MYRTLE BEACH IS OPEN AND UNTOUCHED BY WILDFIRES — WILDFIRES ARE WEST OF THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY

Planning to head to Myrtle Beach for some R&R or a few rounds of golf soon?

There's no need to change your plans because of the wildfires you've seen or read about. Most of Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand is open for business.

Unfortunately, the wildfire coverage in the national media has left a confusing picture of just where the fires are burning. Fact is, everything east of the Intracoastal Waterway — which serves as a huge fire break — is fine.

When you see reports that the wildfires are in the “coastal area,” reporters are really talking in the broadest of terms. So don't be confused. There is no danger of fire BETWEEN the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean — which is what most visitors think of when they think of Myrtle Beach.

The area along the beaches, the oceanside hotels, the amusements and the golf courses are just fine. The fires are west of the Intracoastal Waterway.

If you need to get your bearings, a Yahoo map may help.

However, one word of caution. Pick your route into town carefully as drifting smoke has gone much farther westward and northward than the actual fire sites.

In addition, people with lung problems should check with their hotel or golf course before heading this way. North Myrtle Beach is experiencing a lot of smoke in the air which could affect anyone with breathing issues.

And while you should not have a problem getting lodging, keep in mind that many hotels (it makes us proud to report) have simply offered free rooms to those who fled the fires so it's a good idea to verify there are vacancies before you head to your favorite hotel.

The Myrtle Beach area is open for business and the weather is perfect for golf. Come visit soon!

SPRING BREAK FUN IN MYRTLE BEACH STARTS AT THE MARKET COMMON

It's spring and time to head to Myrtle Beach for some sun, fun, golf and partying.

If you're the kind of person who wants to see whatever's new at your favorite vacation destination, you'll want to head over to The Market Common, located on the old Air Force base on the south end of Myrtle Beach between Hwy 17 Bus. & Hwy 17 Bypass.

This place has it all and it puts the mall experience to shame. First off, it's designed to look like a little town basking in the warm South Carolina sun. There are lots of places to sit and take in the sights, sounds and cool breezes. Finding a place to eat is no problem. In fact the challenge is in the choosing. Options include culinary hot spots like the Chinese-chic P. F. Chang's China Bistro, the eclectic Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Café and the Myrtle Beach headquarters for a cold one, micro-brewery Gordon Biersch.

Free events are staged at The Market Common regularly and you can keep on top of what's next by checking out their events regularly.

MONDAY AFTER THE MASTERS

The 2009 Masters is now history but another Masters' tradition is happening today in Myrtle Beach. It's Monday After The Masters.

The Monday After The Masters Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament hosted by Hootie & The Blowfish raises big bucks for children’s education through the Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation and the South Carolina Junior Golf Association.

It's also another great reason to make Myrtle Beach your next stop after The 2010 Masters.

AFTER THE MASTERS, HEAD TO MYRTLE BEACH FOR MORE GOLF AND GREAT DEALS

Brilliant flowering azaleas ringing sparkling white bunkers. Towering magnolias. Pristine greens with awesome undulations. Carpet-like fairways. The breathtaking beauty of Amen Corner. Watching the pros take on the traditional challenge of skipping their tee shots across the lake to the green of 16. Tiger, Greg, Phil and Fred checking out each other's putters on the practice green. Arnold, Jack and Gary waiting in the wings away from the cold and biting wind.

I just returned from Georgia where I attended The Masters Tuesday practice round at Augusta National. It was in the 40s most of the day with winds steady at 20 mph and gusts so strong it shook the bleachers by 12's tee. It was brutal. And it was one of the best days of my entire life.

Now, back to work and, of course, thoughts of playing golf in Myrtle Beach.

So heads up golfers. Golf resorts in Myrtle Beach are offering sweet spring deals that bear repeating:

In gorgeous Pawleys Island south of Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Plantation is extending its March Madness Package by popular demand. It's now the Final Four Package. The Washington Post recently picked this package as one of the hottest deals in the nation. That's how good it is.

On the north end is the cool little town of Little River, The Glens Golf Group is offering packages designed to lure groups. The Putt and Party Package gets your group great golf, accommodations and a free welcome reception complete with beer. If you're flying, the Just Pack Your Shoes package is designed so that you can avoid those pesky add on fees the airlines like to charge. You leave your old clubs at home and play with new clubs while you're in town.

THE MASTERS: AUGUSTA NATIONAL'S WEEK IN THE SPOTLIGHT STARTS TODAY

For most golfers, the most exciting week of the year starts today. It's Master's week and Tiger Woods is in top form again.

This year is particularly exciting for South Carolinians because one of Myrtle Beach's own will be in the prestigious field. Dustin Johnson is a graduate of Coastal Carolina University. He earned his way into The Masters by winning the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

I'll be in the gallery on Tuesday, watching his practice round and generally loving every single moment I'm walking those hallowed fairways.

Meanwhile, golf resorts back in Myrtle Beach will be offering some sweet deals in celebration of spring.

In gorgeous Pawleys Island south of Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Plantation is extending its March Madness Package by popular demand. It's now the Final Four Package. The Washington Post recently picked this package as one of the hottest deals in the nation. That's how good it is.

On the north end is the cool little town of Little River, The Glens Golf Group is offering packages designed to lure groups. The Putt and Party Package gets your group great golf, accommodations and a free welcome reception complete with beer. If you're flying, the Just Pack Your Shoes package is designed so that you can avoid those pesky add on fees the airlines like to charge. You leave your old clubs at home and play with new clubs while you're in town.