The Secret to a Great Myrtle Beach Golf Trip? A Great Golf Director
But there are under-appreciated reasons the Grand Strand is able to offer the type of experience that led Golf.com readers to vote Myrtle Beach as America’s best overall destination, best for value and best for buddy trips.
Those less heralded but vital factors were the birth of the golf package and rise of local golf directors, both developments that were unique to Myrtle Beach (and in the case of local golf packagers largely remains that way).
It has been nearly 50 years since Buster Bryan and General Jim Hackler launched the Golf-O-Tel, combining golf and lodging to create the first golf package. The world and travel have changed immensely, leaving some to wonder if the golf package is as vital now as it was in the 20th century.
We believe the answer remains clear.
Still Your Eyes and Ears
Myrtle Beach golf news is much more readily available today than it was even 5-10 years ago. From message boards to blogs and social media, golfers have many more avenues of information available to them.
Despite the accessibility of information, nothing beats the word of a trusted voice on the ground. Golf directors make a living knowing everything about your trip. That includes course conditions, restaurant recommendations, and even where you can pick up a cigar.
If you have a good trip, your golf director does, too. Sure it’s his “job” to book trips, but it’s more than that. Like so many things, golf if a relationship business, and once you establish that rapport with a golf director, everything becomes easier.
Power of 45,000 Rounds
No one is ever, seemingly, off the clock. It’s the blessing and curse of the technological revolution we’ve experienced over the last 20 years. In an increasingly complicated world, the golf package simplifies things for group leaders, allowing them to book golf, accommodations, rental cars and even receive restaurant recommendations in one spot.
“Until a customer can do that with one call or one email, the golf package will be relevant,” said Mark Stoneking, who runs Myrtle Beach Golf Desk. “The group leader of 8-10-12 (or more) needs the organizational help, and the best way to do it is through one source. Then groups have a single point of contact before, during and after their trip.”
If unforeseen events create complications, your golf package provider can go from security blanket to trip-saving resource. If a flight gets delayed and you are going to miss a round of golf or a family situation delays your departure, try rearranging that schedule on your own.
Don’t take that to mean golf courses don’t care about customer service, because they unquestionably do, but a golf package provider knows who to call to help re-arrange your trip ASAP. And when an influential provider like Stoneking calls, he does so with the strength of 45,000 rounds booked per year.
On the rare occasion a problem arises, a good golf packager provides a remedy.
It’s All About You
It’s not 1966 anymore, but the same factors that allowed Myrtle Beach and the golf package to soar in popularity remain as vital today as they were 50 years ago.
The value created by pairing golf and lodging, the one-stop-shop nature of it all, and the resource of having a local contact are all for you.
While the reasons for a golf package have mostly remain unchanged over time, that doesn’t mean the concept hasn’t evolved. Many long-time Myrtle Beach golfers fell in love with the area and bought second homes here. The rise in popularity of timeshares has also provided many others with lodging in Myrtle Beach.
Adjusting to the changing realities of traveling consumers, every Myrtle Beach provider now offers “golf only” packages. You reap savings via purchasing multiple rounds and enjoy the benefits of having a local connection.
Whether you are looking for a stay and play deal or golf only, there is not better a resource than a Myrtle Beach golf director. So check out our list of the area’s best golf package providers and start getting ready for your next beach golf trip!
