The annual Valentine’s Day Massacre at the Dye Club had to be postponed due to icy weather conditions to the 25th of February.

You may be asking yourself “what is the Valentine’s Day Massacre?”.  Well it’s when the Superintendent of the golf course gets revenge on the golfers!  

The Dye course, which was voted South Carolina’s “Golf Course of the Year” for 2013  already is one of the toughest tracks along the Grand Strand.  From the Platinum, or the back tees, this course measures well over 7300 yards —  but that did not stop Duane Whittle, the Superintendent of the Dye Club at Barefoot Golf Resort.  He stretched the course out to close to 7800 yards, by creating new teeing areas for a select few golfers that wanted to punish themselves on a windy day in February.

Garrett Fonvielle and Hugh Royer, III

The format for the tournament is a 2-man scramble, with groups playing in 4-somes.  Each of the groups swapping scorecards to make sure no one got pencil-whipped.  Some of the groups had to take their scorecards with them to the greens, using a tally system, to make sure the other players were accurately keeping track of their putts.

I can tell you first hand, it’s harder than you think.

My 2-man team consisted of myself and Hugh Royer III.  Hugh played professionally for 14 years, which included 4 wins on the Web.com tour, 1 win on the South African Tour, and 4 years on the PGA Tour.

Tough Pin

After 2 great shots, we were putting for eagle and ended up making a 10.  This may give you an indication of the pin placements on some of these swift greens!  The greens that day were rolling around a 14 on the stimpmeter and the pin placements, if there was a pin in the hole at all, were in some of the most vicious places.  Two of the holes had the cup cut on the front of the green with the pin located off of the back of the green. Certain holes had no pins, only holes cut so when approaching the green you had no idea where to hit the ball.  To top it all off, the wind was gusting up to 20-mph which always seemed to be in our face.  On the other hand it was a beautiful sunny day in Myrtle Beach with the temperatures reaching 72 degrees that day.

By the way, we finished in 4th place carding a 92 for the day.

If you would like to play in this event feel free to come down in February and try your luck.  The event is open to the public.

If you would just like to play the course normally, we can accommodate that as well.  You can play a single round at the Dye Club if you like with the best pricing given on Wednesday’s of each week with the “Thank Barefoot It’s Wednesday” deal. You may also play the Dye Club along with its sister courses.. the Love, Norman, and Fazio discounted in our Barefoot 4-round Special.

The beginning of the year brings about change for everyone.  Whether you have made plans to become healthier, wealthier, or wiser is up to you.  The Myrtle Beach golf industry has decided to make some changes of its own to accomplish some of these tasks.  New packages and changes to existing packages have been made to help you get more out of your golf vacation in 2014.

The first three weeks in January are the busiest weeks for quoting Spring golf here along the Grand Strand.  After these three weeks, the majority of the peak tee times at some of the most demanded golf courses will have already been taken.  Make sure you get your quotes in early to ensure the best accommodations and tee times for your group.  Even though the first three weeks of the year are the busiest, you can take advantage of accommodation specials as early as October of the previous year.  Golf rates are usually announced early so this will be the best time to save the most money on your vacation.

As I stated earlier, the golf courses have listened to you the golfer and here is a run down of what is new and exciting for 2014 in alphabetical order:

Barefoot Love Course

Barefoot Resort is offering a special for booking golf on any Wednesday as well as offering huge discounts for booking Fall early.  They also have a special if you play three of their courses you get the fourth round free.

Ocean Ridge Golf

The Big Cats are now offering lunch with their 4-round package as well as allowing the golfer to play all 4 rounds in the AM.  This is a change from the 2013 package and gives the golfer more incentive to book their courses.

Founder’s Club at Pawley’s Island

The Classic Package has undergone changes as well.  In the past, they offered a package where you play four rounds and you automatically get free replays.  This year they have a simple 3 or 4- round package without replays or they have a package that offers a cheaper rate for playing just in the PM.  Classic has also partnered with East Coast Golf Management to help boost their individual course bookings since their four current courses are located so far apart.

River’s Edge Golf

East Coast Golf Management is the new big surprise here along the Grand Strand.  This company offers 2, 3, 4, and 5-round packages that include drinks, meals, discounts in pro shops in addition to free golf balls when booking their packages.  East Coast now has 22 courses along the Grand Strand and continues to  grow.

Glen Dornoch

The Glen’s Group is again offering their 3+5 package — pay for 3 rounds and the 4th round is free as well as pre-booked replays after 1:30 PM.  New for this year and to entice you even more, lunch is included with your round of golf.

Legend’s Clubhouse

The Legend’s Group has had much success with their 5-round (or 4+1) package and will continue to offer this throughout 2014.  Buffet breakfast, lunch, and two beers are included with your rounds of golf at any of their courses.

King’s North

The National Group released the Prime Time Rewards Package last Fall and it was a huge success. This package has been extended into the Spring season and is already the most requested package.  Look for additional offerings in this package for the upcoming Fall season.

Hopefully this will give you, the golfer, a little insight into what Myrtle Beach has to offer in the Spring of 2014.  There is value out there, just ask and we can set your group up with a golf package that fits your needs.

Contact us at www.northmyrtlebeachgolf.com or 1.800.366.2073  ext. 3052 or 3051

The 114th U.S. Men’s Open Championship was just completed a few weeks ago with as many stories coming in about the winner as there were about the course itself.

With a pair of 65’s the first and second day of the tournament, Martin Kaymer, 29, of Germany, jumped out to a 6-shot lead and never looked back.  After a tough round of 72 on Saturday, he righted the ship, and shot 1 under on Sunday to win the tournament by 8 strokes.  This was the largest margin of victory in the U.S. Open since 2000 when Tiger Woods won by 15 strokes.  Kaymer did not make a double bogey during the entire tournament.  Based on the conditions and the speed of the greens, this was a victory in itself.

Congratulations for 4 great rounds of championship golf, but let’s find out a little more about the course.

Transformation Hole 9

Architect Donald Ross is responsible for designing the famous Pinehurst No. 2.  The course was completed in 1907, but Ross continued to make changes to the course that is considered his masterpiece until his death in April of 1948.  In a 2011 renovation project by  Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, plans were implemented to restore the native sandy areas which were once a large part of Ross’s original design.

Pinehurst No. 2 has hosted two previous U.S. Opens: in 1999 (won by Payne Stewart) and in 2005 (won by Michael Campbell).  Pinehurst No. 2 has served as the site of more single golf championships than any course in America.  It also makes history this year by becoming the first to host the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open Championships in consecutive weeks.

Some of the viewers watching the tournament turn to social media to voice their opinions about the conditions at Pinehurst.  There were mixed opinions about the course, especially the natural areas, and how the players had to adapt their game to the conditions.   On TV, the course looked brown in many areas that in most traditional professional events were always green and plush.  The PGA and the USGA differ in how  courses should be set up.  Just look at how plush Augusta National is during Master’s week, then turn around and look at Pinehurst this year.  From my personal standpoint, I enjoy the difference in the course conditions.  Pinehurst seemed long, quick, and tough but you got rewarded for hitting fairways.  The only drawback was that on some of the holes if you hit the fairway you were sometimes still hitting off of brown, dry areas.  The course did save over 40 million gallons of water by recreating the sandy areas, but was it a success?  I guess it depends on who you ask.. the golfer, the fan, or the guy paying the water bill.

Regardless of the course conditions, I still enjoyed watching some of the inventive shots players made, like Ken Duke putting into the bunker and then holing out to make par on the 9th hole.  To me, that is what Championship golf is all about, shot shaping and shot creation.

Use this blog as a forum and let me know what your thoughts are on the course conditions of Pinehurst No 2.

Garrett Fonvielle – Golf Director

NorthMyrtleBeachGolf.com is proud to announce that we will ushering in a new era, appointing Garrett Fonvielle as Golf Director. The position was previously held by Craig Chinn (@mbgolfpro), who will be embarking on a new venture of his own – as the Golf Director for MyrtleBeachGolfPackages.com. MBGP is the newly-created golf packages division of our sister company – CondoLux of Myrtle Beach.

A few words from the man himself:

I’d like to start off by saying that I’m excited to begin my new role here at NMBG, and looking forward to bringing a fresh perspective of the golf industry across the Grand Strand. To give you a little background about myself, I’m a native of South Carolina and I have been an avid golfer for 20 plus years – working within the golf industry for the past six years.

TIP:  You can stay up to date with all of Garrett’s newest articles on our golf blog: Garrett’s Golf Guide.

Previous to my current position, I worked as Assistant Golf Director to Craig Chinn – NorthMyrtleBeachGolf.com’s previous Head Golf Director. I’m looking forward to sharing my vast knowledge of the Myrtle Beach area & helping golf groups and individuals learn about and do more of what they love to do the most….GOLF!

Garrett getting his swing on!

Be on the lookout for me to bring you the latest and greatest information about:

• Unfiltered reviews of local courses: The great, the good, the bad and  which ones you should avoid.
• Golf packages: Insight on how to choose the best one for you or your golf group, and how to strategically schedule to save the most money.
• Accommodations: Helping golfers find the perfect lodging at the perfect price point.
• Pricing Strategy: Timing is everything when it comes to booking your golf vacation in Myrtle Beach.  I can assist you in learning to identify the right and wrong times to buy.

The Classic Golf Group, Black Bear Golf Club along with CondoLux and NorthMyrtleBeachGolf.com have announced the return of the weekly fall pig pickin. It is open to all guests of CondoLux and NorthMyrtleBeachGolf.com even if you are not playing Black Bear. The menu is an old fashion pig pickin with beer, wine and sodas. NO COST TO GOLFERS!
This is a FREE social event. Prizes will be awarded weekly for those that attend. For more information please call Black Bear Golf Club at 843-756-0550.

Dates:

September 28

October 5

October 12

October 19

October 26

November 2

November 9

The time has come again for the world’s largest amateur golf tournament in the world – Golf.com’s 2012 World Amateur Championship. This golf tournament has been held in Myrtle Beach, SC for 29 years, but started in 1984 with 684 participants. Since its humble beginnings, the World AM has grown to over 3,000 golfers from all 50 states and over 20 countries.

 How is the World AM Structured?

The World AM has six divisions, ranging from men and woman under 49, all the way to super seniors 70 and older. In the six divisions are 60 to 70 flights. The flights are handicapped and one winner from each flight will move on to the “Flight Winners Playoffs”; an 18-hole shootout that will determine the World Amateur Champion. This year, the Tournament Players Club of Myrtle Beach is the host golf course for the championship.

 The 19th Hole: A Must Visit:

Although the golf is excellent, the World AM has another event associated with the tournament –  the “Worlds Largest 19th Hole”a.k.a “Worlds Largest Cocktail Party”. Held nightly at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, it’s where golfers who participated in the World AM (and their registered guests) come to share their experiences of the day and look for their names, hopefully at the top of the leader board.

The 2012 Food Lineup for “The World’s Largest 19th Hole:

As if this even wasn’t already awesome enough, they’ve outdone themselves by having a catering lineup that is sure to make everyone envious.

• Monday – August 27th: Tilted Kilt
• Tuesday – August 28th: Rioz
• Wednesday – August 29th: Senor Frogs
• Thursday – August 30th: Capriz Italian Feast
• EACH NIGHT – Friendly’s will be providing ice cream & Domino’s will be serving pizza.

Featured Exhibitor:

We’ll be on scene, documenting our first-hand experience of the events taking place throughout the week.

Barefoot Resort and Golf have announced a new afternoon 48-hour rate (which is $25 cheaper than the morning rate) for the remaining of the Summer for all of their Barefoot courses. The new rate will begin effective immediately and run through September 5th.  This allows golfers to play three of the four courses at Barefoot. The Dye, Fazio and Norman courses have recently renovated the greens, switching from bent grass to champion ultra dwarf.  The Fazio and Norman changed over last summer. The Love course is scheduled to reopen September 10th.

To book your 48-hour tee time, call our golf department at 1-800-624-6418.

6-4-2012 to 9-5-2012

$83 AM

$58PM

Dream of playing the challenging links on famed Myrtle Beach courses but don’t want the hassle or expense
of flying in? If you live in or near Cincinnati, Cleveland, Toledo, and Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis; Louisville; Nashville; or Springfield, Ill., your dreams have just come closer to reality! Starting May 31 through Oct. 31, Vision Airlines will provide non-stop 737 jet service to Myrtle Beach. Fares will start at $109 each-way, including all taxes and fees, according to a recent press release from Vision Airlines.

“We are excited to welcome Vision Airlines to MYR and we are confident that the markets that they’ve chosen will provide terrific opportunities for both Vision Airlines and our destination,” said Mike La Pier, Director of Airports, MYR. “We are pleased to partner with Vision Air to introduce all that Myrtle Beach can offer to a new and much greater audience,” added La Pier.

In the past, passengers traveling to Myrtle Beach have had to endure long layovers, hours in the car, very expensive fares, and flying on cramped regional jets. Vision Airlines’ non-stop, big jet, Boeing 737 service will save passengers time and money. And it’s PERFECT for golfers too that want to come in for a weekend visit and hop back out for our fall 2012 golf season. (check out the packages below)

Vision Airlines has been in operation for more than 18 years offering low-cost flights to the most popular leisure destinations.

“Vision Airlines’ new, non-stop flights to Myrtle Beach are another step in providing low-cost air service to fantastic vacation destinations. The great golf courses and family-friendly beaches make Myrtle Beach an excellent vacation value,” said David Meers, Senior Vice President of Vision Airlines. “Vision Airlines’ non-stop, big jet, Boeing 737 service will save passengers time and money, making flying a more attractive option for traveling to Myrtle Beach this summer.”

Tickets and information are available at www.VisionAirlines.com or through the Vision Airlines Call Center at 1-877-FLY-A-JET (1-877-359-2538).

After you have chosen your flight, consider one of these exciting golf getaway packages for a long weekend – fly in, play and fly out!

Sea Trail – 3 Rounds – Free Lunch at clubhouse each day and Free Replays

In nearby Sunset Beach, NC the Rees Jones course boasts generous mounded fairways, bordered by scenic lakes and water hazards on 11 holes, old oaks and towering pine trees.

Legends – 3 Rounds – Free Breakfast, Free Lunch and 2 Beers at Clubhouse each day

The Scottish-inspired Legends Golf and Resort offers five of the best golf courses available in the Myrtle Beach area and the state of South Carolina.

Mystical – 3 Rounds – Free Lunch & 2 Beers at Clubhouse each day

The Wizard, The Witch and Man ‘O War golf courses are run by Mystical Golf, headed up by Claude Pardue. Each of the three courses has its own unique clubhouse, theme and look. And the golf courses, though two share the same property, are completely different as well.

For details on these packages, give us a call!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

With the 18th Annual Monday After The Masters less than two weeks away, the Largest single day fundraiser in the State of South Carolina is once again sold out for the 7th consecutive time. The Barefoot Resort and the private  Dye Club will host celebrities and PGA Tour Players once again. The event not only has the celebrities and PGA tour players, but also for the second year, ESPN`s Mike and Mike in the Morning will be doing there radio show LIVE from the first tee of the Dye Club.  Mike and Mike in the morning airs from 6-10 a.m. ET on weekdays, which is carried by more than 200 affiliates nationwide.

All monies raised during this event goes to the Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation — a non-profit organization which supports education in South Carolina, South Carolina Junior Golf Program and schools’ music programs around the country.

Ole Craig Chinn & Ric Flair at last year’s Monday after the Masters

With all the important stuff out of the way, lets get to the wonderful world of the Twitter-Verse. Twitter has become such a great tool for people to find out instant updates on things happening around the world. In this case, Twitter will be used to keep up with participants playing in the 2012 Monday After The Masters. Celebrities like Comedian Wayne Brady, ESPN personalities Mike Greenberg, Mike Golic, Doug Gottlieb and Stewart Scott. Also former and current NFL Players, Tyler Thigpen, Sterling Sharpe, George Rogers, Jim McMahon to name a few. Last and certainly not least, a crowd favorite at the Monday after the Masters is 21-time world champion, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair……WOOOOOOOO!

PGA Tour Players committed to playing in Monday after the Masters (Also know to locals as the Hootie) are eight time LPGA Player of the Year, Annika Sorenstam. Captain of Team USA for the 2012 Ryder Cup, Davis Love III, Local PGA and LPGA Tour Players Dustin Johnson and Kristy McPherson, and the crowd favorite Long John Daly.

Follow these celebrities and professionals on twitter at there twitter accounts below.

2012 Celebrities at Monday after the Masters

Steve Azar – Singer

Wayne Brady – Comedian

Mark Bryan – Musician – Hootie & the Blowfish

Jim Cantore – The Weather Channel

Javier Colon – Musician

Andrew Copeland – Musician

Mike Cowan – Caddie

Dean Felber – Musician – Hootie & the Blowfish

Chuck Finley – MLB

Ric Flair – Wrestler

Jackie Flynn – Comedian

Colt Ford – Musician

Mike Golic – Mike & Mike in the Morning

Doug Gottlieb – ESPN
Jack Ingram – Musician

Josh Kelley – Musician

Johnny Lee – Musician

Edwin McCain – Musician

Jim McMahon – NFL

Nathan Morris – Musician

Kyle Petty – NASCAR

Alfonso Ribeiro – Actor

George Rogers – 80 Heisman Trophy winner

Darius Rucker – Musician – Hootie & the Blowfish

Bret Saberhagen – MLB

Stuart Scott – ESPN Analyst

Sterling Sharpe – NFL

Jim Sonefeld – Musician – Hootie & the Blowfish

Kevin Sorbo – Actor

Ryan Succop – NFL

Tyler Thigpen – Football

Dan Tyminski – Union Station

Gary Valentine – Actor – King of Queens
Michael Waltrip – NASCAR

2012 Professionals at Monday after the Masters

Blake Adams

Woody Austin

Matt Bettencourt

Kris Blanks

Scott Brown

Zack Byrd

Kevin Chappell

John Daly

Chris DiMarco

Ken Duke

Lee Elder

Matt Every

Jim Furyk

Tommy Gainey
Robert Gamez

Bobby Gates

Brian Gay

Dustin Johnson

Kevin Kisner

Jason Kokrak

Kelly Kraft

Billy Kratzert

Davis Love III

Mark Lye

Kristy McPherson

David Mobley

Blair O’Neal

Greg Owen

Charlie Rymer

Annika Sorenstam

Scott Stallings

Josh Teater

Kyle Thompson

DJ Trahan

Boo Weekley
Hope to see you there! Fairways and Greens

image courtesy of: hootiegolf.com

Charleston native Darius Rucker along with the rest of the Hootie and the Blowfish crew hold a celebrity golf tournament each year on the Monday following The Masters golf tournament. The tournament is held to raise money for the Hootie & The Blowfish Foundation, which supports the educational needs of South Carolina and the South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation. So far, the event has donated more than $4.5 million to it’s cause, and draws in thousands of spectators to the North Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas annually.  The tournament originated in Columbia, South Carolina in the early 90’s before Hootie and the Blowfish were a household name.  The tournament has been held in Myrtle Beach since 2003 and is still going strong.

Barefoot Dye Golf Course – North Myrtle Beach, SC

Monday After the Masters is held at the Dye Club at Barefoot Resort & Golf in North Myrtle Beach, SC on April 9th. There are 26 celebrities scheduled to attend including but not limited to: Chuck Finley, Ric Flair, Tyler Thigpen, Mike Golic and Michael Waltrip. Many Professional golfers are also scheduled to attend the tournament such as John Daly, Dustin Johnson, Jim Furyk, Davis Love III, Annika Sorenstam and Chris DiMarco.

Mike and Mike – Broadcasting from the 2011 MAM Event

The Mike & Mike in the Morning  Show will be broadcasting live from the event. If you like seeing huge tee-shots, don’t miss the long drive contest at 10am on the first hole. Whether you and your buddies need an excuse to party all weekend, want to show your support for a great cause or just want to see John Daly taking drives off of beer cans, the “Monday After The Masters” golf tournament is a must see event!  This is one of the highest grossing charity tournaments in South Carolina and sells out quickly, so get your tickets as soon as possible!

Monday After the Masters 2012 – Quick Details

• Held at the Dye Club @ Barefoot Resort & Golf in North Myrtle Beach, SC
• General Admission to the event is 15 dollars and tickets can be purchased through the House of Blues website.
• Children 12 and under are allowed free entry to the event.
• Gates open at 5:30am on Monday April 9th, 2012 and there will be a shotgun start at 11am
• On the day of the event, spectators will be able to park in Barefoot Landing and shuttle buses will pick up and drop off guests at the Alabama Theater.