Top 5 Things for Golfers to do off the Course

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So you woke up in time to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean from your oceanfront balcony, grabbed a hot breakfast with your foursome in the Long Bay Resort lobby, and made it in time for your 7:50 a.m. tee time for a relaxing 18 holes of golf.

Now you're back in your room with nothing to do, the rest of your foursome votes to take a nap, and it's only 1 p.m., still plenty of time to find some fun in a resort town like Myrtle Beach. After all, golf is only one reason to come to the Grand Strand.

Whether you decide to take a power nap and go out later or make a full day of it and enjoy the Myrtle Beach sun, you have lots of options. From dining and shopping to attractions and nightlife, Long Bay guests don't have to travel far to find it all.

Many places in town cater to the golf crowd, and it's always fun to try something different while you're on a golf getaway. Here's a list of the top five places for golfers to get into the swing of things while they're not on the links:

* Attractions: Located about five miles from Long Bay are two of Myrtle Beach's hottest spots – Broadway at the Beach and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. The two are often confused among tourists because of the similar names, but the easy way to remember is that Broadway at the Beach is the one that's not actually on the beach. Broadway has lots of restaurants, shops and bars, along with popular attractions such as Ripley's Aquarium and WonderWorks. The Boardwalk is a 1.2-mile wooden walkway that travels along the downtown oceanfront, providing easy access to more of the same venues. Both offer free concerts and fireworks during the warmer months and there's something for everyone.

* Dining: Long Bay guests are in the perfect spot when it comes to great food. In addition to the on-site Oceanfront Grill and the adjoining River City Cafe, both of which serve some of the best burgers and bar food in town, the neighborhood has a wide selection of casual and fine dining options. Applebee's, Bonefish Grill, Cheeseburger In Paradise, Fire and Smoke Gastropub, Flamingo Grill, Liberty Tap House, Outback Steakhouse, T.G.I.Friday's and many more are within walking distance of Long Bay, and Myrtle Beach's famed Restaurant Row is only a couple of miles north of the resort.

* Golf: Sure, you've already played 18 holes, but you're on the Grand Strand. Many golfers try to squeeze in another round or a quick nine before sundown, and there are several close courses – The Dunes Club, the Grande Dunes, Myrtlewood and Pine Lakes – if you can get a tee time. But if you're not up for another round, take a short stroll across Kings Highway to Cane Patch Par-3, which features nine holes, a driving range and lighting for night play. There's also a putt-putt course next door, Jungle Safari Golf.

* Nightlife: If you prefer to play it safe and walk to a local bar or pub, there are several to choose from. Bars along the oceanfront, like the Oceanfront Grill and St. Clement's Beach Bar & Cafe, are open to the public and locals' hangout like Hurricane Maggie's and Liberty Tap House are within walking distance. But if a cab ride is in order, Broadway's Celebrity Square is your best bet. Featuring a dozen bars in one block, plus other hot spots scattered around the complex, such as the Tilted Kilt, golfers are sure to find the scene they are looking for. Sing and laugh along at Dueling Pianos, dance to the disco beat at Revolutions, or play pool at Broadway Louie's sports bar, where there's even an interactive golf game.

* Shopping: OK, so shopping isn't exactly a popular pastime for golfers. However, especially for those whose wives allowed them to come on a min-vacation with their golf buddies, you might want to take home a little something special for the Mrs. There are several small shops on Kings Highway near Long Bay, but a better bet might be to pick up something while you're at Broadway or the Boardwalk. And in case you want to treat yourself, check out Martin's PGA Superstore, Golfsmith or any of the golf stores that are located in Myrtle Beach.

 

(Posted: 1/19/15)