Golf might be a timeless sport, but golfers are not. It’s contingent on each generation to pass the game along to the next, and Myrtle Beach is doing its part.
More than 50 Grand Strand area courses offer free rounds of golf to children ages 16 and under with an accompanying paid adult, making it easier and more affordable for parents to take their kids with them to the course. It also provides more opportunities for families to form foursomes for a day on the links.
The Kids Play Free program is part of a larger effort to help grow the game. About one generation ago, the sport realized it had a problem. The average age of golfers was on a steady climb as younger generations turned to other stick-and-ball sports, the new extreme sports, or virtual-reality video versions of golf.
Along came Tiger Woods, who opened the door to both minorities and youngsters who suddenly saw the sport as cool. Golf organizations tried to seize the opportunity to expand its playing base and attract a new generation to the game. Youth and minority participation increased but have stagnated in recent years.
Myrtle Beach area golf courses have made a commitment to seeing that youngsters get the chance to get in the game and spend some quality time with their parent or another qualifying adult. It’s not only an opportunity for some quality time and talks to impart some wisdom, but also some tips about how to play golf.
Kids ages 16 and under play for free with a paid adult at the following Grand Strand courses: Aberdeen Country Club, Arrowhead, Carolina National, Crow Creek, Crown Park, Diamondback, Glen Dornoch, Grande Dunes, International Club, Litchfield Country Club, Long Bay, Myrtle Beach National (Kings North and South Creek), Myrtlewood (Pine Hills), Pawleys Plantation, Pine Lakes International, Possum Trot, River Club, River Hills, River Oaks, Rivers Edge, Sandpiper Bay, Sea Trail (Byrd), Shaftesbury Glen, Thistle, Tidewater, TPC Myrtle Beach, Tradition Club, The Valley at Eastport, Wachesaw East, Wild Wing (Avocet), and World Tour.
More than a dozen other courses offer discounted play for kids, including Arcadian Shores, Barefoot Resort (Dye, Fazio, Love and Norman), Caledonia, Legends (Heathland, Moorland and Parkland), Heritage, Big Cats (Leopards Chase, Lions Paw, Panthers Run and Tiger’s Eye), Man O’War, Oyster Bay, Pearl (East and West), Prestwick, and True Blue.
Some courses have special limits on the offer, such as afternoon-only tee times and restricted dates. Most courses request that you mention the Kids Play Free deal when booking your tee time, and the offer is not valid for walk-ins. Please verify that the course is currently honoring the deal before booking your round.
Myrtle Beach Golf has also partnered in providing other opportunities for families and youngsters. The expanded Family Golf Week includes a pair of national tournaments – the Father & Son Classic and Parent & Child Classic, which will be held July 17-20, 2019. The events promote teamwork between parent and child.
Of course, any time of year is a great time for some family bonding on the links. Plan a summer vacation to Myrtle Beach that allows your crew to enjoy the beach, attractions, shopping and dining along with some quality time on the links. Spring and fall breaks or even a warm winter weekend are prime family time.
Surprise the whole family with a vacation getaway to the Sun Fun Capital and GolfTown USA and save big with free rounds for the youngsters. It’s a great way to discover that families that play together stay together, and to ensure that you children and grandchildren learn and pass along the beauty of the game of golf.