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Wizard Golf Course

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The Wizard Golf Course is a unique Dan Maples golf creation. The layout was entirely set on a transformed landscape where a startling millions of cubic yards of earth was moved to shape a stunning golf vacation destination. Staggering elevation changes as well as rock bridges were carefully crafted into the golf layout to come up with something unique and different from the rest of the golf courses at Myrtle Beach. That is why Golf Digest awarded this majestic golf gem with 4 STARS and a “must play” when visiting Myrtle Beach.

Each year, the Wizard Golf Course is flocked by golf enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels. It’s not just about the challenging and harmonious golf holes that keeps guests on coming back, but also the natural beauty that was perfectly etched on this inspiring golf vacation destination. While on play, golfers will come face to face with the layout’s immaculate greens that are depicted as fairly flat and large. To add up to the excitement, water comes into play at the final holes including the 180-yard, par-3 hole #17 that is also being highlighted by an island green.

Although removing the yards of dirt off the vast lands in Myrtle Beach was very taxing, the hard work has greatly paid off. If not because of Maples’ genius work, the completion of this 18-hole golf facility most probably was not carried out during its debut in 1996. Up to date, the Wizard Golf Course is still a top choice for the golf fanatics. If you think that you are not yet ready to hit the greens, the course’s driving range will help you get the feel. A chipping green, practice bunker, and a pro shop are also featured on site to provide guests with the comforts that no other golf courses can offer.

 

 

 

 

Long Bay Club

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The Long Bay Club is among the state’s top ranking golf courses as well as the most challenging on the Grand Stand. A golf masterpiece of the renowned Jack Nicklaus, this stunning golf vacation destination has been dubbed as formidable in every feature. Unlike the other Nicklaus designed golf courses; this gem features the vast waste areas and the deep pot bunkers, quite unique and definitely not a typical Jack Nicklaus creation. But what he had in mind was to come up with golf holes that are challenging enough to test even the skilled golfers. From the championship tees, golfers must go through the demanding slope of 137 etched with bottomless bunkers as well as the deceiving par-3 holes. Add up the putting surfaces comprised of tiers and swales and you will have the golfing experience of a lifetime.

When the Long Bay Club had its debut in 1988, it was already evident that the layout is among Myrtle Beach’s toughest golf courses. Some of the layout’s holes are even golf’s most recognized. And since then, Long Bay has become consistent in receiving accolades from various reputable golf publications. Some of the citations include the “Places to Play” by Golf Digest, “The Top 25” of the Myrtle Beach Golf Insider, and the 4.5 stars rating from Golf Digest. The golf course also served as the host to some of the most prestigious golf competitions including the 1992 Carolina’s Open and 1994 US Senior Open Qualifying.

Another thing that Long Bay Golf Club boasts about is its beautiful clubhouse that features a fully stocked shop, an immense practice area, and a grill serving sumptuous cuisines that makes a perfect treat after a tough day at the greens. If you are planning to take days off from work to relax then this golf vacation destination would suit you best.

Glen Dornoch Golf Links

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What makes Glen Dornoch Golf Links naturally attractive is the setting itself. This stunning Clyde Johnston masterpiece is perfectly nestled on a 260-acre spot where the ancient live oaks and sparkling lakes are in abundance. Although this golf vacation destination has been considered as a coastal golf course, the layout was naturally blended with the elevation changes and terrains. And when on play, golfing guests will have the fair share of the spectacular water and marsh views. To add up to the excitement, some of the holes border a scenic stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway of South Carolina where guests can take a glimpse of the occasional boat dance. It was named Glen Dornoch to pay tribute to the birthplace of the legendary Donald Ross, Dornoch, Scotland.

The Glen Dornoch Golf Links has also been one of the most talked about golf courses in Myrtle Beach. Each of the holes in this layout was carefully crafted to make sure that it runs in smooth transition with the area’s natural terrain. Along with the challenging holes that throw various looks and angles, golfers also need to come across the dreaded pot bunkers in order to complete the golf game. And among the holes that golfers must watch out for is the closing trio. Along the Grand Stand, holes #16, #17, and #18 are the ones considered as the hardest. That is why winning at Glen Donorch is already regarded as an experience of a lifetime.

Another thing that makes this golf vacation destination amazing is that it has the superb year-round conditioning. That is why the golf course has been cited with the “Best in Golf” award by the Myrtle Beach Golf Magazine and William Nack’s “Favorite Places to Play”. In 2004, the golf course was also cited as Myrtle Beach’s “Most Challenging Course”.

The Country Club of Whispering Pines East

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Located a few minutes northeast of Pinehurst, North Carolina, the village of Whispering Pine is home to several picturesque lakes, and two championship-caliber golf courses. Whispering Pine also holds one of the world’s finest layouts – the Country Club of Whispering Pines golf course. This lovely golf vacation destination was designed by Ellis Maple, who called Whispering Pines his home, and was opened to the public in 1961. The golf club features two layouts, The East and The West course. Here’s a look at some of the best features of the East course.

The Country Club of Whispering Pines East is a par 72, 18-hole, tree-lined parkland course. The length of the East course, combined with understated terrain changes, makes this golf vacation destination a very unique one. The East course also follows an out-and-back design, which is quite longer than the West course, and that it makes use of lesser lake features than the West course. And since the holes are laid out in rolling terrain amidst scenic wooded environments, only few holes have the water hazards. What makes the course extra superb is that tall pine trees perfectly frame the holes, while magnolias and dogwoods add extra vibrancy and color to the scenery, especially during spring. According to regular visitors, the back nine opening stretch is perhaps the most excellent section of the golf course.

Since 1961, the Country Club of Whispering Pines East has captivated lots of golfers. Its designer, Ellis Maples, has definitely perfected the art of designing golf courses, under the gazing eyes of his mentor, the legendary Donald Ross. Donald Ross’ influence is seen in the way Ellis followed the natural contours of the land when designing the course, shaping the greens and positioning the sand traps. The Country Club of Whispering Pines East is one of Ellis Maples creations that have successfully conquered the test of time, and also represents one of his best works. The next time you plan your weekend or holiday golf vacation package, make sure you include the Country Club of Whispering Pines East in your shortlist of options.

 

The Thistle Golf Club

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Set just minutes away from the village of Calabash, the Thistle Golf Club has been dubbed as one of the Grand Stand’s most challenging and beautiful layouts. This 27-hole Scottish-links golf gem was designed by Tim Cate and was named after an archaic Scottish golf society. The layout that reflects the 1800’s Scottish heritage features the flawless Bent Grass greens, the carefully crafted carved bunkers, rolling fairways, as well as the hillsides that are covered with wild flowers and heathers. While on play, golfers will also encounter the generous wind-swept fairways, large greens, and the stacked sod bunkers. That is why this magnificent layout was dubbed as one of the area’s most demanding course.

The Thistle Golf Club is also a popular golf vacation destination. Each year, thousands of golf enthusiasts and nature lovers flock the resort to experience one of the finest escapades at Myrtle Beach. While golfers enjoy the fine test of golf at the course, non golfing guests can wander around this stunning golf masterpiece. A fine test to golfing skills, the course was given a rating of 74.9 and sloped at 136, and from the Championship tees, the layout offers the 6,997-yard par-72 play. What makes this striking golf vacation destination more attractive is that it does not only cater the golf enthusiasts but the non-golfing guests as well. The skillful balance of nature at its finest and a perfect golf masterpiece makes the Thistle a great venue for solitude and relaxation.

Being one of the region’s finest golf layouts, the Thistle Golf Club has been awarded by Golf Digest with the amazing 4.5 stars rating. Aside from the renowned golf course, the place also boasts about of the old world architecture as well as the abundance of wildlife that surrounds the lakes. Guests can also take time to sit for a while and relax at the majestic clubhouse. The place has the authentic Scottish pub that offers the extensive single malts lists and holds one of the world’s finest collections of golf memorabilia.

 

 

 

The Mental Test in Golf

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What makes golf quite an interesting sport is that it does not only depend on one’s physical capacity in order to complete a golf round. Golfers are also compelled to deal with tough mental challenges in order to win. And unlike any other forms of sport, your mental capacity is an essential factor that will put you on top of the golf ladder. That is why if you want to make a career out of golfing, try to consider pondering on these things before you hit the greens.

Point #1. Disappointment is already part of the game. But the thing here is that the game of golf can teach you how to deal with disappointments as well as the other weak points in your life.

Point #2. The game is more than just winning or losing. You see, in each game, you end up being a winner or a looser. But regardless of where you’ll end up after each game, how you’ll get to the final hole and what the entire process made you, are the things that really matter.

Point #3. In the game of golf, enjoyment brings about enthusiasm. If along the course you stopped enjoying, chances are you will also end up losing the eagerness to succeed. The key here is just to enjoy each game and learn from everything that will happen or has already happened.

Point #4. Setting goals in golf will determine where you will be heading, not just in game, but eventually later in life. Your performances during golf games will also be based on the goals that you have set.

Point #5. Every accomplished goal deserves a reward. If you have achieved something that you have been working hard for, celebrate for it. It is nice to complement oneself from time to time. But if things go the other way around, check what went wrong and work it out the soonest time possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resort Club at Grande Dunes

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The Resort Club at Grande Dunes is a magnificent golf vacation destination that has been drawing in all sorts of crowds whether golfers or not. Set in the high lands overlooking the majestic Intracoastal Waterway, this Roger Rulewich golf gem delivers the panoramic vistas of a rich maritime forest as well as the Waterway. To add up to the resort’s beauty, the 18-hole golf layout was topped with the generous L-93 Bent Grass greens that garnered the resort a prestigious citation– Golf Magazine’s “Top 10 You Can Play” recognition.

The 7,618 yards of golf play at Grande Dunes Golf Club is also one of the many exciting things that the local golfers of Myrtle Beach look forward to. Aside from the picturesque views, golf enthusiasts can also put to test their skills on the challenging holes that perfectly blend with the numerous elevation changes, the wide Bermuda grass fairways, and the stunning 34 acres of lakes. While on play, golfers must have to go through the tall pines, old water oaks, and the rolling landscape in order to accomplish the tough tests of the entire layout. But despite the course’s huge landing areas nearly off every tee boxes, the golf course is still player-friendly.

Not known to many, the Resort Club at Grande Dunes is among East Coast’s longest courses. The layout was also given a slope rating of 142 and 77.3 course rating. That is why this enticing golf vacation destination is not just a crowd-puller but also a distinction magnet. In 2001, the Resort Club at Grande Dunes was also selected as one of the “Top 10 Best New Courses” by Golf Magazine. Book for a golf vacation package now and experience a demanding yet dazzling golf escapade.

 

 

 

 

 

Dunes Golf and Beach Club

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The Dunes Golf and Beach Club started as a small fishing cabin perfectly set at the Singleton Swash that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. But after a year of careful planning, the place was later transformed into a stunning golf vacation destination buffeted by sea breezes. A remarkable golf layout was designed by the famed Robert Trent Jones Sr. and now features the unique holes that can test every golfer’s skill level. The golf course was given the rating of 75.5 and a 144 slope rating.

In 1976 to 1977, Jones modified the original course layout giving some of the course’s holes its own unique descriptive names. Hole #13 for instance was given the name “Waterloo” where the majestic Lake Singleton makes its appearance. The Waterloo legendary hole is also considered as the Dunes Golf and Beach Club’s signature hole which has been considered as one of the world’s greatest golf holes. This 590-yard par 5 hole is also an example of what the heroic adventure of Jones’ philosophy is all about.

Dunes Golf and Beach Club, although considered as not a real seaside course, still provides guests with the picturesque views of the Atlantic. A golf haven nestled on a rolling land with the majestic live oak trees, this is one place where you can play challenging golf and relax with nature. And since this is a classic Jones masterpiece, golfers will come face to face with the layout’s huge and elevated greens, the well-defined fairway traps, and the long tees. This Southern gem also served as the host to a number of Senior PGA Tour Championships. And for more than 60 years of golf tradition, The Dunes continuously ranks as the “#1 Golf Course in Myrtle Beach”.

TPC of Myrtle Beach

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A recipient of Golf Digest’s 5 stars, the TPC at Myrtle Beach is among the 17 U.S. courses that were afforded with such recognition. This Tom Fazio golf masterpiece is also an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certified where it serves as a refuge for some of the world’s endangered species. But what makes this golf vacation destination more exciting is that it makes its guests feel at home inside the premises of a top tour caliber course.

TPC at Myrtle Beach is a stunning 18-hole golf layout set in the vast lands where the Carolina Pines, natural flora and fauna, as well as the unspoiled wetlands abound. This 6,600-yard layout is also covered with the Mini-Verde Ultra-Dwarf Bermuda Grass which is exactly the same kind of grass found on the greens of TPC at Sawgrass. And at the near end of each golf game, golfers will come face to face with the Par-5 eighteenth hole where a large lake and the “Wadkin’s Creek” come into play. That is why; this challenging golf vacation destination has become an all-time favorite for golfers of any skill level.

Aside from the challenging golf holes, the TPC at Myrtle Beach is also being highlighted by a magnificent Club House where you and your family can sit and relax with the picturesque views surrounding the layout. Just recently during the summer, the course greens were refurbished alongside with the new course drainage and sand to make sure that the layout is in tough condition. This is not just a place where you can test your golfing skills but also a golf haven where some of the world’s greatest players have marked their victory. Book for an affordable golf vacation package for Myrtle Beach now and experience a top-rated golfing escapade.

Birkdale Golf Club

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Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, the Birkdale Golf Club is a well-maintained public course that offers a charming private club feel. It is located in Huntersville, North Carolina, just outside Charlotte. The golf course has been chosen as one of the five best public courses in the state. In 1997 it was hailed as the Best New Golf Course, and in 1998 this golf vacation destination was also voted as Charlotte’s Best Public Course.

The Birkdale Golf Club is perfectly set in 200 acres of rolling terrain, and is carefully laid-out between natural streams, creeks, pine trees and natural vegetation. The course offers a tricky but exciting 7,013 yard, par 72 play where golfers have to go through the bent grass greens and Bermuda fairways. It also features four sets of tees which enable golfers of all skill levels to fully enjoy the course. Other notable features include well-positioned water hazards, and a series of elevation changes, which make playing a round of golf more thrilling and visually-appealing. This golf vacation destination has a course rating of 74.1 and a slope rating of 138.

Located north of Charlotte, the Birkdale Golf Club also offers superb practice and dining facilities. A pro golf shop and Arnie’s Tavern are located in the clubhouse. Arnie’s Tavern is open daily for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. The golf course’s practice facilities include a driving range and two putting greens. With a challenging layout, lots of water and sand, the Arnold Palmer designed Birkdale Golf Course definitely makes an exciting golf vacation package. Birkdale is a daily-fee public course that has an Open-To-Public policy, and is currently managed by the IRI Golf Group.