The drive down was very uneventful like we all want it to be, We stayed in Winston-Salem at a Sleep Inn by the Hanes Mall. We like that cause it gives us something to do if needed and lots of good food.  Then on the way in Saturday we stop at the Berry Patch and pick up some produce, and Pickles and jellies. then we made the trek to Buc-cee's, OMG is all I can say. I know there wasn't but it felt like there was all of South Carolina at the place. You couldn't move without crashing into someone. Had the kids get sandwiches and T-shirts then we left.  Check in was at 4 pm, it was weird this year, the people we normally rent from were no longer renting it and it was moving to Rose Realtor. This is no big deal, Rose is great to deal with for Rentals. 

Biggest disappointment was the beach work was down in our area so the beach was kinda no go for a couple days, this upset the kids more then myself. The last two days it was construction free.  We ate most of the time at the house, but we ate at Cookout and enjoyed it. Freddy's and enjoyed it. 

Golf was all booked with Brian, he is the one and only. 

Myrtlewood PineHills : This place was packed but most of the play was at Palmetto. Bag drop was smooth for how crazy it was, range was nice but no used a lot. Putting green was huge and very nice except no chipping allowed. This was my first time playing with Brian. I know most of you know this but what a great person. He made the day super enjoyable and helped my daughter work through her swing fixes she is working on. Everyone played great that day and man can Brian hit a ball. The course was in great shape, even with areafication, back nine rolled better than front nine. Traps in great shape along with tee boxes. POP was around 4:15 so not a big deal and Proshop had lots of great things to buy. 

Overall it was a great day and Thank you Brian for making it a better day, we will not wait as long to play again.

The next two were picked based on losing my job in late March, good news was offered a job on my way to the beach. 

The Wizard : This course was not as busy but still very nice. Single tee this day and we were second out, POP was 3:15 we played at a nice place but not hurrying. Bag drop was very smooth, range was nice and so was putting green just no chipping(UGH). The tee boxes, traps and greens were in great shape. Both Hannah and I played well here, her game was starting to really come around this round. Starter was nice and didn't see him till our round was over, of course when you are moving like we were there was no need to check on us. Proshop had nice things, I got a cool divot tool and t-shirt. 

Man o War: This day was a little more crazy than at the Wizard. We were paired up with two people from Jersey, they were very nice. The bag drop went smooth but back to double teed, we had two tee times, one for the front nine and one for the back nine. It all worked out, it was just slower on the back nine which is normal. The range and putting green were in good shape with no chipping again(UGH). The tee boxes, greens and bunkers were all in great shape.  POP was about 4:15 so not terrible, Pro shop was well stocked, food was decent here like the Wizard. Hannah played excellent today, she is getting ready for a better college season than last. I played scrappy but scored well. 

Overall golf was great, I enjoyed it a lot. rest of the trip was very nice but sad to leave. The ride home was good even with spats of heavy rain but could have been worse. Well 50 weeks till my next trip but already booked our house and starting to look at courses to play next year. 

Thanks Shep

Biggest lesson is do not fly with clubs. Paid almost $200 in baggage fees round trip and one iron came back with a scratch. Next time shipping them ahead for sure.

Anyone else made the switch? Would love to know what service people are using these days.

I'm planning a golf trip and was wondering how most people handle transportation when visiting multiple golf courses. Do you usually rent a car, use local taxis, or pre-book an airport transfer?

For those who have travelled with golf clubs and luggage, which option has been the most convenient and cost-effective? I imagine having enough space for equipment is just as important as getting to the course on time.

I've noticed that many travellers now prefer booking airport transfers in advance, especially when arriving after a long flight, as it avoids waiting around for transport and gives peace of mind.

I'd love to hear your recommendations and any tips for making golf travel easier. Thanks in advance!

Anyone driven with clubs before? Anything we should know about getting around between courses or where to stay to make it easier?

I want to give a big shout out to Steve Clark and Gregg Juster for their kindness in letting me join in their games.

Tuesday June 9th we played Kings North played very solid 76 our group was Terry Gregg and Cary. Course was in good shape just my opinion the greens have a lot sharp turns it is hard to 2 putt if you have any distant from the hole.

Wednesday June 10 Gregg Terry and I went to play Wellman Golf Club in Johnsonville Sc. I would rate this course at a 5 greens were very slow. Having said that Terry and Greg had no problem putting them. Not sure what Gregg shot around 74 I shot 79.

 Thursday June 11 Gregg and I celebrated our 75th Birthday playing Palmetto. I would rate this course at a 6 nothing great and nothing  to brag about. Having said that enjoyable to play. Same group Cay Gregg Terry the other group was Steve Mike Kerry and Dan.  Cary and I got off to a hot start but faltered on the bad Gregg and Terry got  it going on the back and ted us 1 shot back of Steve and Dan. Gregg shot 74 Cary shot 75 Terry shot 83 and I shot 78. I did win 1 skin. Great guys to play with!!!

 Friday June 12 First time for me River Hills Really like the course all the course need some heavy rains all ponds were low everywhere. My same group Gregg Terry and Cary and I think Cary has been great to pair with just another in this group that can real play! Not sure what everyone shot today i managed 76 with 2 birdies.

Saturday June 13th We were back at Kings North same group I shot 79 had thresh of 4 bogeys in a row. Just have a had time putting these greens.

Sunday No golf

 Monday June 15 My wife and I went to Caledonia where I had a rain check. Played with 3 guys from Pa. very enjoyable pairing. Course was in very good shape  forgot the card so not sure of score.

Tuesday June 16 Prestwick course is tuff if not playing well. Today was Mike Steve Cary and me.  Mike and Steve gave us a lesson. Me shooting 81 did not help our team.

Wednesday June 17 Cathy and I went and played Tigers Eye which I have not played in 10 years. Played with a local Mike fun to play with. They were having a men and women player guest tournament so we waited some behind the women. Course conditions were so so greens putted well fairways not bad. The best day of ball striking all week shot 75 but i missed 6 birdie putts inside of 10 feet.

Thursday June 18 I was blessed to finally play with THE Man Brian he took me to the World tour my first time. I have had the chance to play with some very good players. If you have not played with Brian let me tell you he is vey long and did not hit a driver all day. It was fun to watch as most of the week I played well on the from had 3 birdies but a triple. Finished with a 79. Brian on the 12th hole par 5 hit driving iron and 9 iron 475 yards. I hit Driver 5 wood just short.

Just to recap Cathy and I went to the Alabama Theater Carolina Opera and Gregg Rowler shows. Very good entertainment. We ate at several places no complaint anywhere. 

Friday early left for home in Brownwood Tx. drove to Shreveport La for the night 950 miles. Made it home around 2pm Saturday total miles from MB to home 1322. For the trip we drove 3426 miles. After getting home to over 6 inches of rain need less to say i have lots of yard work to do.

So till next time from the Brownwood Bandit  see you next time!

Weather conditions: sunny, 86 degrees Farenhei

Over the past couple of years, there have been so many super positive comments about the course we played on today, Meadowlands (https://meadowlandsgolf.com/), in Calabash. And to tell the truth, all those people are really "spot on", because this Dave Johnson and Willard Byrd course... is really "spot on”.

The playing conditions here are simply superb, from the tee boxes to the greens. At the time of writing, these greens are the finest and "purest" we have played during our current stay in Myrtle Beach, which concluded today as far as the golf portion was concerned.

If there was one tiny, and I mean *tiny* downside, it was that the grass was a bit thin on a few fairways; the drought that had been prevailing in Myrtle Beach for several days was the cause of that particular little issue.

Talking about the fairways, they are wide enough to feel confident during for your tee shots, and these are lined with many mature pines which add to the cachet of the course.

As for the obstacles (water and sand traps), they are relatively numerous, but by focusing on precision rather than power, there is really a way to get away with an interesting score here.

From the white tees, Meadowlands is played at 6,080 yards and 5,041 yards for the women's tee boxes. There really is a way to capitalize on the four par 5s, because the longest (at the 9th hole) is only 471 yards (411 yards for ladies).

We would say the same thing with the four par 3s, the longest (at hole #11) being 158 yards (113 yards for women).

That said, golfers who would like to see this course on their agenda for a future golf package in Myrtle Beach, really, really don't have to ask themselves the question, because Meadowlands is simply a "no brainer!" ».

And if I may make a suggestion: if you choose this course, try to arrange to start from the 10th hole rather than the 1st, because according what we experienced, the second nine is a little easier than the first, and water hazards are far less numerous.

All in all, what a great afternoon of golf it was at Meadowlands! Playing here is a bit like playing at home, because this club really reminds us of many of the beautiful traditional-type courses that we find in Quebec and Ontario. And as a bonus, the staff in place is really super welcoming!

That concludes our little getaway to Myrtle Beach! Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Until next time!

Weather conditions: sunny, 86 degrees Farenheit

Let's get one thing straight from the start: although we've been visiting Myrtle Beach for golf for many years, we haven't often thought of Whispering Pines (https://www.playwhisperingpinesgolf.com/). And yet, we were treated to a truly wonderful surprise today with this course!

In fact, this is only our second visit here (the first was back in 2017). And yet, rest assured that this course should definitely be on your list for one of your next golf trips to Myrtle Beach! This is especially true since Whispering Pines underwent major renovations no later than last summer!

That said, four scenarios come to mind if you wish to experience Whispering Pines:

• Scenario #1: you fly to Myrtle Beach and you are so pumped up about playing golf. It's good, because Whispering Pines Golf Course is about a long par 5 away from the Myrtle Beach International Airport. You could even walk from there with your golf bag! But better still: with a rental car or a taxi, also bring your luggage and they will be taken care of properly by a staff member.
  
  
  
• Scenario #2: you will leave Myrtle Beach by air ... read what we just wrote in the previous scenario!
  
  
  
• Scenario #3: Want to play a doubleheader in the area? Why not pairing Whispering Pines with another course? According to a staff member, many golfers like to take advantage of this opportunity!
  
  
  
• Scenario # 4: Are you looking for a course with a very good value for money that is well centered in the vast area of the Grand Strand? Whispering Pines should then seduce you.
  
  

Whispering Pines Golf Course is a par 72 course that is played at 6245 yards from the white markers and 5167 for ladies. Built at the base for the pleasure of the military people (you will see there, at each tee box, an honorary plaque to pay tribute to some of them), this land of more than 200 acres abounds giant pines, as well as hardwoods trees.

This is the kind of place in which the northern golfers like us will recognize each other and, most importantly, feel at ease. And although the airport is very close, there is no residential development at Whispering Pines Golf Course, which preserves somewhat its natural cachet.

What's more, Whispering Pines Golf Course is what could be described as a course offering both challenge ... and a certain beauty, without presenting a too high level of difficulty. You’ll encounter water hazards on a few holes, so it’s important to check your GPS carefully before teeing off. Much the same could be said for the sand traps, which are of superb quality.

As for the conditions, we would really like to highlight the quality of the greens, which were both fast... and subtle. In all seriousness, they were of just as high a quality as any of the other courses we’ve played since the start of our trip, and that is saying a lot!

The other aspects of the course appeared very well maintained to us and we can certainly say “Hats off” to the people who take care of the place! We can also raise our hat for the quality of the reception and the great kindness of the other staff members. When you get to Whispering Pines Golf Course, you feel like home and the atmosphere is quite "laid back"!

So much about Whispering Pines for now. We can only recommend it, especially since it’s a perfect fit if the budget is a key factor for you!

Coming up next: Meadowlands on Wednesday, June 10!

Weather conditions: sunny with a mix of clouds, 88 degrees Farenheit

A lot of "fun" today, or rather, quite the test of golf, thanks to a visit to Glen Dornoch (https://www.glendornoch.com/), in Little River, on the north side of the greater Myrtle Beach area!

When it comes to Glen Dornoch, you can expect quite a golfing challenge no matter what your level of play. It is a “beast” you have to tame and any form of slacking off during your round can be costly on your scorecard.

It is a course that is played 6035 yards from the white tees and 4927 yards from the ladies tees. However, since we are relatively close to the ocean, it plays a little longer than the distances we have just mentioned and this is all the more true given the winds that are always present. So, beware!

Let's talk about the conditions now. First, the greens were exceptional… and very fast. Really amazing! In fact, since the beginning of our stay in Myrtle Beach, Glen Dornoch has had the fastest greens at the time of this writing, which required some adjustments on our part. What's more, some of those greens are very small, while others are quite large, wich means that you must be careful while choosing the right clubs for your approach shots.

Secondly, the fairways have great coverage, everything is OK in terms of tee boxes and the sand traps are very well maintained. Combine it all with a great design and you'll be on your way to a great golfing experience.

Speaking from experience, fasten your seat belt for holes #16, #17 and #18, where your golfer's nerves will be put to the test! To this end, we can only strongly recommend relying on the GPS on your golf cart, or even you have the little "yardage book" on hand, so that you can gauge the distances and have a better idea of the obstacles to avoid.

We also really liked holes #8 (a par 5 of 512 yards for the whites and 415 yards for the reds), as well as hole #9 (a par 4 of 406 yards for the whites and 314 yards for the reds), two holes that offer you a spectacular view of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Also, a little word about the clubhouse! Or rather the view you have when you are at the back of it, while sipping a good drink after your round, once again directly on the Intracoastal Waterway!

In any case, when Glen Dornoch is in excellent condition as it was today, we highly recommend this course! Yes, it presents some challenges, but it is in the nature of this beautiful sport that is golf!

Coming up next: Whispering Pines on Tuesday, June 9!

Weather conditions: full of sunshine, 86 degrees Farenheit

A truly wonderful visit today to Pine Lakes Country Club "The Granddaddy" (https://pinelakes.com/) with perfect golfing weather once again.

Pine Lakes is a course that has always held a special place in our hearts, as it was the very first course we played in Myrtle Beach as a group organizer... over 25 years ago now. And it's always a pleasure to return, even since Pine Lakes has been renovated, back in 2021.

Speaking of the course, we've never played Pine Lakes in such beautiful conditions. We're telling you: the conditions were pristine today!

The greens (which are Paspalum) were immaculate and moderately fast compared to the other courses we have played since our arrival.

The tee boxes and fairways were also top-notch, as was the long grass. Do we recommend Pine Lakes? Absolutely! The course design is interesting, with plenty of variety on each hole, making it a constant challenge. And even though it's a par 70 course (there are only two par 5s), be careful, though, because it plays a bit longer than the listed distances on the scorecard.

Speaking of the scorecard, Pine Lakes offers no fewer than six different sets of tees. We played from the #4 markers at 6,068 yards, while the #2 markers offer a challenge spanning 4,866 yards for the ladies. In short, there is something for every type of player.

Finally, all the staff at Pine Lakes treated us like family. The same goes for the restaurant staff, with exceptional service and the best club sandwich (called the Pine Lakes Club) we've had at any of the 80 golf courses we've played so far in the vast Myrtle Beach area.

Coming up next: Glen Dornoch on Sunday, June 7!