Well, we just got back from our golf trip. Thank you to everyone who posted. Special thanks to Sabram.
We ended up doing RTJ because we felt that it would offer a greater diversity of courses (i.e. elevation changes, scenery, layout) than what Myrtle Beach would offer. We also wanted to experience golf in a more secluded location. RTJ fit the bill.
While we originally wanted to do 5 courses, we ended up doing 4 courses + a 9 hole short course for under $250. Following Sabram's advice, we made Prattville our base for the trip. We drove down on Sunday, and played our first 27 at Cambrian Ridge (18 Canyon/Sherling, 9 on the short course) starting Monday afternoon. On Tuesday we played the Judge in the morning, and The Legislator in the afternoon. On Wednesday we played The Senator before hitting the road back to Cleveland.
The golf was very memorable, the trip was a blast. We will be sure to do it again--maybe with more people next time.
Some thoughts regarding the golf:
Cambrian Ridge
My favorite 18 was at Cambrian Ridge. I loved the elevation changes, the layout, and the fact that it is in a very secluded location. We played the tips which proved to be extremely difficult, but still enjoyable. What made the day challenging was the 30 mph wind gusts that we had to battle. If you do get out to Cambrian Ridge, do check out the 9 hole short course. It offers an excellent array of par 3s for a great price ($9 if you play 18 the same day).
The Judge
The Judge is a beast. We ended up playing the Oranges which proved to be plenty long and difficult for us (12 handicap). Honestly, apart from the a few of the par 3s and the first hole, none of the other holes "wowed" me. All in all, it was very good golf. It reminded me a lot of Florida golf, but excessively penal IMO.
The Legislator
This course was tons of fun to play. The two 9s are like night and day. The front nine is more open while the back 9 offers serious elevation changes and plays much tighter. Of all the courses we played, I probably had the most fun playing this one.
The Senator
A great links style course. Lots of fun. It's the type of course where you can really get away with spraying the ball off the tee (within reason that is). Definitely not as penal as the other RTJ courses we played.
If anyone does decide to head down to Pratville, I recommend staying at the Jameson Inn if you're looking for a great value hotel. It is much cheaper than the lodging on site. While not as luxurious I"m sure, it is clean and offers the essentials. We were able to do golf + lodging for under $450/person. Excellent value. Also, to any fellow northerners heading down south for golf: the 70 mph speed limit is wonderful, but do watch out for unmarked police vehicles. A radar detector comes in handy.