Travel advice: Myrtle Beach golfer looking for value-oriented, wife-friendly golf vacation

WorldGolf.com reader Carl has written to us asking for help planning his Myrtle Beach golf trip. Here’s what he’s looking for:

My wife and I would like to play about four rounds while in MB the last week of May. Where would you recommend playing without breaking the bank or your ego? My wife is a 12 handicap, so please don’t recommend a course that will not be challenging.

First off Carl, you’ll be coming in late May, the beginning of the low season for golf rates, so you’ll be able to find some good value and the weather won’t be too hot yet. That said, hotels will start raising their prices, especially oceanfront properties.

Here’s a few courses I’d recommend in particular:

River Club is an affordable course that, while challenging around the greens, has a good amount of space off the tee. The head professional is also a woman, Christa Bodensteiner, so rest assured the women aren’t going to be left behind here. You’ll be playing in late May as well, when their bent grass greens should be rolling pretty good before the heat starts getting to them. I might not send a high-handicap woman here but it sounds like your wife is a player good enough to handle it.

Willbrook Plantation next door is another scenic favorite of women but it’s a touch more expensive. You’ll both enjoy the Tradition Club, which I just played in February, as well.

Arrowhead Golf Club is also a pretty good track for the money, and even has a few holes along the Intracoastal Waterway. Women’s yardage is 5,500 yards or so, unlike some courses that play under 5,000 and may be too short for good players.

I would also recommend the Legends Heathland, River Hills and Heather Glen courses. Each are pretty scenic, moderately challenging and good values in Myrtle Beach’s middle class green fee structure.

Of course, the best way to get bang-for-your-buck is to book a golf package. Click here to get started.