28th Annual Plutonium Open

This year we had 12 guys descend on the golf capital of the world from April 15th through April 21.  We had 4 from Ohio, 3 from Texas and 5 from Arkansas. Booked through Brian and stayed at the Ocean Bay Club in North Myrtle Beach.  Accommodations were 3 four bedroom condos with 3 bathrooms.  Accommodations were very nice once we figured out how to get in past the keyless entry system. There was a 8 number password and then had to turn two different handles.  Since we are all old men over 60 we were challenged.  Unfortunately, that was not the end of our old man challenges. To get the water to work in the shower you had to turn the handle about 50 times which proved confusing to most and the ROKU televisions required a AT & T technician which luckily we had. When there are literally 8 remotes sitting on the console with no directions as to where to start we were toast. Next year we need to bring someones 12 year old grandchild with us to figure out the technology. Alas, we got through it and everything worked out fine.  The weather turned out perfect as everyday was 75 to 85 with abundant sunshine. I think the best weather in our 28 year history.

Day 1 Saturday - Myself and another drove from Ohio on Friday and with a 1:00 tee time at Whispering Pines to accommodate 2 others flying in we had a morning to waste.  So we decided to play 36 holes in the morning at Shipwreck Island mini golf across from  the airport.  We played a 2 dollar nassau with presses and 1 dollar bonus for aces.  It was pretty intense but a lot of fun especially since I took him for 8 bucks! The vacation was off to a great start.  As stated we played Whispering Pines and conditions of the fairways were spotty but the greens were great.  Good speed and smooth. This also described the cart paths which appeared to be relatively new but were sm0oth and fast.  Always love the layout here with no housing although you do have the airport across the street.  I started out a little rusty with a 88 today.

Day 2 Sunday - Today we were at the Hackler course at Coastal Carolina University.  Course was just in ok condition as fairways were thin but greens were fast and great. Today was just a practice round for our 72 hole net tournament which starts tomorrow. I struggled again with a 86 but saw improvement over yesterday.

Day 3 Monday - First tournament round was at River Hills. Course was in great condition with lush fairways and the new greens were in great shape with medium speed. My opening round was an 83 which was a net 78 but good for 3rd place. this course proved to be pretty difficult as indicated by a 78 being in third place. However, the leader was the only one who played good with a net 69.

Day 4 Tuesday - Today we played Leopards Chase as a replacement for Long Bay and the decision by Brian to put us here was a good one as course conditions were very good.  Talked to the starter who said the greens would be slow as the new super did not want to lose them like last year.  They will be closing over the summer to replace the bent greens with some type of new bermuda greens. The greens were slow but full and smooth so no complaints.  As a side note I heard Long Bay will be closing soon to replace their greens.  I felt that this course is a great layout with conditions a little rough around the edges.  As long as you were in the fairway you could get a good lie but off the fairway it would be hardpan.  My second tournament round was a 82 net 74 which kept me in third place as the top three guys all shot net 74's. I still trailed by 9.

Day 5 Wednesday - Moving day was at Tidewater. Conditions were the best I have ever seen it with good coverage in the fairways and speedy greens. Played awful today not because of the weather or course conditions.  Luckily all the other leaders struggled also so only lost one stroke to the leader but two others made moves to tie me for third with another one stroke behind me.  Tonight was supposed to be Pelicans night for us and the busy week and old age caught up to many.  We started out yesterday with all 12 saying the wanted to go to the game and today we ended up with only 2 going.  Note to self is to schedule this outing earlier in the week. My buddy and I enjoyed the game as the new pitch clock rules had us home by 9:30.

Day 6 Thursday - Final round today was at Myrtle Beach National Kings North.  Unfortunately our leader all week could not handle sleeping on the lead every round and succumbed to the Plutonium Open pressure.  He shot a net 90 and fell all the way to fourth place and out of the money.  He will remain nameless to protect the innocent.  The person in second place by 3 to start the round played like a champ with a net 67 and romped to a 13 stroke victory which was the most in tournament history. I made a comeback from yesterday with a 79 net 73 to move into second place and in the money.  The winner gets to keep the huge Plutonium Open trophy and has his name engraved for eternity.  With this being our 28th year we already had to add a base aka the Stanley Cup but still have a couple years left before we have to expand again. Here's hoping we get that opportunity.

Day 7 Friday -  Getaway day was just a fun round at Man O War.  Conditions were good in the fairways and roughs with wall to wall lush green grass.  Unfortunately the greens were kind of bumpy and slow.  Would give this course a couple of more weeks and the greens will smooth out.  Got in the car and drove home uneventfully to Ohio by 12:30am.  

Restaurants visited were Fuddruckers, Flying Fish, Chucks Steakhouse, Carolina Seafood and Steak, Grumpy Monks and Daniellos Pizza.  All were good.