Here are five courses I’d love to play every day (think of these layouts as marriage material, as opposed to punching above your weight in search of Halle Berry) 

— If I’m looking for a round in Brunswick County, Crow Creek (top photo) sits atop the list. Sure, there is water on all 18 holes so there are plenty of opportunities to lose golf balls, but this is a course you can count on. Conditions will be good, the layout is fun, and the value is always there. Crow Creek is a keeper.

— Regular readers won’t be surprised to see the Palmetto Course at Myrtlewood on my list. The course is better than ever following a 2019 renovation and the layout will provide every opportunity to score. Throw in the unforgettable 18th hole along the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Palmetto offers a little bit of everything. Additionally, the course doesn’t turn at the clubhouse so it single tees all day, allowing more flexibility in choosing a tee time. (pictured right)

— There are no true links courses in Myrtle Beach, but it’s easy to imagine yourself on the Scottish coast when playing Heathland at Legends Resort. The undulating fairways, gargantuan greens and pot bunkers, all designed by legendary architect Tom Doak, create a different type of Myrtle Beach golf course, and I’m here for it.

— Playing through sprawling live oak trees draped in Spanish moss and a beautiful piece of lowcountry property, Willbrook is a pleasure. The course offers an ideal blend of challenge and the beauty its higher profile neighbors are known for, making Willbrook a course you will love.

— Despite what I said at the top, I’m going to profess my love for one upper echelon layout – the Resort Course at Grande Dunes. I’m a sucker for holes that play along the Intracoastal Waterway, and the tee shot on the par 3 14th is on the short list of the area’s most dramatic. Throw-in generous fairways and tees at 5,900 and 6,200 yards, among seven total sets, and Grande Dunes is as playable as it is scenic. (pictured right)