Where in the World is Shanks? Myrtle Beach, Golf Capital of the USA

Just got back from a week-long family vacation in Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina. To be precise, we stayed in the city of North Myrtle Beach. We hadn’t been there for quite a while and some things have changed over the past 4 to 5 years. The area itself appears undergoing a gradual transformation. Some of the old family-owned and operated Mom n’ Pop stores are closing in favor of modern, slicker and better-marketed offerings. Perhaps the slowing economy will drag out the change even further.

Another thing I noticed was the closure of a few of the less prestigious golf courses closest to the beach on Hwy 17. No longer can you play Robbers Roost, Eastport or Gator Hole (one of my favorites). In fact, Gator Hole is now the site of a massive shopping area and as a small consolation it contains a Buffalo Wild Wings franchise. Oh well, win some, lose some.

Regardless of the closure of those older courses which were inexpensive and fun to play, there is such variety of the 100 or so golf courses remaining in the area that you can have your pick of the type of golf experience you prefer to have. The price of golf is all over the map. You can spend a little or a lot. Just tell the company that arrranges your tee times exactly what you want. I used Tee Time Central, who can be reached at 800-344-5590.

For golfers especially, getting around to somewhat distant courses is infinitely better than it’s been in quite a while since the Hwy 31 bypass from Little River to Georgetown has been completed. The speed limit is 65 mph and there’s not a traffic light on it.

One last thing. Myrtle Beach is near sea level and the golf ball flies a little less. I was about a half club shorter with my irons not accounting for the wind. The wind is heavier also, having a stronger effect on the ball than normal. So, whenever in doubt, use more club!