FEATURE STORY

Myrtle Beach golf: A bachelor duffer's paradise

By S. Adam Cardais,
Staff Writer

While Myrtle Beach is home to some of the most sought after golf courses in the Southeast, it is also one of the country's most popular spring break destinations, so it's safe to say bachelors will find plenty to do both on and off the links.

Christmas is wonderful, but more often than not shoppers are waylaid by the endless yuletide promotions, meaning fathers tend to get stuck with a tie, or a singing fish he can mount on his wall. Birthdays are often no better, as emotion takes over and "World's Best Dad" shirts, mugs and hats suddenly come in vogue.

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Myrtle Beach boasts more than 100 courses, but it also has around 1,800 restaurants and an endless selection of sports bars. It also has plenty of adult clubs with varying degrees of moral fiber. You can also take advantage of the many cheap golf villas that litter the Grand Strand.

"There are many courses where you can stay at a villa and have anywhere from four to up to twelve or sixteen guys under one roof," says J.T. Kobelt, golf director at Carolina Golf Travel. "You can stay home and play some cards at night, or if you're in a central location, you're right next to an endless amount of sports bars and strip clubs, it's a perfect setting."

Whether you're a die-hard golfer who wants to play 36 holes a day or would rather mix a bit of shopping and nightlife in with your time on the course, Myrtle Beach has plenty of options. Here are a few tips on where to golf, where to unwind, and, well, where to get a little crazy.

Golf Courses

Pine Lakes Country Club: The oldest course on the Grand Strand, Pine Lakes refers to itself as "The Grandaddy." Rocking chairs line the front porch of this 62-room antebellum club, and mimosas are served on the first tee when it's hot. At No. 7, a chatty man named "Dog" serves clam chowder.

Tidewater Golf Club Plantation: Only a few of the 100 courses on the Grand Strand really stand out from the competition, but Tidewater is one of them. Stretched out just above North Myrtle Beach on the Intracoastal Waterway, this course is rich in scenery and shots.

Thistle Golf Course: With 12-minute intervals between tee times, Thistle is known for its relaxed pace of play, which will be a luxury if you were up a little late the night before.

Eating, Drinking and Shopping

Broadway at the Beach: With 350 acres of shops and restaurants, Broadway at the Beach is a great place to do a little shopping or catch a bite to eat after a long day of golf. Relax with a cold margarita at Senor Frogs or take in some movie memorabilia at Planet Hollywood.

Murphy's Law Sports and Raw Bar: Murphy's is a Myrtle Beach institution. It's a great place to catch a game, and happy hour runs from 4-8 p.m. Mon. - Fri., with dollar draft and 35-cent wings.

Chianti South: For a bit of upscale dining, check out Chianti South, which has some of the most authentic Italian cuisine on the Grand Strand. The menu features pasta, fresh seafood and steaks. Main courses go for around $20.00, and the restaurant is open 5-9 p.m. Tue-Sun.

Nightlife

Crazy Horse: Voted the #1 adult club in the world in 2005, Crazy Horse Myrtle Beach has 80-100 strippers every night, three bars and VIP and Presidential rooms. Happy hour is from 4-7 p.m. Mon-Fri, with $2 longnecks. Every Saturday, there is a car wash from 4-7 p.m.

House of Blues: Opened in 1997, House of Blues is one of the hottest music venues in Myrtle Beach. It also has a restaurant with international and southern cuisine.

If You Go

Tee Times

www.MyrtleBeachGolf.com
Tel: 1-866-409-2177

Eating, Drinking & Shopping

Broadway at the Beach
1325 Celebrity Circle

Murphy's Law Sports and Raw Bar
405 South Kings Hwy
Tel. (843) 448-6021

Chianti South
2109 Hwy 17 North
Tel. (843) 249-7888

Crazy Horse
3001 Hwy 17
Tel. (843) 272-3329

House of Blues
4640 Hwy 17 South
Tel. (843) 272-3000

August 10, 2006

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.