Time is running out.

NORTH MYRETLE BEACH, SC (December 24, 2011) – Between now and December 31, 2011 Direct Air round-trip flight vouchers are available for purchase for just $169.00, including all taxes and fees! The vouchers are good for travel between January 12, 2012 and October 31, 2012. You can purchase up to 20 vouchers without travel dates, or passenger names. The vouchers are good on all round-trip flights to Myrtle Beach. Direct Air services Niagara Falls, NY/Toronto, CN; Newark, NJ/New York City; Columbus, OH; Orlando West/Lakeland, FL; Plattsburgh, NY/Montreal, CN; Pittsburgh, PA; Springfield/Central, IL and Worcester/Boston. MA. Purchase online at http://www.visitdirectair.com/sale/takeyourpick-2011/.

With vouchers in-hand the next step is to gather your group and determine a date for your golf trip to Myrtle Beach. The rest is easy. Simply turn all the planning and details over to the golf specialists at Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts. Regardless of the time you’ve chosen to visit, you can be assured your accommodations and tee times will be just what you’re looking for. http://www.myrtlebeachgolf.net/ or (800) 682-5699.

Price Points

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (December 9, 2011) – A graphic artist friend has a sign on his wall – Price • Quality • Service: Pick Two. The message is pretty straightforward. You cannot have all three and in today’s economy more and more buyers are starting at price. The golf packaging industry is being impacted by those same price influences.

The experienced Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts golf team is well equipped to meet your price parameters. They can put you on some great golf courses and provide comfortable accommodations well within your budget. Of course regardless of the package they build for your group, there’s always a ton of value-added.

The first steps to a great package is getting your group together and determine a time of year for the trip, agree on a price point and gather any specific golf course requests. Armed with that information put the burden of planning your trip in the hands of one of our golf specialists at (800) 682-5699. Armed with their expertise and your input you can rest assured you’ll have the very best package available in the Myrtle Beach Area!

Tee It Forward: A new program from PGA and USGA

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (November 25, 2011) – During the past 10-days I’ve had an opportunity to play three outstanding Myrtle Beach Area golf courses – the highly acclaimed Kings North at Myrtle Beach National; the Jack Nicklaus Signature course, The Long Bay Club and a perennial Myrtle Beach must play the Palmetto Course at Myrtlewood Golf Club.

My intention was to try this new national initiative from the PGA of America and the United States Golf Association. Simply stated it’s a program that encourages the golfer to choose a set of tees based on their driver distance. Admittedly distance challenged, my driver in normal conditions travels 200-225 yards. At that level the recommended 18-hole yardage is 5200-6000.

The golf courses were all in great shape, but some rain the previous few days produced damp fairways and little roll. Still at each Par 3 and Par 5 I was able to swing at a green with something other than a 5-wood, or more. It was enjoyable hitting some low and midirons for a change. Even on the Par 4s I had an opportunity to go at the pin on a few shorter holes.

We all like the challenge of taking-on a golf course at its most difficult setting. However, for the pure enjoyment of the game and to play a little faster, Tee it Forward. 

That’s swing thought number 12

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (November 16, 2011) - When a shot goes astray, I’ll often blame “Swing Thought Number 12.” That’s the one found just at the beginning of my backswing! There are still 37 swing thoughts to follow.

Between advice from a dozen golf publications, the Golf Channel’s instructional shows, on-air tournament analysis, a seemingly endless array of books and our helpful friends, we are blessed with hundreds of tips and pointers about our swing. It’s information overload. With the exception of our friends (and who listens to their advice) none of the others have ever seen our swing.

If you are really interested in game improvement, get help and direction from a PGA instructor. The Myrtle Beach Area is blessed with both some great teaching pros and wonderful golf schools.

We know you’re probably not coming to the beach for golf lessons. You’re coming to wear the grips off your clubs, play some outstanding courses and have some fun. However, do not give-up on game improvement just because you’re interested in playing as many holes as possible.

The golfer’s “Value Season” is the perfect time for game improvement instruction. Without Daylight Savings it’s almost impossible to play 36-holes. However, it’s quite easy to take a lesson and follow with an hour of practice. Either before or after your round, a lesson in the winter months adds enjoyment to your golf trip and fine-tunes your game for the upcoming spring/summer season.

Call our golf specialist today at 800-682-5699 for a value-loaded golf package that includes instructional time with an area professional, or golf school.

What’s this overseeding thing all about?

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (November 15, 2011) - Winter overseeding of bemudagrass with ryegrass is primarily done for aesthetic purposes at resort courses. A rich green turf is far more pleasurable to visiting golfers than a dormant brown grass. High traffic bermudagrass tees and greens need to be overseeded to have a better quality turf, while the jury is always out regarding overseeding fairways.

From the course superintendents perspective overseeding provides some bermudagrass protection from heavy play and traffic. It may reduce winter weed growth and ryegrass may help to dry the soil preventing muddy conditions.

Of course there is a downside to overseeding. Those disadvantages include both cost and agronomic reasons. The former is easiest to understand. Overseeding with ryegrass adds a maintenance expense for seeds, fertilizer and labor. Many golf courses have previously assumed the additional expense as a cost of doing business. However many are now re-considering the value and importance of overseeding.

Even when dormant the newer and better forms of bermudagrass, such as MiniVerde, are very playable and provide a positive golf experience for visitors. Along with improved bermudagrass, cutbacks in budget and an unwillingness to pass the cost to golfers have course owners and superintendents taking another look at the value of ryegrass overseeding.

From the agronomic perspective the challenge of overseeding begins in the fall. Slowing the growth of bermudagrass in preparation (verticutting, etc.) for overseeding may not be in the best interest of the grass come spring and summer. The biggest worry is simply - has the bermudagrass survived. New herbicides are available for effectively controlling Poa annua before and after overseeding, allowing superintendents to focus on the health of bermudagrass versus stopping its growth.

You do not have to be a golf course superintendent, or owner to contribute to a golf course’s playing condition. If a fairway is not overseeded understand it’s helping to keep your greens fee reasonable and playability is not suffering. Do note that the tee boxes, greens and around the greens are probably overseeded. Please observe all golf cart rules. Stay off the fairways in wet weather and at all times stay out of wet areas. Cart traffic damage is evident in early summer and hinders the play of future golfers.

Unlike both private and public clubs further north, Myrtle Beach Area golf courses do not close for winter. On the contrary, golf is a year around sport in the “Seaside Golf Capital.” So much of the areas success is owed to the guys with the mowers. They’re the ones with the talent and expertise to provide a great golfing experience, regardless of the time of year you choose to visit.

If you need to know the condition of your golf courses of choice, simply ask the golf experts at Myrtle-BeachGolf.net.

Here’s one you do not want to miss

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (November 10, 2011) – Seldom does a weekend go by that there is not a charity golf tournament in the Myrtle Beach Area. Local golfers support them, while more and more visiting golfers are discovering the great value many of these tournaments provide.

A case in point is the YMCA 8^th Annual Golf Classic - Fore The Kids. Scheduled for the weekend of Friday December 2^nd and Saturday December 3^rd, it’s a great reason to visit the beach and bring your clubs.

The weekend kicks-off with a Tournament Gala on Friday, December 2^nd at the Dye Club and includes dinner, drinks, entertainment and a silent auction. December 3^rd you’ll shotgun start at 9:30 AM for a Texas Scramble. Each player receives a deluxe gift bag, on course contests, and hole in one competition.

Call our golf specialist today at 800-682-5699 for accommodations, a Friday practice round and even a Sunday departure round.

Golf clubs ready when needed

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (November 4, 2011) - The good news is the Myrtle Beach airport is expanding; new flights are added regularly and now more than ever it’s convenient to fly to the “Seaside Golf Capital of the World.” While the extra baggage cost of bringing your clubs is still an issue, there is a solution available.

GolfClubsAway.com (GCA) is now available in Myrtle Beach! The process is simple. Order clubs online and they’ll be waiting at your accommodations, or golf course when you arrive. In fact if you order by 4:00 PM a set of clubs will be delivered by 7:00 AM the next morning. Keep the clubs as many days as needed and they’ll be picked up when you’re finished.

Full sets of Nike Clubs both right and left handed are available. The Nike Men’s Standard Set, Nike Men’s Pro Graphite Shaft Set and the Nike Women’s Standard Set are featured. Rates are quite reasonable and discounts are available for multi-day use.

No longer will your clubs be lost or damaged in transit. Check out www.GolfClubsAway.com for all the details.

A perfect time for a golf trip

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (September 27, 2011) – Congratulations to Charlotte, NC resident Bill Haas for his dramatic win at the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup playoff. With all that drama behind us, it’s now time to be thinking about the next great golf event, the 2011 President’s Cup. Haas’s win in Atlanta earned a Captain’s pick along with Tiger Woods. Regardless of how you feel about these Fred Couples choices, the upcoming competition is going to provide some great golf. And there’s some great golf waiting for you in the Myrtle Beach area.

During the President’s Cup - Wednesday November 16^th through Sunday, November 20^th - is a perfect time for a golf package to the “Seaside Golf Capital of the World.” Play some golf and than cheer for your favorite team and player at a local lounge. The Golf Channel has live coverage in the evening of both the opening ceremonies on the 16^th and the Foursomes on Thursday the 17^th. NBC has daytime tape delay coverage daily for the remainder of the tournament.

Let the Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts golf team build the perfect package for you. You may not be in Australia at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, but there’s great golf waiting for you right here.

This one caught my eye

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (September 7, 2011) – Regular visitors and residents of the Myrtle Beach area are well aware of numerous opportunities to play tournament golf virtually every weekend. This is a charity minded community and there’s never a shortage of golfers. Recently, I received information on one that sounds very interesting.

“All-in Fore Kids Charity Golf Tournament benefits Help 4 Kids and Backpack Buddies; two charities with solid reputations that are doing good work. The tournament is individual stroke play golf at the International Club and a No Limit Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament on SunCruz Casino.

Your $250 entry fee gets you golf and 10,000 starting chips in the poker tournament, buffet dinner and great gifts. The Grand Prize is entry into the World Series of Poker Main Event with cash awarded for 1^st through 4^th place.

Have some fun, help the kids and maybe you’ll be on your way to Las Vegas. For information and registration visit www.Internationalclubgolf.com.

5th Annual Patriot Golf this Labor Day weekend

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (August 26, 2011) – This Labor Day weekend is the golfing communities opportunity to pay tribute to the brave men and women that have been disabled, or killed protecting our nation.

Patriot Golf Day is the flagship fundraiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides postsecondary educational scholarships for the children and spouses of military men and women disabled or killed while serving our great nation.

On Labor Day weekend, September 2-5, 2011, golfers across the country are asked to add an extra dollar to their greens fees to fund Folds of Honor scholarships. The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association jointly support the Patriot Golf Day campaign.

We certainly hope you’re playing golf in the Myrtle Beach area Labor Day weekend and visiting our numerous participating golf courses. If you’re staying home and playing local look for participating courses in your area and support them and the Folds of Honor Foundation.

A very pleasant surprise

SHALLOTTE, NC (August 24, 2011) - Earlier this week I had the opportunity to play Rivers Edge Golf Club for the first time. At the risk of oversimplification, it is one of the most visually striking courses in the Myrtle Beach area. Six stunning holes parallel the Shallotte River marshlands and the interior holes are certainly no less spectacular. Be aware though that this Arnold Palmer design is not just another pretty face.  Although fairway-landing areas are not particularly narrow, fairway bunkers and waste areas and a tough Bermuda grass rough will punish shots that stray from their target.  The new Paspalum greens are generous and well protected by greenside bunkers.  Although the course is not particularly long, it will require shot making and accuracy.  This golf course is well worth the short drive to Shallotte.

Frankly, I don’t get it

(NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC) AUGUST 10, 2011 – Years and years ago I met with a hotel group in Ocean City, Maryland to discuss golf. They were anxious to know, “How has Myrtle Beach become such a successful golf destination?” The answer was simple. It’s the golf package. In those days one telephone call and you booked your accommodations, golf, cart and most likely a good Southern breakfast. After a small deposit you paid the balance upon check-in. Each detail was taken care of for you.

Today the Myrtle Beach Area is still the leading golf destination, but surprisingly packaged rounds are decreasing ever so slightly. Frankly, I don’t get it! Maybe the Internet has some visiting golfers thinking they can get better deals from the courses. One golfer actually told me he didn’t want to pay the hotel’s mark-up! Let’s straighten out the confusion right now.

Do not think for one minute you’re getting a better deal than a hotel packager. At the very least the price would be the same and more than likely the packager is getting a slight break. Also, the hoteliers are not marking up either the golf, or the room. It just doesn’t make sense. In addition to the convenience and value of using a Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts property, they simply give you more for your money.

In addition to green fees, cart, comfortable accommodations and breakfast your packages include at no extra cost – 15-percent off dinner coupons at their restaurants, a complimentary drink coupon at one of their restaurants/bars and a complimentary golf gift. It just makes good sense to deal with a hotel packager. Call the Myrtle Beach Golf experts at (800) 682-5699, or visit on line at www.myrtlebeachgolf.net. Let them take care of each of those details and more!

Hong Kong One, South Carolina Zero

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (August 3, 2011) – Today many of us received our Golf.com Top 100 Courses in the U.S. and World announcement. South Carolina is well represented with Kiawah Island Ocean Course, Harbour Town and Long Cove on Hilton Head Island and Yeamana in Hanahan.  Of course I’d have really enjoyed seeing a Myrtle Beach Area course make the list.  There is a handful that you and I would certainly have considered. My beef is with the selection of the 100-member panel.

There were 36-international representatives, including one from Hong Kong, but not a single member from South Carolina. We’re a top golf destination. We’ve produced some pretty decent PGA and LPGA touring professionals. We host PGA and major amateur events.  And unless I’m mistaken we have more golf courses and more golfers per capita than any other state. Our voice needs to be heard!     

Book it now

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (July 27, 2011) – With the Heat Index approaching 105, having to worry about Tiger firing Stevie and another major still to be played, why would you even begin to think about booking your Fall Myrtle Beach golf package? At the risk of oversimplification, there could not be a better time.

Every day golf course deals are surfacing promoting great rates for rounds that are booked now for fall golf. Most have restricted play dates and many have cut off booking dates. However, the real issue is those prime tee times will be gone, soon.

Get the accommodations you want, the courses you want and the times you want all at the price you want. It just doesn’t get any better. Speak with a golf specialist at (800) 682-5699, today.   

More than just another golf tournament

They claim it’s the “Perfect Father Son Getaway.” I’ve played the annual Father Son Tournament three years with my grandson and I can tell you it works for the latter combination, too. We always finished in the middle of the pack in a middle flight, but we were the real winners!

We met some great people! The fellows from Maryland that gave my grandson the Terrapin head cover that he still enjoys, today. The father/son from Alabama that made us laugh and never complained about playing with a 10-year-old. The father/son from Ohio that got a little frustrated when they were being beat by a grandfather/grandson team, but in the end were really supportive and encouraging.

We have not been able to play the Father/Son Tournament these past few years with time restrictions hindering both of us. However, I’ll never get tired of telling anyone who will listen, it’s a great investment in family time! Bring the whole family July 21-23, 2011. Better yet arrive earlier in the week and stay a little longer. Get all the details at http://www.fathersongolf.com/.

I’m a Tim Cate Fan

This past week I played Tiger’s Eye, one of the four big cats at Ocean Ridge Plantation. I’m adding this gem to the list of “What I like about golf course architect Tim Cate.” In addition to Tiger’s Eye I’ve had the opportunity to play other Cate’s designed golf courses. Cape Fear National and The Thistle are two favorites. Although each course is different and adapts to the terrain, Cate does have some trademark additions that really add to the character of each course. These very picturesque designs offer a fair challenge to golfers of all levels. When planning your next Myrtle Beach Area golf vacation request a Tim Cate design. You’ll be glad you did.

Summer Family Golf Tournaments enter 24th Season

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (May 31, 2011) – A 2:00 PM shotgun start kicks-off the 24^th Annual Summer Family Golf Tournaments June 29^th at Legends Resort Moorland Course. Through August 10^th 8 different courses will host.

This is a great series for the entire family and an inexpensive way to play some of the Myrtle Beach area’s best courses. There are Open, Couples and Adult/Youth Divisions. Singles are welcome. Kids 16 years of age and younger always play free with a paying adult. These events tend to sell out, so we’d encourage you to reserve your spot early.

The format is Captain’s Choice using the Callaway Handicap System and the emphasis is on fun. Greens Fee and cart are included and prizes are awarded each Division, plus longest drive & closest to the hole. See the local tournament page on this web site or visit online at http://www.golfholiday.com/summer-family-golf/tournaments/

Myrtle Beach area tournaments attract visitors and locals

In the “Seaside Golf Capital of the World” local charities are blessed with a very high per capita number of golfers and plenty of golfing visitors that are anxious to join the fun. Blend numerous golf courses that are more than willing to host the event and contribute and you have the recipe for success. For slightly more than the green fee and cart cost, you can often eat, drink and play a fun golf tournament.

Having played in numerous events one of my favorites is the Hard Rock Café for the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research. The Myrtlewood Golf Club Pine Hills Course is the venue for this June 4^th Captain’s Choice outing.

The entry fee at $75 per person, $300 per team is a great value. It includes, green fee, cart, box lunch & gift bags, complimentary beer, soda and water on the course. A BBQ Awards Dinner at the Hard Rock Café follows the tournament. Contact & Registration Information: Janice Duffy Janice_Duffy@hardrock.com, or 843-946-0007 Ext. 208.

Regardless of when you visit the Myrtle Beach area this summer, more than likely there’s a local golf tournament going on. Join the fun and support a local charity. You may just walk away a winner!

Where are you teeing it up this month?

Three Myrtle Beach Area courses are on the Golf Digest's list of the “Greatest Public Golf Courses in America.” The Dunes Golf and Beach Club is 46th on the list, the Grande Dunes Resort Course is tied for 88th and Tidewater Golf Club and Plantation is 94th.

Golf Digest also ranks the top courses by state, with each needing at least 10 evaluations. Among the top 30 in South Carolina are No. 12 TPC of Myrtle Beach, No. 15 Heritage Club, No. 16 The Dunes Club, No. 23 Grande Dunes, No. 25 Tidewater, No. 26 Pawleys Plantation and No. 30 True Blue.

If you cannot find a top quality course in the Myrtle Beach Area, you’re not looking.

May golf package deals are here for the taking

I’ve been fortunate to play more than my share of golf this past week. From Possum Trot and Burning Ridge to Myrtle Beach National Kings North and Willbrook they all have one thing in common. The courses are shedding their winter look Where warm weather Bermuda grass is used it’s beginning to take hold. Fairways are well on their way to perfection. Greens are coming around nicely and they’re rolling true.

May is a great time to visit the Myrtle Beach area and play some golf. With the temperatures getting warmer the summer grasses will be fully developed and the courses will be in great shape. Summer accommodations rates have not peaked and green fees are trending down. There are some great May deals available, now.

Kudos to Kelly

I’ve never met Kelly Tilghman. She grew up in North Myrtle Beach and spent considerable time on her dad’s Gator Hole Golf Course. I played the course numerous times during the 80s, but our paths never crossed. She went on to Duke University to play golf and had a brief career on the Futures Tour.

In this space I’ve made no bones about my distaste for golf commentators and writers. Golf is basically a simple game that the pundits seem to complicate.

Kelly Tilghman appears to be above all the noise and clutter. As the Golf Channel tournament anchor her presence is both calming and refreshing. While others on the team are over-analyzing swings, or venturing deep inside a player’s head Kelly is patient. Her transition between blabber and coverage is seamless. Her respect for the game, the players and even her fellow broadcasters is obvious.

My hat’s off to Kelly Tilghman for a job well done.

 

Why waste time? Call on a professional.

Just about a week ago, the local golf marketing coop sent an e-mail “GOLF ALERT: Spring Tee Times Are Going Fast.” We certainly do not want to alarm you, but they were absolutely correct! Phone calls, inquiries and current bookings are all pointing to a strong spring golf season for the Myrtle Beach area.

Although rainy and cool this Monday morning, the weather has turned to spring. Fairways and greens are looking good and trees and plants are flowering. Dogwood and Cherry trees are in full bloom and the azaleas will be following in a few days.

Now is a great time to visit the Myrtle Beach area and shake off those winter cobwebs. Maybe even a spring tune-up with a local PGA instructor is necessary. Regardless of your needs and desires, the best place to begin planning is with your Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts golf director.

Why spend hours online and calling to find the “best deals” only to be disappointed when one you didn’t see pops up later? Your golf director already knows which specials are special, what courses have tee times available and which accommodations best fit your group’s budget.

Whether your planning for four or forty, get your golf director involved, today.

This really is a great game

A week ago Sunday a lady friend and I decided on an afternoon round to celebrate an additional hour of daylight. We settled on a tee time at the Myrtle Beach National West Course. Our starter asked if we’d be willing to be paired with two ladies. The starter was obviously a little on easy in asking, but we told him no problem.

Upon getting out of our cart to introduce ourselves we realized both ladies were in their 80s. Of course speed of play immediately crossed my mind. The starter accommodated his concerns by suggesting the ladies take the cart to their tee boxes. That’s all the head start they needed and speed of play was never an issue.

These ladies were great.  Although they did move slowly from cart to green, on tee boxes and fairways there were no exaggerated pre-shot routines. Just choose a club, line up and strike the ball; usually down the middle. You could tell these two ladies from Pennsylvania were no strangers to the game. I can only hope I strike the ball as solidly in my mid 80s as these two did.

On No. 7 green they apologized and told us they were only playing 9-holes, today. They wanted to get home and watch the Penn State vs. Temple basketball game. “We’re big Penn State fans and really excited they’re in the NCAA tournament,” they added.

Yesterday, I had another enlightening experience. Scheduled to play the Pearl-West course, again I was a twosome and the starter paired us with a retired gentleman. That’s not a problem with me. In 30-years playing Myrtle Beach area courses, I’ve only had one really bad experience. In fact I really enjoy meeting other golfers and hearing their stories. After all I am a writer.

This pairing turned out to be truly unique. Our playing companion was a deaf-mute. I’ve never played with a golfer that had both a hearing and speaking challenge. It worked out really well. He had a small notebook he used to introduce himself. I had my own notebook to write my observations on the course. Also, we quickly developed a few gestures to indicate, “Good shot”, “I saw your ball”, and of course “What was I thinking”!  If ever there was a time I wished I knew signing, yesterday was that time.

These two recent experiences brought back to light what a great game we play. If someone truly loves the game of golf neither age, nor physical challenges will keep him or her from their sport!

What’s your favorite?

Over the past year I’ve been fortunate to play golf courses from Pawleys Plantation on the south end to Cape Fear National near Wilmington, NC. Often hooked-up with visiting players, I’m always surprised at the number of Myrtle Beach area courses they’ve played. It goes to show what a popular destination this area has become.

Of course they always want to know a locals favorite course. That’s almost an impossible question to answer. Not trying to be politically correct, I always tell them I can find something good about almost every golf course I’ve played.

When pressed I’ll confess to having favorite architects. How do you not like Jack Nicklaus’s Pawleys and Long Bay? Tim Cate’s Thistle and Cape Fear National are great, but how do you choose one? Pete Dye is tough and both Prestwick and Barefoot Resort are proof. I could go on, but I’d probably list 75-percent of the area courses.

The point is there are some courses and designers that should be on everyone’s “Must Play” list. However, more than likely your Myrtle Beach area list is going to be pretty long and your favorite might change on every visit. Let me know what todays number 1 choice.

It’s time for my annual plea

Admittedly, I’m a huge fan and believer in junior golf and must give some props where props are due. First, thanks to the Myrtle Beach area golf courses that provide juniors free golf. I introduced my grandson to golf when he was 8. I would have been hard pressed to keep him in the game, if not for many area courses. Thank you! Also, thanks to the First Tee program. With major supporters like “Hootie & the Blowfish Day After the Masters Tournament” many kids are getting their first taste of this great game.

Starting about this time of year about a dozen kids from Middle/Senior High Schools everywhere are rushing to change clothes and get to golf practice. They come from different social-economic backgrounds. Few will go on to enjoy college golf scholarships. Today, they’re going to practice golf, but also learn valuable life lessons; self control, honesty, humbleness and integrity.

Here’s my plea to you. Unfortunately, it’s getting harder and harder for school districts to support a non-revenue producing sport. If you truly love this sport, get involved. Call the golf coach and find out what balls the kids are using and go purchase a dozen or two. A couple dozen balls with the school logo will be valued. Write a check to the schools booster club and designate the amount as matching funds for any golf team merchandise. Better yet get your regular foursome or league to make the donation. Most importantly go see a high school (boys or girls) golf match. Applause for the good shots from both teams is appreciated.

Golf’s paparazzi

Local PGA tour player Dustin Johnson had more than his share of headlines this past month. There was the Natalie Gulbis, we’re dating followed by Johnson’s, and we’re just friend’s reply. Next he pulled out of the Sony for “personal reasons.” Just a week ago there was the plea of reckless driving to the DUI charge. Thursday was the late for a tee time penalty at Riviera.

Call me a “homer,” but I still really like this guy. I’m happy for what he’s accomplished and disappointed for what sometimes appears to be a lack of judgment. I do not know Johnson personally, but wish him well.

However, there is one part of golf I don’t like and regular readers probably already know. I believe the majority of golf writers and reporters are simply getting in the way. Until this week I was neutral towards the Golf Channel’s Jim Gray. However, waiting on the 14^th tee and trying to interview Johnson about the 2-stroke penalty is simply inexcusable.

Really Jim give us a break. Do you really think Johnson’s going to give you any in-depth thoughts about the incident? You know he’ll talk to you after the round. Witness his patience with the media last year at the PGA Championship on the club-grounding penalty. For goodness sake Gray, the man is working here.

To the golf Channel’s credit, they pulled Gray from Riviera for the balance of the tournament. What I’d like to understand is how he got to the 14^th with his intent to interview? Did his producer have no idea what was going on? This whole thing has the feel of a supermarket tabloid cover.

It's getting warmer

Just returned from three days at the Philadelphia Golf Show. Attendance was fantastic, most likely spurred by some unseasonably warm weather in eastern PA. Those folks have some pent-up demand for golf. On the other hand they must have the patience of Job.

Plenty of attendees were walking around with a new club, or two knowing they’re not going to hit that purchase for another 2-4 weeks. That’s when they need to be thinking about Myrtle Beach. With high temperatures exceeding 57 degrees every day this week, I’m glad to be home.

So, if you have some pent-up demand to just hit some balls, come on down. Even if it’s a last minute trip, check with our golf directors and let them know what you need. They’ll find the tee times and accommodations that are sure to please both your need for some golf and your wallet.

Hey Joe, make it real

February 2, 2011 – Today I received the GOLF.com Trips eNewsletter with a feature by “Travelin Joe” Passov, Senior Editor (Course Rankings). The publication assures us he has “spent a lot of time in Myrtle Beach.” Obviously, he hasn’t been here lately.

The article is dated May 10, 2010 and reports under “What’s New” on the re-opening of Pine Lakes Country Club in March 2009, Founders Club in 2008 and Ocean Ridge Plantation’s Leopard Chase in 2007.

He goes on to give other area courses their props and we certainly cannot argue with his choices. Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Caledonia, Tidewater Golf Club and Rivers Edge Golf Club are all worthy of recognition and it’s appreciated.

But, really Joe, if you’re going to give the Myrtle Beach Area some ink at least make it fresh. Don’t simply copy and paste an old posting. Your copy and paste desperately needed some editing and updating.

Frankly Joe I’m wondering if you really have “spent a lot of time in Myrtle Beach.” My guess is that most of these readers have more Myrtle Beach playing time than you.

Stop by and say hello

On weekends from January through March there will be golf shows in many major Midwest and Northeast cities. Golfers will be exploring what’s new and on-sale, the latest gizmo for guaranteed game improvement and golf destinations with weather that’s sure to be nicer than what is outside the exhibit hall. And for years the Myrtle Beach area golf industry has always been well represented.

With an almost endless amount of information available online, why do golf packagers bother with a golf show? At the risk of oversimplification, golfers appreciate first-hand, local knowledge and they like to share their Myrtle Beach experiences. Golfers’ talking to golfers reminds us that the sport we love is just as much high touch as high tech.

This year the Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts golf team will be attending 5 great shows. Stop by and say hello.

Washington, DC - January 21-23

Chicago, IL - January 28-30

Philadelphia, PA - February 11-13

Boston, MA – March 5-7

Pittsburgh, PA – March 11-13

Now’s the time

Sitting here looking out my Myrtle Beach window the sun is shining brightly on this Wednesday, January 12, 2011. The bad news is the temperature will probably not get to 40 degrees, today. That’s quite a difference from our January 57 degree average.

We have had some unseasonably cold weather, including freezing rain and snowflakes! Yes, you read it correctly I said snowflakes. Regardless, of this cold blast that’s hit us, I stand by a previous post that December through mid-February is the “Value Season.” This is a great time to visit the Myrtle Beach area for some golf.

However, if you’re not taking the chance with some cool weather and a possible frost delay, now’s the time to make plans for a spring golf trip. This is the busiest time of year for Myrtle Beach area golf directors and their staffs. They’re booking tee times and accommodations every day. If you want the prime times and best rooms, call the golf department, today. Visit online at http://www.myrtle-beach-tee-times.com/, or call toll free 877-238-1975.