The big-name golf courses in the Myrtle Beach, S.C. area get most of the publicity. That's what most of you planning your annual Myrtle Beach golf vacation hear about.
Hey, the marketers here use those as the bait to draw you in. And, if you listen to them, you will certainly have an outstanding and memorable golf experience. All of here trot out our very best when trying to lure golfers to the "world capital of golf."
But maybe your wallet is a little thin this spring. or maybe you've played all the big-ticket layouts and are looking for a change.
We're gonna help you out by telling you about some under-appreciated gems in town. You can still get thrills when you play them. But you'll spend a lot less than you will teeing it up at the big names.
Two real beauties with very affordable rates are River Hills in Little River and Possum Trot in North Myrtle Beach.
Densely wooded terrain. Lakes on 13 holes. River Hills Golf & Country Club is simply beautiful. Eye candy for the soul because it won't beat you up as you play. This Tom Jackson signature golf course is more than 20 years old and it has gotten better with age.
Managed by Burroughs & Chapin Golf Management, Inc., one of the top firms in the area, it has great conditioning throughout the year.
Think 18-holes rolling over 40-foot elevation changes. Gently rolling fairways. None parallel, so no crash helmets needed here.
On the 17th, you muster your strength because this 526-yard par 5 has a double dogleg and not one, but two, carrie over water. You need a good tee shot here and you can't afford to have anything less than solid, on target second shot.
Not just a gem for the guys, River Hills was named the course one of the most “woman friendly” courses in Myrtle Beach by The Executive Women's Golf Association.
When you tell the world that you're known as the “Friendliest Course On The Beach,” you better be ready to back it up. Possum Trot is.
One of the first 10 courses that started Myrtle Beach on its way to being a major golf destination, Possum Trot has an honored place in the history of Myrtle Beach golf.
This Glens Golf Group gem has stood the test of time. And it's like a very fine wine.
Picture a course that looks like its been transported from the old country. An Old English design in the parkland style. Wide fairways, challenging par 5’s, and flawlessly manicured greens. Talk about eye candy. And then there are the spectacular flower displays.
The friendly part applies to both the people who bend over backwards to make your day there pleasant and the golf course. Possum Trot is a great place to start your vacation because it won't drop you to your knees. It's also a great place to finish so you can head home with a feel-good score.
At the same time, it's no slouch. You won't ever be bored cruising around these fairways and taking on these greens. There's enough teeth in this 7,000 yard layout to challenge even the best among us. Just check the rating and slope of 73.1/127 from the blues. Then choose your tees very wisely.
Possum Trot’s also one of the best places to tune up your game when you arrive in town. There's a full-length driving range, a separate short-game range, an indoor range and a 12,000-square foot putting green.You're going to have such a great time at these two tracts that you should finish up by treating yourself to a first-class meal. Now here's a culinary gem that's all about values.
Do your part to help the environment while wrapping your palate around some of the best food you're ever gonna eat.
You'll find the area's restaurant crown jewel at WaterScapes at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes.
Now don't be fooled by the upscale surroundings. This is a place that welcomes casual dress and golf clothes do just fine.
And this is the ONLY place on the Grand Strand where you can be absolutely, positively sure that the fish is right off the boat fresh. And that everything else is fresh too.
Some of the nation's top restaurant professionals sing this Myrtle Beach gem's praises and the place just keeps racking up awards.
Most recently, it received the 2010 Santé Culinary Hospitality Award from Santé, the Magazine for Restaurant Professionals in the sustainability category for the Southeast division of the United States. Of all categories, it is the only business in the Carolinas to be recognized among the list of winners. That's a very big deal.
James Clark, executive chef at WaterScapes, is an artist. He leads a culinary team that provides the finest in sustainable dining, so you can feel good about how you're renewing our resources while you chow down on some great food.
Fish are hand-selected by Clark from fishing boats in Murrells Inlet, S.C., each morning. Hog snapper, rock hinds, triggerfish, black bass and Amberjack. Then he selects fresh beef, chicken and pork, and compliments them with fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms. Eat here once and you'll discover what fresh really means.
Next time you're in Myrtle Beach, check out these gems. You'll be glad you did.
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