It takes a lot of guts for a destination to call itself "GolfTown USA." In fact, it may seem downright silly for any one location to stake a claim such as the Myrtle Beach area has done. However, it’s difficult for even the most demanding and seasoned golfer (or golf writer) to dispute the facts.

Variety and the ability to remain unique is what sets the Myrtle Beach area apart from other golf destinations. Yes, you certainly can make an argument that nearly all recreational areas are unique and offer a certain level of variety. But the Grand Stand – the area stretching some 60 miles up and down the coast from the heart of Myrtle Beach – is the mother of them all.

Where else but this golfers’ paradise can you find a par six where you tee off in South Carolina and putt out in North Carolina (The Farmstead near Little River)? How about a par three where a chef serves you a cup of Low Country clam chowder, prepared in a kettle over an open flame before you hit your tee shot (Pine Lakes C.C. – the oldest course in Myrtle Beach)? Or what about water hazards that feature live alligators and watering holes featuring gorgeous southern belles? Just for fun, visit a restaurant operated by Carl the Greenskeeper (Caddyshack Restaurant) or the only Hard Rock Cafe in the world built as a pyramid.

For those of you who have been recently, you know that the Grand Strand is truly a dream location for a golfing vacation. And if you’ve been before but haven’t visited recently, you’ll be amazed at the changes that have taken place over the past several years. The area is always on the cutting edge in terms of recreation and entertainment.

Now, if you haven’t been, you simply must. It’s not just a destination, it’s an experience that all true golf nuts must partake in. No kidding – it’s just that good.

Late September through the first week of December is an ideal time to visit the area. The main tourist season is over – and so is hurricane season – and the mild temperatures are perfect for golfing.

With over 120 courses, and nearly as many lodging options (some 70,000 rooms), the variety is simply unmatched. Whether you’re looking for a cheap golf trip on a tight budget, or a first-class visit to some of the finest courses to be found, "GolfTown USA" leads the way.

"I don’t think people realize how many truly outstanding golf courses are there," says Matt Roberts, Head PGA Golf Professional at Ironhorse Golf Club in Leawood, KS. "Some of the courses there don’t get the recognition they deserve because they kind of get lost in the crowd."

True, the area is crowded with golf courses. But isn’t that what you want when you go to a golf destination?

Courses range from the ordinary to the extraordinary, and over the years most of the courses along the Grand Strand have worked to create their own identity or level of uniqueness you might say.

From the names to the layouts, service and clubhouses, the various golf courses must be creative and forward thinking to attract the typical golf nut visiting the area.

"The variety is truly the key," says Mickey McCamish, President of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday. "We’ve been the headlights for other golf destinations – showing the way you might say.

"The great thing about the Grand Strand in terms of variety is that no matter what you’re looking for we have it. It might be a favorite course architect or a style of course. We also have traditional older courses that have matured beautifully and we have new courses featuring the best in new architecture," adds McCamish.

Although the topography around Myrtle Beach is relatively flat, it is quite diverse. The soil is very sandy allowing architects to sculpt their designs with ease. It also provides for large waste bunkers that add a unique feature to the area.

There are also large stands of pines and other varieties of trees that can add the desired flair and challenge to the area’s courses.

Given those elements, the final but most important key to golf along the Grand Strand is water.

The Atlantic Ocean is the largest water hazard you’ll encounter, however, there are hundreds of lakes strewn across the area’s golf courses. The Intracoastal Waterway winds through the terrain as well, and many courses have used the intriguing system as their main design element. A great example of this would be Waterway Hills – a traditional Robert Trent Jones design. In fact, you must ride an enclosed gondola over the Intracoastal Waterway just to get to the clubhouse.

"Water, whether it be the ocean or the lakes and marshes, is central to the allure of the Grand Strand," McCamish says. Most layouts in the area have water on a high percentage of their golf holes. From swampy bogs to crystal clear reservoirs, water is the predominant design factor along the Grand Strand.

Whether water is involved or not, golfers will find three main styles of courses around Myrtle Beach – all created with equal perfection.

Wetland designs are just that, courses which have been carved through the Carolina coastline. These courses can be quite challenging with either carries over marsh and bog or fairways winding through them. Good examples of this kind of course architecture are the Hummingbird Course at the wonderful Wild Wing Plantation (a facility that boasts four 18-hole championship courses), and the spectacular Arnold Palmer-designed Rivers Edge Golf Club which is situated on the Shallotte River just north of Myrtle Beach.

Links style courses are also prevalent along the Grand Strand. Not only is the terrain along the Atlantic Ocean suitable, but the climate is also superb for growing the "hay" along the fairways that make links designs what they are. Courses like the Tom Doak-designed Heathland at Legends Golf Resort and the John Daly-designed Wicked Stick layout are prime examples. At these, and other links courses in the area, you’ll find wide, undulating fairways and lots of pot bunkers and heather.

There are also dozens of Carolina style courses. These offer a park like setting with tight, tree-lined fairways winding through thick pine forests and beautiful white sand bunkers guarding immaculate greens. Pine Lakes C.C., Panther’s Run Golf Links and the Robert Trent Jones-designed Dunes Club are a few local favorites.

"Although the variety of courses is endless, one thing you’ll find constant is the southern hospitality," McCamish says. "We understand that golfers have lots of choices on where to go for a golf vacation and what courses to play when they get there. The courses along the Grand Strand are sensitive to that and go out of their way to make sure that their guests have an enjoyable experience."

That famous southern hospitality is proudly displayed not only at the golf courses, but at the lodging, entertainment – and particularly the dining establishments – as well.

Myrtle Beach is a virtual playground for people with a wide array of interests. If you’re into dining, you’ll find an eclectic mix of restaurants that feature everything from fresh seafood and Carolina barbecue, to raw oyster bars and lavish buffets.

When it comes to entertainment, Myrtle Beach has it all. Of course, the main attraction is the Atlantic Ocean beachfront. Day or night, it’s an exciting place to be. Ocean Boulevard runs along the beach and is flanked on both sides by colorful accommodations and attractions.

Myrtle Beach also boasts two entertainment complexes of note.

Broadway at the Beach, situated at the heart of Myrtle Beach, features dozens of theme restaurants, retail shops, night clubs and more. The complex is anchored by the Hard Rock Cafe, and also contains some of the area’s hottest clubs. It’s also the location of the brand new Caddyshack Restaurant which is owned by Bill Murray and his brothers. The Atlanta Braves Class A ballpark is located right across the street as are many lodging facilities.

Although Broadway at the Beach is hard to top, the development at Barefoot Landing is also quite impressive. Located at the north end of Myrtle Beach, the complex also features restaurants, shops and nightclubs. The House of Blues and Greg Norman’s Australian Grille are located there, and should be on your must do list.

While one can become somewhat overwhelmed with all the things to do along the Grand Strand – let there be no mistake – golf is the numero uno activity. With over 4 million rounds of golf played annually, and the strongest association of golf courses and accommodations in the world, you just can’t go wrong making this trip.

The area has a strong drive-in market (those arriving by car), but they also have a modern airport for jet travel.

McCamish says that Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday works with all the airlines flying into the Myrtle Beach area to maximize the experience.

"We try to get most of the flights to arrive around noon and the departing flights to leave in the afternoon. That way you can play 18 the day you get here and then perhaps get in an additional 18 the day you depart."

Unfortunately, Kansas City-based Vanguard Airlines, who had several non-stop flights into Myrtle Beach, recently suspended operations. However, US Airways and Delta both offer reasonable prices and schedules to the destination from Kansas City.

Convenience, variety and southern hospitality – Myrtle Beach is one of the few golf destinations around the world that offers all three in large doses.

For a free 164-page Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday catalog call 800-845-4653 or by going to their web site at www.golfholiday.com.