Honda Classic Pro-Am Experience w/Ernie Els

Ed Holofcener and Ernie Els

Ed Holofcener and Greg Norman

Our very own President, Ed Holofcener, just had an amazing golfing experience this past week that was incredibly memorable.  Here’s a short description of his experience:

"The Honda Classic Pro-Am.  We had a fantastic day and being teamed up with Ernie Els could not have been any better - he was an excellent playing partner. There's a reason they call him “The Big Easy”.   He was engaging with us all day and was always there for a fist bump after a great shot or clutch putt.  Teeing off on the 1st tee was pretty nerve-racking as there were a few hundred people watching.  Luckily, I had a really nice drive and that settled me down for the rest of the day.

Ed Holofcener and Ricke Fowler

We played very well as a team and we were actually the leaders in the clubhouse when we finished and for most of the afternoon. However, at the end of the day, the last two groups somehow nudged past us - so we finished a solid 3rd out of a total of 50 teams. I’ll take that!

Rickie Fowler's group was right behind us and Greg Norman and his celebrity group with Kenny G and Shane Battier and Joe Mauer were right behind them.

One of the best, most memorable days of my golfing life."

Golf Zoo Top Post-Round Entertainment Options in Myrtle Beach

What happens on the golf course, as important as it is, is only half the fun on a trip. What you do after the final putt drops matters, and there is as much fun to be had in Myrtle Beach as any destination in America.

Amidst a sea of choices, what should top your list of nocturnal destinations?

-- Broadway at the Beach, a 23-acre shopping, dining and entertainment complex, is at the heart of Myrtle Beach’s nightlife scene. With more than 20 bars and restaurants ranging from a Japanese steakhouse to Dave & Buster’s, if your group can’t entertain itself at Broadway, it might be time to think about finding new friends. The complex remodeled a couple years ago and is better than ever. If you are going to be out late, don’t miss Crocodile Rocks, a piano bar that always delivers a great time.

-- If your group is staying along the South Strand, a trip to Murrells Inlet’s MarshWalk is a must. The ¼ mile wooden boardwalk takes you on stroll along a beautiful saltwater estuary (and Goat Island) and eight waterfront restaurants. Fresh, locally caught seafood and live music are staples of nearly every menu as Murrells Inlet is known as the Seafood Capital of South Carolina. With a menu that features everything from sushi to the catch of the day, Wicked Tuna is one of the area’s best restaurants and diners get to eat on a second-story deck, providing a panoramic view of the inlet.

-- Topgolf is still weeks from opening, but with anticipation reaching a fever pitch, it had to make our list. Located across the road from Broadway at the Beach, what better thing to do after a round of golf in Myrtle Beach than head to Topgolf to play some more? With 72 climate controlled hitting bays, hundreds of TVs, and a full service restaurant and bar, you won’t go wrong at Topgolf Myrtle Beach.

Golf Zoo Lodging Options

Which Lodging Options Are Right for Your Myrtle Beach Golf Vacation?

Myrtle Beach is renowned for the number of courses that call the area home, but that pales in comparison to the volume of accommodations options golfers have to choose from.

Before deciding where you want to stay, you have to decide what kind of room you want to stay in. Below are the three most popular options and why your group may, or may not, want to go that route.

-- More golfers fall asleep to the rhythmic sound of the Atlantic Ocean’s pounding surf than anything else, and the reasons are many. Standard hotel rooms have gone the way of persimmon drivers, and in their place have come multi-bedroom condos overlooking the beach. The view is beautiful, full kitchens allow groups to eat in and hang out, and on-site restaurants abound. No matter the size of your group, oceanfront accommodations are appealing. The only potential drawback is that large groups could be dispersed over multiple floors and you don’t enjoy quite as much privacy, but those are hardly deal-breakers. As a matter of fact, if your group goes its separate ways at night, this is probably your best option.

-- Golf course accommodations are, obviously, an appealing option, allowing players to stay and play onsite. Staying in an on-course condo will reduce drive time and might even allow you to sneak on the course at dusk to settle a few side bets. If your group likes to hang out, this provides the opportunity to do so while enjoying time outside (who doesn’t love a good corn hole tournament?). A golf group never goes wrong staying at the course. The only drawback is you miss that stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean.

-- The least utilized option is the beach house, but if you are traveling with a close-knit group, this might be the way to go. Inventory is limited and it can be more expensive, but your group can stay together, eat together and you have a place to hang out in the evenings with the benefit of some privacy. A nice home is perfect for large groups.

When planning your trip, remember: where you stay matters, so give it some thought and make the best decision for your group.

Golf Zoo Top Myrtle Beach Steakhouses

Top 3 Myrtle Beach Steakhouses-

There aren’t many things better than a beautiful day on a golf course where you’re hitting it straight off the tee, are consistent with your irons and draining a few birdie putts along the way.

One of the few things that come close to the pleasure of a perfect golf day is a juicy steak, paired with a cold beer.  Are you getting hungry yet? We are!

If you’re planning on taking a golf trip to Myrtle Beach, then you’re in luck because the Grand Strand has no shortage of places to dig into a mouth-watering piece of steak.

Now, if you want to get a truly great steak, take our advice and check out one of the three Myrtle Beach-area steakhouses below.

Greg Norman Australian Grille

When a restaurant has the name Greg Norman in it, you better believe we are going to recommend it to a golfer!

On top of being owned by Norman, this restaurant is truly one of the best steakhouses in Myrtle Beach. Located at Barefoot Landing, Greg Norman Australian Grille not only features a 5-star menu, but a great atmosphere that makes you feel like you are “Down Under.”

As we love all their steak options (Filet Mignon, Ribeye and Wagyu Flank Steak and Black Angus Prime Rib), you can pair them with the vegetable of the day and a baked potato and you won’t be upset. Just don’t eat too much bread when your server brings it to start you out – be sure to save some appetite for the main course!

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

While Ruth’s Chris Steak House may be a familiar name to you, this restaurant deserves to be on this list.

Located at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, Ruth’s Chris is a popular pick for any golfer staying at Grande Dunes. With a diverse menu and top-tier cuts of beef, you can’t go wrong with this mainstay.

If you’re in the mood to go crazy, we recommend the Tomahawk Ribeye. This USDA Prime bone-in, 40-once Ribeye is well worth the hefty price tag. You and your buddies will marvel at the sight of your server delivering this savory slab of meat to your table.

21 Main Steakhouse

If price isn’t a problem for you, drive over to 21 Main in North Myrtle Beach.

These steaks are fantastic, and we especially recommend the New York Strip. Many who’ve tried it say it’s the best they’ve ever had, and we’d be hard pressed to argue. Get a side of garlic whipped potatoes and you’ll be in heaven (or a food coma!).

Did you just call your wife and tell her you want steak for dinner? We’re thinking the same thing!

If you want more information on Myrtle Beach golf packages we offer, click here. Or, give us a call at 843.353.6880 and one of our Myrtle Beach golf directors will help you out.

Golf Zoo Top Central Myrtle Beach Courses

Resort Course at Grande Dunes

5 Great Courses in the Heart of Myrtle Beach

The area popularly referred to as The Grand Strand is a 60-mile stretch of Carolina's coast that runs from Georgetown, S.C., across the state line into Brunswick County, N.C., with Myrtle Beach as the centerpiece.

There is a never-ending stream of courses to play on both ends of the Strand, but golfers shouldn’t overlook the heart of America’s most popular golf destination - Myrtle Beach proper. The hub of so many golf trips remains the home to some of the best courses in the Southeast and here is a look at five of our favorites:

-- Myrtle Beach’s second-oldest golf course, The Dunes Golf & Beach Club, is No. 1 in the hearts of many players. The Robert Trent Jones Sr. design is a consensus top 100 layout and has hosted events ranging from the U.S. Women’s Open to the Senior PGA Tour Championship. If you are a fan of classic golf course architecture and superior conditions, The Dunes Club should be atop your list.

-- The Resort Course at Grande Dunes has also been ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses and it’s the most modern of designs, featuring some of the area’s largest fairways and greens. Throw in five holes that play along the Intracoastal Waterway, highlighted by the breathtaking par-3 14th, and this design is on any short list of the area’s best.

-- Arnold Palmer designed four courses along the Grand Strand, and King’s North at Myrtle Beach National is his most popular work. The layout is playable and the design unique, highlighted by “The Gambler,” the par-5 sixth hole that features an alternate, island fairway. This is a course you want to play.

-- There is a case to be made that Prestwick is Myrtle Beach’s most underrated course. The P.B. Dye design is challenging from the jump so bring your “A” game, but it’s a round you won’t forget. The back nine, in particular, is strong, highlighted by a three-hole finish that is as daunting as any in the area. The par-4 18th plays along a lake and into a green that resides in the shadow of the clubhouse, an idyllic finish.

-- Arrowhead Country Club is the only 27-hole facility in Myrtle Beach and you will want to play the Cypress, Waterway and Lakes nines. The course is most known for the holes that play along the Intracoastal Waterway on the Cypress and Waterway nines, but Arrowhead’s greatest strength is the quality of its conditions throughout the year. The Raymond Floyd design overseeds from wall to wall during the winter months, so it’s green 365 days a year.

The choices are endless in Myrtle Beach, but if you want to stay and play in the heart of the action, it’s hard to beat these five courses.

Top Courses in the North Myrtle Beach Area

When talk turns to where Myrtle Beach’s best golf courses are clustered, Pawleys Island is at the top of nearly everyone’s list. But should it be? The answer isn’t as easy as many would like you to believe, because there is a strong case to be made for the North Myrtle Beach area.

If you’re still not sure, check out this short list of North Myrtle Beach’s best courses, all located within miles of each other:

Tidewater Golf Club, with eight holes playing along Cherry Grove or the Intracoastal Waterway, is the area’s prettiest layout. No course on the beach has four holes that rival Nos. 3, 4, 12 and 13 for scenery, and the layout is outstanding throughout. This is one of Myrtle Beach’s top 5 courses.

The Love Course at Barefoot Resort is ranked among Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Courses You Can Play, highlighted by holes four through six, which play around the faux ruins of an old plantation home. The layout presents a varied challenge and is equal parts challenging and fun.

The Dye Course at Barefoot is the long-time host of the Hootie & The Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am, and you will enjoy it as much as the celebrities who pour into the area every year. Pete Dye designs are notoriously difficult, and his work at The Dye Club isn’t a pushover, but the layout is more playable than the architect’s reputation might suggest.

(As an aside, the Fazio and Norman courses at Barefoot could just as easily be on this list, but we wanted to give you a broader look at the quality the area offers.)

Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links has long been a favorite of Myrtle Beach golfers, and the installation of new greens this summer will only enhance the course’s reputation. The Clyde Johnston design has five holes that play along the Intracoastal Waterway and its three finishing holes are among the area’s most memorable. The par-3 17th, which is bordered by the marshy waters of the Waterway, is one of our favorites.

There are great courses up and down the Grand Strand, and the North Myrtle Beach area is home to more than its fair share.

Who wants to share bedrooms??? NOBODY!

In 19 years of selling golf packages, there's one truth that has stood the test of time...

NOBODY likes to share bedrooms. Snorers, late night partyers, way too early risers, these can all lead to an annoying trip.

To combat this, we've put together a really nice stay and play where each golfer has their own bedroom, as well as their own bathroom along with a very spacious living room, a full kitchen, and a great location in the heart of North Scottsdale!

The Holiday Inn Club Vacations Scottsdale Resort (formerly Zona) is absolutely perfect for groups that all want their own bedroom and bathroom, as well as a cool bar, great Tex-Mex restaurant, pools, hot tubs, and is in a great North Scottsdale location...

https://www.golfzoo.com/-no-need-to-share-rooms-villa-scottsdales-best-golf-starting-at-219-per-person-per-day.htm

This is a 4 night stay and play for only $219 per person per day, and everybody can sleep in peace.

It includes rounds of golf at:

• The Raven Golf Club at South Mountain - less than 15 minutes away from PHX, and a "perfect" starter course!
• Rancho Manana Golf Club - voted one of the most scenic courses in the valley!
• Eagle Mountain Golf Club - phenomenal views, great layout, and the best finishing par 4 in Arizona!
• SunRidge Canyon - Home to the infamous "Wicked 6" - the most treacherous and dramatic finishes in the valley!

If you're looking for a Scottsdale package that will make EVERYBODY happy, this is your deal.

Please call Chris Parcell at 888.867.6911 today to get a customized itinerary...

Sweet dreams!

Linda's Top Ten/ Myrtle Beach

I thought I would take a different approach to the typical "Top Ten" list...

Top 5 Stay & Play Resorts:

1. Barefoot Resort

This resort is located in North Myrtle Beach and has four fantastic courses on site: The Love, Fazio, Norman, and Dye. There are Villas overlooking the courses and Towers overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway. The lodging varies from 1-4 bedrooms and are all designed to accommodate golfers. This area has a great nightlife, including the House of Blues if you want to catch a great concert!

2. Legends Resort

Legends Resort is located in Central Myrtle Beach, and is close to everything. They have 3 great courses on site: Heathland, Parkland, and Moorland. The resort has a Scottish theme with 1-3 bedroom villas.

3. Myrtlewood Resort

They have 2 great courses on site: Pinehills & Palmetto. There are nicely appointed 1-3 bedroom villas close to Broadway @ The Beach. Pinelakes' "The Grandaddy" is the oldest course down here, and is just accross the street.

4. Sea Trail Resort

Sea Trail has 3 great courses on site: The Jones, The Byrd, and The Maples. The resort has 1-4 bedroom villas. It is located in the quaint town of Sunset Beach, NC which is only 30 minutes from North Myrtle Beach.

5. True Blue Resort

This resort is located at True Blue golf course. Caledonia (my favorite) and Heritage golf courses are right across from the resort in Pawleys Island. This is a quieter side of town, but it's close to Murrels Inlet which is the seafood capitol. There are a lot of great restaurants and bars on the waterfront.

Restaurants

1. Greg Norman's Australian Grille

I want to start off with WOW! This is truly my # 1 Favorite Eatery. The atmosphere, the food, and the view are outstanding; 4 star all the way!

2. Luigis Tratoria

This restaruant is real Italian all the way. Even the pasta noodles are homemade. I have had the best Italian food here, and being from New York, I guess you could say that I am a snob when it comes to Italian food. Save room for the Cannolis, they are yummy!

3. Collectors Cafe

This Cafe has a very artsy atmosphere. It is decorated with paintings from local artists which are also for sale. The food and service are excellent. It is a true dining experience.

4. Thoroughbreds Chop House

If you love steak, this is the place for you. A nice atmosphere, an extensive wine list, and great service make this restaurant excellent. Hint: try the Coffee Ground Encrusted Filet; it will knock your socks off!!

5. Hamburger Joes

Ok, so far I have basically talked about fine dining. Well, if your in the mood for a burger and a beer, then this is the spot. Hamburger Joes is a favorite for golfers to kick back and enjoy. They have the best burgers on the Beach, and $1.00 drafts all day long. Dollar Bills cover the walls with patrons notes on them; mine is right by the front door. Say hi to Alan the manager, and tell him Linda sent you.

How to Improve your Golf Swing

Are you looking for ways to have smooth, powerful swings when you go on golf vacations? Are you still figuring out how you can unleash your own unique golf swing? If you are a golfer, you must already know that less tension when making a golf swing likely results in better scores.

Thankfully, golf enthusiasts can now access countless tips and techniques on how to make a powerful, effortless swing. Golf books and training videos are also widely available from brick and mortar stores as well as online shops. In addition, there are also golf training materials that can easily be downloaded from the internet, so anyone can simply pick and choose whatever strategy feels and looks right for him/her.

The Golf swing covers not only the actual swing a golfer initiates but also includes several areas such as grip, ball position, and stance. With that in mind, check out this info graphic:

Hot Deals: Grand Cypress Golf Club

The first thing that comes to most people’s mind when the City of Orlando is mentioned is probably the Walt Disney World Resort. But, not only does the City of Magic offer some of the world’s most magnificent theme parks, it also provides many of the best golf courses found anywhere in North America. One of the things that sets Orlando apart from other golfing destinations around the world is the weather. The prime time to book a golf vacation to Orlando is during the mild season that typically runs from the months of October through April. Visitors tend to encounter less rainfall during this timeframe, while still enjoying ideal temperatures for golf. If you are not sure where to golf in the state of Florida, then you are encouraged to contact the golf vacation specialists at Golf Zoo for specific recommendations and information regarding hot deals. For instance, the Grand Cypress Golf Club has quickly become one of the most popular golfing destinations in all of Orlando.
Visitors of the Cypress Golf Club are privy to an unforgettable golf setting featuring 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature-designed golf. Golfers can opt for a couple of different settings there including the nine hole North, South and East Courses; or the New Course. The North-South courses feature everything from fairways with sharp ledges to tall shaggy mounds. Many of the holes on these courses demand accuracy versus physical strength. Then, for golfers seeking steeper bunkers and slopes, the New Course is considered a Scottish links masterpiece complete with double greens, stone bridges walls and pot bunkers as deep as 12 feet. This course is suggested for those golfers that desire generous landing areas because there aren't too many trees planted along its landscape.

In addition to award winning golf, the Grand Cypress Golf Club also offers a variety of other resort activities for people of all ages including:

• Fitness Center
• In-Room Spa Services
• Swimming Pool
• Sauna and hot tub
• Bicycle Fleet and trails
• Grand Cypress Racquet Club
• Swimming Pool and waterslide
• Marilyn Monroe Spa
• Pitch 'n' Putt Golf
• Rock Wall
• Lake Windsong access
• Game Room
• Daily transportation to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal (reservations required)
• Fishing Pools and Tackle

If you would like to book a golf vacation package to Orlando, or perhaps another city in Florida, then you can visit GolfZoo.com to view the latest hot deals being offered for the Grand Cypress Golf Club and many other exclusive golf packages. Remember, Golf Zoo is the only national Golf Vacation company that has their Golf Vacation Specialists in the destination they service, so their local knowledge will become a valuable asset upon booking your vacation! They also maintain special rate agreements with all of their hotel, condo, private rental home and golf course partners. Golf Zoo package rates will always be lower than the cost of planning the trip by yourself.