Myrtle Beach Golf Trips Insider: 10 Questions with Golf Director Lee McDonald

Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a world-class golf destination is built not only on its incredible courses but also on the people who help bring those experiences to life. Few know that better than Lee McDonald, Golf Director for Myrtle Beach Golf Trips. Unlike many who grew up on the game, Lee didn’t pick up a club until after he was already working in the golf industry—yet once he did, he was hooked.

Over the past 25+ years, he has gone from answering phones as a reservationist to helping countless golfers design their dream trips. In this Q&A, Lee shares how he found his passion for golf, what makes Myrtle Beach such a special destination, and the insider advice he gives every first-time visitor.

1.First Impressions

Q: When did you first start playing golf and what are some of your earliest memories of starting the game?
A: I did not start playing until I had been in golf sales for a year and thought product knowledge would be helpful. I was hooked immediately. I played and practiced virtually every day for years and ran through massive quantities of golf balls.

2.Career

Q: How long have you been in the golf business and what other positions in golf have you worked in?
A: It will be 26 years in January 2026. I was a golf reservationist, then a business support representative, and now a golf director—all with the same company, Myrtle Beach Golf Trips.

3.Player Experience

Q: What is the most common feedback you hear from visiting golfers, and how do you address it?
A: Pace-of-play and scheduling are often mentioned as feedback after a golf trip. Only nine courses here regularly have tee times between 9:45 and 12:30. All courses that return to the clubhouse after 9 holes send groups off the 1st and 10th tees simultaneously to maximize morning times. Courses without that routing cannot start anyone from the 10th tee and schedule straight through all day.

4.Signature Moments

Q: If a golfer only had one day in Myrtle Beach, which course would you recommend they play—and why?
A: Dunes Golf and Beach Club. It’s a top course in the country, always in immaculate condition, and will test every skill you have.

5.Behind-the-Scenes

Q: What does a “day in the life” look like for you as a Golf Director during peak season?
A: Actually, in peak golf season, we are mostly looking forward to the next 6–9 months and booking those dates. There will always be little snafus with lodging, but most of the work is done well in advance with only “putting out fires” occasionally.

6.Fun Factor

Q: If you could sneak away for a round yourself, where are you playing and who are you bringing along—famous or not?
A: I’m playing my home course, the Myrtlewood PineHills. It’s a great design with excellent conditioning. I could play that every day and still enjoy it.

7.Just for Laughs

Q: What’s the funniest or most unusual thing you’ve ever seen happen on a Myrtle Beach golf course? (that you can share)
A: I have seen a guy swing his driver so hard that his shorts fell to his knees.

8.Bucket List

Q: What’s one Myrtle Beach golf experience you think every golfer should try at least once?
A: Having to buy everyone an adult beverage from having a hole-in-one.

9.Renovations & Upgrades

Q: What recent renovations or course improvements have made the biggest impact on the golfer experience?
A: Our parent company owns 21 area golf courses and has renovated or restored at least one course per year for years. Myrtle Beach National King’s North is nearing the end of its complete renovation or reimagining.