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!