If you haven’t heard of GolfTripGenius before, then you are in for a treat. It’s a “genius” plan (yea, pun intended) that offers a one-of-a-kind service that allows golf captains to quickly and easily manage their golf groups from ONE central spot. No more phone calls to each member, no more sharing photos on multiple websites, no more sending out course date rosters to the entire group. It’s all in a centralized location, and it’s free.

NorthMyrtleBeachGolf.com recently paired up with GolfTripGenius.com to offer their “Basic Edition” plan absolutely free to all our golf groups of 4 or more.  Any time you book a golf trip with us,  you will automatically receive an invitation to register for in the GolfTripGenius.  You (the golf captain) don’t have to do ANYTHING, except enter in your player’s names and emails.   You can then use any of the Basic features of GolfTripGenius in order to organize the perfect Myrtle Beach golf vacation for your buddies.

GolfTripGenius can accommodate golf groups of 4 to 40.  Fast and flawless way to organize your foursomes, help design and administer tournaments, manage group expenses, build a trip book, provide messaging among players and a way to view all trip logistics. You get features like:

Perfect pairings…. Create perfectly optimized golf  trip pairings for your golf group in seconds. Pair your guys together by different criteria

Trip logistics…. When players accept the invitation, they can enter all their info like handicaps, travel arrangements, cell numbers, emergency contacts, rental plans, and a slew of other things

Trip book…. Keep everything in the same spot! Tee sheets, tournament details, and scorecards, as well as the social stuff – captain’s letter, player profiles, photos selected by the captain, photos of the trip destination, photos from last year’s trip, or any other pics. (available with “Genius Edition” for a small fee)

Tournament manager….  Captains can set up a variety of different tournaments, quickly enter scores for the rounds, and generate a detailed leaderboard, point summary and shot statistics summary. (available as with “Genius Edition” for a small fee)

Trip accounting…. The Trip Accountant provides a highly intelligent, easy-to-use solution to help eliminate the trip expenses hassle (available with “Genius Edition” for a small fee)

This is an exciting new way to enhance your Myrtle Beach golf trip.  If you decide not to use it, that’s fine! No obligation! And no, your emails won’t be added to those nasty spam lists out there.  It’s safe with us!

Take a test drive and check out the features.  It’s “Golfmaster Approved!” from the @mbgolfpro, Craig Chinn.

Update: You can also check out more about GolfTripGenius at this GolfDigest article!

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! 2012 Fall Golf Package Rates released!

Do people still say that any more?  Well, if not, we’re bringing it back.  Because we have news! We JUST posted our rates for some of our Myrtle Beach golf packages for fall of 2012.  We know you’ve been asking for them, so here they are!  Several of our most valued packages have been updated with the best golf rates available in Myrtle Beach.  Remember, all our golf packages include greens fees, cart fees and taxes. Also, book your accommodations with us and easily add any one of our golf packages.

These packages now have the 2012 golf rates!

The Super Saver Package

The most economic package available. This is a three to five round package. Our Super Saver Golf Package is designed for golfers on a budget who want to be challenged by tough courses without going over budget. Courses included in the package are Azalea Sands, Carolina National, Diamond Back, Heron Point, Indigo Creek, River’s Edge, River Oaks and Sandpiper Baby. Each of these courses are professionally designed to offer challenges to avid golfers while allowing less experienced golfers a chance to enjoy the game without the pressure of more complex courses. Learn more…

Barefoot Golf Package

Play the award winning courses of Barefoot Resort and Golf in North Myrtle Beach. Ranked as one of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses in 2005 and 2006, these courses offer features that require strategy and skill. The four courses included are those of golf greats Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Davis Love III, and Greg Norman. No need to be intimidated though, the carts at all four courses feature GPS that will provide you with information about the layout of the hole and your yardage. Think you had a great swing? Check the GPS to see a reading of your distance. Barefoot, the #1 Multi-Course Facility in Myrtle Beach, also provides golfers with a thirty acre practice facility and dining services open for breakfast and lunch. Learn more…

Big Cats Package

So named for the courses included in the package, the Tiger’s Eye, the Panther’s Run, the Lion’s Paw, and the Leopard’s Chase, this package is designed to meet the requests for a challenge by you big cat golfers. Golf course architect Tim Cate designed three of these, excluding the Lion’s Paw. His award winning designs are know to be complex and challenging. The courses feature steep elevations and tight radii requiring some serious strategy. We know you will be busy going for par but, take note of your surroundings too. These courses are nestled among breathtaking surroundings such as nature preserves and virgin hardwoods. Learn More…

Classic Golf Package

The vision of post card golf courses, the courses included in the Classic Golf Package offer the golf challenges tradionalists pursue. You will see rolling freeways with sand pits and lakes strewn throughout. The four courses in this package are Black Bear, Burning Ridge, Indian Wells, and The Founders Club at Pawleys Island. The latter having been rewarded the 2011 Golf Course of the Year. Our Classic Golf Package now also offers free pre-booked replays on any course of your choosing. Learn More…

Glens Group Golf Package

Reminiscent of the spectacular greens on the Scottish isles, the Glens Group Golf Package includes four serene yet challenging courses. Courses included in the Glens Group Golf Package are the Possum Trot, the Shaftsbury Glen, Glen Dornoch Waterway Links, and the Heather Glen. The Heather Glen golf course was rated in Golf Digest as one of Golf Digest’s Places to Play. Now, purchase a three round Glens Group Golf Package and receive get 5 free replays.  Learn More…

Grande Daddy Golf Package

There is a REASON it is called the Grande Daddy, you know. Choose from 11 different courses,  some with the top ratings in the entire U.S.  Choose from the big names like Grande Dunes, Myrtlewood, Farmstead, River Hills, Tidewater and more – courses that offer you the perfect mix of challenge and professionalism. And best yet, these course are now offering heavily discounted pre-booked replays because, let’s face it, when you play a course, you WILL want to play it again. Learn More…

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So that’s it!  We do have other golf packages that we don’t yet have rates for fall 2012, but they are coming VERY VERY soon.  Want to know when we publish the rest?  Just click on the chat bubble at the bottom of your screen and enter your email address and put “2012 Rates” into the message.

The Myrtle Beach National West course deserves a nice little spot on every golfers list this season. Why, you ask? Let me begin my recommendation by dropping some knowledge on you about the ‘ol MBN West course.

Designed by the one and only Mr. Arnold Palmer himself, the first round commenced in 1974 when the golf course first opened its doors to the public. The MBN West course has a slope of 126 and a rating of 72.6. Boasting 18 pine-covered holes that prove to be challenging, yet enjoyable for golfers of any skill level. Also, this Myrtle Beach golf course transitioned from bent grass greens to mini verde greens in July of 2011.

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s talk about the main detail that really matters: Price. The specials and discounts that the Myrtle Beach National West course have provided us with for the 2012 golf season is borderline ridiculous.

Here’s the mouth-watering line-up:

3.) You can receive 20% off of the regular rate for morning and afternoon tee-times.

If you’re only looking to play one or two rounds of golf during your trip to Myrtle Beach, adding MBN West to your agenda would be a smart move.

As of writing this article, AM tee-times are still available, but are filling up quickly. Feel free to call in and speak to one of our golf directors, and we’ll get you setup.

**Keep in mind that the MBN West course does indeed double tee. Please read more about double teeing and what it means for you.

Another month has passed us by, leading to yet another month of results for  top Myrtle Beach golf courses for January 2012. Thus far, Winter in Myrtle Beach has been everything but, as days have been in the 60`s and 70`s which is about 14 degrees higher than average. Slightly freakish, but highly beneficial to those of you who have already decided to join us this year for your golf trip .

Golf courses along the Grand Strand have been in excellent shape, and with the optimal weather conditions we’ve been having the transition for the grasses should be very smooth.

Now let’s get down to business and on to our rankings:

1. TPC of Myrtle Beach – #1 for two consecutive months. Home of PGA Star Dustin Johnson

2. True Blue – The Real “Blue Monster” @mbgolfpro`s favorite Mike Stranz design.

3. Willbrook Plantation - Jumped to #1 for 3 days the month of January. This course prides themselves in customer service and excellent upkeep.

4. Caledonia – Golfers from all over tend to like this Mike Stranz design. Great conditions and scenic marsh views. Last 3-holes are great to finish your round.

5. Barefoot – Fazio – New greens have improved the course making it the fans favorite at the 4-course Barefoot Resort.

6. Thistle – Considered by many to have the best greens in Myrtle Beach. Voters seem to agree.

7. Myrtle Beach National – Kings North – One of the most requested golf courses on the Grand Strand. Three signature holes called The Gambler, The Island Green & The Bullseye

8. Reserve Club at St James – This private Jack Nicklaus design is starting to get recognized as one of the elite courses on the Grand Strand. Well deserving of a top 10 ranking.

9. Bald Head Island – The 4.2 million dollar renovation has put this Tim Cate re-design in the top 10 list. Accessible only by Ferry.

10. Barefoot – Dye – Hosting the famous Hootie and the Blowfish, “Monday after the Masters”. ESPN`s radio`s MIKE and MIKE will be broadcasting their morning show from this are golf course.

The top 10 Myrtle Beach golf course rankings are always voted for by the golfers themselves. I’d like to thank all of our wonderful customers and followers who’ve contributed to make the rankings possible.

We enjoy giving all of our customers and followers a voice, so if you’ve stayed and played with us, or have just randomly stumbled onto our blog, please feel free to contribute and rate local Myrtle Beach golf courses.

Until next time, Fairways and Greens.

@mbgolfpro – Follow me on Twitter.

Spirit Airlines have just announced fantastic news for all Dallas golf enthusiasts ready for a golf trip to Myrtle Beach.

As of May 3rd, they will be scheduling flights from Dallas/Fort Worth Airport to Myrtle Beach, SC  three days a week in a move that is a big boost for Dallas and its golfing residents. Dallas airport are pleased with the move, saying low cost airlines like Spirit Airlines should help increase their passenger numbers and this positivity is mirrored by Bill Golden, president of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday. He also spoke of the benefit this would bring to the resort in terms of marketing, an advantage also expressed by Brad Dean, President and CEO of Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce who views the move as a chance to show Myrtle Beach is an affordable, accessible choice for golfers.

The addition of this direct flight to Myrtle Beach from Dallas, TX will boost the local economy, as well as stimulate further growth of the Myrtle Beach International Airport. As of the start date, passengers can fly to Myrtle Beach every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday in approximately two to two and a half hours via non-stop flights. Currently this is advertised as being from 3:50pm to 7:30pm on the outbound journey and 8:10 to 10:15 for the return. Not only is this new service convenient, it is cheap too. The airlines are providing a introductory rate of just $28.79 for a one way ticket.

These added departures and promised low costs mean that there has been no better time than now for all golfers in Dallas to book a trip with Spirit Airlines, and no easier way to come and enjoy another wonderful Myrtle Beach golf trip.

We’ve just been passed a new discount for the TPC of Myrtle Beach golf course and I want to pass it along to my golfers out there! It’s actually a pretty sweet golf deal for Spring 2012 golf rounds and applies to golf in PEAK seasons. The discounted Myrtle Beach golf only tee times on the rate table to the right are per golfer and includes carts, taxes and fees. (The price you see on there is the price you pay per golfer, we don’t tack on any hidden fees.)

The special has two rate periods. The first saves golfers up $17 per golfer on AM rounds from 3/8/12 to 3/21/12 and the second saves golfers up to $30 per golfer on AM rounds from 3/22/2012 to 5/20/2012.

For more information and pictures of the TPC of Myrtle Beach, visit our TPC of Myrtle Beach Page.

Want to book?  Give us a call 800-624-6418 or shoot us an email! Simple as that.

 About TPC of Myrtle Beach Golf Course

Nestled in a beautiful setting near the small community of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, the 18-hole course is the only Grand Strand golf course to be rated as a 5-star course by Golf Digest.

With a unique design planned and executed by the well-known Thomas Fazio intended to convey the feeling of playing on a tour-caliber golf course, TPC is almost 7,000 yards long with a par of 72. Featuring a slope rating of 145, and an overall rating of 74, the sumptuous course opened to golfers in 1999.

Stylistically, the design incorporates typical Southern environmental features like wetland areas and flora such as cat-tail and huge pine trees. Any golfer will enjoy the experience of the TPC of Myrtle Beach course with its exceptionally gorgeous and groomed fairways and greens, all set in the warmly hospitable Southern surroundings that only the Carolinas can offer.

Ole MBGolfPro Hitten' em Straight on TPC golf course

I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season to end the 2011 year. Now that we are in a new year, the Myrtle Beach Golf Spring 2012 season is just right around the corner.  With the Spring 2012 golf season comes great golf packages, great golf weather, and great courses to play. While picking your golf courses for your next golf trip. I hope that everyone will take a look at our Top Golf Course Rankings. Like always, voted BY the golfers themselves.

As I predicted at in the Top Golf Rankings November blog, the spring times are filling up fast.  I guess my readers took the advice on “Do Not Sand Bag” your golf trip! Now, on to our December 2011 rankings.

1. TPC of Myrtle Beach – The New #1, the only Myrtle Beach Golf Course with a 5-star ranking from Golf Digest

2. True Blue – Moved to #2 after golfers loved the fall golf season conditions on this Mike Stranz design,

3. Willbrook – debuted in our Top 10 in June 2011, Has not looked back. One of the most MBN courses

4. Caledonia – One of five golf courses that have been voted Top 10 every month. Excellent Golf Course

5. Bald Head Island – Tied with the Dunes Club for Most #1`s in 2011

6.  Thistle – Golfers love the immaculate putting surfaces and conditions at this 27-hole Tim Cate design,

7. Barefoot – Fazio – The Champion Ultra Dwarf has been a big upgrade. Fall Golfers voted and agree.

8. Barefoot – Dye – Hosting “Mike and Mike” from ESPN Radio and the “Monday After the Masters”.

9. Kings North  - Voted into the Top 10 in November. Great course for golfers of all levels. Another most requested course on our MBN packages.

10. Dunes Club – Tied with Bald Head Island for the most #1 votes in 2011.

There you have it the Top Myrtle Beach Golf Course Rankings December 2011. Dont forget that Spring 2012 tee times are going fast.

As Always, Fairways and Greens

@mbgolfpro

Greg Norman likes his waste bunkers! Watch out for this one on hole 7.

The Barefoot Norman Course in North Myrtle Beach underwent a nice renovation this past summer. The greens were switched from Bent grass greens to Champions Ultra Dwarf Bermuda.  With the weather in the high 60`s a week before Christmas (yes, I’m rubbing that in), I had to get out and play to see the work that was done and give it an ole’ MBGolfPro (that’s me) golf course review.

I took the student with me and gave him a rematch in our “Teacher vs Student” golf match. (See the results below.) The Par 72 Norman Course has 5-sets of tees and will challenge any player of any level.  The course measures at just under 5,000 yards from the forward tees and just over 7,000 from the championship tees.

Barefoot Norman – The Front 9

Keeping his own playing philosophy in his design (Greg Norman of course, World Golf Hall of Famer), the “Bump and Run”, he gives  you a chance to make the up and down, on nearly ever hole, even with a green miss. Barefoot Norman course features huge green complexes. The average green size is 6,300 square feet and includes only 60 acres of mow-able grass! Waste bunkers and native grasses line nearly every hole.

Let me explain the “Bump and Run” real quick.  Norman’s  philosophy is to get the ball rolling on the ground without getting it airborne when you are close to the green.  The higher you chip, the likely it is you will lose control or stray “off course,” no pun intended. This of course, is only applicable if you don’t have anything between you and the green.

Hole #9

Finishing out the front is the tough par-5, the 9th hole that can make or break your front nine score.  The 9th hole is lined with bunkers down the left side. To make matters a bit more difficult, wetlands extend the entire length of the hole on the right side of the fairway and cross about 50 yards in front of the green.  If you can avoid the bunkers or wetlands, it gives you a perfect opportunity to lay up around the 100 yard marker. This leaves your third shot into a green that slopes severely right to left.  Making par on the 9th-hole will win you the front nine 60% of the time.

Barefoot Norman – The Back 9

As you approach the 10th tee, you get your first glimpse of the IntraCoastal Waterway. The Barefoot Norman course is the only one of the four courses at Barefoot Resort & Golf that has Waterway views. Not only does this hole have Waterway views, but six of the eight holes after it as well. The par 3, 10th hole is guarded with the waste bunkers and the waterway on the right side. There is a bailout to the left of the green (not visable from the tee, this is where the GPS on the carts comes in) that goes back into the Greg Norman “Bump and Run” philosophy if the green is missed.

Hole #10

Overall the course is one of the more underrated courses on the strand. With the new greens, Barefoot Norman will climb up every ranking category and should be on everyone`s playlist.

Oh, and back to the Teacher vs Student….

The teacher closed out the Student 5 and 3 with a two putt birdie on the Par 5, 15th hole.

FUN FACT:  Greg Norman not only designed this COURSE, but he designed the GRASS for the tees and fairways as well, a hybrid called GN-1, made by Norman’s own turf company.

FUN FACT #2: Not only is this course unique because it’s the only course in Myrtle Beach with the architect’s own grass, but Norman ALSO has his own restaurant here, just across the Waterway from Barefoot Resort. (And hey, we’ve got coupons!)

As always, ”Fairways and Greens” -@MBGOLFPRO

Nick Price

The designer of the private Grande Dunes Members Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina made his 11th career Hole-in-One in the first round of the Franklin Templeton Shootout in Naples, Florida on December 9th. World Golf Hall of Fame Member, Nick Price holed out on the 213 yard Par 3, 12th Hole. Price made the shot with a 4-iron and was his first since 1997.

The Grande Dunes Members Club is a Par 71 Championship design featuring a 27,000 sq ft Italian designed clubhouse, with wide fairways & L-93 bent grass greens.  The Members Club at Grande Dunes measures from 5000 yards on the forward tees to over 7000 yards on the Championship tees.

Ranked #4, True Blue located in Pawley's Island

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Thanksgiving Holiday with family and friends, I certainly know I did.  The weather here in Myrtle Beach has been absolutely amazing. We have had days in the low 70`s which is a little warmer than we are used to at this time of the year. The bad thing about the great weather this late into the Fall 2011 Golf Season is that it may cause the “real” winter to stick around longer taking up some time in February.

Overall, we have been receiving great reports about golf course conditions for the fall. We should see this trend continue in the spring as well. (Hint hint) Tee-times are starting to fill up for the spring 2012, so you better start booking soon! Do not sand-bag on your golf trip!

With that said, let’s get to our Top Myrtle Beach Golf Course rankings for November 2011.

1. Bald Head Island - #1 for the third consecutive month. The renovation paid off!

2. TPC of Myrtle Beach - Tom Fazio and Lanny Wadkins design. (Now part of our South End Elite golf package.)

3. Barefoot – Dye Club – Home of the “Monday after Masters” Celebrity Golf Event.

4. True Blue – Has moved past its sister course Caledonia in the rankings.

5. Willbrook - Voted Top 50 courses for Woman by Golf Digest. Moved up three spots from last month.

6. Caledonia - Dropped four spots from the #2 ranking.

7. Thistle – Designed by Tim Cate, who also did the RE-design for our #1 ranked course, Bald Head Island

8. Dunes Club - Still @mbgolfpro favorite on the Strand.

9. Barefoot – Fazio - Course was almost destroyed by a wildfire in 2009. With the New Greens, nothing can stop it now.

10. King`s North – Home of three of the most famous holes in Myrtle Beach. The Gambler, The Island Green and the Bullseye.

Make sure to vote for your favorite golf course on our rankings page.

As always, “Fairways and Greens”,

@mbgolfpro