On this edition of Tee It UP Grand Strand, host Shan Coughlin joins general manager Tom Plankers at International World Tour Golf Links to discuss course conditions and also some little pieces of history that make this golf course extra unique. Coughlin said the reason she hosts these golf interviews is to let the public know more about the courses in and around the Myrtle Beach area, and also specifically to share why golfers want to come out and play at World Tour.
Standing inside the clubhouse, Coughlin and Plankers discuss an important part of what makes World Tour special – golf memorabilia from around the world! Plankers explained that the historical displays in the clubhouse represent the different golf holes visitors can play on site. Along the golf course, visitors will be able to read plaques at each hole, which provide information and history. Once they enter the clubhouse, they are able to view memorabilia from places like the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in the United Kingdom, Royal Troon Golf Club of Scotland, and Pine Valley Golf Club in New Jersey – one of the top courses in the world. Some of the interesting items showcased at World Tour include old tickets to the Masters Golf Tournament, scorecards, pictures, and even a flag from St. Andrews, which was signed by professional golfer John Daly. Plankers told Coughlin that this area of the clubhouse is very unique, and there is no other course in Myrtle Beach that does this, or anywhere to his knowledge.
World Tour Golf Links offers visitors a chance to play holes designed just like the major championship tournaments and top courses from around the world, including Pine Valley Golf Club, the National Golf Club of Canada, the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship. One of the most challenging holes is hole No. 3 on the Open Course, which is inspired by the 17th hole at the Stadium Course of the TPC at Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Plankers said this par 3 “gets everyone.” World Tour is a challenge to play because although golfers might see tour players make a shot on TV, once they get out on the course, it’s a completely different feeling.
With December temperatures in the mid-70s, World Tour is currently offering excellent playing conditions. “Well, of course, every course in Myrtle Beach including ourselves has overseeded with the winter grass,” Plankers explained. “It has come out fantastic. Unfortunately, we had a lot of rain to make it come up. But now everything is fine! Myrtle Beach is fine. It’s dried out, it’s perfect conditions. It’s 70 degrees; it’s December 2. I mean, my goodness. The golf course is in fantastic shape. This is a great time to play golf – the fall and early winter…” He continued and said that Myrtle Beach is a fun destination to visit, especially around the holidays when everything is so pretty. The bonus is that the courses are in impeccable shape, as well. Coughlin pointed out that during winter months, the courses are less crowded and rates tend to be a bit lower, too.
To schedule a tee time at World Tour Golf Links, visit TheWorldTourGolf.com. Best place to be right there, Coughlin said. When you enter, you’ll receive a passport and play courses from all over the world.” For more information, check out the World Tour feature page on TheGolfDirector.com.