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.

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.