Myrtle Beach Golf Packages - What to Know Before You Go

[Lamar Hepburn]

There is a lot of money in the Myrtle Beach golf package market.
Unfortunately, like any other opportunity, this can bring out scam
artists and bad business practices.
Don't get stuck with hidden charges on your golf packages. Myrtle
Beach discount golf package resellers don't always have your best
interest in mind. Here are five things to be aware of before booking
your next golf package to Myrtle Beach.
The first two items come in the form of hidden fees. Myrtle Beach is
getting a bad reputation among visiting golfers because of these
hidden fees and surcharges. This was one of the biggest complaints
noted in a recent local newspaper's article.
1) Cart Fees - The golf courses require them. Most golf packages leave
them out. Hidden golf cart fees top the list of complaints for most
golfers visiting the Grand Strand. Many Myrtle Beach golf package
resellers keep the $20 or $30 dollars and pass along the fees to
vacationing golfers. Ask up front whether or not cart fees are
included. If not, demand it or do your business elsewhere.
2) Course Surcharges - Many golf packages allow golfers to "upgrade"
to better courses. This fee is normal in the Myrtle Beach golf market.
However, many golf packages up sell visitors on better golf courses.
Then, after paying more, the vacationing golfer plays a course that is
no better or sometimes worse than the original one. Do your homework
before paying a surcharge to play a better golf course.
These next two problems often occur with Myrtle Beach golf package
resellers that do not know the local market. Any website can put
Myrtle Beach on their logo and sell packages from locations all over
the world. Only deal with companies that have local market ties and
local market knowledge.
3) Golf Tour - The Grand Strand golf area covers approximately 80
miles. Often these fulfillment centers sell Myrtle Beach golf packages
that have you driving more than golfing. They don't care how long the
trip is as long as they make an extra profit. Make sure to know the
distances between your accommodations and your golf courses on your
next golf vacation.
4) Course Conditions - Golf packagers with no local ties do not know
what the course conditions are like in Myrtle Beach. These companies
rely on dated information and have no idea about yearly maintenance
schedules. Getting tee times at a lower rung course is bad enough.
Don't compound the problem with horrible course conditions. What is
the solution? Contact the Myrtle Beach golf courses yourself and ask
them about their maintenance schedule and course conditions. Or, stick
with a golf packager that has local market knowledge.
Do you need a golf package? This is definitely something to consider.
Myrtle Beach has over 120 golf courses and they are not always sold
out.
5) Buyers Market - During some times of the year there are more golf
courses than golfers. This gives you an edge. It also gives you a
reason to consider booking tee times separately. Summer and winter are
slower than spring and fall. However, you can sometimes get a better
deal booking tee times yourself even in the busy months. Do your
research and investigate options instead of blindly buying golf
packages.
Remember, golf deals always look great on paper. If your Myrtle Beach
golf package is far below the cost of other deals, don't expect a
great golfing experience. Investigate, read the fine print, deal with
a company that has local knowledge and ask for customer testimonials.
This is the best advice we can give you before you purchase a Myrtle
Beach golf package.
Make sure to visit our Myrtle Beach golf section for more great tips
and information before booking your next golf vacation. For complete
golf package tips and advice visit our Myrtle Beach golf package page.
Copyright 2005 Evans Putman - All Rights Reserved. Reprints allowed
see below.