Northern Exposure Golf Trip



This was our 5th year venturing to Myrtle Beach and the way the dates worked out, we headed down Mothers Day, which was also the first day of Bike Week in Myrtle. Because of that, we moved away from our normal spot in Myrtlewood, and stayed in Barefoot Landing and played all Northern tracts, thus the name, NORTHERN EXPOSURE!



Like I said, we left Northern Virginia at 5am on Mothers Day and headed south. The weather forecast was not in our favor for the day, or the week for that fact as a storm system was forecast to move in and settle in the Carolinas. We ran into rain in Fredericksburg, VA, but we continued south. We picked up our last player in Dinwiddie, and had a discussion to either try to play there or stay with our original plan, which was to head south and play and then drive into Myrtle Monday morning. After checking the weather again, we decided to stick with our original plan and left……….in the pouring rain to Lumberton North Carolina.



We arrived in Lumberton, North Carolina right about 11:15 and to our disbelief, the rain stopped. We grabbed a quick bite and then headed to the course. We had played PINECREST COUNTRY CLUB last year and everyone liked the layout so we decided to do it again! The staff was GREAT, they got us right out, they checked the radar and felt we would be fine. This is a Donald Ross design, and is really a great little hidden gem. It is not a bombers course, you have to think your way around, and if you are off in your approach shots the small crowned greens make you pay. Conditions were better than last year, about the 11th hole, the sun came out and it was now a beautiful day. Not one of us thought we had any chance of getting this round in, but we did!



Monday morning we got up, had a nice breakfast and headed to SEA TRAILS MAPLES, our first stop in Myrtle Beach. We got there early, and since they double tee, we had to wait, as there is no range. When we arrived, there was not even anyone there to unload us. Finally, they did get us out a little early, and we found the conditions to be good. The tee boxes were good, fairways were good and the greens rolled well. Bunkers were horrible due to the rain. Cart Girl was by our group twice, which was a little lacking, but she was friendly and pleasant. From here we headed to Barefoot to check in.



Tuesday we played PANTHERS RUN GOLF LINKS, and had a very good day. We had played Tigers Eye and wanted to play another of the big cat courses, and while good, Tigers Eye is way better hands down. The Tee boxes were good, as were the fairways and again the greens rolled true. Bunkers were horrible due to the rain. The course was nice, but there was not “something” that made it stand out in your mind.



Wednesday was THE PEARL EAST GOLF LINKS, which was a replacement course and one that had me scared to death because of all the negative reports I read here. It was a pleasant surprise, Brian had told us not to expect “perfect” and not to expect “bad” and he was right. The layout was good, not great, conditions were better than I expected, which would be rated good, so it was a good day over all. The staff at the desk was great, the starter was helpful, but we only again saw the cart about twice. I would have to say, this one may not deserve all the knocks it gets on this board. Not a great course, but a solid middle track.



Thursday we played OYSTER BAY GOLF LINKS, it was the biggest disappointment of the trip. Perhaps, because I have heard so much positive about this course, and how great it is was the reason for the disappointment. Tee Boxes were a little chewed up on some holes; just about every fairway had burned out spots as did just about every green. I had been told by a friend after I booked it, that it was a good layout but over the years it just had not kept up with other courses, and he was right. They had no hole markers and very poor directional signage on the course at all. Old yardage books that had incorrect yardages were still being given out because they had added new tees. We were told they were still waiting on their new books. I just walked away with the impression that this course was trying to control costs. Saw the cart more frequently here throughout the round.



Friday Morning we played the LOVE COURSE @ BAREFOOT LANDING. A great experience from the front door, with the first step on the property you felt like a guest. Conditions were great, Tees, Fairways, greens were excellent, and this was the best sand of the week. I should know I was in just about every bunker! The layout was very good and the ruins while maybe a little corny were cool driving though playing the holes. There was a cart girl on both nines here, so we saw them plenty. This one goes on the “best of” trip that we will plan and play in a few years.



The condos at Barefoot were very nice. Some of the group liked them because they were a little further off the main drag, but they were new and fresh. One problem was that we never had any maid or towel service so not sure what happened. Also, note to self, next year request same building and same floor, that would have been more better.



For dining we did Rockerfellows (sp) in north Myrtle Beach for EXCELLENT seafood. We did the RIOZ Brazilian Steakhouse, which was an experience and should be on every groups list to do at least once, as the food was great. One night we ordered Pizzas, and they all seem to run together.



On the way back, we drove to Benson, North Carolina, spent the night and Saturday morning played REEDY CREEK GOLF CLUB in Four Oaks. Everyone loved the course, and it matched very well with any Myrtle Beach courses. Conditions were outstanding, greens rolled true; staff here was just great to work with as well. This one will stay on the list as a good one to play on the way down or as a get away course.



Because of Bike Week, we stayed away from the GC’s, however did wander through the gatherings at Broadway at the beach, which was interesting to say the least. Now we will start working on next years adventure as this is one for the books. Unbelievable that we got in every round and the rain suits NEVER came out, not even once all week.

Man,,, looks like ya walked right around all that rain !!!! Very lucky indeed. Our next to last trip to Myrtle wasn't as lucky,, rain off and on the entire trip !!! Cant tell ya how many times we had to change cloths and such !!!! LOL

Glad ya got all the rounds in and everything worked out for ya !!!!!

Have you ever tried any of the venues around Pinehurst ?????

We have talked about Pinehurst, but the closest we got was one year we played in Sanford. I understand that the Pinehurst area is very very very good.

That it is,,, !!!! As stated before we quit going to Myrtle for several different reasons. Pinehurst is a great area and really laid back. Sanford is very nice also. If you ever get the chance check out Tobacco Road and Tot Hill Farm, very challenging courses !!!!

I read that when you posted it on the MBGT forum. Still a fun read.

Later,

Would be nice next year if we could get some guys here on the DB for an outing !!!!!

Yep, Cobra referenced this folder and I figured well, I'll just stick it here for those few that don't wander the forums.

That would be fun, but the way everyone is spread out, tough to arrange.

Yea,, there are some miles between most of us !!!!

Would also be embarassing when most of us have to take our shoes off to add up our scores!