Title: Golf Travel Diaries: Journeys to Myrtle Beach
Welcome to the gem of the South Atlantic coast, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and delightful southern charm, Myrtle Beach is a golfer’s paradise, boasting some of the finest layouts in the country. From manicured greens that line the Atlantic to links-style courses offering a Scottish feel, golfers journey from far and wide to test their skills here. This is not just an article; it’s your travel diary that charts a experiencing one of golf’s most cherished destinations.
The city has over 100 golf courses, enough to make any golfer smile. Of those, some of the most sought-after are Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, Dunes Golf & Beach Club, and TPC Myrtle Beach. But these are just the icing on the cake, beneath which lies a wide array of golf courses, each varied in design and difficulty, catering to all calibers of golfers.
To begin their Myrtle Beach journey, many golfers start at the Caledonia Golf & Fish Club. Designed by Michael Strantz, this exquisitely crafted course is imbued with historical undertones and framed by centuries-old live oaks. But be warned, the course might seem as charming as a southern belle, but it has a bite that rivals the regional alligators. Take the 18th hole for example, a long par 4 with water down the left and a green fortified by sand makes for a stunning yet treacherous hole.
From there, golfers usually head to TPC Myrtle Beach, a tour-tested course that stages the Dustin Johnson World Junior Golf Championship. A Tom Fazio masterpiece, TPC personifies both the beauty and challenge golf offers. Wilderness areas, lakes, and towering trees add to the aesthetic appeal while increasing the course’s difficulty. The signature hole, the par-3 17th, offers a thrilling tee shot across water to a narrow, bunker-guarded green.
The Dunes Golf & Beach Club rounds out the power trio. This Robert Trent Jones Sr. layout has been enchanting golfers for more than half a century with its breathtaking holes besides the Atlantic. Known for the infamous “Waterloo,” the par-5 13th hole, with an arcing dogleg right following a lake, that inspires both fear and excitement in golfers. Not just the Waterloo, the Dunes Club is home to Alligator Alley (holes 11 through 13), known for frequent sightings of the course’s namesake creature.
One cannot forget the ‘Granddaddy’ of them all, Pine Lakes Country Club. As Myrtle Beach’s first-ever golf course, Pine Lakes has a rich history and tradition that parallels the evolution of golf in the area. Recent restorations have preserved the club’s traditional feel, creating a hybrid of modern and classic.
Beyond the golf, Myrtle Beach is more than a one-trick pony. Meandering waterways perfect for fishing and exploring, a stunning 60-mile stretch of beach known as the ‘Grand Strand’, local wineries, museums and the famed Myrtle Beach Boardwalk bolster the area’s appeal. It is an inviting haven for those looking to bask in the laid-back, southern charm.
Dining in Myrtle Beach is an adventure in itself with culinary offerings from all around the globe. Seafood lovers can delight in fresh, locally caught fish at the Sea Captain’s House while the Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse offers a South American flair.
A golfer’s journey to Myrtle Beach wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the accommodation. Whether opting to stay in lavish oceanfront condos or preferring the rustic feel of golf villas, there’s a wide variety of offerings tailored to fit every budget and preference. A majority of the resorts also offer stay-and-play packages complete with lodging, golfing, and dining options, providing golfers with a seamless travel experience.
In conclusion, Myrtle Beach justifies its reputation as the golf capital of the world. With an abundance of quality golf courses infused with the southern grace, vibrant history, a plethora of off-course activities, and warm hospitality, Myrtle Beach is truly golf’s veritable Eden. A journey here promises to be a voyage worth every stroke, every mile, and certainly every smile.