From start to finish, the best golf trips to South Carolina’s Grand Strand are ALWAYS the ones that are prepared appropriately.
Shooting from the hip can work, of course. We’ve got enough golf courses, restaurants, lodging and entertainment to certainly accommodate folks on a last-minute basis.
But that’s not ideal, and it’s certainly packaged with an undue amount of stress that can detract from the vibes. We wouldn’t recommend that route.
Take the opposite approach gives incoming players not only a better pick from those categories; it gives visitors a serious peace of mind. Doing so with some consideration can, and we can’t say this strongly enough – absolutely make a good trip legendary. And we’re here to help you maximize it all.
What to attack first, what conversations to have with your group, handling some multi-personality need, we’ve got it all here.
In other terms, this our checklist for your checklist.
1. GET YOUR GROUP TOGETHER
As much as we hate to say it, Step 1 is either going to springboard your entire vacation or light a fuse next to it before you even get cranking on anything else. Inviting two co-workers who you get along with but otherwise can’t stand each other is a recipe for disaster. There are thousands of examples just like that, and we don’t need to get into all of them. But what we do know is personality blending is key. Opposites can attract, as the song goes, but polar opposite players who each have a different goal in mind is like threading a needle with your eyes closed; it’s a crapshoot. Instead, find people who have shared time on the course, dined together and – if you’re able – who have previously traveled together. The nuance of a foursome in tight quarters for a few days at a time can change a relationship, and we want it to be for the better.
2. PLAN THE TRAVEL
You don’t even necessarily have to purchase plane tickets or book a hotel in this step. But after your group is locked down, how everyone is going to get to Myrtle Beach and where that group is staying once it gets there has to be a well-versed discussion. This is where some of the compromise might begin and problems can be nipped in the bud. That’s going to become a common theme, because four minds often means four completely different sets of opinions on what will work best. If everyone is in agreement about dates, travel and lodging, go ahead and pull that trigger and stick with the plan to execute it with a cost-effective approach that works for everyone. Because once this stage of the process is done, it’s about to be off to the races.
3. PICK THE COURSES
With dates locked in, the 90 or so courses along South Carolina’s northern coastline and North Carolina’s southern oceanfront are up for grabs. Regionally based courses are a good starting point, especially while you’re getting your feet under you the first day or two. It allows players to set up a home base of sorts. However, we’ll also remind you that there are courses up and down the Grand Strand that are more than worth a little bit more of a drive to get to. We recommend to pin-point one or two, maximum, that aren’t within 5-10 minutes of your lodging, and this is a good spot for your top-shelf pick. Players staying on the south end certainly won’t regret driving to Carolina Forest to hit up Myrtle Beach National’s King’s North, and those up north aren’t cussing up a storm after heading to Pawleys Plantation or Caledonia down in Pawleys Island. But only get into all that after the home base is established and your group knows it won’t be spending an hour or more in the car every day of the vacation.
4. SCOUT RESTAURANTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Some groups are OK with pizza delivery and/or a drive-thru at a fast food joint. Whether it’s budget or ease, we’ve seen that side work, too. But for every quick stop eatery, there are just as many highly desirable restaurants in and around Myrtle Beach and a demand from visitors who want to go there. Same goes for entertainment choices. The most popular ones are each going to have little caveats for when locals or tourists alike should be able to increase their individual enjoyment. Often, nearly every major restaurant or entertainment venue will take some form of a reservation, save for a few first-come, first-served joints. Without having those plans at least scribbled pretty hard in ink, you’ll find your group calling some audibles.
5. PACK APPROPRIATELY
From clothes to what’s in your bag, we encourage folks to double up. Or at the very least, bring a few extras. Here’s a good example: For a four-round trip, we’d advise someone to bring at least six polos. Even a dude who’s buying high-end gear has a mood shift or can sweat through a shirt, right? That’s not all you should think of in advance. Rain gear can be a difference maker. Having extra socks and underwear, much of the same. And once you get on the course, you never know when that glove is going to finally wear out or rip or you’ll need a few extra balls and tees. Having all that on lock upon arrival can reduce stress.
6. ENJOY THE SPOILS
Now that your heavy lifting is done and you’ve arrived in Myrtle Beach for your vacation, it’s time to let your proverbial hair down and have all the fun you’ve worked for. That said, we always stress to groups to understand quirks and learn to call quick minor audibles – as opposed to letting some small detail ruin the whole trip.
Did the skies open up out of nowhere? Was the restaurant you really wanted sitting at a two-hour wait? Is someone in the group getting blown up with work requests from back home? Just roll with it. It’ll all pale in comparison to the vacation as a whole.
Our Myrtle Beach Golf Trips golf directors know what it takes to plan the perfect getaway. From choosing the right courses and accommodations to building an itinerary that fits your group and budget, we’re here to help. Click here to get your FREE customized Myrtle Beach golf trip estimate.
Photos for this feature from MyrtleBeachGolfTrips Instagram Account
