Farmstead Golf Links finishing hole is one of the “18 most fun holes in America,” says Golf Digest

The edited headline above is from a recent press release I received. Having played Farmstead less than a month ago I can assure you that #18 is unique and quite challenging. However, do not judge Farmstead on this one quirky hole. The course is a great layout and one you’ll want to add to your “must play” list.

Following is more of the story. 

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (December 17, 2010) - Farmstead Golf Links in Calabash, NC, on the northern end of Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand, has one of the “most fun holes you can play in America,” according to an article in Golf Digest's January 2011 issue. Golf Digest Architecture Editor Ron Whitten selected Farmstead's closing hole as one of his “home run” holes, and his final pick in a stellar line-up of courses that feature floating targets, overstuffed greens and rocky challenges.

The par 6 hole at 767 yards from the tips is “so impossibly long,” wrote Whitten, that “you tee off in South Carolina and putt out in North Carolina.” Farmstead Golf Links' mammoth 18th hole is the only par 6 on Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand. A favorite among visiting golfers and locals alike, it actually begins with a drive into a wide, sweeping fairway in South Carolina and concludes on a large undulating green in North Carolina.

Myrtle Beach winter golf means value

There really isn’t a bad season to play golf in Myrtle Beach, including winter. Actually, “winter golf” should be considered the “Value Golf Season.” Package prices are at their absolute lowest. Both accommodations and golf courses are collectively offering their best rates! It is the only time of the year where both are at their best value and that makes for some great package prices.

Average highs in December (59º), January (57º) and February (60º) make for a very pleasant round. Sure, you’re going to catch the occasional frost delay. There’s also a good chance you’ll be playing golf in the high 60s, low 70s. The only downside might be we’re off Daylight Savings Time. You’ll be hard pressed to play 36!

Unlike years past, the Myrtle Beach area is vibrant during the winter months. Few businesses close, but there are less traffic challenges. Many of the restaurants and attractions offer discounts in appreciation for your business. The savings are abundant in the “Value Golf Season.”

Checkout our “Value Golf Season Packages” and make plans today. You’ll be glad you did.

More Tiger, fewer pundits

Thank goodness Tiger Woods played well at the Chevron this past week. If he had simply been in the middle of the pack, the pundits would have nothing to write about. Now, they can unanimously declare “He’s Back!”

Let me be clear. I’m a Tiger fan, stand in awe of his achievements and am ready for his return to the leader board. However, I’m not a fan of all Tiger, all the time reporting by the hordes of golf reporters.

I certainly do not pay any attention to their views on just where Tiger’s swing, focus and competitiveness stand. If you’re a golf fan, you’ll know exactly where he stands. One hack went so far as to predict a major and three additional championships in 2011 for Tiger. He stumbled through a justification and then went to collect his paycheck.

Graeme McDowell won the Chevron coming from four strokes back. That was quite an accomplishment. In fact it was quite a year for McDowell with a major and clinch of the Ryder Cup for Europe. His story did get some coverage buried in the “Tiger articles.”

I’m ready for more Tiger on the tournament leader boards. I can do without the scores of golf contributors offering their views.

An LPGA opportunity

Did you happen to catch the Golf Channel reporting on the Alexis Thompson petition? Here’s the background. Thompson is a 15-year old golfer from Florida that turned professional earlier in the year. In limited action on the LPGA tour she won more than $330,000. Note, that she is not a member of the LPGA. To be a member the requirement is 18-years of age.

Back to the petition – she is requesting the LPGA tour allow her to play in 12 events this season, via sponsor exemptions. Presently, the tour only allows an individual, non-LPGA member 6 tournaments under sponsor exemption. She is not petitioning to become a member of the LPGA, just asking to play 6 additional events.

I do not see how the LPGA and its commissioner Mike Whan can say no. First and foremost, she’s a tremendous talent. Frankly, the LPGA needs her star power. With leader boards that are more and more becoming crowded with international players, the LPGA would welcome an American contender. The question they face is how do you position that yes vote.