While we may not be L.A. or New York, there’s no shortage of possibilities for who you might see when playing a round in and around Myrtle Beach.
Golf here attracts every walk of life, including those faces and names we have come to know for years. Here, we talked to three local notable figures who have cut their teeth in other professions for decades but never strayed too far from a relaxing round. We wanted to know where they like to play, and what they like most about those tracks.
Keep your eyes peeled. You may just bump into them on your next 18.
Jimmy Richardson, Solicitor, 15th Judicial Circuit
About: Richardson was appointed to his position as the area’s lead solicitor (similar to a district attorney or prosecutor in other jurisdictions) in 2012 and has since been re-elected three times. He oversees the prosecution of all high misdemeanor and felony cases in both Horry and Georgetown counties. Richardson is a frequent golfer and regular participant in charitable golf tournaments throughout the area.
Favorite courses: Eagle Nest Golf Club, Tidewater Golf Club, Shaftesbury Glen Golf & Fish Club
His reasons: “No trip to Myrtle Beach would be complete without the Dunes Club, Pine Lakes and Caledonia. But I would like to focus on a few places that may not be as well-known. Tidewater is a little harder to find but has stunning views of the ocean and Cherry Grove. It’s a really challenging course even when played from the white tees. I also like Eagle Nest. This course does a great job incorporating the natural landscape and beauties of Little River. Recent renovations make it possible to play from the tips like a pro even though I play from the whites. Finally, Shaftesbury Glen is a wonderful course that is not overly expensive. All of the greens are elevated and quick. The course is well-maintained and there is plenty of sand.”
Ed Piotrowski, Chief Meteorologist, ABC 15
About: The Chief Meteorologist at ABC 15 (WPDE), Piotrowski will celebrate his 30th anniversary at the station in January of 2024. He’s won numerous industry awards in his three decades at WPDE and was the named the City of Myrtle Beach’s Citizen of the Year in 2018, recognizing not only his expertise in weather-related events but also his commitment to the community throughout his tenure.
Favorite courses: Grande Dunes Resort Course, Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club, Rivers Edge Golf Club, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Tidewater Golf Club
His reasons: “All of them are unique, but each one has their own personality, so to speak. Grande Dunes is long but beautiful. Pawleys Plantation, you get out on that marsh on the back nine and it’s just beautiful. All those courses are top notch. It’s the scenery for me.”
On Myrtle Beach golf in general:
“Right off the top, I realize how incredibly lucky we are to live in a place with nearly 100 courses. They’re literally in our back yard. People fly from all over the world to come play here. I drive five minutes down the road and I can get to any number of courses. And they’ve given back. It’s a great community and I flat-out love how gorgeous the courses around here.
Buddy Bailey, Manager, Myrtle Beach Pelicans
About: Bailey is in his second stint leading the Pelicans (Chicago Cubs Class A affiliate) after having previously run the team during the 2016-2018 seasons. He returned in 2021 and, in total, has helped just shy of 30 players progress all the way to Major League Baseball. He is the winningest active Minor League Baseball manager with more than 2,300 career victories.
Favorite courses: Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Pine Lakes Country Club and “just about all of them”.
His reasons: “Really [his favorite course is] whichever one I score the best on. It changes from one round to the next. It’s a love-hate relationship. I think golf in general is. But with them bringing in the PGA event, I think Dunes Club has to be up there. The Grandaddy has all the history. But I’m not partial to any course. If a member sees that I pick one, maybe they don’t invite me back. I think Myrtle Beach is made for every level of golfer. Whether it’s distance or layout, I can see why so many golf groups come here.”
(Tidewater 12th top photo, right from top to bottom Shaftesbury Glen, Grande Dunes Resort Club, Pine Lakes Country Club)
