This Traveling Golfer episode gives you a peak at what is now America’s Golf Mecca.
The Myrtle Beach Golf Trail (MBGT) – which covers North and South Carolina along the coasts — has been booming for decades. But that’s nothing for what is coming.
Now, before I show you the details, here are some acknowledgements.
Tony was kind enough to let me be your guide for this episode since I live and indulge in the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail.
Now, some of you may say, “America’s Golf Mecca? Real John Daly is really biased.”
Sure, but remember, I also travel the country and the world having played courses such as Pebble, Pinehurst, Torrey Pines, TPC Sawgrass, just to name a few.
My journalistic mentality, I would hope, allows me to weigh all of these experiences. And all of those spots are spectacular and I will be teeing it up at those spots again.
But, from my analysis, there is something special and unique on the MBGT that you’re not seeing anywhere for all golfers.
And this episode gives you a good introduction – especially if you haven’t been here or you are contemplating a trip.
Realize too, as a local resident, I have neighbors who are telling me, “don’t broadcast it so much, because everyone will come here and eventually live here, taking away our tee times.”
Still, being a card member on the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail – whether you are a local or a visitor — gives you priority tee times when you want to play. So, everyone is happy.
Frequent MBGT Visitor Tip
Planning on being a frequent visitor here, then sign up for the MBGT Card. It opens doors to a wide array of deals, tournament opportunities, and the chance to play like a member at various outstanding golf clubs.
The episode we have for you here will take you to a number of those courses so you can experience that.
Here in this article, we will give you the factors leading to this boom.
The Myrtle Beach Golf Trail isn’t just a collection of courses; it’s an entire golfing ecosystem.
In the heart of this golfing paradise, you’ll find a treasure trove of exceptional courses catering to golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, the Trail offers a course tailored to your abilities. With dozens of options, each course presents its own unique challenges and charm.
MBGT Gurus
We highlighted a number of courses in this episode. You get insight from some gurus of the MBGT.
Scott Taylor is the General Manager at River Oaks Golf Club in Myrtle Beach. He will show you a tip while playing the Par-5 First hole.
Richard Kascsak is the Head Golf Pro at Sandpiper Bay in Sunset Beach, NC. He also known as The Professor. Watch the episode and you will agree with his tips that will make sense especially if you fly into the region, get off the plane and head to the course.
In our Real Golf Segment, my good buddy A.J. Gohil plays the first hole at Meadowlands with Meadowlands Managing Partner Jakob McLamb to get some insight on this tough starting hole in Calabash, NC. And they both play real smart.
A.J. then sneaks away to play Crow Creek with Director of Golf Mike Benson. You will see the difference with Crow Creek because of their bent grass greens along with a couple of iconic holes that will make you pay attention.
The Trail has 27 courses right now. That means you can take a week-long golf trip and create dozens of different course combinations that will change each time you drop in.
The Trail appeals to both traveling golfers and locals alike. For visitors, it provides an unparalleled golfing experience combined with the best lodging and dining partners along the Grand Strand and throughout Brunswick County, NC.
It has become a favorite golf package destination, offering not just world-class golf but also top-notch accommodations and cuisine.
You want some hot nightlife, then head to Myrtle Beach and The Grand Strand.
Looking for a relaxing evening after a round of golf, then hit parts of Sunset Beach and Shallotte, NC or go further south into Georgetown, SC.
In addition, getting here is easy. If you’re not driving here, you can fly into local airports in Myrtle Beach and Wilmington.
Once you land, the courses on the Trail are as diverse as the landscape itself. From scenic coastal courses with ocean views to challenging inland layouts framed by lush forests, every round promises a unique experience. Whether you’re aiming for a relaxing day on the greens or a competitive tournament, the Trail has the perfect course for you.
That’s the visual experience. Let’s go behind the scenes to see who is making all this happen.
East Coast Golf Management
The recent boom in the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail’s boom owes much to the expertise of East Coast Golf Management working with the courses including some new golf course ownership.
East Coast Golf Management has revitalized existing courses, ensuring impeccable greens, well-maintained fairways, and enhanced amenities. These improvements attract golfers seeking quality and excellence.
In addition to the course enhancements, East Coast Golf Management is working on upgrading the facilities at a number of courses.
One of those is the new restaurant at Sea Trail, named 55 Bistro. In the episode below, East Coast Golf’s President Mike Buccerone gives you a tour of this innovative food and drink spot that is drawing locals in droves. Plus, Mike gives you the reason why it is called 55 Bistro.
Also, 55 Bistro is located in the newly renovated Sea Trail Convention Center offering even more reasons to hit The MB Golf Trail – like business meetings, family gatherings, and even weddings.
The new ownership groups have injected capital into the region, resulting in course upgrades, modernized facilities, and innovative designs.
The collaborative efforts between East Coast Golf and the new and current ownership teams have led to effective marketing campaigns. The Trail’s visibility has increased, drawing golfers from across the country.
East Coast Golf and the golf course owners were able to take advantage of the changing economic, environmental, and demographic factors.
Boom Factors
The migration to the Coastal Carolinas is real. Brunswick County, North Carolina and Horry County, South Carolina are two of the fastest growing regions in the country. This has been happening for the last 15 to 20 years as Baby Boomers retire from the colder regions. And now we are seeing many businesses relocating their offices and factories here.
Covid played a huge factor. Not only did it get more people playing golf because you were outside and separated from the chance of the virus spreading, but it led to remote work. As a result, it wasn’t just Baby Boomers heading down here to retire. Many of them enjoy the region while they work.
The weather is ideal. You can play golf year-round here. Sure, December and January may have a little chill reminding you of Scotland in the summer. But you don’t see snow or ice down here. Another factor is the summers. Yes, they can be hot here. But many of the courses enjoy the ocean breeze. And, you will find a large number of new residents who are experiencing their second migration from Florida because they say it is too hot there.
Whether you are looking for relocate or you just want a great golf vacation, the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail is a place to start. Click on the segment below and enjoy.
John Daly, known as The Real John Daly, is a TV Host and Producer, and an author, who lives along the North Carolina Coast. He is best known as the Host of Real TV back in the 1990s. He is also the host of Undercover Jetsetter, a show on travel, food, wine, mixology, and, of course, golf. He actually played on the Celebrity Golf Tour and has been a participant in numerous celebrity golf events around the world over the past three decades. He also writes and produces segment for The Golf Director Newswire.
