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Friday, February 26, 2010

Sweet Deal for Us, and Everyone: Thanks to Jamie Smith

 I know I am not going to write this up correctly and do it justice, but I will attempt to, and I am sure Jamie will chime in and correct anything that needs it.

 Jamie Smith, our local PGA Professional, and staff member at most of the major golf brands, offers more than just lessons. Jamie wants to fit you for your clubs. He wants to help you play the best golf possible, and by fitting you for the correct clubs, he get's you 1/2 way there. Now here's the catch, he doesn't charge for you to be fitted. He wants you to be fitted, and come to him for golf lessons, advice and clubs.

 Jamie is on staff with Adams Golf, Taylor Made Golf, Callaway Golf, Titleist Golf and Cobra Golf. This means he can fit you for almost any brand, he can also fit you for Ping, but his special deal doesn't extend to them. He will fit you for clubs, order them, and you will pay whole sale, he won't make a dime off of them. Again, Jamie is trying to build a golf relationship with his clients. He wants to be there through the good times, the slices, the shanks, the yipps, and help you improve.

Of course he will also be going on our Myrtle Beach Trip, providing free insight, demo clubs, advice and of course, a good old fashion butt whipping for our top guns (maybe!)

Here is the break down of his lesson price:

LESSON RATES

SINGLE LESSON    $45.00

SERIES OF FOUR LESSONS    $150.00

JUNIORS UP TO 17 YEARS

SINGLE LESSON   $30.00

SERIES OF FOUR LESSONS   $100.00

GROUP RATES BASED ON SIZE OF GROUP

PLAYING LESSONS ALSO AVAILABLE


Thursday, February 25, 2010

Paging Jeff Sweet, More Airfare to Myrtle Beach

Allegiant Air Announces Non-Stop Service From Fort Wayne, Ind., to Myrtle Beach

oyster bay.jpgFort Wayne, Ind. scores a hole-in-one with Allegiant Air as the low-cost airline announces new, nonstop flights to Myrtle Beach, S.C. from Fort Wayne beginning April 30. The low-fare carrier will celebrate the convenient new service to the premier golf and beach destination with introductory fares as low as $49.99* each way.  Today only, the airline is offering an extremely limited number of fares as low as $9.99** one-way to/from Myrtle Beach, the golf capital of the world. 

“We are extremely pleased to again expand the Allegiant brand of low-fare, nonstop jet service to Fort Wayne,” Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., chief executive officer and chairman of Allegiant, said. “This is an exciting new addition for our airline and our customers as we launch the only low-cost, nonstop service between Fort Wayne and Myrtle Beach.”

The self-proclaimed “Official Airline for Sunshine” will launch the new scheduled service from Fort Wayne International Airport to Myrtle Beach International Airport with two flights weekly. With service Monday and Friday, flights will depart Fort Wayne at 4:40 p.m. arriving in Myrtle Beach at 6:30 p.m. Flights leaving Myrtle Beach will depart at 2:10 p.m. arriving in Fort Wayne at 4 p.m. (all flight times are local.)  Allegiant will utilize 150-seat, MD-80 series, jet-aircraft on the route. 

“We are extremely excited about Allegiant Air’s decision to begin service between Fort Wayne and Myrtle Beach,” Tory Richardson, Fort Wayne’s executive director of airports, stated.  “Myrtle Beach is constantly among the most requested destinations for the people of Fort Wayne, and to have nonstop service available is just great. The combination of great beach activities and world class golfing facilities available at the Grand Strand, will appeal to a wide spectrum of the residents of our region.” 

“Myrtle Beach will be only a couple of hours away!” David Young, vice president, air service development for Fort Wayne, said. “The people of Fort Wayne have desired better air transportation to the Palmetto state, and now they have the chance to take advantage of these nonstop flights and show their support for this service.” 

Known as the “Seaside Golf Capital of the World,” Myrtle Beach offers endless world-class golf and 60 miles of soft, sandy beaches. Recognized as the “World’s Best Beach” and one of the “Top 10 places for Families to Visit in the U.S.” by Yahoo! Travel, the Grand Strand has something for everyone. With more than 100 golf courses to choose from, Myrtle Beach boasts many of the world’s most challenging courses, personally designed by golf greats like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Family fun begins at the beach, inviting visitors to make a splash at any of the many water parks or embark on numerous aquatic adventures like deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, boat rides and jet skiing.  The city’s shopping features fashion from couture boutiques to flea market districts.  Visitors can indulge in the city’s culture by watching award-winning live entertainment or sampling an assortment of delicious world cuisine—all while enjoying the ocean view.
 
About the $49.99* one-way fares:
*Seats are limited. Fares are one-way and not available on all flights.  Must be purchased by March 17, 2010 for travel by Sept. 20, 2010. Prices do not include PFC, segment tax or Sept. 11 security fee of up to $10.70 per segment. A segment is one take-off and one landing. A convenience fee of $14 per passenger will apply when booked on allegiantair.com. A convenience fee of $14 per passenger, plus $10 per segment, will apply when purchased through Allegiant Air call centers. Purchases made at any Allegiant Air Airport Ticket Office will not incur a convenience or call-center fee. When purchased at the time of booking, a first checked bag fee of $15-$25 per bag and second checked bag fee of $25-$30 will apply per person, per segment. If purchased at flight check-in, a fee of $35 per checked bag, per person, per segment will apply for the first two bags checked. Additional higher fees will apply for three or more checked bags. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply.

About the $9.99** one-way fares:
**Seats are extremely limited. Fares are one-way and not available on all flights.  Must be purchased by Feb. 23, 2010 by 11:59 p.m. EST.  Prices do not include PFC, segment tax or Sept. 11 security fee of up to $10.70 per segment. A segment is one take-off and one landing. A convenience fee of $14 per passenger will apply when booked on allegiantair.com. A convenience fee of $14 per passenger, plus $10 per segment, will apply when purchased through Allegiant Air call centers. Purchases made at any Allegiant Air Airport Ticket Office will not incur a convenience or call-center fee. When purchased at the time of booking, a first checked bag fee of $15-$25 per bag and second checked bag fee of $25-$30 will apply per person, per segment. If purchased at flight check-in, a fee of $35 per checked bag, per person, per segment will apply for the first two bags checked. Additional higher fees will apply for three or more checked bags. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply.

About the Company
Las Vegas based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT), is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations such as Las Vegas, Phoenix, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Orlando, Fla., Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla. and Los Angeles.  Through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, the company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline offering air travel both on a stand-alone basis and bundled with hotel rooms, rental cars and other travel related services.

Blitz at Sleepy Hole this Weekend

Hey all,


My friend JT at Sleepy Hole is holding a game listed below this weekend. I wanted to get the info out so if you want to get in on it you could. I would get out and play it myself but I think my wife is coming back on Thursday from Haiti. All things are subject to change.
I will let her sleep in as she deserves it.

I will not have the Saturday workshop that day for those reasons. We will skip a week on that.


Sleepy Hole Winter Blitz
Saturday, February 27th
9:30 Shotgun start
$45 per person
Includes: Green Fees, Cart Fees, Range Balls, Prizes

Format: Two Person Better Ball
(Will be pre-flighted based on the teams combined handicap total)
(Men-Blue/White Tees, 60 and Older Gold Tees, Ladies Red Tees)
There will also be an optional skins game for $10 per person
If you have any questions please contact J.T. Belcher at 538-4100 or by e-mail at sleepyholepro@yahoo.com

This event is open to Pros and Amateurs

Player 1 ______________ GHIN #_______ HDCP___

Email Address: ____________________ Age_____

Player 2 ______________ GHIN #_______ HDCP___

Email Address: ____________________ Age_____

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

2010 Ping Anser Irons, 100% Forged, and a First for Ping!

 




Ping Anser Irons – First Large Production Forged Iron EVER by Ping!

Now you might think this is the first forged iron Ping ever made but actually it’s not.  The first forged irons ever produced by ping (1961) were actually forged blanks that Karsten milled cavities into.  They were his first cavity back irons and only a couple hundred were produced before he turned to investment casting that would revolutionize the industry.

Will Be A BIG Hit in Japan & US As Well (In Fall)

The Ping Anser Forged 2010 Iron I think will be a massive hit when they are released in April in Japan.  And as far as we know when they are released in the US later in the Fall they will fly off shelves as well.  I feel it was the next logical step for Ping to make…although when we heard the rumors about this a few months ago I was shocked to hear about it.  That is because Ping had stuck to their guns for so long when it came to casting there clubs…and the quality of their castings were done so well.  But this allows them to grab a piece of the market that they might not have been able to in the past and will open more doors down the road I feel.



 

What They Are Made Of

The Ping Anser 2010 irons are made of 8620 carbon steel with a partial tungsten sole.  They have a larger then average sole width and offset as well.  So you might ask why forged and why now?  Well the Japan market prefers forged irons and this will in our opinion dramatically grow their market share in that market.  And why the wide sole and offset on a forged iron…well the Japan market prefers this style a little more then a pure blade as well.  I also feel that they will eventually come out with a more traditional forged blade in the US in the coming years.  Well as long as they feel it will improve on the other blades on the market.  Because that is what Ping is all about.
The looks are similar to the Ping i15’s and when we tested the i15 irons there was not much you could say bad about them really.  The only way they could improve on them might be the feel and the 8620 forged version will surely improve on that.  Even though Ping’s castings are some of the best in the business when it comes to feel already.

AS ALWAYS, A SPECIAL THANKS TO MY GOLF SPY TO BREAKING THE NEWS:

http://www.mygolfspy.com/

Monday, February 22, 2010

Golf on the Las Vegas Strip: Bali Hai

Welcome to Bali Hai Golf Club - Las Vegas, NVThe Forecaddie Experience at the Bali Hai Golf Club in Las Vegas

Bali Hai Golf Club - Las Vegas, Nevada

When you come to Las Vegas, you don’t expect to enjoy the same recreational releases you can experience at home. You expect the exceptional, including Las Vegas-style gaming, multi-million dollar resorts, lavish and risqué stage productions and a collection of world class dining.
And when you book your Las Vegas golf package, why should you expect any less from your Las Vegas golf experience? Indulge yourself on one of the Top Resort Courses in America and the only championship Las Vegas golf course right on the famed Las Vegas Strip.
Treat yourself and your game to the Bali Hai Golf Club. You deserve it. This is the Las Vegas Golf Club that transports you from the hustle and bustle of the casino floor, to 7,002 yards of tropical golfer’s paradise. Within seconds of entering the property, yet with the skyline of the Strip still in sight, you will feel the mood and scenery change into the tranquility and beauty of a south pacific resort.

Bali Hai Golf Club Accolades

Bali Hai Golf Club - Las Vegas Golf in Paradise

Designed by Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley in 2000, the Bali Hai course is a worthy namesake of the famous Indonesian land of enchantment. The lush surroundings include seven-acres of opulent water features, a total of 4,000 trees with 2,500 stands of towering palms and 100,000 Bali Hai Golf Clubtropical plants. Transition and out-of-play areas are accented with Augusta white sand and black volcanic rock outcroppings.
The par-71 course measures 7,002 yards from the tips and affords spectacular views of the Strip mega-resorts from the fairways. Bali Hai’s unique layout includes teasers like #16, a par-3 island green that frequently comes with an audience from the Cili Restaurant patio and #3, a 468 yard par-4 with a creek running the entire right-side, balanced with a bunker on the left. Play #3 and find out why it’s called “Shipwreck.” Challenging play, breathtaking scenery and first class facilities make Bali Hai a one-of-a-kind golfer’s paradise.
Golf Digest Top 50 Resort CourseThe course was designed to go out like a lamb and in like a lion, meaning that the drama and thrills build as player progress along the course. “We want to give guests an opportunity to loosen up and enjoy their surroundings before we begin challenging their skills,” said Brian Curley. “This will be a fun course … you’ll know you’ve been tested, but it won’t beat you to death. It’s the kind of golf course you could play day after day and never tire of its charm.”



Escape To The Unexpected... Bali Hai Golf Club

Playing a round at Bali Hai is more than a collection of Par 3s, 4s and 5s, over a meticulously maintained course. It is total transition from today’s hectic pace of daily life to a tropical oasis of pampered indulgence.
The five-star customer service provided at Bali Hai is consistent with the high-level of attention to detail provided by our many first-class hotel partners who choose to place their trust in us by sending their most valued guests to play here.
Bali Hai Golf ClubEvery convenience is offered to the golfer, from on-course food and beverage cart service operated by “Las Vegas Best Cart Girls,” to attentive course ambassadors to assist with pace of play. The Bali Hai Forecaddie program represents a tradition continued throughout the years at the world's finest golf clubs. At your request, a forecaddie will unobtrusively accompany each group attending to the golfer's every need from bag drop, through each hole and finally aiding with their departure following the round. The Bali Hai Forecaddie is an integral part of the five-star service for which Bali Hai is renown.

 


Snowy Myrtle Beach?

This post is for Kevin, who just got back from snowy Myrtle Beach Last week!

 

 

Myrtle Beach Golf Course Covered in Snow

With the crazy weather patterns everyone has been having, I thought everyone would be interested to see what a golf course in Myrtle Beach looks like with a light covering in snow.
Our friends at Crow Creek, were kind enough to share it with us.  While the snow didn’t last for long, and we are now experiencing sunny days with a warming trend close to 60, it was entertaining to see snow in South Carolina.  It only happens once every 10 years or so, and that happened to be this past Friday.
crowcreeksnow

Friday, February 12, 2010

Shannon Greens, Santee NC, a Warnie Connley Course


 Yes, our buddy Warnie owns and has revamped this once failing course into one of the best southern South Carolina courses. New sprinklers, drainage and management have helped put them towards the top of the Santee Golf Community.

http://www.shannongreens.com/index.html

  Our buddy Warnie has been busy shaping up this course, so if you guys are ever in the area, Warnie would love to see some old friends!

Club House Deck:

First Hole:

Hole 7:

Hole 10:

Hole 11:

Hole 18:

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Tech Day, Fittings and Grooves: Jamie Smith at International Golf Discounters



10am on Saturday

I am getting some good responses for our equipment workshop at International Golf on Witchduck road. Yes, it will be indoors and warm. I need to get some more feedback or commitments from folks, so I can book the shops time. The fee is the usual Saturday $10. It is a great deal for all the knowledge you will get. The things we will cover are the importance of club fitting, shaft flex, grooves (hot topic now), a tour of a repair shop, golf ball characteristics, swing speed, etc..
I will have some of you hit one of your clubs, not to embaras you, but to show how testing a lie angle works.

And yes you will be able to ask questions,

Please let me know if you can be there,

Jamie Smith,PGA


Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Willbrook Review, Played There Last Year!

Golf Digest Ranks Willbrook Plantation Among America's Top 50 Courses 

Willbrook Plantation - Pawleys Island.jpg
Willbrook Plantation is ranked No. 31 on Golf Digest's list of America's Top 50 Courses For Women, joining a growing list of Myrtle Beach golf courses that have earned national honors.
Myrtle Beach golf courses have collected national honors like stamps in recent years and Willbrook Plantation has again joined the fun. Golf Digest ranked the South Strand layout No. 31 on its list of America’s Top 50 Courses For Women in the just released March issue of the magazine.

A panel of more than 100 female raters ranked daily fee and public courses on categories such as shot values and resistance to scoring, but just as importantly, on how female friendly a course is. Among other traits, Golf Digest “looked for the best courses that offered at least one tee that plays to 5,300 yards or fewer (with bonus points for courses that have one tee that plays to fewer than 5,000 yards), at least two tees playing to fewer than 6,000 yards, and at least two tees with USGA Slope and Course Ratings for women. Other attributes (Golf Digest) valued included a minimal number of forced carries from the forward tees, run-up areas to most or all of the greens, a more demanding challenge from the longer tees for better female players, and beautiful scenery.”

Willbrook, a long-time member of the Top Courses for Women list, has five sets of tees that range from 7,155 yards to 4,956 yards, making the layout equaling appealing for men.

The Dan Maples design also earned 4.5 stars in Golf Digest’s prestigious “Best Places to Play Guide” and has been among the area’s most popular courses since its opening in 1988. Carved out of land that used to be home to a historic plantation, Willbrook enjoys a Lowcountry setting that showcases much of the Grand Strand’s natural beauty.

Willbrook’s inclusion on the list continues a trend of Myrtle Beach golf courses being held in high regard by the game’s leading publications. In 2009, seven area courses were ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Digest, and Golfweek ranked three courses on its top 100 lists.

My memory is the Pro not being very happy about us being hung over and arriving right at tee time. Blame the Myrtle Beach Night Life!

Monday, February 8, 2010

PGA Show My Golf Spy's Top 3 Hybrids!!!


1st Place - Adams Pro Black

There are a ton of new hybrids this year…but for the most part it was the same ‘ol same ‘ol when it came to their design, shape and the technology that went into them. Although we couldn’t say that about the new Adams Pro Black Hybrid…but what we can say is that Adams continues to push the envelope with their hybrids and it was no where more apparent then in the Pro Black. This thing just looks the part…it might not be for every style golfer but they have created an amazing looking and performing hybrid for the better player. You mostly see either hybrids nowadays that either are almost a fairway wood in size or one that just looks like a fat backed iron. But Adams has honestly made a true hybrid of both in shape and form. And if we were to just rank them on looks…their would be ZERO competition for the Pro Black.
(Not recommended for slower swing speeds)



2nd Place - Ping G15 Hybrid

When hybrids came out you almost knew instantly they were here to stay. Too many people had problems being consistent with a fairway wood…it was just the next logical step…well seems logical now after years of them being out but at the time it was revolutionary. But people still have problems with hitting many hybrid designs consistently as well. Well…Ping has the solution to many golfers problems with the release of their Ping G15 Hybrid. This hybrid is more iron like in its design but there is a lot more going under the hood then meets the eye with this one trust us. They got this one dialed in for the game-improvement market. It exudes confidence at address.



3rd Place – Ping i15 Hyrbid
No you are not seeing things…Ping won both 2nd and 3rd for best hybrid at the 2010 PGA Show. I actually think that the Ping i15 performs better then the Adams all-around but we base a lot of our awards on innovation and not saying this one is not innovative but I felt the Adams is actually changing the way the entire golf industry looks at designing hybrids when they begin at the drawing boards…and where the Ping i15 is not different in shape or design although it’s performance for the better golfer is un-deniable.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

PGA Show Awards:My Golf Spy's Best Irons 2010

1st Place – Mizuno MP-58 Irons
No secret to our readers that I am now bagging the MP-58’s from Mizuno. And as I said in our review that is because I simply could not find a better iron to replace them…they are that good. They have always had incredible forgings but they stepped it up a notch this year when I thought there was no way they could. The technology behind this iron produces one of the most forgiving and incredible feeling irons I have ever hit. They have absolutely raised the bar for other companies to try and match the MP-58’s performance.


2nd Place – Ping G15 Irons
Now the G15 irons don’t fit my profile as a player. Although if you are looking for an iron that makes it like almost cheating to play the game of golf…then this might be the iron for you. It seems like no matter where you hit the ball on the face…Ping has figured out a way for it to feel good. Their research and testing at Ping has led to one if not THE easiest irons you will ever hit. You can almost close your eyes and still hit the ball solid. I have to congratulate Ping on once again some very rarely seen innovation to a fairly stagnant iron industry.


3rd Place – Scratch Golf

There are not many companies around in the iron industry that will customize the average golfers iron purchase as much as Scratch golf. Their business model has been built on making a set that actually is shaped and ground to your unique needs. Which believe me is needed when purchasing a set of sticks. Only problem is they are becoming more and more popular and they are going to reach a threshold to where they might not be able to customize them as much to each customer as they have been able to in the past.

Friday, February 5, 2010

My Golf Spy's PGA Show Awards 2010: Best New Driver

BEST NEW DRIVER FOR 2010!




1st Place – Callaway FT-9 TOUR
Callaway has stuck with the carbon composite technology even though they had some rough years with it. But they have been improving on it every year little by little. This technology gave a lot of OEM’s fits when it came to sound and performance in it’s early stages. Callaway has made major improvements on both those fronts with this model. We found the Callaway FT-9 TOUR to be the best driver at the 2010 PGA Show. It is longer and straighter then all their previous models to date and looks more traditional and also feels incredibly solid
.



2nd Place – Ping G15
Every time Ping comes out with a new driver it is one of the last ones we try just because they don’t try to hype theirs up as much and the fact that just by looks alone they don’t seem to be technology driven. But every year we test their new driver we always leave the range wondering how they made such an ordinary driver perform so well. Well it’s called a lot of common sense R&D if you ask me. Like we have said before they consider looks last and performance first…which a lot of companies don’t do anymore. Kind of like having an amazing paint job on a car but having a 4-cylinder under the hood. The Ping G15 could have easily taken 1st with this new driver. It’s longer, straighter and overall just a better driver then almost everything out there.





3rd Place – Adams 9032LS
Just as we predicted back in 2008. Aerodynamics would be the next big thing in driver designs…and our prediction has proved true. But I feel Adams has up to this point produced the best driver with this aerodynamic technology being implemented. I like their 9015D a little better from last year but I feel this driver was a little more forgiving just not as much roll. But that is not always a bad thing.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Crown Park Review in Myrtle Beach (by Chris King)

Course Review: Conditions, Value Define Crown Park

CP Water.jpgCrown Park rests on the western edge of the Myrtle Beach golf scene, nestled quietly amongst the pine trees that are so familiar to the area’s inland courses. The eight-year-old layout isn’t mentioned among the Grand Strand’s high profile courses, and one of its trademark characteristics is its serenity.

Just as the top 100 courses contribute to the area’s allure, particularly among the game’s cognoscenti, courses like Crown Park help form the backbone of many Myrtle Beach golf trips.

“We are affordable,” Jason Mueller, the course’s general manager, said. “We are unique in that we don’t have any houses or developments on the course … You can always expect to find quality course conditions, especially with our greens. We pride ourselves on that.”

Good layout, good conditions and a good price are Crown Park’s selling points, and the North Strand course delivers. With no housing, noise is replaced by nature and tree-lined fairways are the standard at Crown Park.

The course doesn’t overwhelm players with length, playing 6,477 yards from the tips and 6,004 yards from the white tees. Lack of length shouldn’t be confused with lack of challenge. Crown Park is playable throughout, but it rewards accuracy and shot-making over raw power. The fairways are relatively narrow, though not overly so, and pine trees line practically every hole like spectators at a tournament.

Only one par 4 exceeds 400 yards but several doglegs and a creek that meanders through three fairways discourage impulsively hitting the driver.

“You can’t just grab a driver and head up to the par 4 and whack it,” Mueller said. “Placement off the tee is critical out here. You have to think.”

The mental game is important because Crown Park is a second shot golf course. The greens are above average in size and undulation, meaning you need to pay attention to pin placement and put yourself in position to get the ball close.

While Crown Park architect Robbie Byers placed a premium on accuracy, he didn’t remove the driver from the equation. Long hitters have ample opportunities but they must weigh risk versus reward, adding to the course’s charm.

sky.jpgWater is Crown Park’s primary hazard, factoring into 14 holes, and the course has just 44 bunkers. Byers was judicious in his use of sand but the bunkers can’t be overlooked, particularly those that flank the fairways. 

Here is a closer look at what you can expect to find:

Par 3s
Crown Park’s par 3s are very playable, but if water makes you weak in the knees, there could be problems.

The first one-shotter, the 4th hole, is the only one devoid of water, but it’s the longest of the bunch, playing 213 yards from the tips. A narrow, two-tiered green adds to the challenge of one of the course’s best holes.

The eighth and 12th are both 164-yard holes that feature water and sand. The eighth green is deeper but the water on the right side and two bunkers in front of the green are greater threats. Neither hole is a pushover, but if you are going to put together a good round, you don’t want to lose ground here.

It’s a little unusual to close with a par 3, but Crown Park’s signature hole, the 174-yard, par 3 18th, is a nice way to end the day. Players are forced to carry water almost all the way, but the bowl shaped mounding around the green helps push balls toward the middle.

Par 4s
The first three holes are par 4s that embody the risk/reward choices Crown Park offers off the tee. All three holes are less than 400 yards and neither of the first two exceed 376 from the tips. If you are long and accurate off the tee, a driver and wedge might be all you need. But you’d better be accurate.

A creek dissects the first fairway just under 300 yards from the back tees (259 yards from the white). It isn’t wide but you have you fly it.  On the second and third holes a pond encroaches on the fairway about 240 yards from the tee. A possible short approach awaits but if your ball starts leaking to the left it’s going to get wet.

The fifth is one of two 90-degree doglegs on the front side.

The most memorable back nine par 4 is the 361-yard 12th hole. Water runs along the entire right side and discontinues the fairway 280 yards from the tee, forcing players to carry their approach into a green flanked on two sides by water. It’s a fun hole.

In Mueller’s opinion, the most difficult hole is the 427-yard 17th. The 17th is long and straight, and drives that favor the right side are preferable, but water runs along that side as well.

CP sign.jpgPar 5s
Players have the opportunity to make up ground on the par 5s, particularly on the front nine. The par 5 6th (475 yards from the tips) and 9th (507 yards) are both reachable in two. Neither fairway is exceedingly wide but water isn’t a factor off the tee. Fairway bunkers could come into play but take everything you have out of the bag and let it rip on the sixth and ninth.

The 11th, playing 482 yards from the tips, also offers an outstanding shot at birdie and water isn’t a significant factor. Swing from the heels here because you aren’t reaching the 15th in two.

The final par 5, the 549-yard 15th, is a three-shot hole with a hazard running through the fairway approximately 200 yards from the green. For low handicappers, clearing the hazard in two isn’t an issue, but it could be a threat to the mid to high handicapper. 

The Verdict: Crown Park is a solid layout and players can count on finding consistently good conditions. It bills itself as a value course and delivers. While Crown Park is the westernmost layout on Route 9, it’s an easy drive from the Central and North Strands. Crown Park is not the most difficult Myrtle Beach golf course, but it’s a good time and certainly worth a visit.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Grand Rapids MI Latest for Non Stop Flights to Myrtle Beach

River Club - Pawleys Island, SC.jpg Low-cost carrier Allegiant Air, LLC, a subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Company (Nasdaq: ALGT), today announces it will establish a new base at Gerald R. Ford International Airport, and will start low-cost, nonstop service from Grand Rapids  to Myrtle Beach, S.C., the Golf Capital of the World.

Allegiant's nonstop service to Myrtle Beach, S.C. from Grand Rapids will begin April 30. The carrier will celebrate the convenient new service to the "Seaside Golf Capital of the World," with introductory fares as low as $58.88* each way.