Finding Options Beyond Ultra-Premium
There’s no doubt that much of the surge in golf travel is being driven by high-end trips to upscale locations. PGA of America Golf Professionals can also thrive by offering exceptional travel opportunities that don’t break the bank, though that also takes some planning and expertise.
One of the top destinations to offer a wide variety of price points is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The original home of the stay-and-play golf package continues to be a go-to location for trips of all kinds, from large buddy trips to family getaways. The area hosted its first PGA TOUR event – the Myrtle Beach Classic – in May, and just hosted the 41st playing of the world’s largest golf tournament, the Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Championship. Better known as the World Am, the event drew players from 49 states and 15 countries.
With over 65 courses along 60 miles of the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is an intriguing location for PGA of America Golf Professionals looking to play outstanding courses at a great value.
“One of the elements that makes Myrtle Beach such a magic place for golf, in my opinion, is that it’s the perfect ‘choose your own adventure’ destination,” says PGA of America Associate Professional Ryan Cannon, Executive Director of Golf Tourism Solutions – Myrtle Beach’s marketing, technology and tournament operations provider. “It’s not a resort, it’s a region. There’s something for everyone that can meet and exceed your expectations, and it’s not all at a premium price.
“The golf is phenomenal, but you also have everything you could want off the course – more than 2,000 restaurants, more accommodation options and units than Las Vegas. You can find the trip that meets whatever your expectations are for budget, timing, you name it.”
Myrtle Beach’s location along the East Coast of the U.S. makes travel there simple and affordable, and the destination has added direct service this year from Charleston, West Virginia, Providence, Rhode Island and Tampa, Florida. Nonstop flights are now available into Myrtle Beach from 52 cities.
The region is seeing the same remarkable demand as other golf destinations but is uniquely suited for it based on its size and number of golf courses, and PGA of America Golf Professionals can visit PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com to see options from 45 golf travel operators that serve the area.
“Golf travel and participation in Myrtle Beach is showing marginal gains this year, but that’s on top of what was a high-water mark last year,” Cannon says. “Looking to the future, there’s a lot of reinvestment happening up and down the Grand Strand, and the owners and operators are being very active in improving the overall experience. Looking to the future, we’re optimistic we’re going to see these gains for the next few years and we’re working to make them continue.
“PGA of America Golf Professionals are a big part of our success, and we’re big believers in the power of PGA Members to bring golfers to Myrtle Beach and enjoy the tremendous hospitality.”
