GOLF DESTINATIONS

Brunswick County's Top
Five Golf Course Values

By Shane Sharp,
Contributing Writer

Calabash Golf Links

Within the corporate machine that is Myrtle Beach Golf, there exists a tiny sampling of family owned, brilliantly managed and finely conditioned golf courses. Calabash Golf Links is one of them. For an inland course that only charges around $50, Calabash is a must play for golfers that relish bang for the buck. Owner Kemp Causey is typically out playing nine holes or "puttzing" around on the putting green. The layout features a couple of memorable holes, and a bunch of good ones punctuated with tight little tiff dwarf Bermuda greens. Call 800-841-5971.

Crow Creek Plantation

Former Jack Nicklaus senior design associate Rick Robbins crafted Crow Creek. Since opening in February of 2000, the course has earned a reputation as one of the most straightforward tracks in Brunswick County. The family owned and operated course has made a name for itself among Brunswick County's 30-plus golf courses by supplying golfers with a playable, well-groomed layout replete with airplane hanger sized L93 bentgrass greens and sensibly designed golf holes. The front nine, which is unfailingly flat, unabashedly wide open, and always a stiff challenge when the coastal breezes kick up in the early afternoon. The back nine takes on a decidedly different feel with its tree lined fairways and rolling contours. Call 877-287-3081.

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Brunswick Plantation

Twenty-seven user friendly, inland holes that are always in good shape. The proshop staff is solid and overall, it's a nice experience. The setting doesn't stack up to Rivers Edge or Brick Landing Plantation, but not many golf courses are blessed with waterfront views. Buoyed by an excellent head professional and superintendent, Brunswick has plenty-o true rolling Crenshaw bentgrass greens and tightly manicured Bermuda fairways for players to enjoy. For the money, you'd have a tough time finding anything better. Call 800-848-0290.

Lockwood Folly Country Club

The term is over used by public relation pundits, but Lockwood Folly is truly one of the hidden gems of the North Strand. The piece of property is sneaky awesome, with a back nine that plays right up against the Lockwood Folly River. The course is always in excellent condition, and the staff is one of the most cordial in the North Strand. Even if you are not on a shoestring budget, Lockwood is a must-play. One of Willard Byrd's better offerings at the beach, the course is totally playable from the middle tees, but backs up to a 139 slope from the tips that will challenge low handicappers. Call 877-562-9663.

Carolina National

National doesn't get the hype that Tidewater and Rivers Edge do when it comes to the Brunswick County, but this 27-hole Fred Couples/Gene Bates designed layout deserves to be mentioned in almost the same breath. The course is set on the scenic Lockwood Folly River, and has been certified as an Audubon Sanctuary. The third nine opened in late 1999, and rivals its slightly older siblings for scenery and challenge. Carolina National could easily play sixth man in the Five Must Play category. Call 888-200-6455.