Myrtle Beach April 2008

[Kiwi]

Just arrived back from our fourth annual Myrtle Beach trip, April 12-20. Played six rounds at International Club of MB; Heathland at Legends; King’s North at Myrtle Beach National; Lion’s Paw (Ocean Ridge Plantation); Farmstead; and Blackmoor.
The only two courses our group of 8 would recommend as replay would be King’s North and Blackmoor. King’s was in exceptional condition. It is beautiful to play but is punishing to the high handicap golfer (39 traps on #18). Blackmoor is also in excellent condition but somewhat more friendly. Their staff were the best we encountered. When we went into the Pro Shop to register the chap said that although the conditions were excellent there were a couple of greens not up to par. He said that if we felt they did not meet our expectations he would issue a 9 hole replay the same day, if available or a rain check for 9 holes good for 5 years. None of us could justify collecting on their offer.

International was disappointing and seemed to have slipped in quality from 2007. Lion’s Paw was a real disappointment. None of us who have golfed Tiger’s Eye in the past could believe that these two courses are even on the same plantation. Not a pretty course, and very poor maintenance both on and off the fairways.
Accommodation at Myrtlewood Villas was excellent as usual and we stayed in the better end (north). Although the rooms were more modern the clientele seemed to be a little younger and there were a couple of nights of rowdiness which kept us awake.

We found a good restaurant on the recommendation of staff at Myrtlewood, which is frequented more my locals than golfers. Called the Villa Romana Italian Restaurant - 707 South King’s Highway. Good quality, variety, and reasonably priced.

One other thing. We found that the weather reports published in the Ottawa papers do not truly reflect the weather in Myrtle Beach specifically. Although most reports called for showers we only had a few minutes at the end of the Monday round and the rest of the week was sun, sun, sun. Yes it was cool in the AM and windy a few days, but not the rain that the weather service predicted. One local course worker said that the area was down 24 inches of rain from their normal levels. All fairways were rock hard, and the low launcher had a definite advantage.

For those of you familiar with the economy food plan, the K&W quality also appears to have slipped, and the cost has risen. Used to be able to fill up, dessert and all for $6-7, but now the food is less tasty, more over cooked and costlier. Also we found a 42 cent difference in gas prices per gallon (US). Best prices by at least 15 cents a gallon was at Costco, which also by the way has better prices on liquor than the Duty Free (am I allowed to say that Dan?)

[EDSGOLF]

Thanks for the report Kiwi!