Get your grub on at this popular Murrells Inlet eatery

You’d be hard pressed to find a Myrtle Beach-area restaurant with more history than Hot Fish Club in Murrells Inlet, just like you’d be hard pressed to find a better company for stay & play golf packages than MBGolf.com.

The original Hot Fish Club was founded in the late 1700s by the planters of All Saints Parish, a social club dedicated to epicurean pursuits, with gourmet food, strong drinks and festive times. The first club was said to be on Drunken Jack Island, located just a few miles south of the current location. Eventually, the original was dismantled and laid to rest, and today, an ever-shifting sand bar off the coast of Huntington Beach State Park is all that remains of the site.

Thankfully, Hot Fish Club lives on. The present installment is, fittingly, located in the oldest existing restaurant building on the Grand Strand, and it remains a favorite gathering place for anyone seeking great food and drink, and lively conversation. They truly pride themselves on personal service, and a desire to satisfy each and every guest.

Most of the menu items served at Hot Fish Club are sourced locally for superb freshness and quality, such as milk from local farms, fish from day boats and local fresh produce. The menu includes favorites such as the lobster pot pie, with chunks of lobster, shrimp and scallops in a white wine cream sauce topped with scratch-made puff pastry. There also is the blackened red snapper, topped with fresh pico de gallo and avocado, served over sautéed spinach and local, stone-ground grits. If turf is more your thing, try the chicken fried chicken. This dish comes with country ham and onion gravy and is served with mashed potatoes and bacon green beans, then topped with onion straws.

Tradition, food, fun: It’s all there waiting for you at Hot Fish Club!

Shining the spotlight on the Dan Maples design’s first hole

For those who know Myrtle Beach golf, Willbrook Plantation is considered one of the best courses around. The club, located in Pawleys Island, embraces the history of the Carolina Lowcountry better than any other, with numerous placards stationed throughout the course telling the story of two rice plantations dating back to 1776, on which the course now lies. While history is sure to become the star of your round at Willbrook, the golf course is no slouch either, as the layout is challenging, highly creative and forces players to hit every shot in the bag, all factors which can be seen from the very first hole. Here’s what to expect on No. 1 at Willbrook during your next MBGolf.com vacation:

World Golf Hall of Fame member Lee Trevino, who once played Willbrook, called the 428-yard (all figures back tees) first hole one of the toughest opening holes he’s ever played. A dogleg right, it’s a hole where players must hit their tee shots through a narrow shoot of centuries-old Southern oaks with branches and brush overhanging. A straight ball to start your day is an absolute must, though you won’t want to hit it much farther than 260 yards off the tee for fear of running through the fairway and into a hazard area which guards the hole’s left perimeter.

If executed, hitting that drive of just over 260 yards to the middle of the fairway where the dogleg bends leaves just a 155-yard approach to a green complex that is gettable, so long as you avoid the oak blocking out the green’s right side and the hazard area which comes into play short and left. Still, there is plenty of room on and around the green for you to be successful, and if you’re going to miss it, right and long isn’t terrible. As with many of the greens at Willbrook, the putting surface at No. 1 is small but undulating, as well as speedy and perfectly manicured no matter the time of year.

A real challenge awaits players of all skill levels at Willbrook Plantation, right from the very first hole. So, be ready to stripe it from the start with MBGolf.com!

The popular track remains an enjoyable, highly playable golf experience

Some golf courses set out to punish players with their ultra-difficult layouts which penalize any shot hit ever so slightly off line. But, for the most part, River Oaks is not this way, instead providing a player-friendly experience that still has its challenging moments. Are you looking to find a course for your next MBGolf.com vacation that strikes a perfect balance between fun and fair, all while not breaking your bank account? River Oaks is a popular choice. Here’s what you can expect to encounter:

River Oaks’ Fox side presents a mix of reachable par 5s, creative, stern par 4s and par 3s that are relatively short and gettable. The side’s third hole is one such par 3, and is extra notable because of the exceptional view players get from the tee box, with the Intracoastal Waterway lurking in the background (but still far enough away from the green to cause much of an issue).

One of River Oaks’ signature holes, No. 7 on the Fox side is a reachable, dogleg par 5 that forces players to navigate a water hazard about halfway between the tee box and pin. With a good tee shot played to just before the hazard, getting to the green here is very doable. Never made an eagle before? Well, there is a real chance you could make it happen at No. 7.

After shooting a good number on the Fox side — which often serves as the front nine at River Oaks — be sure to harness all of that confidence for the Otter nine, a layout that can be more challenging for players, especially if one hits it off line from the tee.

For example, the side’s eighth hole is a difficult par 4 — perhaps the most challenging hole on the property — a dogleg to the right with a fairway protected to the right by a water hazard and to the left by trees and out-of-bounds. Hitting a good tee shot here is an absolute must, and if accomplished, leaves a mid to long iron into a raised green protected by a bunker in the front left.

Finally, the last hole on the Otter side, No. 9, is another stern but fair test. Once again, a water hazard guards the right side of the hole while trees and OB come into play down the left. This hole’s large green is protected by multiple bunkers as well. Our suggestion? Play this one as a true three-shot par 5. It’ll leave only a wedge in for a third shot.

River Oaks is a special place because it really does allow all players to shoot a round they can be proud of. Check it out with MBGolf.com!

A par 4 you are sure to remember

Arcadian Shores Golf Club is the first solo effort by Rees Jones in what has become a remarkable and legendary design career. Located just seconds from the Atlantic Ocean, the course’s tree-lined fairways are somewhat narrow, while myriad bunkers — varying in shape and size — are strewn strategically throughout. Still, the recently renovated setup at Arcadian is highly playable for all, with scorable par 5s and 3s and a great mix of testy par 4s that still display Jones’ traditional design features. These par 4s include No. 14, a signature hole at Arcadian and one you won’t want to miss on your next golf vacation with MBGolf.com.

No. 14 is a straightaway par 4 measuring 398 yards from the back tees and with two key challenges to navigate throughout the hole: bunkering and a severe incline. There are three large bunkers protecting the left side of the fairway in addition to two even larger greenside bunkers, one to the left and one to the right of the putting surface. Meanwhile, the hole slopes significantly uphill from tee to green, meaning you must take extra club to hit your mark. There also is a small water hazard just in front of the tee box but, barring a real disaster, it’s easily navigable for players and does not present much of a threat. Some tee boxes are placed after the hazard.

Off the tee, favor the left side of the fairway. You’ll have to challenge the bunkers, but it provides the optimal angle into the green, which is vastly important given the incline of the approach shot making it difficult to get the ball hole high. Left also is better because the right side has trees and a road running parallel to the entire length of the hole. There are trees left of the fairway bunkers also.

There’s a lot to consider on No. 14. But a solid tee shot and second will reward players with a chance for a well-deserved birdie. Book a tee time and take on the challenge for yourself. What are you waiting for?

Spotlighting the menu at Hook & Barrel in central Myrtle Beach

The commitment local seafood restaurant Hook & Barrel makes to provide distinctive, sustainable seafood dishes and local produce is unmatched for any other restaurant in the category, and that commitment can be seen in each and every dish they prepare. Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach — appropriately just blocks from the Atlantic Ocean — Hook & Barrel is a must-try on your upcoming MBGolf.com vacation. Here’s what to check out for yourself from the menu:

A dish known for its magnitude throughout the Grand Strand, Hook & Barrel’s seafood tower appetizer (market price) includes oysters in shell, crab legs, shrimp cocktail, ceviche and lobster tail – again, with a strong emphasis on serving sustainably sourced catch from local waters whenever possible. In addition, be sure and order a couple bloody mary oyster shooters for the table before the main course arrives.

There are so many great entrees to try at Hook & Barrel. The pineapple shrimp fried rice is a bigtime favorite, and so too is the Lowcountry Jambalaya for 2, with clams, shrimp, fresh catch, scallops, crab, chicken, andouille sausage, bell peppers, jalapeno, onions, tomato and vegetable broth, served over rice with a French baguette. The flavors cannot be beat!

Also, inquire about the Harvest of the Sea special, with that day’s fresh fish selection (market price), prepared one of four ways and served with one of five sauces, along with a choice of side. In addition, top it with crab cake or imperial topping for $6.

Finally, at dessert time, their baked Alaska is no joke.

Hook & Barrel is open daily at 4 p.m. except for their Sunday Brunch (9 a.m.), which is a top-notch dining experience as well. Meanwhile, their Happy Hour runs 4-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Whenever you choose to stop in, make Hook & Barrel part of your plans on your next golf trip with MBGolf.com. You won’t regret it!

Experience the supreme character of Founders Club at Pawleys Island this spring with MBGolf.com

Pawleys Island is known for its Lowcountry charm, salty marshlands and year-round seasonal weather to enjoy the great outdoors, and Founders Club at Pawleys Island continues to be a part of the area’s tradition, with history dating back to 1966 as the fourth-oldest golf course in the Myrtle Beach area. So, looking to play a course with a distinct sense of character during your upcoming MBGolf.com vacation? Well, then look no further than Founders Club.

A recent renovation by Thomas Walker restored the natural sandy areas throughout the course which are common to this coastal region, creating beautifully framed visuals set amid tall, long-leaf pines and sprawling oaks. Meanwhile, subtle mounding and Founders Club’s natural topography create stunning shadowing throughout the course, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

This unique topography perhaps is best showcased on No. 14, a 449-yard (all yardages back tees) par 4 that doglegs to the right and plays into an elevated green flanked by bunkers that devour dreams of par. Your approach shot here is absolutely critical, one of the most important you’ll hit all day. Don’t get too aggressive but be sure to get the ball hole high.

Other notable holes at Founders Club include No. 3 – fittingly, a par 3 measuring 190 yards. This hole requires a shot over water with a mid- to long-iron approach and encapsulates several of the course’s defining characteristics – notably, sand, undulating greens and water. For just a par 3, there are so many difficulties here, with upper and lower tee boxes and numerous potential pin placements.

Finally, No. 18 is a proper finishing hole, a short par 4 which plays to 373 yards and sends players home with a visual they will remember forever, an approach shot over water into a green that rests in the shadow of the course’s Lowcountry-style clubhouse. This hole gives players an opportunity for a good score, but it still is as challenging as it is aesthetically beautiful.

Time stands still and so too does the beautiful scenery at Founders Club at Pawleys Island, a course with real character and tradition. Be sure to check it out for yourself this spring with MBGolf.com!

Experience Quigley’s Pint & Plate’s recently opened second spot in Murrells Inlet this spring

Sharing great food and cold beer among family and friends is what mealtime on your upcoming MBGolf.com vacation is all about. So, if you’re looking for a one-stop shop that provides the highest-quality grub and brews, all in a fun, pub-style setting, consider trying Quigley’s Pint & Plate’s new second location in Murrells Inlet when you visit the Grand Strand this spring.

Quigley’s Pint & Plate features Lowcountry-inspired comfort fare with house-made ales and lagers in an English pub atmosphere. Their lunch menu includes elevated favorites like ahi tuna nachos: sesame seared rare tuna on crispy flour tortilla chips with seaweed salad, cucumber-wasabi cream and sriracha sauce. There also is their grilled portobello caprese sandwich, involving pesto grilled portobello mushroom with fresh mozzarella, basil, sliced tomatoes and balsamic glaze on a brioche roll.

At dinnertime, be sure to order the ale-poached clams as an appetizer. These little necks are poached in wheat beer, with tomato, garlic and fresh herbs, then served with grilled bread. For an entrée, you can’t go wrong with the Cajun ribeye with fried oysters. This dish is topped with spicy tomato-bacon cream sauce and served with mashed potatoes and green beans. What a true Southern delight!

Of course, don’t forget what Quigley’s is really known for: the beer! Eight beers always are on tap, including specialty brewed seasonal selections from their in-house brewery. Current offerings include a white ale, a peach wheat and an Irish stout. They also offer half-gallon growlers and 32 oz. growlers available to go, so if you find a beer you really like, take some with you and enjoy it at your leisure the rest of your stay. Additionally, Quigley’s has a wide selection of wines, cocktails, martinis and hand-crafted draft cocktails available.

Taste the quality for yourself this spring at Quigley’s in Murrells Inlet. Though this location is brand-spanking-new, they already are making quite the impression on those who visit. As one person put it on TripAdvisor:

“As the Pawleys location is one of our favorites, could not wait for this to open so we could try it. Went with a friend … and it was just as excellent. Service is friendly, prices reasonable.”

Golf in the Carolina Lowcountry embodied in just one hole

Jack Nicklaus flexes his incredible imagination for golf course design at Pawleys Plantation, a visually stunning Lowcountry gem clothed in oak canopies and picturesque marsh views. Even more, Pawleys Plantation takes these marvelous views and lets you experience them up close and personal – just like on No. 16, an iconic hole you won’t soon forget after visiting Myrtle Beach this spring with MBGolf.com.

No. 16 is a par 4 measuring 444 yards from the back tees. The tee shot plays around a long dogleg to the left, forcing players to hit it a good way or else be blocked out from reaching the green with their second shot by dense forestry. Once successfully out and around the bend, players will be faced with a mid- to long-iron into a green that is large enough to receive shots from a distance.

Doesn’t sound all that challenging, right? Well, here comes the fun part.

Natural marshland runs down the right side of the hole from about 120 yards in around to the back of the green, meaning you can’t miss right or long without being in serious danger. In addition, an exceptionally large sand bunker (a key trait of Nicklaus-designed courses) runs parallel to the marsh, separating it from the putting surface (more danger). There also are bunkers protecting the green to the left (so much danger!).

Add this all up and what do you get? One of the more daunting approach shots you will face anywhere on the Grand Strand, with nowhere to bail out and only one option: to face the marsh and hit a great shot to the center of the green. Once there, a difficult, undulating putt awaits.

On No. 16 at Pawleys Plantation, Nicklaus begs golfers of all skill levels to rise up and play their best, so you will need to bring your A game if you are to conquer this hole: a beautiful, challenging, perfect encapsulation of what defines golf on the Carolina coast.

Sun City Cafe: The Grand Strand’s original spot for Myrtle-Mex cuisine

In the springtime, there’s something special about a really great taco or burrito or quesadilla paired with an ice-cold margarita after you play golf with MBGolf.com. Everyone knows there are tons of places in Myrtle Beach to get your Tex-Mex on, but there’s only one spot on the Strand serving up Myrtle-Mex food, and that’s Sun City Cafe. Make sure you check it out on your upcoming golf getaway!

Sun City Cafe is the No. 6-ranked restaurant in all of Myrtle Beach, according to its TripAdvisor page, and features one of the more unique ambiances you’ll find. The setting is intimate, laid back, fun and just plain cool. There’s funky art hanging on the walls as well as beads, flowers and other decorations dangling from the ceiling above.

The food at Sun City is just as spectacular as the vibe, with ginormous tacos, burritos and quesadillas made to order. Our idea of the perfect meal at Sun City? Start with the guacamole and taste the freshness for yourself. Then move on to an order of fish tacos (again, as fresh as they come) and get a Sun City quesadilla as well. It comes with chicken and spinach and is grilled until perfectly crispy on the outside, warm and delicious on the inside.

The food at Sun City Cafe is as good as there is anywhere on the Strand. But don’t just take our word for it, see what those who have eaten there recently have said on TripAdvisor:

“Let me just say, I will never make another trip to Myrtle Beach and not stop here … it’s an absolute must! Everything from the margarita, to the guac, to the shrimp & fish burrito were lights out.”

“This is my favorite local place to eat and I’m so glad this is in my hometown! If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, Sun City is the place to go! Everything is made fresh and comes out hot and looking amazing.”

On your upcoming MBGolf.com vacation, see for yourself why visitors and locals agree that Sun City Cafe is the one-and-only place for Myrtle-Mex grub.

No. 17 at Glen Dornoch: Impossible to find a hole more scenic than this

The finishing three holes at Glen Dornoch are among Myrtle Beach’s toughest, offering stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway – but with it, wind, wetlands and water, requiring players to be at their very best. The middle of this iconic stretch, No. 17 is considered by many to be the most scenic par 3 in the area. But don’t admire the view too long! The hole is no slouch and has punished more than its fair share of scorecards. Here’s what you’ll see, and need to do, when you play No.17 on your MBGolf.com vacation.

From the tees, the Intracoastal Waterway lies gracefully in the background behind No. 17’s hourglass-shaped green. But that’s not even close to it all. What makes this hole so disastrously captivating, so wonderfully terrifying, is that it’s long (measuring 212 yards from the black tees and 164 from the white) and the green is entirely protected in the front and left by coastal marsh. You might think, “I’ll just bail out right and long then.” But you can’t do that, either, because course designer Clyde Johnston protects the right side of the green with several strategic pot bunkers, a large greenside bunker dug out with railroad ties and a dense forest of Carolina pines. What does that all add up to? A shot that you can’t mishit without the chance of throwing up a big number on the card.

With no place to bail out, the only option is to choose your club wisely, commit to the shot and hit before the beautiful madness gets in your head. Often, the pin placement will tease players to hit shots close to the water. Our suggestion? Don’t succumb to the pressure. A strong middle iron to the center of the green will do just fine, all while still giving you a chance to make a 2 and move on to No. 18.

You’ll step on to the tee box and feel it: The beauty and difficulty of this remarkable par 3.