Myrtle beach - late february

[jgk9426]

Hey guys, hoping for some thoughts on a golf weekend myself and few friends are going on next month. For me, my first trip solely for golf purposes. Heading to the legends resort the weekend of the 21st. I've seen mixed reviews on the place. Most of the negatives focus on the pace of play, which I don't think is a huge concern for my group. I usually shoot low 90s, a couple usually around 95-100, and one shoots 85-90. Not professionals by any stretch so don't think pace is a big deal. Planning on playing the three courses at legends each day. How are they? Again I've seen mixed reviews. My big concern is the weather. I'm in NJ so hoping to get some favorable golf weather down there but realize it can be just as cold there as it is up here at that time of year. Any comments tips etc are appreciated. Once I figure out which courses we play each day ill post it. Thanks!

[RayG]

Yes, the weather can always be an issue. But that is the same anywhere. It will likely NOT be as cold as around here (NY/NJ Metro area) at any time. Nobody can forecast that far out, anyway. Check out this site : http://www.mbga.com/ The courses are rated pretty high, but they seem to have some issues with the condos at the Legends, though. The recent recession down there seemed to have taken a toll on the properties. I HAVE played all the courses and enjoyed them- I played in mid-January a few years ago. First day or two was beautiful- in the upper 60's low 70's. A squall came through midway through the round on the Moorlands on Wednesday. We stopped and headed back to the clubhouse and waited it out. It stopped after just over an hour. Headed back out and the temps had dropped into the upper 40's. The next two days were a bit blustery and in the 50's, but sunny.

[jgk9426]

Thanks rayg....60s 70s would be amazing. I'm used to playing my local public courses, which aren't terrible. I would think that these should be better courses than what I typically play, even if they aren't among the MB elite. Not too worried about the lodging, as long as it's atleast clean. I read you can get a shuttle to and from the airport. Anyone have experience staying at the legends on what is best (shuttle vs rental car) I imagine the resort itself is pretty spread out with 3 courses, so depending on where your condo is located walking to the course entrance could be pretty far, especially with clubs.

[jgk9426]

Arrive on Friday morning, playing heathland the afternoon. Parkland Saturday morning, moorland Sunday morning and then we leave. Would love to hear from some MB experts

[jgk9426]

Anyone down in myrtle care to report on the conditions?

[jwygo]

Our group will play a couple of these courses every year as part of our 4-round golf package.

Grande Dunes Resort (slope 126 white) Great strategic golf.  Excellent facility and service (most courses in Myrtle area have great service in our experience). Good food. Our group always plays their last round of our ryder cup competition here.  (slope 126 white)

Caledonia (slope 134-mallard). One of our group favorites.  And ask for two cups of unique chowder from the chowder attendant at the turn (don't forget to tip)..  The finishing hole requires a long shot over the marsh to a very difficult green.  And the clubhouse terrace is directly behind the green.  There are always many players finishing their after round beers cheering and jeering everyone hitting in. 15+ miles south of Myrtle and easy to stop at the bars and restaurants on Murrells Inlet for after round fun  ( True Blue, Caledonia's sister course is also an excellent option)

Tidewater (slope 130 white): Many holes play along marshland.  Some fun, but difficult holes.  Nice greens. A couple very strategic par 3's.  Think about where you want to miss.

Barefoot-Dye Course (slope 143-member): Great, strategic, difficult, southern golf.  I thought it was tricky the first time I played.  But now realize I just wasn't playing strategically.  You can't always hit a driver because you want to!  Can't wait until the next time.

Kings North: Another nice and highly rated course.  And the "Gambler" is a par 5 with an island landing area off the drive (if you want) giving you a relatively easy 2nd shot.  But the green slopes to the water and is hard to hold.  A 210yd driver will find it hard to get to the green in 3 by playing around the lake.

Legends Moorland (slope 136 Blue): A Dye course.  Lots of strategy and hidden problems.  The waste area down the left side of one is a magnet.  Watch out for the hidden trap on the back (green) side of that knoll hiding the right side of the green.  I thought I hit a nice wedge off the back side of the knoll thinking I'd get a nice roll onto the green.  Fail!   A nice course, strategic.  I like those listed above better.  It probably grows on you once you play a few times..  Excellent service.  This course sees a lot of play with 3 courses dropping off bags and common practice facilities.  But they do a pretty good job of keeping it organized.

Whispering Pines (slope 129 white): Not in the same league (amenities, resort atmosphere, etc) as the others listed above, but who needs it when the golf is good?  This course has plenty of nice and scenic southern style golf holes with trees, water, strategy and fun.  The entrance is, literally, across the street from the airport parking lot. Good internet deals .  An excellent and inexpensive course to relax on after flying in.