Friday, October 21, 2011

How Far in Advance to Book Your Golf Trip

I have been working in the golf industry for over 15 years and one of the most common questions asked is "How far in advance do I need to book my trip?"  The short answer is the sooner the better but it really does depend.  

If your group is visiting a destination during their "off season" then you can wait until a few weeks before to see how the weather is shaping up.  But....keep in mind the off season for golf, may be peak season for other activities in the area.  

When it comes to spring golf (peak season) you want to get this trip on the books several months in advance.  Nothing more frustrating then finding the perfect package for your group, waiting for everyone to commit and then when you call back to reserve 9am tee-times; the course only has 3pm left.  I suggest to all my repeat groups to get their spring trip on the books no later then December and in many cases November, to ensure they get their pick of prime tee-times.  

If you are considering a golf trip for this coming spring, NOW is the time to have your guys make a decision and make the reservations.  We can always adjust them closer to the date but at least you have a nice block of times held.

Call myself (Craig Gordon) or any of the knowledgeable vacation specialists at Golf Zoo with questions on putting together the perfect golf vacation.....and booking it at the right time! 800.929.7300 www.golfzoo.com

Monday, October 17, 2011

Locals Favorite Restaurants - Myrtle Beach


After living in Myrtle Beach for almost 12 years, I think I can call myself a local. In no particular order, here is a list of some of my favorite restaurants in the area. Some of these you have probably heard of, others probably not. Either way, I think you will enjoy them all.
Hog Heaven – 7147 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island
If you like Barbeque (Barbeque Pulled Pork if you aren’t from the south), you have to try Hog Heaven. They have some of the best BBQ I have ever had. The seasonings and sauce that they use are awesome. You can order off of the menu, enjoy their buffet, or get it to go.
Ultimate California Pizza – multiple locations along the Grand Strand
Ultimate California Pizza (UCP) is not your ordinary pizza place. You won’t find New York Style or Chicago Deep Dish here, but what you will find are some great innovations in pizza. Some of my favorites are the San Francisco Pizza (Filet Mignon), the Hollywood (Meat Lover’s), and the Buffalo Chicken (Hot Wing Pizza). If you aren’t feeling pizza, they also have some really good subs, sandwiches, wraps, and salads. My favorite is their Roasted Chicken Wrap, which comes wrapped in a fresh baked flatbread.
Mr. Fish – 3401 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach
Mr. Fish is a really good seafood place. It’s not your normal sit down type of place, it is kind of a hole in the wall, but the staff is friendly and the seafood is really good. It seems like no matter what time of the day you are there, you will see “Mr. Fish” or his daughter taking care of things. I recommend trying the Fish Tacos, Crab Cakes, or Blackened Ahi Tuna. Right next door to the restaurant, they also have a seafood market where you can pick up all sorts of things.
Tilted Kilt – 1317 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach
Tilted Kilt opened at Broadway at the Beach in the summer of 2011 and is going strong. Picture Hooters Restaurant mixed with an Irish/Scottish Sports Pub. The result is good food, good beer, and good looking girls waiting on you while you watch the game or play some billiards. Did I mention they are wearing small kilts and even smaller shirts? Not a bad place to drink a pint or two.
Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse – 2920 Hollywood Dr., Myrtle Beach
Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse is just that, a Brazilian Steakhouse. While it is fairly expensive, it is well worth the price. When you are seated you are each given a round card with green on one side, and red on the other. “Gauchos” walk around with skewers of meat that when you have the green side of your card showing, they will come to you and offer you fresh cuts of the meat. When you flip the card back over to the red side, they will let you eat in peace. Rioz also has a great selection of hot and cold items on their salad bar, but make sure to save some room for the meats. They offer more than 15 of them, including beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and fish. Enjoy!
Luigi’s Trattoria – 503 61st Ave N., Myrtle Beach
Luigi’s offers some really good Italian food. Veal, Chicken, or Eggplant Parmigiana, Homemade Gnocchi, Shrimp Scampi, and a whole lot more. Luigi’s has a nice atmosphere and you will usually see at least a few Italian families enjoying their cuisine while you dine. Make sure to save some room for their Tiramisu, it’s one of the best that I have had in Myrtle Beach.
If you are interested in additional dining options in Myrtle Beach, please click here.