National Media Praises
Myrtle Beach ("Golf Capital of
the World") for Quality Courses

By Shane Sharp,
Contributing Writer

MYRTLE BEACH, S.c. - Based upon the latest issue of Golf Magazine, it appears that the Myrtle Beach golf course machine is cranking out quality layouts to add to its sheer quantity of golfing venues.

The TPC of Myrtle Beach and the River's Edge in Shallotte, N.C., were selected for the prestigious "Top 20 Courses You Can Play," list. Golf Magazine released its "Best Things in Golf 2000" edition, and the self proclaimed Golf Capital of the World appears to be well represented. NBC even broadcast a 1-hour special about the publication's ``Best Things in Golf'' at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Whether it's the Fazio signature, the TPC moniker, or just that it's an awesome tract, the TPC continues to garner much critical acclaim. Earlier in the year, the course was included in Golf Digest's "Top ten best new upscale public courses. TPC will play host to its first Senior Tour Championship this November, after the tournament was forced back to the Dunes Club after hurricane Floyd.

But new, quality upscale public courses were not the only players representing in Golf Magazine's recent rankings. Three Grand Strand courses were represented in the prestigious "Top 100 You Can Play" rankings, including the Dunes Golf and Beach Club (No. 36) in Myrtle Beach, Tidewater Golf Club (No. 39) in North Myrtle Beach and Caledonia Golf and Fish Club (No. 85) in Pawleys Island.

The Dunes Club's grueling 13th hole was one of twenty-five par-5s selected for the "Top 100 Holes in the World" list. Myrtle Beach's Caribbean Resort & Villas was chosen No. 2 among the "Five best bargains" in the world for its "rock-bottom `Play All Day' four-night package featuring double-occupancy accommodations in an oceanview room, breakfast daily, and green fees at a choice of 26 area courses..."

With a number of other high quality courses coming on-line in 2000, including Tiger's Eye, the International Club, and the Love, Dye, Norman, and Fazio designs at Barefoot Resort, it won't be long before Myrtle Beach is mentioned as having one of the highest concentrations of top-shelf golf courses in the world.