Golf's biggest 19th hole at the World Am in Myrtle Beach

I was surprised to discover the 19th hole at the World Amateur Handicap Championships in Myrtle Beach is a lot like the annual PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando - only with loads of free alcohol and fewer saleswomen in cheerleader outfits.

Some big names in golf were on hand. Dave Pelz had an entire army of minions selling short game secrets. Annika Sorenstam made an appearance for Cutter & Buck, much like she did in Orlando.

There is a big demo area on the left end where all the big manufacturers are selling drivers. In the middle of the expo floor, you can find a great deal on an assortment of khaki shorts. One of the more popular booths was a local massage parlor offering free rubdowns. Although I am a massage enthusiast, I declined. There is something weird about seeing the masseuse touching the guy before you, you know?

The biggest difference between the PGA Show in Orlando and the 19th hole in Myrtle Beach is the crowd’s motive. At the PGA Show, everyone is either buying or selling. At the 19th hole, the audience is trolling for Free Stuff. There is plenty of it: free liquor and beer, numerous food vendors and countless giveaways. WorldGolf.com had a bowl full of free logo tees. Some would politely take a small handful. Others would stuff both of their pockets, then come back with empty pockets twenty minutes later, fill back up then flee the scene like a kid who just stole a second cupcake.

Adjacent to the expo floor, there is a separate party room with live music and more free drinks. This is where contestants are allowed to mingle beyond their respective handicaps and gender. Mentioning to your buddy “Check out that girl over there, she’s an eight” takes on a different meaning at the 19th hole, and only here can you use pick-up lines like “I can spot someone who shaves a mile away.”