The attraction to fall golf in and around Myrtle Beach, S.C., contains plenty of proof in the booking engines and tee sheets each year between September and November.
The temps have cooled somewhat, most kids are back in school and the courses themselves are in excellent shape. Yeah, we can see why it’s such a popular time of the year.
But how different groups and individuals go about maximizing a three-day trip to the Grand Strand is where some have the time of their lives and others are scrambling a bit at the last minute. Let’s remove some of the guess work.
This step-by-step guide can be an excellent blue print for your vacation. Whether you’re a morning person or prefer afternoon rounds, we’re going to craft this agenda for both. And we’re going to assume you arrive the night before your first round and leave the evening of the third. If that’s not exactly the case for your group, no worries. This is easily adjustable.
DAY ONE: Let’s Get Your Feet Wet
What better way to start the morning of your first day in the most Myrtle Beach way possible. Take a quick side trip from your lodging, find the closest beach access point and at least dip your toes in the Atlantic.
Once you’ve woo-sah’d, it’s time to begin.
After a quick stop at Sunny Side Up Grill in Little River for breakfast, we’re going to motor you on over to River Hills Golf & Country Club (top photo) is an excellent place to start your three-rounds-in-three-days voyage. This Tom Jackson layout incorporates rolling terrain nestled among some natural forest.
It’s one of those tracks that’s absolutely easier than it appears, but we’d still caution some, well, caution with your approach. Employ that, and you’ll be just fine.
After the round, we’re steering you to a tried and true local joint, Crab Catchers on the Waterfront. Overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, Crab Catchers is a true dive joint, with its popularity stemming not from some over-decorated venue but from its excellent seafood and great views.
DAY TWO: Moving Day
We started you up on the north end, and now it’s time to take you down south.
Assuming your lodging isn’t in Pawleys Island or even Murrells Inlet, we’d recommend any of the quick-stop breakfast joints, or – if you’re an early bird – Applewood House of Pancakes. The price is right and the menu will take care of any dietary request or need for your entire traveling party.
From there, it’s on to one of the true originals of Myrtle Beach golf. Litchfield Country Club has been around since 1966, and the dogleg-happy design is as clean as anyone could hope for. Nearly every lie is a good one, and the welcoming feel of the course inspires some great vibes.
This classic design is wrapped around live oaks, something that adds to the true Southern feel.
Post-round, scoot on over to BisQit at the Hammock Shops a couple miles down U.S. 17. Known for its delectable burgers, biscuit sandwiches, salads and even some amazing Nashville Hot chicken tacos, it’s guaranteed to impress, not to mention fill your belly. Not for nothing, the beer menu is just as stout.
DAY THREE: Time to Go Big
We don’t want you taking on one of our golfing big dogs on an empty stomach. Make your way into the Carolina Forest section of Horry County a little early and hit up the Famous Toastery for breakfast. Whether you’re a waffle person, prefer bacon and eggs or maxing out the start to your day with one of their protein bowls, Toastery isn’t messing around with its breakfast menu.
From there, we’re going to take you approximately a mile down the road to Myrtle Beach National.
King’s North, the crown jewel of the property, is arguably one of Arnold Palmer’s best designs. Even if you haven’t played it, surely you’re heard of The Gambler, a Par 5 with an ultra-unique island fairway that allows above-average hitters to reach the green in two. But King’s North is so much more than that sixth hole, especially now.
A two-year renovation project here enhanced everything from sight lines to aesthetics, and players are already raving at the new-look work that was meant to honor Palmer’s original layout.
After the round, make your ways a few blocks down Postal Way to Handley’s Pub & Grub and grab a spot on the semi-enclosed outdoor patio. Order a round of ice cold beers for the table right away. You’re going to need them as you decide your way through a proven and respectable menu, catch a game on any of the outdoor TVs and start reliving the memories of your three-day trek to Myrtle Beach.
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Photos for this feature from MyrtleBeachGolfTrips Instagram Account