shortest, playing 190 from all the way back, and it’s the easiest hole on the back nine.

The aforementioned 14th is Grande Dunes signature hole. It’s a beautiful setting and a difficult hole. You won’t forget it.

Par 4s
There aren’t a lot of doglegs but rolling terrain and varied distances make Grande Dunes’ par 4s an enjoyable collection of holes.

In particular, the sixth hole stands out. It plays 330 yards from the blue tees and 305 from the whites, daring golfers to pull out and the driver and take a shot at glory. The only problem being a bunker in the fairway 250 yards from the tee. The choice is yours.

Five of the 10 par 4s play in excess of 400 yards, and a driver can be used on nearly every one. Grande Dunes isn’t a target course. The most significant dogleg is on the 18th, which bends sharply to the left. The 18th is one of the course’s best holes and as players drive down the fairway, the clubhouse, bridge and Marina Inn all come into full view. It’s a memorable way to end a round.

Par 5s
The par 5s at Grande Dunes all play in excess of 500 yards from the blue tees, and Rulewich makes players earn their birdies.

The fourth hole is a dogleg right that has water running up the entire right side and squeezes the fairway leading up to the green. This isn’t a good risk to attempt in two. The seventh is straight as an arrow but water lurks on both sides. On a course that allows players to swing away, accuracy is vital on the seventh.

Grande Dunes’ hardest hole is the par 5 13th. A forced carry over water is required on the drive and the approach, and the green is elevated. Some players opt to try and clear the pond on their second shot. Don’t do it. The intelligent play is to layup, but that leaves a 170-yard approach into the green.

The 17th is the only par 5 that offers a shot at going for the green in two. The hole plays 512 yards from the blue tees and is straight, so hit everything you’ve got, but the water that runs from tee to green on the left side will punish anything that hooks.

The Verdict: Grande Dunes opened to considerable acclaim nine years ago and the course has more than met the challenge. The layout is very playable, allowing players to hit driver and, cliché as it sounds, there really is a set of tees for everyone. The course offers a country club feel and the views of the Intracoastal are magnificent.

“We’ve had this course on our package for the last three years and it will probably be on again next year,” Kincaid said. “It’s a great layout.”

Kincaid’s view is shared by most who have played the course.

5 Things You Need To Know About Grande Dunes

2010-02-17T18:38:20Z

Grande Dunes is the longest Myrtle Beach golf course, playing 7,618 yards from the tips, and it offers stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway, but that information is easy to come by. Here are five things you need to know before playing the Grand Strand’s only Roger Rulewich design.

1. Don’t be Intimidated by the Distance – Yes, the course is 7,600+ yards from the tips but few people play from the back there. Grande Dunes has two set of tees between 6,000 and 7,000 yards, so if you exercise good judgment, the course will not play to long.

]]> 2. Bust Out the Driver and Swing Hard – The fairways at Grande Dunes are generous and trees are minimal. If you love to hit driver, you will love Grande Dunes.

3. Be Ready For Long Putts – Everything about Grande Dunes is big and in keeping with that theme, the course’s greens are among the area’s largest, checking in at an average of 9,500 square feet. To put that in perspective, that isn’t much smaller than the clubhouse. The smallest green – No. 13 – is 35 yards deep.

4. Trust the GPS – Every morning the Grande Dunes staff gets the pin sheet from the course superintendent and punches the flag location into the GPS. The GPS is accurate to within two yards of every hole. Because of the size of some of the greens, your eyes can play tricks on you, making the flag appear closer than it is. Don’t believe your lying eyes.

“You have to trust the yardage on your approach,” Mike Buccerone, the course’s senior director, said. “If (the GPS) says 150 yards, it is. If the pin is back right and you see a little ridge, get it over the ridge.”

5. Eat! – Grabbing a hot dog or a deli sandwich at the turn is as common as a mulligan off the first tee for many players, but the recommendation here is to enjoy a meal in the clubhouse. The Grande Dunes Resort Course has an on-site culinary staff, serving Kobe burgers, blackened tilapia and crab cakes , among many other offerings. This isn’t a “regular” clubhouse meal. If you want post-round lunch, eat at the course. You won’t be disappointed.

Grande Dunes' 3 Best Holes

2010-02-17T02:39:51Z

Grande Dunes is ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest, has five holes that play along the Intracoastal Waterway, and two more that offer memorable views. The course, which opened in 2001, has emerged as one of the best on the Myrtle Beach golf scene for many reasons.

Identifying the three best holes is challenging because of the abundance of choices, but we put Grande Dunes’ senior director, Mike Buccerone, on the spot.

]]> Which three holes are Grande Dunes’ best in Buccerone’s eyes?

Here are his choices:

No. 6, 365-yard, par 4 – If there is a surprise choice on Buccerone’s list, this is it. It’s a short par 4, playing 330 yards from the blue tees and 305 from the whites, but there is a bunker sitting right in the middle of the fairway. The smart play is a four or five iron, leaving a short approach into a green that is 45 yards deep.

According to the scorecard, No. 6 is Grande Dunes’ easiest hole, but as Buccerone can attest, that is often not the case.

“Every time I come up (to the tee) all I want to do is take the driver and hit it over the bunker,” he said. “Eight out of 10 times I will, and seven out of 10 times I’ll hit it in the bunker … People like to make it difficult, including myself, that’s why I think it’s a fun hole. An easy par 4 can become a six really fast.”

No. 14, 216-yard, par 3 – The 14th is one of the area’s most memorable par 3s. Playing from an elevated tee, players must carry a lake to hit a green that runs at a 45-degree angle towards the water.

“It’s our signature hole,” Buccerone said. “The hole can bite you, especially if you’ve got a back right pin, because suddenly it slopes off and you are in somebody’s boat.”

You won’t forget the 14th hole.

No. 18, 442-yard, par 4 – A dogleg left, the 18th provides a fitting end to the round. The course’s clubhouse, a lake, Grande Dune’s private bridge and a hotel overlooking the Intracoastal come into view. It’s a dramatic last look at everything the course offers.

“I think coming in on No. 18 is a bit of a challenge,” said Barry Carroll, a Dayton, Ohio resident, echoing Buccerone’s sentiments. “(You) come on in with the clubhouse in the background. It’s just a very nice way to finish the day.”

What are your three favorite holes at Grande Dunes?

Photo Gallery: Grande Dunes

2010-02-17T01:00:57Z

Grande Dunes, with generous fairways, impecably conditioned bentgrass greens and five holes that play along the Intracoastal Waterway, has established itself as one of the best Myrtle Beach golf courses. Enjoy a photo gallery featuring the Roger Rulewich design.

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Golf Digest Ranks Willbrook Plantation Among America's Top 50 Courses For Women

2010-02-09T15:00:38Z

Myrtle Beach golf courses have collected national honors like stamps in recent years and Willbrook Plantation has again joined the fun. Golf Digest ranked the South Strand layout No. 31 on its list of America’s Top 50 Courses For Women in the just released March issue of the magazine.

A panel of more than 100 female raters ranked daily fee and public courses on categories such as shot values and resistance to scoring, but just as importantly, on how female friendly a course is. Among other traits, Golf Digest “looked for the best courses that offered at least one tee that plays to 5,300 yards or fewer (with bonus points for courses that have one tee that plays to fewer than 5,000 yards), at least two tees playing to fewer than 6,000 yards, and at least two tees with USGA Slope and Course Ratings for women. Other attributes (Golf Digest) valued included a minimal number of forced carries from the forward tees, run-up areas to most or all of the greens, a more demanding challenge from the longer tees for better female players, and beautiful scenery.”

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Willbrook, a long-time member of the Top Courses for Women list, has five sets of tees that range from 7,155 yards to 4,956 yards, making the layout equaling appealing for men.

The Dan Maples design also earned 4.5 stars in Golf Digest’s prestigious “Best Places to Play Guide” and has been among the area’s most popular courses since its opening in 1988. Carved out of land that used to be home to a historic plantation, Willbrook enjoys a Lowcountry setting that showcases much of the Grand Strand’s natural beauty.

Willbrook’s inclusion on the list continues a trend of Myrtle Beach golf courses being held in high regard by the game’s leading publications. In 2009, seven area courses were ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Digest, and Golfweek ranked three courses on its top 100 lists.

Grande Dunes Will Host "Play Golf America Day"

2010-02-08T18:37:24Z

The Grande Dunes Resort Course, a Myrtle Beach golf favorite, will host “Play Golf America Day” on Saturday, February 20, 2010. Admission is free for the day and the first 500 registrants will receive complimentary goodie bags. Activities are open to all ages and skill levels.

Grande Dunes Resort Club's “Play Golf America Day” will feature free golf instruction provided by PGA professionals, opportunities for golfers to try equipment from leading manufacturers, and prize drawings all day.

Popular golf trick shot artist Dennis Walters, an honorary lifetime member of the PGA of America, will perform “The Dennis Walters Golf Show” at 12:15 p.m. Walters is known throughout the golf world for his inspirational and entertaining shows. Accompanied by his popular canine assistant, Bucky, the paraplegic golfer demonstrates amazing trick shots, tells jokes and relates inspirational anecdotes. His show, which is free for those attending Grande Dunes' “Play Golf America Day,” has been staged throughout the United States, earning him numerous awards.

]]> “This is a great opportunity for people to come out and pick up some golf tips, try out new equipment and enjoy a great show,” said Frank Coughlin, general manager. “We also invite everyone to join us in our Patriot Golf Day Recognition at noon when we'll take a moment to honor all those who have served and are serving in our armed forces.”

Grande Dunes' “Play Golf America Day” is being coordinated by the Carolinas PGA Section in conjunction with Grande Dunes Resort Club. Similar days are held around the country to stimulate interest in golf. PlayGolfAmerica.com, which created the concept of these free one-day consumer festivals, was founded by the PGA, LPGA, Golf 20/20, The National Golf Course Owners Association, and the USGA.

Play Golf America Day at Grande Dunes Resort Club is sponsored in part by Mercedes-Benz and American Express.

Course Review: Conditions, Value Define Crown Park

2010-02-03T18:15:42Z

Crown Park rests on the western edge of the Myrtle Beach golf scene, nestled quietly amongst the pine trees that are so familiar to the area’s inland courses. The eight-year-old layout isn’t mentioned among the Grand Strand’s high profile courses, and one of its trademark characteristics is its serenity.

Just as the top 100 courses contribute to the area’s allure, particularly among the game’s cognoscenti, courses like Crown Park help form the backbone of many Myrtle Beach golf trips.

]]> “We are affordable,” Jason Mueller, the course’s general manager, said. “We are unique in that we don’t have any houses or developments on the course … You can always expect to find quality course conditions, especially with our greens. We pride ourselves on that.”

Good layout, good conditions and a good price are Crown Park’s selling points, and the North Strand course delivers. With no housing, noise is replaced by nature and tree-lined fairways are the standard at Crown Park.

The course doesn’t overwhelm players with length, playing 6,477 yards from the tips and 6,004 yards from the white tees. Lack of length shouldn’t be confused with lack of challenge. Crown Park is playable throughout, but it rewards accuracy and shot-making over raw power. The fairways are relatively narrow, though not overly so, and pine trees line practically every hole like spectators at a tournament.

Only one par 4 exceeds 400 yards but several doglegs and a creek that meanders through three fairways discourage impulsively hitting the driver.

“You can’t just grab a driver and head up to the par 4 and whack it,” Mueller said. “Placement off the tee is critical out here. You have to think.”

The mental game is important because Crown Park is a second shot golf course. The greens are above average in size and undulation, meaning you need to pay attention to pin placement and put yourself in position to get the ball close.

While Crown Park architect Robbie Byers placed a premium on accuracy, he didn’t remove the driver from the equation. Long hitters have ample opportunities but they must weigh risk versus reward, adding to the course’s charm.

Water is Crown Park’s primary hazard, factoring into 14 holes, and the course has just 44 bunkers. Byers was judicious in his use of sand but the bunkers can’t be overlooked, particularly those that flank the fairways.

Here is a closer look at what you can expect to find:

Par 3s
Crown Park’s par 3s are very playable, but if water makes you weak in the knees, there could be problems.

The first one-shotter, the 4th hole, is the only one devoid of water, but it’s the longest of the bunch, playing 213 yards from the tips. A narrow, two-tiered green adds to the challenge of one of the course’s best holes.

The eighth and 12th are both 164-yard holes that feature water and sand. The eighth green is deeper but the water on the right side and two bunkers in front of the green are greater threats. Neither hole is a pushover, but if you are going to put together a good round, you don’t want to lose ground here.

It’s a little unusual to close with a par 3, but Crown Park’s signature hole, the 174-yard, par 3 18th, is a nice way to end the day. Players are forced to carry water almost all the way, but the bowl shaped mounding around the green helps push balls toward the middle.

Par 4s
The first three holes are par 4s that embody the risk/reward choices Crown Park offers off the tee. All three holes are less than 400 yards and neither of the first two exceed 376 from the tips. If you are long and accurate off the tee, a driver and wedge might be all you need. But you’d better be accurate.

A creek dissects the first fairway just under 300 yards from the back tees (259 yards from the white). It isn’t wide but you have you fly it. On the second and third holes a pond encroaches on the fairway about 240 yards from the tee. A possible short approach awaits but if your ball starts leaking to the left it’s going to get wet.

The fifth is one of two 90-degree doglegs on the front side.

The most memorable back nine par 4 is the 361-yard 12th hole. Water runs along the entire right side and discontinues the fairway 280 yards from the tee, forcing players to carry their approach into a green flanked on two sides by water. It’s a fun hole.

In Mueller’s opinion, the most difficult hole is the 427-yard 17th. The 17th is long and straight, and drives that favor the right side are preferable, but water runs along that side as well.

Par 5s
Players have the opportunity to make up ground on the par 5s, particularly on the front nine. The par 5 6th (475 yards from the tips) and 9th (507 yards) are both reachable in two. Neither fairway is exceedingly wide but water isn’t a factor off the tee. Fairway bunkers could come into play but take everything you have out of the bag and let it rip on the sixth and ninth.

The 11th, playing 482 yards from the tips, also offers an outstanding shot at birdie and water isn’t a significant factor. Swing from the heels here because you aren’t reaching the 15th in two.

The final par 5, the 549-yard 15th, is a three-shot hole with a hazard running through the fairway approximately 200 yards from the green. For low handicappers, clearing the hazard in two isn’t an issue, but it could be a threat to the mid to high handicapper.

The Verdict: Crown Park is a solid layout and players can count on finding consistently good conditions. It bills itself as a value course and delivers. While Crown Park is the westernmost layout on Route 9, it’s an easy drive from the Central and North Strands. Crown Park is not the most difficult Myrtle Beach golf course, but it’s a good time and certainly worth a visit.

5 Things You Need to Know About Crown Park

2010-02-03T16:56:20Z

Crown Park prides itself on offering value and good conditions to golfers, but there is much more to know about the eight-year-old course. If you are planning a trip or looking to gain a small advantage on your playing partners, here are five things to know about Crown Park:

1. Straight and Steady Wins – The layout isn’t long by Myrtle Beach golf standards - 6,477 yards from the tips – but don’t fall into the trap of trying to overwhelm the course with your driver. With several doglegs on each nine and tree-lined fairways that are relatively narrow, Crown Park rewards accuracy off the tee. Priority No. 1 is getting the ball in the fairway because …

]]> 2. It’s a second shot course - The key to scoring well is the approach. The course’s greens are above average in size and undulation, making an accurate approach vital. The most important club for many players at Crown Park is the utility club, according to general manager Jason Mueller.

3. Pay Attention to the GPS – There are creeks that dissect three fairways and several doglegs, so take advantage of the GPS on the carts. Crown Park will give you a chance to score and the GPS will help you cut down on mental errors, so use it.

4. On the Way In or Out – Crown Park is the westernmost Myrtle Beach golf course on Route 9 and that offers one significant advantage - it’s an ideal place to play on your way into or out of town. Crown Park is just over 45 minutes from Interstate 95, so you can play 18 and have a jump on getting home.

5. So Close, Yet So Far Away – While Crown Park is a good course to play on travel days, it’s no less appealing during the middle of your trip. The addition of Route 31 makes it a 30-minute drive from downtown to Crown Park, and it’s a short trip from anywhere on the North Strand.

Myrtle Beach Golf Photo Gallery: Crown Park

2010-02-03T16:46:48Z

Crown Park showcases the native pine trees that so familiar to the Myrtle Beach golf scene, plenty of nature, and it offers consistently good conditions. Enjoy a look at one of the area's best value courses.

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The 3 Best Holes at Crown Park

2010-02-03T16:31:24Z

Tucked away on Route 9, Crown Park is one of Myrtle Beach golf’s most secluded layouts. There are no houses visible from the course and there aren’t many in the general vicinity.

Privacy is part of the layout’s charm, creating a relaxed atmosphere that extends throughout the round. Once play begins, Crown Park stands on merit, and we consulted with the facility’s general manager, Jason Mueller, to determine the course’s three best holes.

]]> No. 4, 223-yard, par 4 – The longest par 3, No. 4 also has one of Crown Park’s largest greens. The two-tiered putting surface runs from back to front and allows for many interesting pin placements. The green is narrow and a bunker in the right front has collected more than a few stray shots. Take a deep breath and produce a pure swing.

No. 15, 549-yard, par 5 – The 15th is the course’s longest hole and arguably its most difficult. A natural waste area that dissects the fairway doesn’t come into play off the tee, but players that don’t have a good drive could have trouble getting across it on their second, particularly if they find the fairway bunker on the right.

“You have to hit a good tee shot to carry the creek for your second shot,” Mueller said. “The tee shot there is (important) to set up for your third.”

Players that don’t make it across the hazard on their second shot face an approach from more than 200 yards. You don’t want to be in that position as a narrow green awaits. The 15th is a three-shot par 5 for all but the longest of hitters, and it’s an excellent hole, demanding and fun.

No. 18, 174-yard, par 3 – Crown Park’s signature hole, No. 18 requires a tee shot across water into a green surrounded by bowl shaped mounding. The mounding around the green helps funnel balls toward the center of the green, giving players latitude off the tee.

A par 3 finishing hole isn’t common, but the 18th at Crown Park sends players into the parking lot with a vivid memory.

What’s the best hole at Crown Park in your opinion?

Low-Cost Carrier, Allegiant Air, Announces New, Non-Stop Service to Myrtle Beach

2010-02-02T15:46:37Z

Low-cost carrier Allegiant Air, LLC, a subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Company (Nasdaq: ALGT), today announces it will establish a new base at Gerald R. Ford International Airport, and will start low-cost, nonstop service from Grand Rapids to Myrtle Beach, S.C., the Golf Capital of the World.

Allegiant's nonstop service to Myrtle Beach, S.C. from Grand Rapids will begin April 30. The carrier will celebrate the convenient new service to the "Seaside Golf Capital of the World," with introductory fares as low as $58.88* each way.

]]> The new flights will operate two times weekly with service Monday and Friday. Beginning April 30, flights will depart Grand Rapids at 11:30 a.m. arriving in Myrtle Beach International Airport at 1:30 p.m. Flights leaving Myrtle Beach will depart at 7:10 p.m. arriving in Grand Rapids at 9:10 p.m. (all flight times are local).

Allegiant will utilize 150-seat, MD-80 series, jet-aircraft on the route. Known as the "Seaside Golf Capital of the World," Myrtle Beach offers endless world-class golf and 60 miles of soft, sandy beaches. Recognized as the "World's Best Beach" and one of the "Top 10 places for Families to Visit in the U.S." by Yahoo! Travel, the Grand Strand has something for everyone. With more than 100 golf courses to choose from, Myrtle Beach boasts many of the world's most challenging courses, personally designed by golf greats like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

Family fun begins at the beach, inviting visitors to make a splash at any of the many water parks or embark on numerous aquatic adventures like deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, boat rides and jet skiing. The city's shopping features fashion from couture boutiques to flea market districts. Visitors can indulge in the city's culture by watching award-winning live entertainment or sampling an assortment of delicious world cuisine all while enjoying the ocean view.

The company offers low-cost packages with many of Myrtle Beach's most exciting hotel properties, including: Bay View Resort, Breaker Resort, Caribbean Resort & Villas, Compass Cove Resort, Dunes Village Resort, Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort, Long Bay Resort and Ocean Reef Resort. The company also provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car.

Allegiant's $58.88* one-way fares are limited, not available on all flights and must be purchased by Feb. 24, 2010 for complete travel by Sept. 20, 2010. Reservations may be made through the company's Web site at www.allegiantair.com, the airline's Reservations Center at 702-505-8888 or professional travel agents.

About the one-way fares: *Seats are limited. Fares are one-way and not available on all flights. Â Must be purchased by Feb. 24, 2010 for travel between April 30 and Sept. 20, 2010. Prices do not include PFC, segment tax or Sept. 11 security fee of up to $10.70 per segment. A segment is one take-off and one landing. A convenience fee of $14 per passenger will apply when booked on allegiantair.com. A convenience fee of $14 per passenger, plus $10 per segment, will apply when purchased through Allegiant Air call centers. Purchases made at any Allegiant Air Airport Ticket Office will not incur a convenience or call-center fee. When purchased at the time of booking, a first checked bag fee of $15-$25 per bag and second checked bag fee of $25-$30 will apply per person, per segment. If purchased at flight check-in, a fee of $35 per checked bag, per person, per segment will apply for the first two bags checked. Additional higher fees will apply for three or more checked bags. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply.

About the Company

Las Vegas based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT), is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations such as Las Vegas, Phoenix, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Orlando, Fla., Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla. and Los Angeles. Through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, the company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline offering air travel both on a stand-alone basis and bundled with hotel rooms, rental cars and other travel related services.

Hot List: 7 Myrtle Beach Golf Courses on the Intracoastal

2010-01-28T20:50:57Z

The construction of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway was authorized by Congress in 1919, and the 1,900-mile waterway spanning the East Coast has done much good, providing safe passage to commercial and civilian boats in times of trouble.

An unintended benefit of the Waterway was the backdrop it provided golf course architects. The Intracoastal runs the length of the Myrtle Beach golf scene and some of the game’s biggest names utilized the Army Corps of Engineers’ handiwork, creating some of the area’s most stunning visuals.

Numerous courses play along tributaries that empty into the Waterway, but there are only seven Myrtle Beach golf courses that play along the Intracoastal, here is a quick look at each.

]]> Arrowhead Country Club – Arrowhead is home to 27 holes, the aptly named Waterway Nine being of interest in this case. The Intracoastal comes into view on the fourth hole, and the 387-yard, par 4 fifth plays along the water. It’s the signature hole at Arrowhead with good reason.

Glen Dornoch – As much as any Myrtle Beach golf course, Glen Dornoch is defined by its proximity to the Intracoastal. The clubhouse offers a stunning view, and the closing holes on each nine are some of the area’s prettiest. In particular, 16, 17 and 18 are challenging and memory inducing in their beauty.

Grande Dunes – Grande Dunes is ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses and having five holes that play along the Intracoastal is certainly part of the reason. The Waterway figures into holes 8, 9, 10, 14 and 15 and it’s visible on 11 and 16. Grande Dunes offers some of the area’s most striking Intracoastal views, and the 14th is among the area’s most popular par 3s.

Norman Course at Barefoot Resort – Appropriately, Greg Norman, The Shark, built the teeth of his only Myrtle Beach golf course around water. Seven of the nine holes on the backside of the Norman Course offer views of the Intracoastal and six play along the water. The one you absolutely won’t forget is the par 3 10th, which plays to the water’s edge.

Palmetto Course at Myrtlewood – The Myrtlewood clubhouse offers an immediate view of the Intracoastal, providing a hint of what is to come. The 18th hole on the second of Myrtlewood’s two courses, the Palmetto, snuggles up to the Intracoastal. All 468 yards play along the water. It’s a great finish at one of Myrtle Beach’s Golden Oldies. The view from the par 3 17th is equally appealing.

Tidewater – One of the most decorated Myrtle Beach golf courses and one of Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, Tidewater is home to several bodies of water, including the Intracoastal. Four holes at Tidewater play along the Waterway, including eight and nine, which send players into the clubhouse with a smile on their face.

Waterway Hills – The Grand Strand’s best view of the Intracoastal comes on the way to Waterway Hills. Golfers park on the east side of the Waterway and take a tram that rises more than 100 feet across the water, providing a panoramic view. On the course, the opening holes on the Oaks and Ravine nines play along the Intracoastal, getting your round off to an outstanding start.

If you can’t get enough of the Intracoastal, the area is home to an eighth course that doesn’t play directly the water, but provides ample scenery. The third hole on the Fox Nine at River Oaks overlooks the Waterway and the drive to the 4th tee runs parallel to the water.

Course Review: Man O'War Delivers Great Greens and Water

2010-01-27T21:33:58Z

Perhaps no golf course fits better along the Grand Strand than Man O'War Golf Club, featuring a layout with so much water that golfers may believe they are playing on the beachfront.

Dan Maples certainly had water on his mind in the mid-1990s as he designed this par-72 track. The aqua is an omnipresent threat - its 100 acres within view from every spot on the Myrtle Beach golf favorite - but it's not domineering to the point of unfairness.

Challengers must tee off over water nine times and hit approaches over water that fronts five greens. Still, it's usually more of a mental challenge than physical.

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"I think it's the right mix," said Larry Smith, a 7-handicap. "There are times you have to hit over water, but I don't think it's an unfair shot with a long iron. When you do hit over the water, it's usually with a high iron."

Man O'War Golf Club: The course

This golf course, about 10 miles from the beach in the community of Carolina Forest, plays nearly 7,000 yards from the tips and measures a shade over 5,000 for the ladies, allowing each individual to suit his or her needs - depending on the individual's comfort with the water.

Man O'War G.C. is a fair golf course with rolling, medium-width fairways, little to no rough and a sparse number of pine trees, giving even high handicappers a chance to thrive.

"It's a fair challenge," said Lou Tripodi, a 16-handicap. "The setup gives me a chance to shoot a decent score. With the sand and the water - even though it doesn't always come into play - it makes you think."

Since most golfers don't have any problem hitting the fairways at Man O'War, the golf course needs a built-in defense mechanism. The Crenshaw Bentgrass greens, in great condition even in mid-January, are large with an average depth of 40.5 yards, but they are undulating. It makes a two-putt difficult if approach shots do not find the proper part of the putting surface.

Shallow bunkers that front many of the contoured greens provide a stiff challenge with high lips.
Smith, Tripodi and the other members of their playing group believe that while the depth of the greens makes it easier to find the putting surface, it also challenges each golfer in club selection. For example, the par-3 sixth hole features a 47-foot-deep green, providing a tee shot that varies with every pin placement and passing gust.

The wind, in different ways, affects every hole on this golf course, which is privy to ocean breezes despite its distance from the shoreline.

And that beach is never that far from mind; the plentiful water assures that.

For most of the front side, water runs alongside the fairway, but it would take a tee shot well off course to reach it.

Just before the turn, Man O'War Golf Club presents its signature hole, the par-4 ninth. Believed to be the only hole along the Strand that features an island fairway and island green, it invites golfers to first hit over water and then into a green near the tip of the island.

"It's a little intimidating," said Randy Broughton, Man O'War Golf Club's director of golf. "There is ample room to hit, but the longer right you go, the tougher it makes your second shot. There are bunkers down the left that protect the ball from the water but also grab the errant tee shot. With the second shot, it's an open area, and the wind really affects your shot. But you've got to hit into the right part of the green."

Water plays a bigger role on the back side, which opens with tee and approach shots over water on the 10th and 11th holes. Then the par-4 14th and par-3 15th feature island greens. They're tough but manageable.

"A lot women find it intimidating because of the water when they first come," said Vicki Smith, a 6-handicap. "They see all the water and it scares them. But I think, in the long run, if they played this course, it would make them a better golfer. It makes you become aware of the lengths of your clubs. When you're hitting into greens with water, you have to know your lengths. I like this course because of that challenge."

Man O'War Golf Club: The verdict
Man O'War Golf Club's not the flashiest Myrtle Beach golf course, but it's certainly a good value. The golf course offers several package deals that provide a quality experience without a big investment. Included are opportunities to play its sister courses, The Witch in Conway and The Wizard, right next door.

Depending on the conditions, Man O'War could play much differently from one day to the next - or from morning to afternoon. Man O'War extends a worthy challenge, if for no other reason than the chance to spend a day around the water - and hopefully not in it.

Facilities and instruction at Man O'War Golf Club
Fittingly, the Man O'War clubhouse, which includes a grill, is suspended above one of the many lakes on the golf course. It also offers a driving range and putting green.

American Eagle Announces Dallas/Forth Worth To Myrtle Beach Flight

2010-01-25T22:21:40Z

FORT WORTH, Texas – American Eagle Airlines, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, will begin nonstop seasonal jet service between Myrtle Beach (S.C.) International Airport (MYR) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), beginning April 6. Eagle will operate the service through October 31, with 44-seat Embraer ERJ-140 jets.

“We’re delighted to introduce seasonal service to Myrtle Beach, one of the premier recreational destinations in the Southeast,” said Gary Foss, Vice President – Planning and Marketing for the AMR Regional Network. “Not only will visitors enjoy the sandy shores of Myrtle Beach, but avid golfers can take advantage of the more than 100 golf courses in the Grand Strand area. Dallas/Fort Worth is not only home to American’s largest hub – offering convenient connections to destinations throughout AA’s global network – but it’s also one of the largest cities in the country for golf enthusiasts.”

]]> “This new service from a worldwide carrier will enhance connectivity between Myrtle Beach and many key markets throughout the United States – especially the Midwest and Western U.S.,” said Brad Dean, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “The direct flights will provide access to millions of travelers who are looking for an affordable family vacation but may not have considered the Myrtle Beach area in the past.”

“This new non-stop flight allows us the opportunity to reach Dallas/Fort Worth area golfers, and also provides more convenient access from all the markets in American's network,” said Bill Golden, President of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday. “We look forward to the success of this route, and growing our relationship with American Eagle in the future.”

The schedule for the flights between Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Dallas/Fort Worth (all times local) is:

Myrtle Beach to Dallas/Fort Worth (MYR-DFW)
FLIGHT    DEPARTS    ARRIVES    DAYS
3306    4:25 p.m.    6:25 p.m.    Daily

Dallas/Fort Worth to Myrtle Beach (DFW-MYR)
FLIGHT    DEPARTS    ARRIVES    DAYS
3311    12:15 p.m.    3:55 p.m.    Daily

From DFW, American and American Eagle operate approximately 745 daily departures to nearly 160 nonstop destinations, including 34 international destinations.

About American Eagle
American Eagle operates over 1,500 daily flights to nearly 160 cities throughout the United States, Canada, the Bahamas, Mexico and the Caribbean on behalf of American Airlines. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® airlines serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve more than 700 destinations in over 140 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com We know why you fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR).

Restaurant Review: Collectors Cafe Delivers An Artful Meal

2010-01-21T20:46:52Z

Collectors Café sits in a strip mall two blocks from the Atlantic on North Kings Highway, nestled between a Subway and Rite Aid. The white exterior, script sign and painting around the door hint at an establishment that offers more than the TGI Friday’s two blocks away. But to the uninitiated Collectors Café doesn’t outwardly appear much different than thousands of other restaurants along the Grand Strand.

Looks can be deceiving.

]]> When the doors swing open, connoisseurs of fine food and art are welcomed to the most unique eatery in Myrtle Beach and perhaps the state. Collectors Café is a working art gallery, showcasing 100 works of art by upwards of 25 artists at any given time. The art that adorns the wall is for sale, and, just as importantly, it sets the mood for a restaurant that is as good as it is eclectic.

In Collectors (official site), the entirety of the building is a canvas. The walls are painted, the columns on the bar are murals inspired by the masters, an idea owner Tommy Davis picked up while visiting old French bistros. The tile on the wine bar, a trendy weekend hotspot for locals, depicts the winemaking process in the fields of a European vineyard.

Collectors opened in 1994, growing out of Davis’ art gallery which was tucked into the back of the building. Along with fellow artist Mike Smith, Davis launched Collectors after spending seven months breathing life into what used to be a doctor’s office.

No matter how unique the concept, a restaurant is ultimately judged by the quality of its food and Collectors excels in that regard. When Davis and Smith were devising the layout for their art gallery/restaurant, they also made their greatest hire – executive chef Carlos McGrigor.

The self-taught McGrigor has been a cooking for 37 years, and he is solely responsible for one of the Grand Strand’s premier menus. If the walls of Collectors are a canvas for Davis, the kitchen is McGrigor’s studio.

The Collectors menu varies by season but it has a core of anchor entrees that are as tasty as they are diverse. Collectors’ signature dish is a McGrigor creation – scallop cakes. In 1981 McGrigor was experimenting in the kitchen when the scallop cake, which as the name suggests, is part crab cake, part soufflé, was born.

“In this business it’s hard to come up with something that is different,” McGrigor says with understandable pride. “Anybody that comes here has to have the scallop cake. People have been asking me for the recipe for many years but it’s locked up.”

The scallop cake is available as an appetizer or an entrée, and McGrigor isn’t being a braggart. The scallop cake, while rich, is a must-eat.

A couple other dishes on the menu that standout from experience. The hot Cajun spiced shrimp tossed with penne pasta in a broth of tomatoes, white wine, lime, jalapenos and cilantro is a house favorite, particularly if you like a little spice.

The sonoran spiced yellowfin tuna, which is caught locally, is McGrigor at his best. The Cuban born chef complements the tuna with black bean sauce, mango salsa, safron rice and chipotle pepper crema.

The menu is accompanied by a wine list that has earned the Wine Spectator Award for five years running.

While a great entree is enough to satisfy most golfers, it’s worth mentioning that Collectors doubles as a coffee shop during the daylight hours and has a pastry chef who prepares dessert fresh daily.

The Verdict: Collectors is a one-of-a-kind restaurant and the art gallery adds to the dining experience as opposed to competing with. The bar area, which features live entertainment on weekends, is a popular hangout and worth a visit, but, ultimately, the food is what makes Collectors memorable.

The unique taste of the scallop cake can’t be overstated. It’s great. The rest of the menu is equally appealing. Fresh seafood, steak, it’s all there. Collectors bill itself as a Mediterranean restaurant but the menu has southwestern and Asian influences as well.

Collectors isn’t cheap – many entrees run between $30 and $35 – but if your group wants a meal that provides a fine-dining experience, Collectors will send you home happy.

Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday Launches New Website

2010-01-19T21:39:11Z

Myrtle Beach is home to more than 100 courses and now golf’s most popular road trip has an online home to better showcase everything the area has to offer.

Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday has launched a new website that is more user friendly and visually appealing. The first thing consumers will notice upon entering the new site, beyond the roomier feel, is the attention given to Myrtle Beach’s greatest asset – its golf courses.

Beauty shots of Myrtle Beach courses will greet people upon arrival, and the benefits to golfers extend far beyond photography. The new GolfHoliday.com will have more products available to consumers on the front page, providing a direct link to the area’s best golf package specials, golf courses and golf schools.

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The new site will also make it easier access to Golf Holiday’s extensive collection of videos on the homepage and inside the site. New Myrtle Beach golfers interested in learning about the area’s broad selection of courses and long-time visitors will be served equally well by the redesigned site, which makes it very easy to follow the area’s latest news.

Nature Valley's Tips From the Pro: Start Your Swing Right

2010-01-12T15:09:25Z

A good start is vital to any golf swing, and Brad Redding, the director of instruction at the Grande Dunes Golf Academy, reveals the secret to backswing success in Nature Valley's Tips From the Pro.

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Myrtle Beach Delivers a Good Time On and Off the Course

2010-01-06T20:04:43Z

Once the day’s last putt has been made and the clubs retired to the trunk, the fun of a Myrtle Beach golf trip is far from over.

The Grand Strand is home to more than 1,500 restaurants that specialize in everything from soul food and sushi to steak. Every chain restaurant of significance has a presence in the area, but Myrtle Beach dining is made unique by its native fare.

Calabash seafood, a nationally recognized brand, was born in the area, and South Carolina’s distinctive Lowcountry cuisine is a must-eat.

The Grand Strand’s culinary contributions shouldn’t be minimized but its nightlife is legendary. Unlike some competing destinations, where businesses shudder with the setting sun, Myrtle Beach golf is complemented by its ample off-course activities.

]]> Whether you are looking for a quick post-round drink or a long night of partying, the area has it all. Dancing, live music, a great place to watch a game, or a cigar bar, visitors don’t lack for options.

“Twelve people come in our group, and we have just about as many different interests off the course, but everyone has a great time,” said Mike Ritter, a Winchester, Va., resident who has taken a Myrtle Beach golf trip the last five years. “If you can’t have a good time here, you aren’t trying.”

But Myrtle Beach is more than a party off the course. Shopping – ranging from high-end boutiques to golf superstores – has become a draw for the area. The Grand Strand also offers premier deep sea fishing (yes, you can catch your dinner), and Brookgreen Gardens is the nation’s finest outdoor sculpture garden, bringing a touch of culture to a boys weekend.

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Class A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, play at BB&T Coastal Field, and it’s located directly across the street from Broadway at the Beach, the area’s premier shopping, dining and nightlife complex. The list goes on but you get the point.

Myrtle Beach is equal parts GolfTown, USA and Good Times, USA.

Myrtle Beach is Golf Town, USA

2009-12-23T15:33:17Z

It is the bartender, the guy behind the rental car counter and the multimillion dollar business owner. Chances are, in Myrtle Beach, S.C., they all have one thing in common – golf.

The game crosses economic and social barriers. It reaches out to everyone, and therein lays the charm of the world’s most popular golf destination. The Myrtle Beach area, called the Grand Strand by locals, stretches from Georgetown, S.C. to Brunswick County, N.C. It’s home to more than 100 golf courses, hosts 1 million players and plays nearly 4 million rounds annually, but numbers aren’t what makes Myrtle Beach popular.

]]> Quality golf, tremendous value and a fun-filled experience, on and off the course, are the attractions, even in difficult economic times. Visitors are immersed in the game and a good time from the moment they arrive, a needed reprieve from the stress of daily life.

“(A Myrtle Beach trip is) a week away with a great bunch of guys - it’s a lot of memories, a lot of laughs,” said Chuck Cooper, a Pennsylvanian who has been coming to the area for seven years.

Set amidst the natural beauty of the coastal Carolinas, golf courses are nearly as plentiful as the state’s trademark Palmetto tree, allowing the area to provide a greater spectrum of offerings than any other destination.

From the group looking for a high-end experience, to a couple of friends as interested in having a good time off the course as they are on it, the Grand Strand meets all needs. The Myrtle Beach area is home to 10 of Golf Digest’s “100 Greatest Public Courses,” two of Golf Magazine’s top 25 golf schools in America, and at least as many top 100 nightclubs.

The area’s reputation as a quality golf destination has soared in recent years but it has never lost touch with its roots. Myrtle Beach remains the greatest value in golf, appealing to blue collar and blue bloods all the same.

Great times, great people, great golf. That’s why Myrtle Beach is GolfTown, USA.