Golf-ageddon: Myrtle Beach, SC

We'll be leaving shortly for our family vacation in Myrtle Beach, which also happens to be somewhat of a golfing mecca. I bought a golf vacation package and thought I'd share the courses upon which I'll be losing a lot of golf balls. I will be playing four courses in three days (one day I'll be playing two courses).

First up (the day I arrive), my son and I will play at Long Bay. Its signature 10th par-4 has a fairway completely encased in a giant bunker.

The Long Bay Club is a magnificent Jack Nicklaus Signature Course that is consistently ranked among the top courses in the state. This is not a typical Nicklaus design; deep pot bunkers and vast waste areas add a unique identity and challenge.

[From Myrtle Beach Golf Course]

On the next day, I'll be playing two course at Myrtle Beach National, back-to-back: King's North and SouthCreek. King's North's signature par-5 hole, The Gambler, provides two choices: not safe and dangerous. SouthCreek seems a bit tamer, but only a little (and for my current level of play, I'm sure I'll be playing up on the 'old man" tees). All of the Myrtle Beach National courses are designed by Arnold Palmer.

Famous for the island green and "SC"-shaped sand traps of Hole 13; the famed par-5 sixth hole, nicknamed "The Gambler" that tempts golfers with a shortcut to the green via an island fairway.

[From Myrtle Beach Golf Course]

With just 6,400 yards from the back tees, this course challenges golfers to focus on accuracy not distance with each shot. Finesse is required by every golfer with its guarded MiniVerde Ultradwarf greens and protected waste areas, as it winds through wetlands and hardwood forests.

[From Myrtle Beach Golf Course]

After a day of rest where I do the beach thing with the family, I'll close out my golf vacation with the West Course at Myrtle Beach National.

From the regular tees, golfers of all abilities will enjoy the classic Arnold Palmer design, ranked 4.5 STARS in 2010 by Golf Digest's "Places to Play". But be prepared for a professional challenge from the back tees as the numerous doglegs, fairway bunkers and natural hazards come into play.

[From Myrtle Beach Golf Course]