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Golf Tips and Golf Training DiscussionsThis golf blog is focused at providing the average and beginner golfer with golf tips and information to help you have more fun learning, practicing, and playing golf, improve your golf playing ability, and save money on golf equipment and travel. A Blog for Average and Beginner GolfersFinally, a break from the bitter cold!
I must admit, I watched much of the cold and snow in the north and mid-west and east on the news from a comfortable location in south Florida. It was even cold down there from the local perspective. On my return to Michigan I was able to stop by Myrtle Beach. Visits to one of the two PGA Super Stores, and the Golfsmith "Extreme" store, proved somewhat worthwhile.
The February weather in Myrtle Beach had been generally unacceptable for golf, and March began the same way, but fortunately there were a couple of days that first week in March when the weather cooperated, minus some early morning fog. Finally, anxious golfers could flood the many courses available and ready for play. I had one day available and it happened to be one of those better days between the cold weather fronts. The other golfers that I was teamed with (I went as a single) and those others that I met while at the course repeatedly commented how this February was so unusually cold, and that they typically have pleasant February weather and can play golf on most days.
If you are in the Myrtle Beach area you have many courses to choose from at many different price-points. The golfing and area experience is much more than only Myrtle Beach. The 60-mile long "Grand Strand" provides golf courses, entertainment, beaches, parks, and great eating locations. These are lined up from above the Little River, SC area down to Georgetown, SC and beyond.
I was staying in North Myrtle Beach, near the Barefoot Landing Resort. Although it has 4 renowned courses, a check of available discounted pricing provided great values at many courses in the area. I chose the Myrtle Beach National "Kings North" course, as the reviews were good and my staying location had a booking discount through the concierge that was better than the various online pricing discounts. The MBN Kings North course is located close to Conway, SC, which is about 15 miles west of Myrtle Beach. Although you proceed through a subdivision to access the course, there are no houses located along this specific course. I arrived at the course and saw a swarm of golfers getting ready to take advantage of the very nice and sunny near 60 degree weather. Check in at the pro shop was relatively quick and simple. They took my voucher and set me up with a cart and playing partners.
I thought the course was in very good condition considering the weather of the past month. The fairways and greens were in good shape. There are many bunkers and "waste" areas. As expected, areas off of the fairways were brown and straw-covered.  I took it easy the first few holes, as this had been my first 18 holes since before my hip surgery last year and I was not confident yet in swinging the driver. I started with hybrids off the tee and eventually moved up to the driver after a few holes. Shots were generally good, except for a few pulls to the left. I did not have any hip or leg pain issues. My short game was OK. I did land in three near-green bunkers but made decent sand shots from each. My longer putts were fairly good but some of my mid-length putts were off the mark. I need to get use to those greens! Perhaps next time.
 My playing partners each owned 2nd homes in Myrtle Beach and had been wintering there for many years. They both were in the process of selling their homes in the north (differnet states) and becoming full-time Myrtle Beach residents. Overall, the play at Myrtle Beach National Kings North was an enjoyable experience. There were a few holes that played a little slow, with some waiting, but understandable with the number of golfers on the course and the fact that it was cart path only on the back nine due to the recent rain. Now it's time to plan for springtime golf in Michigan and other northern venues. Be sure to get your game ready with some dedicated practice sessions. Don't just hit balls. Work on those areas that need the greatest improvement, and learn your typical distance for each club.
If you are in southeast Michigan/Brighton area (or northern New York state/Saratoga-north area), contact me if you would like some help with your game. Hit 'em straight. Phil
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BlogFinally, a break from the bitter cold!
I must admit, I watched much of the cold and snow in the north and mid-west and east on the news from a comfortable location in south Florida. It was even cold down there from the local perspective. On my return to Michigan I was able to stop by Myrtle Beach. Visits to one of the two PGA Super Stores, and the Golfsmith "Extreme" store, proved somewhat worthwhile.
The February weather in Myrtle Beach had been generally unacceptable for golf, and March began the same way, but fortunately there were a couple of days that first week in March when the weather cooperated, minus some early morning fog. Finally, anxious golfers could flood the many courses available and ready for play. I had one day available and it happened to be one of those better days between the cold weather fronts. The other golfers that I was teamed with (I went as a single) and those others that I met while at the course repeatedly commented how this February was so unusually cold, and that they typically have pleasant February weather and can play golf on most days.
If you are in the Myrtle Beach area you have many courses to choose from at many different price-points. The golfing and area experience is much more than only Myrtle Beach. The 60-mile long "Grand Strand" provides golf courses, entertainment, beaches, parks, and great eating locations. These are lined up from above the Little River, SC area down to Georgetown, SC and beyond.
I was staying in North Myrtle Beach, near the Barefoot Landing Resort. Although it has 4 renowned courses, a check of available discounted pricing provided great values at many courses in the area. I chose the Myrtle Beach National "Kings North" course, as the reviews were good and my staying location had a booking discount through the concierge that was better than the various online pricing discounts. The MBN Kings North course is located close to Conway, SC, which is about 15 miles west of Myrtle Beach. Although you proceed through a subdivision to access the course, there are no houses located along this specific course. I arrived at the course and saw a swarm of golfers getting ready to take advantage of the very nice and sunny near 60 degree weather. Check in at the pro shop was relatively quick and simple. They took my voucher and set me up with a cart and playing partners.
I thought the course was in very good condition considering the weather of the past month. The fairways and greens were in good shape. There are many bunkers and "waste" areas. As expected, areas off of the fairways were brown and straw-covered. I took it easy the first few holes, as this had been my first 18 holes since before my hip surgery last year and I was not confident yet in swinging the driver. I started with hybrids off the tee and eventually moved up to the driver after a few holes. Shots were generally good, except for a few pulls to the left. I did not have any hip or leg pain issues. My short game was OK. I did land in three near-green bunkers but made decent sand shots from each. My longer putts were fairly good but some of my mid-length putts were off the mark. I need to get use to those greens! Perhaps next time.
My playing partners each owned 2nd homes in Myrtle Beach and had been wintering there for many years. They both were in the process of selling their homes in the north (differnet states) and becoming full-time Myrtle Beach residents. Overall, the play at Myrtle Beach National Kings North was an enjoyable experience. There were a few holes that played a little slow, with some waiting, but understandable with the number of golfers on the course and the fact that it was cart path only on the back nine due to the recent rain. Now it's time to plan for springtime golf in Michigan and other northern venues. Be sure to get your game ready with some dedicated practice sessions. Don't just hit balls. Work on those areas that need the greatest improvement, and learn your typical distance for each club.
If you are in southeast Michigan/Brighton area (or northern New York state/Saratoga-north area), contact me if you would like some help with your game. Hit 'em straight. Phil
Leave a Comment:
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