Meet Myrtle Beach’s Golfmaster: Parker Smith

Always an avid golfer – though never a high-level competitive player – Smith and his wife moved to Myrtle Beach and purchased Golf Trek, one of Myrtle Beach’s longest running and most successful golf package companies, from his father-in-law. 

Thirteen years later, Golfmaster Parker, as he is known to the thousands of people who have booked trips with Golf Trek, is one of Myrtle Beach’s most popular golf packagers. We sat down with Smith for a quick Q&A, allowing you to get to know a man who really is one of Myrtle Beach’s golfmasters. 

Why did you decide to get into the Myrtle Beach golf package business?
I’ve always been a huge sports guy, and I’ve played golf forever. Instead of selling software, I figured why not play and sell what you love to do? Most people would die for that. 

What is your handicap and what is your best round ever? 
I’m a 10 handicap. I shot a 77 at Caledonia in June.

How much golf do you play?
I play about 40 rounds a year. 

How does the amount of golf you play make you a better package provider?
I play in and out of Myrtle Beach, and that helps give me a better perspective on the quality Myrtle Beach has for the price. I will put the high-end Myrtle Beach courses against any in the country and the prices are fantastic. We are pretty spoiled here. 

What is one of the most important things you try to impress upon new and returning groups?
Even for guys that have been here before, I still have to explain to them how big the area is geographically. Some guys who have been here for awhile will ask to play Pawleys Plantation in the morning and Rivers Edge in the afternoon, which will have them driving all over creation. For most of the returning golfers, it’s about keeping them up to date on what’s going on with courses, deals and promotions. 

For guys that haven’t been here, I give them the lay of land and try to figure out whether they want to stay near where they play or be near the nightlife and drive to their courses. I don’t think people realize how big the area is and how much non-golf stuff there is to do.  

What part of being a golf packager do you enjoy most?
The friendships I’ve developed with people who have booked with me for 10 or 12 years. I’ve gone out to eat with them and had beers with them. People that have the commonality of golf often have a lot of common ground. 

What’s the funniest thing you’ve had happen to a group booking through you?
I had a group staying at Crow Creek and playing at the Pearl and somehow they programmed in a Charleston address  and drove to Mount Pleasant. The head pro at Pearl called me and said, “You aren’t going to believe this one!” They had some cold ones and good times (the night before). He still books with me and has never mentioned it and I don’t bring it up!

What are your favorite courses?
I love Rivers Edge for scenery; I think it’s hard to compare that to anything. I love Prestwick’s layout. I think it’s phenomenal.

If you had to recommend one seafood restaurant, steakhouse and sports bar, what would they be?
For steak, I’d recommend Thoroughbreds for sure, anything in Murrells Inlet is good for seafood but I’d go with Divine’s, and for a sports bar, I’d recommend Wild Wing Cafe at Barefoot Landing.