Dustin Johnson's Myrtle Beach as a world-class golf vacation destination

U.S. Open hopeful Dustin Johnson is actively promoting the golf mecca, kids are flocking to it (for the free golf?) and the beaches are so pure that the Grand Strand has been ranked as one of the best and least expensive vacation areas by U.S. News Media Group. Myrtle Beach is a rising star as a family fun destination.

Dustin Johnson at home in Myrtle Beach

 Earlier this season, 2010 fifty-four-hole U.S. Open leader and area  native Dustin Johnson signed on to promote the Myrtle Beach region as "America's number-one golf destination." Twenty-six year-old Johnson said,

"Myrtle Beach 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."


In addition to Dustin Johnson's promotion of "The Golf Capital of the World", and in an effort to grow the game of golf and to make memories in a family-friendly environment, kids will be allowed to "play free" on almost half of the Myrtle Beach area golf courses.


The Myrtle Beach area Kids Play Free summer program is also meant to encourage a bit of friendly competition between fathers and sons, mothers and daughters and all who would like to compete in the 2011 Summer Family Golf Tournament.


The series, hosted every Wednesday at a different golf course from June 29th-August 10th is open to any duffer, whether or not you have a handicap. I fear however, that Myrtle Beach tee times may also be at a premium during this summer season!


Here is a sampling of a few well-known Myrtle Beach area golf courses participating in the "Kids Play Free" Program.

Wachesaw Plantation East

Wachesaw Plantation East is a Tom Fazio designed, low country Scottish links course listed in Golf Digest's "Places to Play" list and was also host to the LPGA Tour on four occasions. The eighteenth hole, it is said, is a well-known visual spectacle and should not be missed.







Sandpiper Bay Golf Club was the 2010 MBAGCOA Golf Course of the Year and is rated four stars by Golf Digest. It's on Sunset Beach, about twenty minutes from the heart of the action, newly renovated and you may just spot professional golfers like Curtis Strange hosting a free clinic this season!






Although Tidewater Golf Club is very challenging (especially in the rain), it is also nature at its best. A true risk-reward course, a golfer needs good course management to score. A Golf Digest "Top 100 You Can Play", Tidewater is definitely a world-class Myrtle Beach golf course but may be too strenuous for beginners.





With about one-hundred golf courses spread throughout the Myrtle Beach area, golf is definitely a main attraction. Visit the beach, add the NASCAR Speed Park experience, Broadway at the Beach and Zipline fifty-feet above water and you and the kids will keep busy your entire vacation!




Photo Credit: Golfweek, Tracy Wilcox
Photo Credit: Wachesaw Plantation East

Hotels, Golf and Non-Stop Atlantic City Casino Action

At least once or twice a year I travel three hours from New York to Atlantic City, New Jersey, in order to partake of boardwalk/beach action, great casinos and, of course, the nightlife. Rarely do I ever spend more than an overnight and, strangely enough, I have never played one round of golf in Atlantic City!

The Atlantic City Golf Course (operated by Hilton Hotels) is undeniably a place to play a round of golf; the terms "Birdie" and "Bogey" were coined there, but it is to understand casino strategy and pull the one-armed bandits that I usually find myself in New Jersey.

I am not a heavy gambler; as a matter of fact, I rarely move past the quarter machines to the dollar machines, but I still like the action of pulling the slot handle and usually sit mesmerized until the wheels have made their stop. It is usually my husband who will meander with me through the roulette and blackjack tables in order to find the dealer that "feels" right.

Also, the drinks are free in Atlantic City casinos...definitely a "plus"!

Being that I have stayed and played (even briefly) in almost every resort in Atlantic City (including off-boardwalk premises), here are a few hotel and casino reviews to make the most of your vacation.

Caesars brands include probably the largest conglomerate of hotel rooms and casino space in Atlantic City, perhaps with the Trump Organization weighing in a close second. On the boardwalk, four uniquely different interconnected resort hotel buildings are Caesars, Ballys, Wild West Casino and Claridge Hotel; a very brief five-step walk from the door of Caesars to the door of Trump Casino makes this a five-casino hotel connection (Trump Hotel and Casino should be investigated...it's as glitzy as some of "The Donald's" New York City hotels and I have won in the casino!)


Not only are the hotel buildings all an indoor walk to each other, Caesars has reopened a beautiful indoor mall shaped like a ship which has a wonderful water show every half hour on the hour. This means that, for people who want to explore but don't wish to wander the boardwalk, everything you could ever need or want is indoors; gambling, food and fun!


For those people who would prefer staying at a resort which is about a half-mile stroll to the center of the boardwalk, I suggest the Hilton Casino Resort, next to Tropicana hotel. The Hilton provides a lovely beach bar, elegant surroundings and, in my humble opinion, good odds. Also, right next door to Hilton is the Tropicana, a huge resort complex for when you feel you need more excitement and a change of scenery. The Tropicana also has so many dining options and is so large that you may lose your way!


On the opposite side of the boardwalk, and for fans of New Orleans, stop by the Showboat. House of Blues makes its Atlantic City home at the Showboat and it is also right next door to the once glamorous Resorts Hotel and Casino. I personally liked the Showboat Hotel more in the past, when there was a live band in the lobby and the musician who wandered around entertaining and teaching guests to play the spoons in the hallway but cutbacks, I guess, have made these entertaining treats unaffordable.

Showboat Hotel and Casino with House of Blues

I am content to visit Atlantic City at least once or twice per year although it is certainly not as bustling as the Las Vegas strip (it also isn't a five-hour flight away). I might eventually play golf in Atlantic City but for now, it's the long stretch of boardwalk and entertainment keeps me coming back for more.




photo credits
Atlantic-City-Casino.com