You have a friend in Myrtle Beach

Recently, a friend asked, “Are packaged golf rounds down?” He had heard that more and more visiting golfers were making their own tee times. The question might be irrelevant. Golfers are still playing golf on area courses and staying in Myrtle Beach area accommodations. However, there’s more to it than that.

To me if you have access to expertise that fits the job, it would be wise to use that tool. The golf directors at the major hotel/condo groups have the local knowledge, experience and expertise to assure your vacation is a success.

Consider the following. Everyday your golf director is talking to golf courses and golfers throughout the Myrtle Beach area. They have their finger on the pulse of area golf. Which courses are scheduling routine maintenance and service? What’s the drive time to the courses chosen? How much time should be allowed for breakfast? What are the courses replay policy? You have the questions. Your golf director has the answer.

Remember too that your golf director is probably getting a better price at a golf course than what you’re seeing advertised. He deals with the courses year around and sends substantial business their way. Of course he’s getting their best price and passing it on to you. Remember the golf director is not marking-up the cost of golf. He’s being paid by the hotel/condo for selling rooms, not tee times and breakfasts.

You’re certainly welcome to book your room and start calling courses for the best tee times available. Do remember though that Myrtle Beach golf success was built on the incredible cooperation and networking between accommodations and golf courses. This partnership has made the Myrtle Beach area the No. 1 golf destination in the world. In the center of this great destination is your golf director. Put him to work for you, today.

To much Tiger?

Recently, John Hawkins a GolfChannel.com contributor authored an article titled “With or Without You.” It was not an editorial about your buddies threatening to leave for a Myrtle Beach golf vacation – with or without you. It was all about Tiger Woods and the 2010 Ryder Cup.

Today, May 18^th TW is 10^th on the qualifying list. There are 8 automatic high points qualifiers with points awarded through August 15^th. Two Captain’s Choices will be made by Corey Pavin to round out the team. The article took some hard shots at TW. The edit went on at length about Team USA’s performance in winning at Valhalla without Woods.

What’s the point of the article? Do you really care what Hawkins has to say in mid-May about Woods Ryder Cup selection? Let’s be candid. This article isn’t really about the competition that pits the USA against Europe. This piece of opinion was written because Woods is media fodder. We’ve been forced to accept the “all about Tiger, all the time” golf journalist mantra.

These guys (golf writers) are hacks and frankly I’m fed-up with them. I’m continuously finding more insightful writing in local and regional publications and blogs like this one than what’s presented in the national rags and broadcast outlets.

I admit I’ve never been a huge Tiger fan. I further admit to being a huge Ryder Cup fan. Maybe mixing the two in a negative way, as the GolfChannel.com’s Mr. Hawkins has done, just got my dander up.

To much Tiger coverage? Absolutely, but that’s just my opinion. What sayeth you?

Weighing in on the weight issue

Let’s begin by making it clear; we’re not discussing my expanding waist. What we are talking about is airlines charging for baggage, including carry-on and golf bags and how that’s impacting your travel plans.

Unfortunately, the rules are still evolving. To further complicate the matter airlines often revise their policy with little notification and even vary by how “large bag” is defined. With nine airlines serving Myrtle Beach and direct flights from 25 cities, it pays to double check with your carrier when making reservations. In lieu of bringing the clubs with you on the plane, here are a few options to consider.

Luggage shipping services have their place, but are a bit costly. On the positive side you can arrange to have your clubs picked-up at a precise time and have them waiting for you at either your accommodations, or golf course. Although the service is outstanding and gaining popularity, there is a cost. Using a round-trip estimate from central Pennsylvania to Myrtle Beach the cost was slightly more than $232 for a large golf bag. For the identical roundtrip the estimated airline baggage charge exceeded $150. The two plane transfers the traveler would endure have me concerned. Would the clubs arrive with the golfer?

If flying is still your best option, you may want to consider handling the shipping of the clubs yourself. Between UPS Stores, Mail Boxes etc and numerous independent stores do-it-yourself shipping has become painless. We estimated the round trip from our central PA point of origination, including packing and insurance to be $160. Clubs will be waiting at either your hotel, or the golf course upon arrival. The one down side is making the arrangements for the return shipping from a Myrtle Beach area store. There are plenty of locations. Ask the accommodation’s golf director, if they can point you to one that’s convenient.

Of course rental clubs are always an option and most Myrtle Beach area golf courses have sets available. The cost is quite reasonable for a top of the line club set. This is a great solution, if you’re on a family vacation and wanting to get in a round while here. However, it doesn’t make much sense on a golf vacation. Arranging for a different set of clubs at every course for every round is a hassle.

For large groups (20+) you may want to consider leaving the driving to someone else. Consider chartering a motorcoach for the trip. Today’s coaches are nothing short of luxurious with DVD and monitors, comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage, including golf clubs. Do the math. With 20 guys renting a coach and driver at $1200 per day that’s only $60 per golfer, per day for complete transportation needs. This has become an increasingly popular option for groups of visiting golfers. Of course plenty of local transportation is available for guys in the group that want to do their own thing.

Short of the always-reliable packing up the family van solution, what’s your answer to the baggage issue? We’d like to hear from you.

Comment - A tournament that’s much more than great golf

A few weeks ago I attended a really good golf tournament. Although the tournament operated under the USGA rules of golf, this tournament was amateur in the purest sense. The Seahawk Invitational brought together thirteen local and regional high school golf teams.

Friday night was just fun golf with a get to know other high school players theme. A random draw produced teams comprised of kids representing different schools. Each team had a number 1-player through a number 6-player. They played a 9-hole captain’s choice format. Although mostly strangers for the first few holes, they quickly got to know each other and proceeded to have a good time.

Saturday was serious competition that ended in a 2-team tie and play off. An outstanding Columbia, SC team prevailed over an excellent team from the Charleston, SC area. The golf was great and I thoroughly enjoyed watching some very skilled athletes. However, there’s a much deeper story line than simply good golf.

Friday night after dinner, I sat on the clubhouse patio and watched 25-30 kids on a large putting green. A rainbow of colored golf shirts represented different high schools. I could not help but think that it’s 7:00 PM and somewhere there’s a high school kid headed for trouble this evening. However, right here there’s young men doing what they love and staying a long way from trouble.

The other part of the event that impressed me was the generosity of the golf course owners. With school budgets being cut drastically and many high school golf programs in peril, the only way a tournament of this nature could be done is with major contributions.

One of this area’s most popular courses the Avocet at Wild Wing Plantation was closed to play for a full Saturday in April, so these young people could compete. In addition the course pro directed the tournament with assistance from a very good staff. Water stations throughout the course and a nice cookout after play was all provided. The course was in great shape. I hope you’ll show your support of high school golf by playing the Avocet on your next Myrtle Beach golf vacation.

Please take a few minutes to find out what’s going-on with high school golf in your hometown. Get involved and help keep golf in the schools. Picking up the cost of a few dozen of the team’s preferred golf ball, or a contributing to the expense of the team shirts will certainly be helpful and appreciated. These young people are the future of the sport we love. Let’s give them every opportunity to enjoy all golf has to offer.