You’ve played 18 holes (maybe 36?) on your favorite Myrtle Beach golf course, and it’s time to enjoy the cold beverage of your choice. Where do you want to go?

Happy hour can be a great topper to the day, if you land in the right spot. In the interest of helping improve your trip, I’ve risked an expanding waistline and pickled a small part of my liver to study area watering holes in search of Myrtle Beach’s best post-golf bars.

Here are five establishments guaranteed to put the happy in your post-golf hours:

— Grumpy Monk tops the list because the locally owned establishment now has three locations – Carolina Forest (entrance to Legends), Broadway at the Beach, North Myrtle Beach – and the half-price appetizers and more than 100 craft beers are hard to beat. In addition to standard happy hour fare – order the loaded kegs and thank me later – Grumpy Monk also boasts an eclectic sushi menu. I know what you are thinking so I’ll clear it up now: yes, the sushi is good.

— An oceanfront happy hour on a Myrtle Beach golf trip seems like it should be a requirement. While the choices are many, here is a vote for Tin Roof. The third floor restaurant offers an elevated view of the beach and has live music at all times. Throw in good food and a location in heart of town, and Tin Roof is a winner.

— There is more to happy hour than food and drinks, which is why a trip to Dead Dog Saloon along the Marshwalk in Murrells Inlet is always highly recommended. The view overlooking the inlet is stunning, the entertainment is always good, and the complementary hush puppies alone make the visit worthwhile.

— Here is a property specific selection. If you play any of Barefoot Resort’s four courses, go to Putter’s Pub. It’s tucked away on the Resort side of the bridge so unless you are staying or playing at Barefoot you will never see Putter’s, but it’s worth a stop. Burgers are outstanding, beer is cold, and the atmosphere is always appealing.

— If you want to enjoy the post-golf hours in a “dive bar,” go to the Pawleys Island Tavern, otherwise known as the PIT. There are dollar bills pinned to the walls, it’s dark inside, and it’s great. The PIT, a locals favorite, is a great place for happy hour, dinner or a night spot to take in a band.

The happy hour choices in Myrtle Beach are nearly endless, but you won’t go wrong with our top 5 (assuming you behave responsibly!).