A reader named Mike wrote in to say he’s a “poor college student” visiting Myrtle Beach and wants to play three rounds, keeping green fees between $150-$200. He also has a friend who “isn’t very good” and doesn’t want to spend much.

Mike, we here at TravelGolf.com, most of us having been poor college students ourselves, can relate (especially this guy. So here are my opinions. You mentioned The Witch, Tiger’s Eye, Thistle and Heritage, River’s Edge, Oyster Bay and Diamondback. What do you need me for? Those are all good courses.

Thistle is one of my favorites, both for the course itself and the relaxed pace of play. Diamondback is another good choice. It’s sometimes included as being one of those soggy courses that sit beside low-lying Highway 9, but the course=s drainage system prevents that from being as much of a problem as it is for other courses.

It’s been described as Adaunting@ and a Asleeper@ and with its 6,928 yards from the tips and its slope rating of 139, it can be a lot to bite off. With elevation changes up to 65 feet, it offers challenges many other lowcountry courses don=t have

The Witch is a very underrated course. First of all, it is well away from the hubbub of Myrtle Beach, laid out in the vast wetlands of Conway with nary a house or condo to intrude on your experience. These are virtually undisturbed wetlands – a swamp, for the less environmentally enlightened – and snakes lurk in the undergrowth. Bridges – 4,000 feet of them – ferry you over the wetlands and under thick canopies of growth.

There are no out of bounds, only lateral hazards, and with the fall leaves changing colors, you’ll think you’re on a duck hunt.

Oyster Bay is still a very popular choice for MB regulars and River’s Edge is an outstanding design. Here are some other options I would reccommend, both for the quality of the layouts and the fact you can play there without having to sell your textbooks: Wildwing’s three courses, Willbrook Plantation, Possum Trot and Prestwick Country Club.

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