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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Something's Cookin at Golf Zoo

I've decided to take a break from the golf blogs and start publishing some of my favorite recipes.  I'm not only a golf vacation diva, I'm also a great cook!

Here's a quick and simple chicken recipe that's heart healthy and tasty:

Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potato Salad.

2 sweet potatoes (about 1 lb) peeled and cut into thin wedges
1 red onion, thinly sliced
3 T olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
4 6 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 bunch spinach, thick stems removed (about 4 cups)
2 t fresh lime juice

Heat oven to 425. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the potatoes, onion, 2 T oil, 1/2 t salt and 1/4 t pepper. Roast until tender, 20-25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes or so.
Rinse and pat dry chicken breasts, season with 1/2 t salt and 1/4 t pepper, I use a little more of each.
Spray grill with PAM.
Grill chicken approx 5-6 minutes on each side.
In a large bowl, toss the warm potato mixture with spinach, lime juice and 1/4 t salt (I doubled the dressing)

Serve with the chicken. Enjoy!

Why Off-Resort Dining is Usually the Better Option

Golf Odyssey readers know that my editors and I work hard to identify the best places to dine at each golf vacation destination we visit. Before you roll your eyes, know that we have to endure plenty of bad restaurants in order to find the standouts, and we have the Pepto supply to prove it.

What we've found is that, save for a few exceptions (the Tap Room at Pebble Beach immediately comes to mind), the best dining choices are almost always located off resort grounds. As I recently learned from the CEO of a major hospitality company, the reason for this is pretty simple.

If you run a restaurant (and it doesn't matter if you are a single proprietor or part of a chain), you come to work every day focused on one thing: the restaurant business.

Now, contrast that mindset with that of the hotel manager. He or she needs to worry about filling hotel rooms and booking meetings and events. The accompanying food and beverage operation may consist of several restaurants, plus banquets and room service. And we haven't even touched upon other aspects at larger resorts, such as the golf courses, spas and other amenities that take care, feeding and attention.

So, if you find yourself on a golf vacation and have to make a choice between dining on- or off a resort property, the rule-of-thumb above should prove useful. There are exceptions, of course, and we applaud the recent trend of established restaurateurs setting up shop inside hotels. Continued...

By David Baum of golfvacationinsider.com.

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.    

East Coast vs. West Coast - 2 Unbeatable deals

Whether you're heading to either coast, you won't beat these two Stay and Play deals. Period. End o story.

The first is the Stay and Play at TPC Sawgrass. Admit it. We have all watched for years, and wonder how we would fare coming down the stretch on the back nine at TPC Sawgrass. Would we hit a "hard nine" or a "smooth 8" at the infamous, dreaded, and fantastic 17th hole? I think you'll have to do a $20.00 closest to the pin contest with your buddies to do it right. Double money for birdies, and double money for 3 putt bogeys. Quit stalling and hit it.

Anyway, you can travel between May 22nd through September 11th for $199 per person per day for lodging right there at the Sawgrass Marriott, 2 rounds on the Valley course, and a round on the TPC Stadium course. This one's a no-brainer. (It's typically over $200 for the round at TPC Stadium ALONE.)
Call Glen or Tom in our Florida office to book this gem.


If Scottsdale is on the menu, then look no further than the Arizona Grand Stay and Play. This is a four star full service resort in a great location with great amenities, and golf that's second to none.

From now until June 1st (and even less expensive after 6/1) you can stay at the Arizona Grand and play early afternoon rounds (with PLENTY OF TIME TO FINISH) at:

• The Arizona Grand Golf Club
• The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain
• SunRidge Canyon Golf Club
• Ocotillo Golf Club

all for $159.95 per person per day. That includes everything. All Suite rooms, resort fees, green fees, cart fees, taxes - you're "all in" for $159.95. Again, a total no-brainer. Call Chris or Lori in our Phoenix/Scottsdale office!

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

So Many Courses in Scottsdale...

Today's feature is the Boulders Golf Course.

This public, resort course highlighted by huge boulder formations was designed by Jay Morrish.

Vital Stats: Par 71, five sets of tees ranging from 6,726 to 4,684 yards has a slope rating of 140 from the back tees. There are 75 bunkers and has water which comes into play on three holes.

Amenities: Driving range, bunker and chipping areas, practice putting green and a full service restaurant.
There's a golf academy headed by Donald Crawley, who is ranked as a top 100 instructor by Golf magazine.

Why play here: Both boulders courses (North and South) are well known for their stunning views, with giant boulder formations and rock outcroppings framing the holes. Structures are well hidden providing a pure golf feel. Fairways blend with the natural terrain, and greens are small but true with subtle breaks. Course conditions are immaculate.  The South course has been ranked numerous times by national magazines, including the No. 1 ranking by Golf for Women for womens facilities.

Golf World 2009 Readers' Choice Top 50 Public Courses

Golf World Magazine recently came out with its 2009 Readers' Choice Awards Top 50 - Public*Private*Resort. There are two areas I handle for Golf Zoo - Florida and the RTJ Golf Trail in Alabama.

I will talk about the Public "Top 10 List", for my area. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, two facilities - Grand National (Rank #1), Opelika, Alabama. This facility has two great championship layouts - Lake and Links courses. The other facility is Capitol Hill (Rank #2). Prattville, Alabama. This facility has 3 championship layouts - Judge, Legislator and Senator. Both these facilities have a Marriott property on site, but other lodging options are also available. The next facility on the "Top 10 List" is Orange County National (Rank #8) in Winter Garden, Florida. This facility has 36 holes on site and a fantastic practice facility. Both courses (Panther Lake and Crooked Cat) are host to final stage of PGA Tour final stage of Q'School every two years. There are hotel rooms on property, but there are many options for lodging in Orlando.

Here are some other courses in Florida that round out the " Top 50 Public Courses": Southern Dunes (Rank #17), Haines City, Florida. TPC Tampa Bay (Rank #18), Lutz, Florida (Home to Sr. PGA Tour event). Celebration GC (Rank #24), Celebration, Florida.  PGA Village (Rank #30) (54 holes), Port St. Lucie, Florida. RTJ Golf Trail at Magnolia Grove (Rank #32) (36 holes), Mobile, Alabama.

Now for the some of the " Top 50 Resort Courses" in my area: Walt Disney World Resort (Rank #13) (72 holes and home to PGA Tour event), Lake Buena Vista, Florida. World Golf Village (Rank #15) (36 holes), St. Augustine, Florida. TPC Sawgrass (Rank #21) ( Home to the Players Championship, 5 golf courses to choose from at this facility, must stay on site), Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. PGA National GC (Rank #42) (Home to PGA Tour Event, 5 golf courses on site, must stay on site), Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Innisbrook Resort and GC (Rank #45) (Home to PGA Tour Event, 4 course on site, must stay on site), Palm Harbor, Florida. Lely Resort G&CC (Rank #48) (36 holes on site), Naples, Florida.

If any of these courses are of interest, please call me at 888.333.6103, or email me at glen@golfzoo.com. As I mentioned; I handle Florida, along with the RTJ Golf Trail in Alabama. I can set up packages for all these areas and we have numerous other courses to choose from, check out www.golfzoo.com and see what we're all about.

Ross Bridge - The Best of the Trail

This last summer Glen, myself and our wives had the opportunity to play Ross Bridge Golf Course in Birmingham, Alabama . This course is definitely one of the best courses I have ever played in my life. From tee to green the beauty is unrivaled. The quality of the design - unmatched. This is without a doubt the Jones Family's crowning jewel.

Though the price may seem a bit steep, it is worth every dime you spend. Not only was the course the nicest we played on the Trail, but the Renaissance accommodations were over the top. From the doorman to the cart boy - they treat you like royalty. The little things sometimes make a trip so much better and their attention to detail was precise. The concierge, Lisa, suggested that we try a little local food so we got reservations to The Bright Star. We were treated to a fantastic seafood dinner while seating in the Bear Bryan booth. If you are ever considering a trip to the RTJ Trail, Ross Bridge would be a perfect way to finish any trip. 

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?