Beaches, Bars & Bogies - Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts
by Ronald S. Montesano

After all the planning that goes into a golfing vacation, expectations cannot be anything but high. The feeling one gets when opening the door to the hotel room or condo of being let down casts a pall over the remainder of the trip. The realization that a golf course is what it is, and will not get any better on the back nine, or back twelve, or back three, is disheartening. Fortunately for travelers to the Myrtle Beach area, golf and lodging arranged through Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts present much more for the money.

"Our properties are in the upper echelon of condo hotels," explains Mr. Chris Shroff, President of Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts. "We present the luxury side at a value price. In addition, we provide an instant price for your stay, golf, cart, and breakfast. We strive for all-inclusive, so that you don't have to worry about unpleasant surprises."

Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts epitomizes the sensibility of a twenty-year old, family-run business. After gaining a foothold in area hotel operations, the brain trust of the company moved into condominium management seven years ago. Their efforts are fixed along the Grand Strand alone, giving them unmatched expertise within a focused region. Regardless of the property you select, you'll receive luxury living without the high tariff.

The Avista and Seaside resorts are located in North Myrtle Beach. Avista rises 17 floors above the sand, and offers condo purchase and suite rental options. A vacation with the family offers access to multiple hot tubs and pools, a Lazy River, as well as a variety of dining options. The poolside grill and a full-service restaurant are accompanied by a comfortable lounge and in-room food service. If the golf isn't exercise enough, visit the contemporary fitness center for additional workout time. Seaside is a luxury boutique condominium property, limited to 69 roomy spaces. One, two and three-bedroom condos, outfitted with plasma televisions, Jacuzzi tub, fully-equipped kitchen, dining room and washer/dryer highlight the Seaside resort.

If you prefer to base yourself farther south, Grande Shores is located right in Myrtle Beach proper. Rising 7 stories above the surf and sand, Grande Shores boasts an indoor pool for relaxation and fitness, regardless of time of year. Head for the sky to take a break from golf and the beach—you'll find a 7th-floor patio garden on the rooftop, outfitted with Lazy River, pool, and four hot tubs. You can start your day with Grande Shore's unlimited breakfast buffet, and complete it with a tranquil stop at the family-style restaurant or the relaxing lounge and bar. If you're bringing the entire workforce, consider the Grande Shores conference center, equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, wireless internet and conference call services.

In 2008, Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts will open Horizon, a fourth property, with Towers On The Grove scheduled to debut in 2009. Given the success of Grande Shores, Avista and Seaside, it's hard to imagine anything less for the two newest properties at Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts.

The word Cornucopia comes to mind when running down the list of MBSR's golf packages. The traditional horn of plenty is evident in the selection from among the North and South Bays, Champions Choice, Glens and Cats and Classic Packages. Whether it's the influence of major champions-turned architect of Champions Choice, the claws and growls of the four Cats courses, or the four, time-honored courses of the Classic package, Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts will line up the right assemblage of layouts for your game and your bank account.

"We purchase over 70,000 rounds of golf per year," explains Chris Shroff. "We specialize in golf packages, and offer the best service at competitive prices."

Another series of packages to keep in mind is the Specials: Sea Trail, Grande Daddy, Mystical and National. The first offers rounds on each of three courses at Sea Trail, designed by Willard Byrd, Rees Jones, and Dan Maples. Sea Trail's courses are the perfect fit for a northern golfer, not so demanding that you'll run out of balls, but more than challenging enough to provide nervous moments and numerous memories. The Grande Daddy Special includes a round at Pine Lakes, the oldest of all the Myrtle Beach courses. . Finally, for some of the most exciting and challenging golf along the Strand, don't forget the Barefoot and Legends offering. High-profile architects such as Greg Norman, Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, and Davis Love produced their best work on which to wage battle.

If you cannot find the course you want to play among the myriad packages offered by Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts, visit their unique website, TTimesOnly. You and your foursome will be able to make tee times at the best rates for all the area courses. "We offer a la carte packages to all our guests," reveals Chris Shroff. "We are associated with all of the 100-plus courses in the Myrtle Beach area, and can secure the lowest available price for tee times at non-package courses."

For booking and more information you can call them at 1-800-682-5699 or visit their website at www.myrtlebeachseasideresorts.com

Ronald Montesano directs BuffaloGolfer.Com, the online guide to golf in western New York. You can contact Ron at buffalogolfer@bufflogolfer.com