Myrtle Beach

Options! That's the key word for a Myrtle Beach golf vacation as the Grand Stand and its 60 miles of sweeping Atlantic coastline is a virtual feast of options -- not only to tee it up with comfortable nightly accommodations, but also to have a barrel of fun after golf no matter your budget.

Here are three choices for a Myrtle Beach vacation to long remember:

Top of the Line

For those seeking to add a notch to "top 100" resumes, the Dunes Golf & Beach Club in the Central Strand is a must play. Exceptionally scenic with its pristine beach lulled by gently rolling waves, the Robert Trent Jones design is also the epitome of strategic golf. Its famous par-5 13th - "Waterloo - with Lake Singleton causing havoc on the drive and a small-tiered green devilishly hard to both hit and putt is the very definition of a "signature hole."

Also in the lofty echelon of Myrtle Beach golf is Pawley Island's Caledonia Golf & Fish Club. Caledonia's 18 wanders serenely through tidal marshes, freshwater creeks and towering live oaks. Though only just over 6,500 yards from the back tees, Mike Strantz's inaugural design is a glorious combination of golf and Mother Nature and all the golf you'll ever want. Combined with its sister course True Blue, it makes for 36 holes of unforgettable golf.

The North Strand has numerous "top of the heap" options to play the ancient Scottish game. Most notably are the Dye, Fazio, Love and Norman layouts at Barefoot. One would be hard-pressed to find four eighteens this high-caliber all designed by the cream of golf course architects. Barefoot is as good as it gets for a "one-stop" vacation with clubs in tow.

For accommodations, Barefoot has excellent options. Additionally, Dunes Village Resorts is ideal. You'll enjoy a full oceanfront view overlooking the beautiful Atlantic Ocean in an oceanfront deluxe king studio.

For dinner, Greg Norman's Australian Grille is the place to go. The cuisine and décor might make you think you're dining on Sydney's dramatic harbor Down Under rather than the scenic Lowcountry of South Carolina.

For entertainment and fun, Wallace Sailing Charters has a 40-foot Beneteau yacht perfect for exploring the scenic waters around Myrtle Beach. Whether learning to sail, seeking a sunset cruise or going out in search of dolphins, these excursions make for a great time.

Incredible Mid-Range

Though perhaps not as famous as the thoroughbreds above, oodles of Myrtle Beach courses are ideal for fleshing out a superb vacation itinerary.

The Legends Golf & Resort's Heathland course is a Tom Doak masterpiece. Paying tribute to the roots of the game, this is a true links where the enemy is the vexing wind sweeping across the Central Strand and penal bunkers diabolically awaiting a poorly executed shot. Legends also has five additional outstanding layouts: Moorland, Parkland, Oyster Bay, Heritage Club and Diamond Bay.

Like Barefoot and Legends, a full Myrtle Beach golf vacation could be had solely with Mystical Golf's three Dan Maples classics - The Witch, Man-O-War and The Wizard. If only time for one of the acclaimed trio, The Witch is another must play. With 4,000 feet of bridges wending through swamps (front nine) and rolling hills (back nine), golfers may spy cranes, bald eagles, alligators and black bears. Holes are separated by forestry and void of bordering homes, promoting a glorious pure-golf vibe. Plus, visit the Scottish castle clubhouse of The Wizard - it's one of the coolest 19th holes anywhere.

For accommodations, both Legends and Mystical Golf have excellent stay-and-play packages on their respective websites. Another option is the Patricia Grand right on the Grand Strand. The rooms are comfy and the ocean views mesmerizing.
For dinner and drinks try Murrells Inlet as it's chockablock with cool bars and restaurants right on the water. Eat fresh oysters and seafood right out of the ocean with a Land Shark lager to wash it down. Trust me, you can't go wrong.

For entertainment and fun, the Alabama Theatre in Barefoot Landing is world-class. From big-time acts like Vince Gill and Bill Cosby to its outstanding venue show "One," the Alabama Theater is as great as the golf in Myrtle Beach (and that's saying something!).

Myrtle Beach Means Value

Myrtle Beach has some of the best "bang for your buck" courses and accommodations anywhere in North America.

For golf, Whispering Pines Golf Course is a public golf course owned by the city of Myrtle Beach. With no backyards to distract from your golfing experience, Whispering Pines offers a distinctive combination of challenge and beauty, carved out of 200 acres of towering pines and mature hardwoods. Plus, the price is wallet-friendly.

A local favorite, Indian Wells Golf Club was the recipient of the 2004 Golf Course of the Year Award by the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association. In addition its staff received the prestigious "Customer Service and Hospitality Award" by the Myrtle Beach Golfing News. Its 18th hole is a veteran member of the "Grand Strand's Dream 18," and regarded as one of the best (and toughest!) holes in the area.

For accommodations, the Sea Mist is comfortable, affordable and right on the beach. It offers a wide range of family fun including movies in its theatre, a water park and even putt-putt golf.

For dinner on a budget Bubba's Fish Shack is on the water in the heart of Myrtle Beach. Try the po' boy and fried pickles.

For entertainment and fun, Broadway on the Beach is tough to beat. Check out its many restaurants, see live music or simply stroll and people watch.

Another excellent resource for Myrtle Beach golf and stay-and-play packages is Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday.