Halloween a Mystical Time to Play Golf in Myrtle Beach

The Witch, Wizard and Man O'War Golf Courses, labyrinths rambling through dense forest and lakes, are collectively the backbone of Myrtle Beach. If you’re on a quest for exceptional courses in the number-one golf destination in the United States, this trio can take you on a mystical adventure.

Myrtle Beach, known for it's sixty miles of beautiful sandy stretch, comfortable temperatures and over one-hundred championship courses to choose from, hides these three secret gems (collectively known as MysticalGolf.com) on a stretch of road just off of Hwy 501 in the Carolina Forest, waiting to be discovered and tamed by players looking for a substantial challenge.

Playing these three Dan Maples golf courses in the order above is exactly the way in which they should be attacked: The Witch beckons you into her maze of macabre timber with patient alligators lining the path, The Wizard tempts the risk taker and, as for Man O' War – “do not let your guard down.”

The Witch is enchanting from the moment you lay eyes on this course. The wetlands are frighteningly dense with old wooden trees hanging like hands waiting to grasp and, while driving your golf cart over creaky bridges, you cannot help but think you have entered the forest where Hansel and Gretel nearly met their fateful end. Thanks to Bruce Vittner, one of our playing partners and writer for Southern New England Golfer, as his knowledge of this course gave us our best chances for survival (and a solid score).

The Witch Golf Club in Conway, S.C. was rated a 4.5-star course by Golf Digest for its excellent condition and seaside configuration.

Escape from The Witch and enter into the lair of The Wizard, the second of the three sisters, and you will find a links-style golf course with elevation changes (oddly enough) and island greens. Not every shot requires a driver but every shot does require thought in ball placement as the second cut of rough was deep. Bent grass greens make this course different from the Bermuda grass on Witch. The Wizard was decorated with four stars by Golf Digest as a "Best Places to Play in America".

The Man O'War, in my opinion, had the biggest bite of the three mystical golf courses - it's a dangerous design that tricks you into believing you can attack when it is much better to play safe. Know your club distances before you enter and practice your putting as there is probably not one flat spot on any of the eighteen greens (which are in superb condition). The back-to-back island greens nearing the end of your journey are both makeable but don't get too confident - play smart and you may just come out with a reasonable score.

Man O'War Golf Course

Have you played the MysticalGolf.com courses in Myrtle Beach? Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners LIKE Golf for Beginners on Facebook and comment on Golf for Beginners blog.

Thank you to Mystical Golf group and to Claude Pardue for making the Golf Writers Tournament a magical event.
Learn about how to contribute to the Pardue Children in Need Fund.

Getting Fit and Refreshed on a St. Lucia Golf Vacation

Couple one alluring island with serenity and unparalleled golf and what do you have? St. Lucia, one of the most charming sport resorts you will ever visit.

Nestled in the Eastern Caribbean Sea just south of Martinique, St. Lucia has earned its reputation as an all-inclusive haven for romantics who want to experience the exotic temptation of drive-through volcanoes, magnificent waterfalls and fantastic sandy beaches.

Golf lovers look forward to taking on eighteen holes at the St. Lucia Golf Resort and Country Club which overlooks both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Writer Tim McDonald stated about the golf course that there are "sloping fairways and greens to make you wish you hadn't had that last rum punch at closing time last night."

You can also play a challenging nine holes at Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort and Spa. Both offer interesting layouts and stunning vistas and add to the fun while on vacation.

After viewing the natural beauty out on the golf course, why not try a refreshing, 'aahhh' moment at a spa so you will be ready to take on the sights of this sparkling island oasis.

A drive along the one main road which encircles St. Lucia "reaches dizzying heights" according to Fodor's Travel Guide but the sights you will encounter along the route will make the trip well worth the effort.

A few attractions which you should not miss are the Public Market in Castries, delightful for people-watching and, navigating along the twisty East Coast Road, the Rain Forest is a "must-see" for nature lovers. The Aerial Tram Adventure will provide a safe birds-eye view of the lush scenery.

Rodney Bay is the trendy hot spot for restaurants and night life and you will get a kick out of the "jump-ups", street parties filled with reggae revelry and the freshest of seafood.

St. Lucia is a great vacation destination in which to rejuvenate the senses, decompress from the everyday and improve your outlook on life.

Have you vacationed in St. Lucia? Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and in the comments section of our Golf for Beginners blog.


Credit: Cruise-dude.com, International Property Directory

Ten Golf Swing Tips for a Female Golf Beginner - Men You Too Can Benefit!

Golf blog courtesy of Melinda Bailey, 9 & Dine Women’s Golf Apparel.

Golf tips are easy to acquire. All you have to do is shank a few balls at the local driving range, and some overly tanned guy in bermuda shorts is going to come over with his unwanted tips. Hopefully, the following ten swing tips will keep the local heroes tending to their own problems while you're smacking the ball out of sight.

What Are You Looking At?

Hopefully, the ball. Do not let your head and eyes move up to watch the flight of the ball. You will have to wait until the end of your swing. Otherwise, the ball may stay well within your peripheral vision after your swing.

Forty Five Degrees Of Niceness

Many people rear their club straight back as though they are about hoe potatoes. Try bringing your club back at a 45-degree angle. This will help maximize the power you derive from your hips.  Many female golfers attempt to pull their golf clubs back further for more power, which often sacrifices accuracy and form.

Let's Not Do the Twist

Speaking of hips, on your approach, try turning your right toe in by about 20 degrees. This will help stop your hips from turning with your arms and shoulders on your backswing.

Slice, Slice, Baby

It's amazing how many people don't know where the face of the club should...face. You want the face to be pointed in the direction you want the ball to go. Then, grip the club accordingly so the face stays pointed in the intended direction through the entire swing.

What's Your Grip?

All of the power that your hips and shoulders generate during the golf swing will transfer through your hands when the club hits the ball. If your grip is compromised, you will lose a great deal of power in the transference. Your left hand should be especially tight. Have it turned so that at least two knuckles are visible.

The Clap

The number of people who do not know where to position their arms when they approach the ball is as incalculable as the 20% tip. Approach the golf ball with your club. Drop your club and let your arms hang natural in your stance. If you can clap your hands with comfort, that is the position your arms should maintain for your swing.

Left-Right

On your backswing, you want your left shoulder to swing or pivot so that it aligns with your right leg. As a female golfer you can practice this by holding a club across their chest and twisting their upper torso until the head of the club aligns with their right leg.

Try Easier

In golf, it seems the harder you try, the harder it is to play well. Don't try so hard. The harder you try to hit the ball, the worse your shot will be. Let go and let the club do the driving. You just provide the means.

Shake, Rattle, and Roll

Don't just stand there! The longer you stand still looking at that ball, the more your mind is going to yip up when you finally swing. Try to develop what is called a waggle. Use some sort of pre-swing body motion before you put the club in motion.

The Practice Swing

How many times have you wished for a Mulligan? The practice swing gives you just that. It helps you adjust your mechanics and swing away your yips before you actually swing upon the ball.  Not only does it prepare your body physically, but mentally as well.  Just a few practice strokes can get your blood moving, meaning better thinking and preparation for the mind to execute the swing.

These tips are not meant for you to try all at once. Adjust and tweak your golf swing accordingly.  Often, a beginning golfer will find just the right tip that their swing needs. There are a million voices in your head before you swing. Choose a couple of these golf swing tips, and it may help to silence some of that madness.  

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Melinda Bailey is an avid golfer and editor of the 9 & Dine Women’s Golf Apparel blog.  You can connect with Melinda via Twitter @9Dine.




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