The rumors are flying as prodigiously as wayward drives on the course. Wicked Stick – the John Daly course in Surfside Beach – could be closing. One of the courses biggest advantages could be the number one reason a homebuilder is looking to purchase the track. The location on Highway 17 – easily visible for countless motorists every day – makes it a highly valuable piece of land. If these rumors end up being true, it’s time to make plans to get out to the course and play it one more time.
As the only course in the Myrtle Beach area with John Daly’s name attached to it, Wicked Stick offers golfers an experience very consistent with the Daly mantra “grip it and rip it.” Be sure your driver is shined up and ready to go, because the most holes offer a lot of forgiveness off the tee. You can play like a big hitter with no regrets. There are relatively shorter par 4s – like one and two – that allow you to drive the green if you really get a hold of it. There are reasonable par 5s – like three and eight – that allow you to reach the green in two. The conservative golfer will likely end up with a better score, but what fun is it to be conservative on a John Daly course? You have to go big or go home, especially if this is the last time you’ll get to play it.
Wicked Stick is also a great course to have a beer or two as you play. It’s always a fun experience, where you can have a relaxed stress-free round. With five sets of tees, everyone in your group can feel comfortable with the distance, regardless of their skill level. High handicap golfers, don’t let the length or the John Daly name on the course intimidate you. Just find the tee that fits your game, have your beverage of choice and enjoy 18 fun holes of golf.
The staff at Wicked Stick deserves a lot of credit for making the course what it is today. While it isn’t considered a must-play course in the area, Wicked Stick pleasantly surprises most golfers. The course is typically in good shape, and the staff is very friendly to its golfers. This often gets overlooked at golf courses, but these things make a difference at courses like Wicked Stick.
The other aspect we’ll miss about Wicked Stick, if the rumors indeed are true, are the great deals. Golfers can often get morning or afternoon discounts depending on when you book your tee time. Check out the latest deals here.
All in all, we will certainly miss Wicked Stick if it goes from golf course to new home complex. Wide open fairways, attackable greens, fun experience, great staff and inexpensive prices combine to create a solid Myrtle Beach golf outing. Locals and vacationers have enjoyed Wicked Stick since 1991, so it will be sad to see it go. If this is last call for Wicked Stick, we’ll be sure to swing by soon for one more round.
(posted 10/20/14)