Step Back in Time at Pine Lakes - The Granddaddy of Myrtle Beach #Golf Courses!

When you first catch a glimpse of Pine Lakes Country Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, you know exactly why it is nicknamed "The Granddaddy"; the Clubhouse radiates with southern charm beckoning you set a spell and the course, with its well-manicured fairways, invites you to grab your sticks and play golf.

The Clubhouse used to be an upscale hotel, and is resplendent with splendid chandeliers and large elegant gathering rooms with fireplaces - you could almost picture this entire layout as a scene in Gone With the Wind!

Pine Lakes opened in 1927, so there is an abundance of history and tradition within the Clubhouse and on the golf course. The first President of the PGA, Robert White, was the initial course architect and, over the years, although there have been changes made to the course and to the original building, the heritage of the Granddaddy lives on in Myrtle Beach.

I was fortunate to learn about some of the memories hiding in plain sight at Pine Lakes from the course's head professional, Jonathan Brock during a Facebook Live session with LPGA Teaching Pro (and Myrtle Beach superstar) Meredith Kirk.

History Hall, located in the Clubhouse, for example, has many stories hanging on its walls such as where a certain well-known magazine got its start.

I will be sharing my new-found, insider's knowledge about the "Birthplace of Golf" with readers on MBN.com; answers to questions such as:

• Which hole is the most notorious?
• Tips on what to expect when playing golf at Pine Lakes, aka “The Granddaddy”.
• Which sports magazine (with ladies who sometimes grace the cover) kicked off right on the premises of Pine Lakes (go ahead, take a guess!)
• And, can you name the uber-famous celebrity who had to change his company logo because it was too much like the Pine Lakes moniker?


If you are considering a Myrtle Beach golf vacation to Pine Lakes and need to make golf tee times and lodging accommodations, check out MyrtleBeachGolfTrips.com, the easy and affordable way to book.


Read about two other southern-traditional Myrtle Beach golf courses: Caledonia and True Blue!

Share your thoughts on The Granddaddy, Pine Lakes, on our golf blog and tag us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

Golf Tips to Help You Spring Forward onto the Course

Azaleas are blooming in the southern portion of the U.S. due to an abnormally warm winter, so many golfers in the south have had clubs in their hands for much of the year. For those players coming out of their snow-filled cocoons, however, you have probably been relegated to putting on carpet or have been bundled up, hitting balls in heater-assisted driving ranges.

 

 

This week, Golf for Beginners offers you a few tips for spring golf, with the hope that the rust will easily fall away and be replaced with a swing of gold.

GOLF TIP 1 - Check your golf bag:

Our first tip has nothing to do with your swing but, rather, with your golf bag. Your faithful stand bag or cart bag has probably been stored in the garage or in the trunk of your car all season long so give it a thorough going over - check all pockets, remove partially-eaten snacks, old water bottles and pare down on the number of tees you have collected from last year.

Blog: Do You Know What's In Your Golf Bag?

GOLF TIP 2 - Check Your Equipment:

• The most obvious check is to make sure you only have fourteen golf clubs in your bag.
• Next, check your grips - do any of your clubs need to be regripped?
• Clean your clubs - a shiny set will get you in the right mood to start the season off right. Also, when you clean the clubs, look at the shafts, the head...make sure all clubs are as you left them last season or take them to a qualified professional for adjustment.

GOLF TIP 3 - Driving Range:

• The first thing I would suggest if you are rusty is to get a lesson from a teaching professional - your swing is probably out of alignment and could use an adjustment.
• Don't start off by banging balls on the range with a driver if it is your first time out - instead, start with a wedge and gradually work up to mid-irons.
• Make sure you PUTT and Chip! Putting indoors all winter is nothing like putting on a true green. Roll a few, get the speed down pat and get into the circle of trust. With regards to chipping, get your feel back.
• Think about your tempo and don't rush your swing - consider how wonderful it is to be outside swinging a golf club and hear a song in your mind that reminds you of spring.

Read: More Tips to Spruce Up Your Golf Swing for Spring

GOLF TIP 4 - Set Goals:

• How did you finish last year - did you get into the 90's, were you determined to play better out of bunkers? Set goals that you can achieve early on in the season - write them down and make them a reality!
• You can be a better putter, you can improve your driving distance, you can get better at course management! More daylight, warmer weather...get out onto a range, green or golf course and enjoy the season.

How are you getting ready for spring? Add your tips - Tag us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and let us know on this golf blog!

photo