Trip 11/5-11/8

Only 3 of us, two guys flew in from MD, I drove in from Columbia, and picked them up at the Airport.

day1: River Hills, course is in good shape, very nice staff, good run operation. Greens are diabolical, dunno if it was just ‘Sunday’ pins or what, but some of the toughest greens Ive ever putted on (speed, slope, and grain).

Day 2: Thistle…no idea why this place isnt talked about more, fantastic sells it short. Literally like playing a private club, everything was A++++. Amazing staff, friendly, communicated clearly, made you feel like a VIP. Course was in tip top shape. Cart paths were phenomenal, and the carts are Mercedes type luxury; the seats are more comfortable than any car Ive owned. On our 16th hole we asked the beverage cart about playing the other 9, she quickly radioed the pro shop and asked, said to come talk to them when we finished, but shouldnt be a problem. $39 for a replay rate, basically stealing! We chose a gap so we could eat lunch, and the staff behind the bar was super accommodating “when is your tee time?” And things like that. Not normally in my budget, but whenever I am around I’ll be sure to do a pkg or something for Thistle. 

Day 3: True Blue, great course, great architecture, etc. Will say definitely lacked that ‘touch’ we got the day before at Thistle. Staff was adequate but nothing exceptional. Definitely questioned if its worth the price tag. Probably wouldnt include in the future. 

Day 4: Prestwick, Pete Dye is gonna Dye you to death. Very tough, and a course Id love to keep playing again and again knowing where to go etc. Staff again, adequate to good, pace of play was kinda tough. Nothing ‘great’ but nothing ‘bad’ either. 

we did talk about maybe next time doing N Myrtle/NC and getting an actual stand alone AirBnB vs a condo on the strip on the beach ( $99/night should have told us a lot). I vacation in Pawleys and am becoming very familiar with the Stand. Still have lots of courses to see and visit.