> DAY 3
You’ll check out of your Wachesaw Plantation digs this morning, somewhat reluctantly, and head north on U.S. 17, then west on Hwy. 501 to Myrtle Beach National and its signature layout, King’s North (843-448-2308; mbn.com). This is one of the Grand Strand’s most intriguing courses; Arnold Palmer’s 1996 re-design of National’s old North Course resulted in some of the most striking holes in Myrtle Beach. Traditionalists may scoff at the course’s borderline quirkiness, but King’s North is an aesthetic wonderland that is immaculately maintained and flat-out fun to play.
This afternoon, head into the heart of Myrtle Beach and check into the stunning new Marina Inn at Grande Dunes (877-913-1333; marinainnatgrandedunes.com). One of the newest additions to this sprawling 2,200-acre luxury community, the Marina Inn offers well-appointed guest rooms or multi-bedroom villas overlooking the marina or the Intracoastal Waterway. Have a cocktail by the pool followed by dinner at New York Prime (843-448-8081; newyorkprime.com), a classic Big Apple-inspired room with USDA Prime aged beef, live Maine lobsters of up to 13 pounds, and one of South Carolina’s most extensive wine lists.
> DAY 4
Start with an early breakfast and then make the short jaunt over to a Myrtle Beach institution: The Dunes Golf & Beach Club (843-449-5236; thedunesclub.net). Since its opening in 1947, The Dunes Club has been the Grand Strand’s most revered club and one of America’s most honored layouts. Rees Jones supervised a $6 million renovation of his father’s design in 2003 that included the installation of A-1 bentgrass and changes to several greens that restored the character of the original design. Take the afternoon to savor your experience and reward yourself with dinner at Collectors Cafe & Gallery (843-449-9370; collectorscafeandgallery.com), one of Myrtle Beach’s most celebrated restaurants. Inconspicuously tucked within a strip shopping center, this funky little room is adorned with artwork and features imaginative entrees, sumptuous desserts and a great wine list. Make sure you call for reservations.
Finally, on the way home, stop and catch a few innings of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans at Coastal Federal Field (843-918-6000; myrtlebeachpelicans.com). The Class A Carolina League affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, the Pelicans’ season runs from early April through early September. Minor league baseball is always a blast, and Coastal Federal Field offers an intimate and fan-friendly atmosphere missing from most major league parks.
