Sometimes I like it, sometimes the menu bores me (but that's as a local!).

Yea I just did a similar train up to Inverness (overnight) and it was great. I think its only 6 hrs to Carnoustie fro Kings Cross in London too.. Any recs on exploring these memberships? I guess I just have to make my way up to play some of these courses... can do a bit of a self guided tour.

That sounds awesome - thanks! I'm at +44 07443 786517

I don't think just the golf needs to be updated for Myrtle to become a hot destination again - the entire town needs some upkeep. Younger generations crave authenticity in their experiences and the whole city just feels like one giant tourist trap, from the restaurants to the boardwalk with a ferris wheel. It's all an amusement park feel that just doesn't resonate anymore. The golf is also an issue. Every course kind of just felt like they were copy and pasting from each other. Just a lot of sameness everywhere. At least form the courses I've played. I'm sure others around are far more experienced on the golf aspect than I am. But the designs of the courses feel like the rest of the city - generic in an Applebee's or Chili's type of way. Perfectly fine but ultimately inauthentic and a little bland.

52, 2 kids, could be talked into fighting. Currently in Downers Grove, just a couple blocks from Belmont. Originally from Southern California, just outside of Pasadena. I play quite a bit with the Chicago group that has formed around No Laying Up, but also try to do an FEG event or two each year (Lawsonia a few times, Skokie this year, and currently signed up for Bellaire next year). Most rounds annually are played at the Kingsley Club, where I've been a member since 2012, but still can't seem to get up there enough. I've been on Golf Club Atlas since about 2010, so I've played and continue to play with people I know from that community. That's probably what got me fully into architecture. Early revelation was playing Spring Valley after having played Kankakee Elks and thinking "these feel like they were built by the same guys".

Elliot's on Linden a must visit whenever in town

Agree exactly about those courses. Of the list posted the only other one I have played is Pinehurst #4 and that is a solid level down from Arcadia South, I think. I would like another go around there to see what it is that others like so much that just didn't come through for me.

My Dad grew up in the middle of nowhere Central PA and took our family to Myrtle Beach for the first time when I was 6. From then on, he was hooked. Restaurants everywhere, massive entertainment options with shopping at Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing, mini golf capital of the world, etc. He was, and still is, enamored with the fact he felt there is always something to do. In turn, he bought a property there, and my family would spend 6 plus weeks a summer there. I fell in love with the game of golf grinding away on "kids play free" summer specials at courses like Arcadian Shores and Waterway Hills. I give this background to say, I am passionate about this topic 😂 In my opinion, the biggest issue with Myrtle Beach golf is 1) antiquated marketing tactics to the wider golf world and 2) general lack of concern by the money behind the clubs in upkeep, customer service, amenities, and upscale golf experience. On the first point, Myrtle Beach Golf as a whole or courses individually have done little to rid itself of being known as the "affordable golf trip" mecca. And that's not to say affordable is bad. But the reality is that the golf, especially in season, is not even that affordable. So upon experiencing the trip, you spend more than you expect, while the staff at the courses continue to operate in a way that is not up to standard, which leads to point 2... About a decade ago, there was a major consolidation in the golf course ownership space in Myrtle Beach. Courses run on set budgets, little has been done to renovate clubhouses, holes, and driving ranges. Generally expected amenities like good golf cart technology is not present. There's no club pushing the boundaries to offer a different, upscale experience. I am unaware of a single club outside of The Dunes Club (private) that could be thought of as an enjoyable walk or where walking would even be considered acceptable. Even if a public operation, it is now expected by the general golf consumer that if you want to pay for higher end experience, it can be provided via caddies, housing on-site, etc. So in totality, I feel the bones are certainly there to be a tremendous golf location. But the entire industry is able to get by on continuing to be what it's always been, while taking advantage of consumer laziness to simply accept a higher fee for golf. You leave feeling frustrated and not particularly interested in going back when for $500 more, you can go to Streamsong, Omni properties, Mid-Pines/Pine Needles/Southern Pines, etc. and have a great time and truly escape.

Any interest in driving west on Wed 11/19 for an afternoon round with a few of us at Golden Gate Park? We've got a few open slots if you want to join.

Welcome to the hottest carton in the hottest club in town. Any interest in driving west on Wed 11/19 for an afternoon round with a few of us at Golden Gate Park? We've got a few open slots if you want to join.