Myrtle Beach (2)

Continuing on from my first post on Myrtle Beach, here are some other suggestions for a fun filled and value packed golf trip:

• Another route that I have used for accommodations is vrbo.com. Many of the "hotel/resort" accommodations in Myrtle Beach are individually owned, and the resort is run by a property management group. Typically, the property management group keeps up to 50% of rental income, so many unit owners are willing to offer prices on vrbo.com that saves you money, and lets them keep more of it. A win-win situation! Another to factor to take into consideration is the amount of time that you actually plan to spend in your unit. If you are willing to forgo ocean view/front units, you can find even better deals!
• Also, if you are willing to take the chance and book your accommodations at a later date, you will find that even more discounts are available. To the owner, a week lost in rental can never be recovered. During the winter off season, it is also possible to rent a unit for the month, sometimes at a price that is around the cost of two weeks rent. Maybe you could turn that vacation into a longer one, or find someone else to use it during the time you aren't there.
• Myrtle Beach encompasses a LARGE region, so consider the location of your accommodations with respect to your golf. For example, if you plan on playing mostly golf courses in the north, consider booking your rooms in North Myrtle Beach. 

• How are you going to be getting to  Myrtle Beach? In the last few years, more and more airlines have started flying there. Especially, the budget no-frill airlines are making their mark. During the past year, I have used both Spirit Air and Direct Air to Myrtle Beach. A non stop flight from Niagara Falls cost me about $150 return, and a non stop flight from Detroit cost me less than $100 return! Of course, the caveat of using these no frill airlines are the many extra charges for golf clubs/luggage. Be creative, and consider the possibility of using fewer pieces of luggage for a larger group. It can be done!
• If you fly down, use the internet resources to scour for the best rental car deals. One of the advantages with rental cars is that you can usually cancel a reservation if you later find a better deal. Be careful, however, in selecting the proper size car for the trip...you want to make sure that your selected vehicle will handle all of your clubs!
• Driving to Myrtle Beach? Over the past few years, the highway system through North Carolina has been dramatically improved for those arriving from the north (Interstate 77). If you haven't driven there in a few years, you will be pleasantly surprised. Also, driving opens up the possibility of playing some great golf courses along the way. Tot Hill Farm is a spectacular golf course located near Asheboro, North Carolina. It was designed by Mike Strantz, the same architect who designed Caledonia Golf Club in Myrtle Beach.