Featured Myrtle Beach Golf Course Stories

Academic Dean, Lew Gach, PGA
Golf Academy of America - Carolinas

As a Rules Official I get asked a lot of questions, many of which relate to water hazards and lateral water hazards. Most questions are general relief questions but, occasionally, I get questions about unusual situations, such as the following:

A competitor in a stroke play competition hit his first shot into a lateral hazard (redstakes). The player went into the hazard, found the ball, and played it from within the hazard. The ball went about 50 feet and came to rest in the hazard again, without ever crossing the hazard margin. The ball was in an unplayable position and the player was unsure as to the correct procedure.

First, the player asked if they could deem the ball unplayable and proceed under Rule 28 Ball Unplayable. Rule 28 states that the “player may deem his ball unplayable at any place on the course, except when the ball is in a water hazard” so, unfortunately, that is not an option.

The sun was shining, a host of big names were on hand, and the 2011 Golf.com World Amateur Handicap Championship enjoyed a historic first.

Three thousand golfers from 47 states and 25 foreign countries made the pilgrimage to Myrtle Beach for the World Am, a 72-hole tournament that attracts players of all ages and ability levels. Many of the story lines for the event had a familiar ring, but 75-year-old Bobby Perkinson added a touch of history to the event.

Dustin Johnson Named Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday Spokesman

PGA TOUR star Dustin Johnson has lived the Myrtle Beach golf experience and loved it. Now he is going to tell the world about the virtues of a Grand Strand golf trip.

Johnson will appear in various marketing materials, including print and radio ads, social media efforts and a 30-second television commercial showcasing his talents and affinity for the Myrtle Beach area.

“I’m obviously very excited,” Johnson said. “This is the first time I’ve done anything like this. [Myrtle Beach] is a place I’ve grown to love.”

Representatives from Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday and TPC Myrtle Beach hosted a press conference earlier today to announce that PGA TOUR star Dustin Johnson has been named spokesperson for the golf marketing cooperative for the remainder of 2011. As part of this agreement, Johnson will appear in various marketing materials, including print and radio ads, social media efforts and a 30-second television commercial showcasing his talents and affinity for the Myrtle Beach area.

“I am honored to be associated with Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday and help them promote the area,” said Johnson, a four-time PGA Tour champion and the 12th ranked player in the world. “It truly is one of the world’s top golf destinations, and has so much to offer in the way of beaches, restaurants, nightlife and even shopping. I can’t think of a better place for a golf vacation, and I’m proud to now be able to spread the word. Regardless of where I reside, Myrtle Beach will always feel like home."

Rivers Edge has been described as one of the most scenic courses along the Grand Strand. The natural beauty of this Arnold Palmer design is a favorite among Myrtle Beach golfers and the game’s elite. Located between Myrtle Beach and Wilimington, Rivers Edge is the perfect course to schedule the first or last round of your golf vacation, particularly for those traveling from the north to the Grand Strand.

Consistently ranked among North Carolina’s best layouts, it does not take long to see why. From the fifth tee box you will be amazed by the views of the Shallotte River and surrounding marshland. This type of layout does not come without its challenges. Water from the salty river has been known to affect the irrigation, making it difficult to maintain the greens. Recently management moved to eliminate any inconsistency in the layout’s greens, installing Seadwarf Pasplaum grass. Paspalum has a high tolerance for sodium, making it ideal for a layout drawing water from the saltmarsh.