Hitting the links on an empty stomach is never a good idea.

You don’t want to be fading when you need to hit your fade, right?

Up and down South Carolina’s Grand Strand golfing mecca, a handful of donut shops hit just right. They all off the traditional fair, of course, but some go to the extreme. These joints have become increasing popular with golf groups looking for a quick bite before a round.

Scout them out for yourself and know these aren’t your ordinary donuts.

Duck Donuts
Where: 779 Main Street, North Myrtle Beach
Nearby course: River Hills Golf & Country Club
Why we love it: Home to the best maple bacon donut around (it’s called “Bacon in the Sun” here), Duck has a bit of an assembly line feel to getting you in and out with your breakfast treasures. That’s a good thing, because its locations on the Grand Strand (there’s also one just south of Myrtle Beach city limits) tend to get real busy in a hurry during certain parts of the calendar.

Peace, Love & Little Donuts
Where: 3020 Nevers Street, Market Common
Nearby course: Prestwick Country Club
Why we love it: The flavors are there, of course. We wouldn’t be recommending this joint if it was trash. But South Carolina’s only rendition of this growing chain gets extra marks due to the fact that you watch your order being made from the other side of the glass. You can rattle off your donuts from the menu or simply point and grunt. Either way, you’ll love where they end up.

Donut Man
Where: 200 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach
Nearby courses: Whispering Pines
Why we love it: If you were to go back in time and walk into a donut shop, this is exactly what you’d expect. There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles, just a bunch of seating for you to grab your grub and then sit and talk about current events or gossip about your neighbors’ lawn. If you’re in a hurry, just ask for the Donut Man Dozen – a dealer’s choice box – and try something unexpected.

Parlor Doughnuts
Where: 11359 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island
Nearby course: River Club
Why we love it: Set up like an ice cream shop, Parlor falls in line with the upscale donut joints we’re seeing more and more. You definitely get what you pay for here. The level of sweet just happens to shoot through the roof, too. From the Reese’s to the Churro donuts, the Campfire to the Lemonade, you’re going to feel it coursing through your veins. (Parlor Doughnuts Top photo and pictured right. Photos from their Facebook Page)