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 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.

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.

Take a swing at this Myrtle Beach Golf School!

I had the opportunity to take the Ritson-Sole Golf School for a test drive about two months ago and it has really helped my game. The Ritson-Sole Golf School is one of the top 25 golf schools in the country per Golf Magazine's rankings. They are now located at both Pawleys Plantation on the south end of the beach and at Grande Dunes on the north end (their newest location). They offer three, two, and one day classes, as well as morning or afternoon part day instruction.

I was part of a small group, 2-hour lesson which had 2 instructors for about 8-9 golfers working on their game. We were able to work with Mel Sole and David Olberding who were great at helping all of us. From instructing the beginner on the basics to the pro with subtle changes, these guys were great.

In addition to the small group size and getting specific instruction for your own unique swing, they also offer video swing analysis which is a great tool to see the minute details of your swing. This really comes in handy and I will re-watch the video right before heading to my local range to know what exactly I need to be focusing on.

If you are interested in learning more about the Ritson-Sole Golf School, or would like to set up a session with them along with your Myrtle Beach golf trip give me, Mike Alfano a call at 888.276.9589 or email mike@golfzoo.com

The Big Myrtle Beach Merger

Two of the largest golf management companies on Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand are merging, creating a new company that will own/manage 24 of the 90 golf courses in the area. Burroughs and Chapin (B&C) and the Myrtle Beach National Company (MBN) have agreed to combine their golf assets and become equal partners.

B&C owns five courses and manages five others. MBN owns 10 courses and manages four others. According to a Golf Inc. magazine study, the new Myrtle Beach company will be the 15th largest nationally and 19th internationally. The merger is not expected to be complete for several months nor has a name for the new company even been chosen.

Management on both sides are very excited about utilizing the strengths from each existing company to not only benefit their courses but also better promote the entire Myrtle Beach golf market.

What does all this mean for the thousands of golfers that visit Myrtle Beach every year? Well no one knows for sure but personally I am very excited about the future. With 24 courses under one roof the packaging options are endless. Golf groups will now be able to take advantage of multi-round pricing without having to travel all over the beach.My only worry is for the remaining stand alone courses......one would think they are going to be forced to partner up to stay competitive.

If you are interested in learning more about Myrtle Beach Golf and what this destination has to offer your golf group give me (Craig Gordon) a call at 888.333.6079!!!

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 61^st 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.

Bent Grass is no longer King in my book.

My entire golfing career (if you call it that) I have always said how much I love putting on Bent Grass greens and how much I despise Bermuda. The "older" Bermuda greens have always had thicker blades of grass and you could never count on the ball having a true roll. You always stood and watched your ball zig zag towards the hole hoping it zagged at the right time into the bottom of the cup. Here in Myrtle Beach more and more courses are changing over to the new and improved strands such as Mini Verde and Champion Ultra Dwarf and wow are they good! The blades are as thin as Bent giving a great roll but require far less maintenance. This past summer with 90 degree plus temperatures virtually everyday was the tipping point for golf course owners as the Bent could just not survive while the new bermuda greens were thriving.

If you would like to see for yourself just how good they are here are a couple of courses in the Myrtle Beach area to try: TPC Myrtle Beach, Arrowhead, Legends- Heathland or Rivers Edge. Call myself or one of other Myrtle Beach golf vacation specialists a call at 888.929.7300.

Myrtle Beach Golf Courses are Getting More Aggressive

It's no big secret that nearly all business are down compared to where they were a few years ago, with some more than others. The Myrtle Beach golf courses have actually faired very well compared too many other destinations and other industries for that matter. But lucky for golf enthusiasts they are getting even more aggressive with the "deals" and "specials" passed along to companies like us, Golf Zoo.

Recently the Myrtle Beach National Company has taken over management of an increasing number of courses around town. They offer a great "Play 4, Get the 5^th Round Free" promo which has been very successful and even more so with the addition of TPC of Myrtle Beach, Wachesaw Plantation East, Tradition Club, Pawley's Plantation, Wild Wing and Blackmoor. Groups now have 15 different courses to choose from with tracks close to any lodging location. This gives them a big advantage over the stand along courses that do not have the ability to offer such great multi play deals.


Legends Resorts is another that has been very successful as of late not only offering the "Play 4, Get the 5^th Round Free" but also throwing in Breakfast, Lunch and Beer as well. This is especially nice for groups staying in condo properties that do not normally offer breakfast they now get that and more.

Another trend that just started this year is "early booking incentives" which give groups special rates and time slots for booking their trips further in advance.


With the competition heating up this is a great time to consider Myrtle Beach for your next golf trip. If you want more information on the specials above feel free to give me, Craig Gordon a call at 888.333.6079 as I am here in Myrtle.

Favorite Sushi Spot in Myrtle Beach

Hands down King Kong Sushi is the place to go in Myrtle for the very best rolls. I just had some friends come into town that are pretty picky with the quality and variety that a sushi restaurant offers but they were blown away with King Kong. There are two locations- one in Carolina Forrest close to the Legends Golf Resort and another in Broadway at the Beach. With over 100 different specialty rolls to choose from you are sure to find something new or your favorite from back home. If I had to pick my top two rolls I would have to go with the "No Name" and the "Needham" wow are they good. The fish is the freshest in town and the portions are large….well I know where I am headed for dinner now!

If your looking for more local advice give one of our knowledgeable sales reps a call at 800.929.7300.

Craig’s “Top Ten” Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach

Interested in a golf trip to Myrtle Beach but overwhelmed with the number of courses to choose from? Here is my list of the top ten must plays in Myrtle. This does not take into account price point or best values, just my favorite tracks considering layout, scenery, conditioning and service. 

1. The Dunes Golf and Beach Club- My absolute favorite course in town. This is one of the originals in Myrtle designed by Robert Trent Jones in 1948. Great views of the ocean, marshlands, inlet, and the best course conditions around. Just a super facility. 

2. Caledonia- Beautiful! It is a fair test of golf and at the same time one of the most scenic plantation style courses in the country. I just love the huge live oak trees lining the fairways with the Spanish moss draping down. Course conditions are always top notch and could be my favorite in town except for hole #9 is a bit of a disappointment when compared to the other 17 holes. 

3. King’s North- In a word FUN. I love risk reward holes and Arnold Palmer gives you plenty of chances on this course. Par five with an island fairway (always go for it because if it does not stay on the island your still hitting 3 into the green) island green par 3, drivable par 4, oh and number 18 has 100 plus bunkers on that hole alone! 

4. Tigers Eye- “Top 100 Public Courses” by Golf Digest and for good reason. Not your typical beach course, as there are some nice elevation changes and Tim Cate did a great job of carving the course out of the pines. I love the large boulders lining all of the ponds. 

5. Rivers Edge- Best value around if your willing to drive. You have a 45 minute hike even if your staying in North Myrtle but you won’t want to miss this track. Arnold Palmer was lucky to have a gorgeous piece of property to work with, that offers spectacular views overlooking the inlet and bluffs in Shallotte. Numbers 9 and 18 are two of my all time favorite holes. 

6. TPC of Myrtle Beach- One of my good friends best described this course as “the enchanted forest.” The land to start with did not have the wow factor that some of the other area courses offer but this is one of the best layouts around. 18 super holes of golf designed by Mr. Fazio which until recently had zero homes on the course but even with the new construction you still see very few home sites as you travel around. 

7. Tidewater- A North Myrtle Beach gem. Great mix of holes that run between the towering pines and then before you know it, your looking out over the marsh with the ocean in the background. There are so many holes that would be “the signature hole” on almost any other golf course.

8. Barefoot Love- I had a hard time choosing just one course at Barefoot as they are all great. Given my choice though I always go with the Love. The staff keeps the course in fantastic shape, and I just love the old ruins which gives the course great character. Well designed course and a great clubhouse to come back to have a beer and hang out with the guys….or gals. 

9. Grande Dunes- Come test that new driver! Just a mere 7,600 yards from the tips….strongly suggest avoiding playing it all the way back on windy days. Driver then three-wood gets old after a while…… I will say they have several tee boxes to choose from which make this a far less demanding golf course. Grande Dunes has the most upscale feel of all the area courses from the second you pull up to the bag drop and its in a great location.

10. Pawleys Plantation- I love what Jack Nicholas did with this golf course…well all except for the little 100 yard par three out over the marsh….that hole gets me every time. He too had a great piece of property to work with offering fantastic inlet views….my wife and I loved it so much we even had our wedding there. No doubt it is a challenging golf course but what a great place to spend a day. 

If you have questions on these or any other courses in town give me a call at 888.333.6079. 

Shaftesbury Glen Golf & Fish Club

MYRTLE BEACH AREA GOLF COURSE OWNERS NAME SHAFTESBURY GLEN GOLF & FISH CLUB - 2009 GOLF COURSE OF THE YEAR

Grand Strand Association Says The Clyde Johnston Designed Course Is Tops Among All Others In The Area

July 17, 2009, Myrtle Beach, S.C. — The Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owner’s Association (MBAGCOA) has named Shaftesbury Glen Golf & Fish Club the 2009 Myrtle Beach Golf Course of the Year.

Inspired by celebrated courses like Winged Foot and Augusta National, architect Clyde Johnston designed a traditional British Isles course at Shaftesbury Glen Golf & Fish Club. Tucked into the forest and farmlands along South Carolina’s beautiful Waccamaw River, the course features wide fairways and elevated greens. The Shaftesbury Glen Clubhouse overlooks the Waccamaw River and offers tranquil views tailor-made for post-round relaxation.

In addition to this most recent honor, last year, Shaftesbury Glen was voted one of the Top 50 Golf Resorts in the United States in Golf World's first-ever ranking of the best public, private and resort facilities in the country. Shaftesbury Glen was on Golf Digest’s list of nominations for best new course of 2001. It was rated at 4 stars (Outstanding) in Golf Digest’s Places To Play (2005), which notes that the course’s greens “may be the best on The [Grand] Strand.”

The MGAGCOA evaluates courses on conditions, quality of ownership and management, contributions to the community and efforts to improve the growth of the game.

“The Glens Group is truly honored to have Shaftesbury Glen named Golf Course of the year,” said Jason Himmelsbach, marketing manager for the Glens Golf Group. “The MBAGCOA judged our course using strict criteria and to be recognized as the best, when there are so many great courses along the Grand Strand really showcases the hard work and dedication of everyone here at the Glens Group and Shaftesbury Glen.” 

The Golf Course of the Year award has been given out since 1996. Shaftesbury Glen will now be judged statewide. Statewide winners move on for the chance to be named National Golf Course Of The Year.

About The Glens Golf Group

The flagship of The Glens Golf Group is Heather Glen, which is located in Little River, S.C. on a magnificent, 400-acre historic site. Designed by Willard Byrd and Clyde Johnston, the course opened in 1987.
Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links, often referred to as “Myrtle Beach’s Most Talked About Course,” was designed by Clyde Johnston in a tribute to legendary course architect Donald Ross. Glen Dornoch is a traditional course and each hole flows with the natural terrain of lakes, live oaks and spectacular marsh and river views.
Known as the “Friendliest Course On The Beach,” Possum Trot has an honored place in the history of Myrtle Beach golf. One of the first ten championship courses built along Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand, which now has more than 100 golf courses, Possum Trot has stood the test of time. The course’s Old English design features spacious fairways, challenging par 5’s, as well as flawlessly manicured greens and spectacular flower displays.
Inspired by world-famous courses like Winged Foot and Augusta National, architect Clyde Johnston designed a traditional British Isles course at Shaftesbury Glen Golf & Fish Club, located on the banks of South Carolina’s beautiful Waccamaw River. 
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Local Knowledge on Myrtle Beach Flights

Having Trouble Finding a Cheap Flight into Myrtle Beach?

Everyone knows Myrtle Beach is one of the top golf destinations in the World but finding reasonable airfare can be a challenge.

If you are staying in central Myrtle or in the south end of town you will want to fly directly into Myrtle Beach International (MYR).  I suggest checking out Spirit Air and Myrtle Beach Direct Air as they typically offer the best prices. 

If you are staying in the north end of the Grand Strand still look at using MYR but also consider Wilmington International (ILM).  It is about an hour drive but many times is less expensive the flying directly into MYR.

Spirit Air is constantly changing out their specials and it is not uncommon to find a flight for $9 each way.  If you need any other local knowledge on Myrtle Beach give one of our Golf Vacation Specialists a call at 888.765.0809.    

Market Common Rocks!!!

The Market Common opened in April 2008. It has stylish shops and fabulous eateries, such as PF Changs and Tommy Bahama with outdoor seating - great for people watching.  With luxury apartments above all the shops, it's like an Urban Wonderland right here in Myrtle Beach! 

On my most recent visit, I dined at Travinia Italian Kitchen.  As soon as you walk through the door, the aroma knocks your socks off.  All the walls are lined with wine racks, so naturally they have a very extensive wine list. We started with the Prince Edward Island Mussels, and I have to tell you, being a mussel snob, they were the best I have had here. I had the Vesuvio Marsala, and the veal was so tender it melts in your mouth.  Oh and I have to mention the bread - awesome.  

I grew up in New York and was taught at a very young age, if the bread is good the meal will be as well. The desserts looked amazing too, I just did not have any room left. I will try again next time. So please, on your next visit to the beach, check out this fabulous eatery so you can savor the fare.

Ciao,
Linda

Myrtle Beach Dream 18

Local Sports writers and golf professionals composed a list in their opinion the best 18 holes on the Grand Strand. Arranged in ascending order, they call it the Dream 18.

#18  DeBordieu Colony Club No. 17-441 yards | Par 4
#17  The Dunes Golf and Beach Club No. 11-430 yards | Par 4
#16  Rivers Edge Golf Club No. 9-570 yards | Par 5
#15  Prestwick Country Club No. 9-537 yards | Par 5
#14  Farmstead Golf Links No. 18-767 yards | Par 6
#12  Tidewater Golf Club No. 4-414 yards | Par 4
#11  Pawleys Plantation No. 13-145 yards | Par 3
#10  TPC of Myrtle Beach No. 17-193 yards | Par 3
#9   Wachesaw Plantation No. 18-565 yards | Par 5
#8   Oyster Bay Golf Links No. 13-330 yards | Par 4
#7   Tidewater Golf Club No. 12-198 yards | Par 3
#6   Surf Golf and Beach Club No. 18-217 yards | Par 3
#5   Myrtle Beach National King's North No. 6-568 yards | Par 5
#4   Caledonia Golf & Fish Club No. 18-383 yards I Par 4
#3   Grande Dunes Resort Golf Course No. 14-216 yards | Par 3
#2   Tidewater Golf Club No. 3-157 yards | Par 3
#1   The Dunes Golf and Beach Club No. 13-590 yards | Par 5

The complete write-up is located here. All of these courses are challenging and scenic.

OK fellow golfers, what would be your Dream 18? Personally, out of all 18 - Caledonia would be my pick, but that's just me since it is my favorite Home Town Track.  Please let me know what your favorites are and we can compose our own Dream 18.  Hey - why not?

Course Review: Founders Club on Pawleys Island

Last weekend I was able to slip out and play one of the newest courses in Myrtle Beach- The Founders Club on Pawleys Island. Architect Thomas Walker was hired to renovate the former Sea Gull course, and I must say he did a great job.

The course was perfectly manicured and in fantastic shape for a new track. Many of the holes have a True Blue flair with high faced waste bunkers lining the fairways. This is a perfect complement to the great golf that already exists in Pawleys Island. If you are looking for a great 36 hole day Pawleys Plantation, True Blue, Caledonia, and Heritage Plantation are all with in a few minutes drive.

The clubhouse is very nicely done and the rear veranda makes for a nice spot to enjoy a beverage with your playing partners. I was a little disappointed to find no driving range but the putting green and short game area were more then adequate.

There are five sets of tee boxes, ranging from 4,800-7,007 yards which makes the course very playable for any level golfer. Water comes into play on many of the holes, but aside from the carry on the 12th, can be avoided by most.

If you are interested in playing The Founders Club or any other course along the Grand Strand give myself or any one of our other golf vacation specialists a call at 800.929.7300.

The Benefits of North Myrtle Beach Golf Vacations

If you're planning on taking a Myrtle Beach golf vacation this year, don't slight the northern reaches of America's most popular golf mecca. This area of the Grand Strand (just over the border in North Carolina) offers a variety of excellent Myrtle Beach golf courses.
Most Myrtle Beach regulars might play one or two courses in the north before moving on to the more publicized links in the center and south, but we think there is enough good golf here and enough good reasons to warrant multi-day North Myrtle Beach golf vacations.
First, golfers coming from cold weather climates can shorten their drive time considerably by taking North Myrtle Beach golf vacations — it's not uncommon for traffic on Route 17 (the main north/south artery along the coast) to slow to a crawl after crossing the border into South Carolina. continued...
By: Craig Better of GolfVacationInsider.com

What Friends do on a Myrtle Beach Golf Vacation …..

Never been to Myrtle Beach? Well tune into the Golf Channel this January and you will see what goes on first hand. A film crew is currently on the south end of the Grand Strand shooting four of 12 episodes that will depict the exploits of a group on a somewhat typical golf trip.

The foursome is made up of former PGA Tour pro and ESPN commentator Charlie Rymer, singer/songwriter Josh Kelley, Hootie & the Blowfish guitarist and solo artist Mark Bryan, and Perry Swenson, a member of the women's Duramed Futures Tour, the developmental tour of the LPGA.

Each episode will air in prime time and include several holes of golf and of course their nightly activities.

"The idea is: Here is a day in the life in Myrtle Beach," said Mickey Holden, who was hired by the Golf Channel to produce the series. "There's always golf, but there's always stuff off the course. I know from my own travels, when I go play golf I want a whole experience. ... I want to listen to some music and have some fun. That's what this show is all about ... showcasing golf in Myrtle Beach in a new way. Instead of telling people, 'Hey man, you can have a lot of fun in Myrtle Beach,' we're going to show people having fun."

If you are looking for further insight into Myrtle Beach call one of our local sales representatives at 888.765.0809 or go to http://www.golfzoo.com/.

South Carolina Golf Vacations Rule!

Myrtle Beach nabbed second place in a recent Golf Digest survey that asked 4000 avid golfers & affluent travelers where they planned to vacation in 2008. Myrtle Beach was on the top 10 list of places that provide a high quality golf and overall vacation experience provided.

Hilton Head Island and Kiawah Island were also on the top ten list, The survey found that 73 percent of golfers research and plan vacations online.So hear is the good news: Linda and Craig both book these top ten destinations, give us a call @ 1-800-929-7300 and visit our website at http://www.golfzoo.com/, to customize your own dream golf vacation getaway.

Linda

The online survey was conducted in September by the Golf Digest Research Resource Center for the Travel Industry Association of America. Results were announced at the recent TIA Outlook Forum in Charlotte, N.C.

Got Golf?

It's summer time here in Myrtle Beach, which means family vacationers and golfers who would like to sneak in time on the links. Whether you are a single or a foursome, let Golf Zoo pre-book your tee times for you. Play premium golf at off season rates and check out a course your fall or spring group is planning to play. If you are staying in South, Central or North Myrtle Beach, no problem - We Cover It All! So make sure you bring your sticks and we will take care of the rest. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call @ 800-929-7300, Linda and Craig, your golf vacation specialists, will take great care of you!