Ranking golf courses

Of late Myrtle Beach area golf courses have fared quite well in various “Best of…” categories. The awards are well deserved. How rankings are done varies by publication, but people that know what they’re doing do all.

I have never been provided the opportunity to rank courses for major golf publications. I do have the opportunity to annually author more than 25 course reviews for web sites and regional publications.

My system of review is simple and begins with always being able to find something good about every golf course. From that point there are four basic criteria that contribute to a course’s character.

1. Hospitality: Simply stated there’s no reason for visiting golfers to ever be treated poorly. A good experience with the bag drop, pro shop and starter gets you started in the right frame of mind. Bad experiences upon arrival have the opposite impact on your day.
2. Playability: At the risk of oversimplification playability simply means that you’ll shoot a favorable score regardless of your index or ability. Forced carries, extended dog legs, and in play hazards are not the primary character of the course.
3. Challenge: Not every golf course falls into the “challenge” category, but each needs to have some holes that do. Big drop offs between the No. 1 and No. 3 handicap holes does not a challenging golf course make.
4. Beauty: A golf course that’s appealing to the eye ranks high in my book. I’m from the school that believes a bad day on the golf course is better than a good day at work. Next time you’re first in the hole and holding the flag, look back down the fairway and enjoy the moment.

One caution is in order. If you start thinking too much about the four points above, you’ll lose concentration and your game will suffer. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!

Makin’ the turn

Every once and a while we like to drop a few words about something strange that happens on the golf course. I’m talking about something stranger than my swing. Here’s one your going to love.

July 4^th was a great day for our family to play golf. The weather at the beach was perfect with unseasonably pleasant temperatures, clear skies and a slight breeze. We called Myrtle Beach National first thing in the morning and made a 2:00 PM tee time for Kings North.

It looked like we might have this premium course to ourselves! No other players were checking-in, the range was vacant and the starter said we were wide open. We played the front nine without seeing another golfer until we got to No. 9 and noticed a single on the green.

We made a quick stop at the clubhouse for a drink and some crackers and went directly to No. 10. Just getting out of their carts at the tee box was a foursome! They were not in the clubhouse. They were not behind us. They were not in front of us. Where did these guys come from???

I asked, “Did you just finish the front nine? Are you sure you’re on the right course?” There are three 18-hole layouts at MB National. They assured me they had just finished the front nine on Kings North.

We watched as they teed off. They were all over the place. We immediately headed to No. 11 with plans to play No. 10 at the end of the round. We tend to play quickly and had some fun dinner plans for that evening. I did not want to wait one minute on our mystery foursome.

Writing this I still have no idea where these guys came from. In fact it’s almost comical, but they must have belonged there. As they teed off on No. 10 there wasn’t any question from the ranger. However, once we finished No. 18 and headed to No. 10 tee, he was right there asking where we were headed. We quickly shared the story, had a good chuckle and finished our round.

No, I do not believe alien golfers invaded Myrtle Beach! 

That’s swing thought number 12

When a shot goes astray, I’ll often blame “Swing Thought Number 12.” That’s the one found just in 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 and of course 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.

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

Since many golfers to the area return with their families, a morning clinic or private lesson during your vacation might be just what the doctor ordered. There are numerous opportunities and your accommodations golf director will steer you in the right direction.

If you’re a family of golfers (like our three generations), a vacation that focuses on golf instruction is appropriate. A few years ago it was our Christmas present and all had a great time. Again, work with your golf director and they’ll help you put something together. They’re knowledgeable about more than tee time availabilities.

Most area courses are more than willing to go the extra mile for their visiting golfers. With enough advance notice a short clinic prior to your group’s tee times can be arranged.

Take advantage of the instructional opportunities available to you through teaching professionals. You’ll find the game is a lot more enjoyable when you can eliminate those 40+ swing thoughts.

He’ll be back

Like most golf fans I cringed as Dustin Johnson fell apart on his way to a final round 82 at the U.S. Open. The championship was there for the taking. In a previous blog I picked Johnson to win.  I overlooked his inexperience and previous poor Sunday rounds.

Although I do not know the young man, everything I’ve read and heard says he has the character and mental toughness to close the deal on a Sunday. Call me a “homer,” but I thoroughly believe this 26-year old has more than enough game to win a major, soon.  

So many choices. So little time.

With the U.S. Open beginning today at Pebble Beach there has been the usual build-up. The media is attempting to stir us into a frenzied state of anticipation. Personally that’s exactly what I like about the majors.

Since promotion of this year’s event began I’ve changed my favorites as often as I’ve change my shirt. With the temperatures soaring well into the 90s in Myrtle Beach twice a day shirt changes are in order. Call me crazy but I really do enjoy playing golf on the hottest days of the year. Anyway back to the point.

I always begin thinking one of my two favorite players is sure to win the major tournament soon to begin. I’m a fan of Phil Mickelson and hometown pro Dustin Johnson.

Of course along comes that darn Golf Channel. With “all Tiger all the time” coverage they cast that seed of doubt in my mind. Maybe the world’s number one is back on track. We’ve all seen him do some miraculous things in the majors.

Of course the media doesn’t stop with Tiger. They tell us there’s a youth movement this year. Guys with big belt buckles, less than conservative clothing and an absolutely fearless attitude could very well prevail. The 20 something’s have won on some big stages this year. I really believe Anthony Kim is ready to make a splash.

But, those media types are not done with me yet! How about those foreign players! Lee Westwood is playing great golf this year. McIlroy won in Charlotte and Justin Rose won Jack’s tournament at Muirfield. It just makes to much sense to ignore a foreign player’s chance. Maybe a young foreign player will walk away with this year’s U.S. Open trophy.

You can see my dilemma. According to the media gurus, just about everyone in the field could win this tournament. Left with that thought I recalled what a mentor from 40-years ago told me, “Given to many choices, most people will choose not to decide.”

With that sage advice in mind, I’ll ignore the Golf Channel gurus and announce that a young gun that seems to win regularly at Pebble will prevail. Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson will be paired Sunday and Dustin wins a very close U.S. Open.

      

Hats off to the guys with the mowers

Over the past four/five weeks I’ve been fortunate to have played more than my share of golf. It’s one of the great advantages to living in the “Seaside Golf Capital of the World.” One of the true beauties of the Myrtle Beach area golf product is the tremendous diversity of courses.

This Northeast corner of South Carolina and Southeast corner of North Carolina read like a virtual “Who’s Who” of golf course design. Names like Fazio, Maples, Dye, Byrd, Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, Floyd and many others resound throughout the golf community. Although, courses may share a similarity each is distinct in its own way.

However with all that said the Myrtle Beach area courses I’ve played this late spring and early summer share one very distinct feature. They are in great shape! Frankly, I was concerned how the area would recover from the unusually wet and cold winter we experienced.

Well my hat is off to the area golf course superintendents and their crews. These folks did yeoman like work this year under challenging weather conditions. Couple weather and difficult budget times when 2009 play was off considerably and you have to respect the folks that work their miracles every day.

Next time you play a round of golf and really appreciate the condition of the course find out the superintendent’s name. Drop him an e-mail of appreciation for his work.

Two area courses have closed holes to make renovations on greens.

Panther's Run Golf Links at Ocean Ridge Plantation and nine holes at the 27-hole Sandpiper Bay Golf and Country Club have closed to change greens from Penncross Bentgrass to the more heat tolerant MiniVerde Ultradwarf Bermudagrass.

River Club in the Litchfield Beach area was scheduled to close June 23 to replace A1 Bentgrass with Champions Bermuda.  The owner/management group, Myrtle Beach National Company, has decided to keep the course open until at least next summer.

Possum Trot is on schedule to reopen June 18^th after rebuilding and resodding 5-greens.  Reports are that golfers will be very pleased with the renovations.

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.