At this time a year ago, life was proceeding normally. The Kansas City Chiefs had just won the Super Bowl, people routinely gathered in groups, and golfers were planning their spring trip to Myrtle Beach.

Fast forward one year and the Chiefs were battered in their attempt to repeat as Super Bowl champs and life as we knew it has been upended by the Covid-19 pandemic. But more so than any time in the previous 12 months, the news isn’t all bad.

Case numbers are plunging across the country, vaccine distribution is picking up steam, and golfers who are comfortable traveling are again planning to fill Myrtle Beach tee sheets during the very popular spring season.

With that in mind, here is what we have to look forward to in the coming months (Myrtle Beach golf edition):

Caledonia Golf & Fish Club in full bloom.(pictured right)

The tee shot on No. 14 Grande Dunes Resort Club.

Comfortably wearing shorts and a golf shirt.

Applying sunscreen.

Stepping to the first tee on the West Course at Myrtle Beach National knowing this might be the day I “go low,” relatively speaking, of course.

Reliving old stories with friends and making new ones.

Pulling into the parking lot at Arrowhead Country Club knowing the course is in great shape.

Trying to decide how much of Lake Singleton I want to challenge on the Dunes Club’s famed 13th hole (then trying to execute the shot properly).

Enjoying a post-round drink and appetizer at Anchor Cafe overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.

The blooming azaleas that serve as a backdrop for the 13th green at Arcadian Shores.

The Gambler on a 75 degree day.

The anxiety I feel on the 13th tee at Pawleys Plantation. (top photo)

Wondering if this will be the day I drive the 14th green at Wild Wing Avocet.

Rehashing a round and enjoying lunch at Pine Lakes Country Club.

Trying to decide which of the Barefoot courses I most want to play.

Hitting balls on the range at Legends, which is the area’s best, before trying to conquer Moorland (or possibly Heathland).

Praying to hit the right spot on the 13th green at the Heritage Club.

Admiring the view of Cherry Grove Inlet on the fourth hole at Tidewater.

Looking for a gigantic alligator as Oyster Bay.

Praying I don’t hit the ball in the bunker that fronts the seventh green at True Blue when the pin is on top.

Happy hour at the Grumpy Monk.

Wondering if I can birdie the par 6 at Farmstead.

Pleading with my ball to find the green on the par 4 16th hole at Glen Dornoch.

Walking the PineHills and Palmetto courses at Myrtlewood.

Most of all, I think we are all looking forward to the opportunity to enjoy a trip with buddies and all that entails, on and off the course.

As we look forward to better days, what are you most looking forward to this spring?