Restrictions on hotels and private rentals in the Myrtle Beach area have been lifted effective May 1. Here is what you need to know about the area’s gradual reopening and what it means for potential golf trips:

— Grand Strand leaders have acted with an abundance of caution as we confront the spread of the Coronavirus. The state of South Carolina never forced the closure of hotels and private rentals, but Myrtle Beach area leaders voluntarily did so. To this point, the Grand Strand has, mercifully, been spared the worst of the virus’ wrath, resulting in our ability to begin reopening.

— On May 1, area hotels, short term rentals and other accommodations providers are allowed to reopen. Existing reservations will be honored in the first half of May but new reservations can’t be made until May 15.

— There is one caveat as it relates to the area’s reopening – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster issued an order requiring anyone living in a CDC hotspot to quarantine for two weeks upon their arrival in the state. That order remains in effect.

— Myrtle Beach area golf courses, led by Founders Group International’s 21 courses, are open and working diligently to provide as safe an environment as possible for players and course staff. For a full list of the Enhanced Sanitation Protocols implemented by FGI, which includes Grande Dunes, TPC Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Plantation and King’s North, among others, click here.

— Area restaurants remain closed per the orders of Governor McMaster but the expectation is they will reopen for outside dining within seven days, with dining rooms opening the following week. When dining rooms reopen there will be capacity limits to ensure proper social distancing.

As a destination, we are taking every precaution possible, and if you have a golf trip scheduled for May, particularly from the middle part of the month going forward, we certainly hope we are able to see you.