What makes Myrtle Beach the ultimate golf destination? Is it the world-class courses, the community, or perhaps a combination of both? Join us as we tee off with a special guest who knows the Grand Strand like the back of his hand. In this episode, we sit down with Wes Loman, known as The Salty Golfer. Wes has quickly become a local legend in Myrtle Beach. A golf enthusiast and the founder of The Salty Golfer brand, his passion for the game combined with his deep roots in the Myrtle Beach golf community has led him to create a brand that resonates with locals and visitors alike. The Salty Golfer isn’t just a name – it’s a movement celebrating the laid-back, beachy vibe of golf in the Grand Strand. In our conversation, we discuss the current state of golf, the excitement surrounding the ongoing FedEx Cup, and the Mt Rushmore of golf for this last decade. Wes shares his journey from a family tradition of golf to building The Salty Golfer brand, his views on the importance of youth involvement in golf, and his role as an unofficial ambassador for Myrtle Beach. Explore what makes the Myrtle Beach World Amateur Golf Tournament the largest and most exciting amateur golf event and why it is a must-attend for golf lovers everywhere. Join us to connect with the heart of the Grand Strand and learn what makes The Salty Golfer a beloved figure in the golf community. Tune in now!

The Myrtle Beach golf package of the episode is the Hammock Coast Golf Trail, offering great discounts on some of the South end’s most popular and picturesque courses, like Caledonia or Pawleys Plantation! The accommodations of the episode are the AshWorth luxury condos. These oceanfront 2, 3, and 4 bedroom condos offer unparalleled luxury right off of famous Main Street in North Myrtle Beach!

In this episode of Teed Off, hosts Ben Clyburn and Aaron Thomas are joined by guest Corey Bowers, the head golf professional at Sea Trail Golf Club. The discussion covers various topics related to the world of golf, including a recap of the US Open and Bryson DeChambeau's victory, thoughts on the 2025 Ryder Cup and its captaincy, and a preview of the Open Championship with favorite and sleeper picks. The conversation then shifts to Corey's background and his journey to becoming the head golf professional at Sea Trail. Corey provides an in-depth overview of the extensive renovations and improvements underway at Sea Trail Golf Club, including renovations to the golf courses, clubhouses, restaurants, and accommodations. The episode also touches on the Myrtle Beach golf scene, with updates on rounds played, booking trends, and accommodation recommendations. Last but not least, the crew goes over their Tee'd Offs- they discuss their personal grievances related to golf etiquette and course maintenance!

The golf package of the episode is The Myrtle Beach Golf Trail Multi-
Play Package. The Myrtle Beach Golf Trail has nearly 30 premium courses in the Myrtle Beach area. The Multi-Play Package gives you exclusive discounts if you book 2 or more rounds when planning your next Myrtle Beach golf trip on MBgolf.com!

The accommodations of the episode are the Laguna Keyes luxury condominiums. Located on the beachfront in historic Cherry Grove, Laguna Keyes offers 2,3, and 4 bedroom oceanfront and ocean view condos. Finely appointed with spacious floorplans, fully equipped kitchens, and private balconies, Laguna Keyes condos offered by Condo-World are great options if you are playing courses on the North Strand in the Myrtle Beach area.

In this episode, we are joined by Justin Binke, Director of Sales and Revenue at Founders Group International and PGA professional, to unpack the upcoming US Open and learn about the Founders Group courses. Founders Group International is a top golf management company based in Myrtle Beach. It offers various services, including golf memberships, tee time bookings, and discount programs. Justin oversees revenue strategies and sales operations for Founders Group and is known for his role in enhancing the golf vacation experience and managing complex projects. In our conversation, we talk about the life and struggles of Grayson Murray, the importance of mental health resources in sports, and the benefits of working with a mental health professional. We delve into our key players and predictions for the US Open, rising and upcoming golf stars, and the latest controversy in the world of golf. Discover insider details about the Founders Group golf courses, the allure of Myrtle Beach as a top golf destination, and Jack Nicklaus’ role in helping design the courses. Justin also shares his journey in golf, how he got into the marketing and business side of it, and his background with Founders Group. We also provide insights into the best packages for Founders Group, Myrtle Beach updates, the growing popularity of golf, and what tees us off on the course. The Featured accommodations of the episode were the fabulous offerings at the Mar Vista Grande in North Myrtle Beach, which offers 3 and 4-bedroom spacious oceanfront or ocean-view condos. Tune in for more insider tips, predictions, and stories that will have you swinging into the US Open and planning your next Myrtle Beach Golf Package on MBgolf.com.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Paying tribute to the sudden passing of Grayson Murray.
• Why it’s important to seek assistance from a mental health professional.
• How Nelly Korda is dominating the women’s game.
• Unexpected headlines from Scottie Scheffler.
• US Open week and our top winners picks!
• Justin’s background in professional golf and his path to the Founders Group.
• History, amenities, and standout features of the Founders Group golf courses.
• What makes Founders Group golf courses unique.
• Completed and upcoming course and facility renovations Founders Group has planned.
• Our favorite and most challenging Founders Group courses.
• Top golf package recommendations for the Founders Group courses.

Episode 17: PGA Championship and The Myrtle Beach Classic!

In today’s episode, hosts Ben and Aaron unpack the excitement and controversy surrounding the PGA Championship and discuss the Myrtle Beach Classic. We start our conversation with the latest news in professional golf and the upcoming PGA Championship. Next, we dive into Rory McIlroy's departure from the player policy board, Tiger Woods being the sole PGA player involved in negotiations, and our concerns about the state of professional golf. We explore the reasons for the declining viewership, the controversies surrounding rival leagues, and Brooks Koepka's admiration for Rory McIlroy. We also talk about the upcoming Myrtle Beach Classic golf tournament, analyze the field of players, evaluate course conditions, and highlight some well-known names that will be attending. Shifting to our usual "Tee’d Off” segment, we share our struggles with putter performance and receiving unsolicited swing advice from playing partners, and provide insights into popular accommodation spots for golfers. Tune in now!

The Myrtle Beach golf course of the episode is the fabulous Dunes Golf and Beach Club, host of the Myrtle Beach Classic! Accommodations of the episode are the highly requested oceanfront condos of Crescent Shores. Located in the heart of North Myrtle Beach, Crescent Shores offers 2, 3, and 4 bedroom luxury condos that would be perfect for your next Myrtle Beach golf trip. Plentiful bedding options, finely appointed interiors, fully equipped kitchens and private balconies are just a few of the amenities you will find at Crescent Shores, all on the oceanfront! For an unforgettable experience, consider The Dunes Golf and Beach Club and Crescent Shores when building your Myrtle Beach golf package on MBgolf.com.

Key Points From This Episode:

Explore the reasons for Rory McIlroy leaving the policy board.
Tiger Woods’ legacy in professional golf and his possible partnership.
The LIV Golf and PGA controversy and the decline in viewership.
We share our perspectives on the current state of professional golf.
The PGA Championship and the players we want to see competing.
Hear our favorites sleeper picks for the upcoming championship.
Introduction to the upcoming Myrtle Beach Classic golf tournament.
Overview and analysis of the players participating in the tournament.
Details about the Myrtle Beach Classic course and conditions.
What makes The Dunes Golf Course so memorable to play.
Package recommendations for your next Myrtle Beach golf trip.

In this episode of Tee’d Off, Ben and Aaron are joined by golf legend Jimmy Hanlin, a TV personality and PGA professional, to talk about a wide range of topics, from the highly anticipated Masters tournament to personal golfing experiences and the overall state of the professional game. We start by finding out how his passion for the sport developed from an early age. From making a golf course from empty soup cans to hosting a TV show about golf, Jimmy shares how his professional involvement with the sport grew. We delve into the upcoming Masters tournament, our top picks, sleeper picks, and picks to stay away from! Discover why having top talent play in tournaments is good for the sport, the controversy surrounding the PGA Tour and LIV Golf tournaments, and what we can expect for the future of golf. We also share personal anecdotes and frustrations encountered on the golf course and the challenges Jimmy faces when offering advice to players during great segment of Tee'd Off! We also highlight the top golf packages in Myrtle Beach, including the renowned Barefoot Resort and AshWorth condos. Tune in for insightful golf discussions and expert recommendations from the pros!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How Jimmy got started in golf and his path to playing professionally.
• Learn about his transition from a competitor to a TV presenter.
• He explains why Myrtle Beach is his favorite golf course.
• Find out what Jimmy has planned for his TV shows, 18 Holes and Swing Clinic.
• What golfers can learn from celebrities who play golf.
• His perspective on the meeting with Tiger Woods and the PIF officials.
• Unpack why the lack of top golfers in the PGA Tour is bad for the sport.
• Masters Tournament picks and sleepers.
• Jimmy shares his Tee’d Off story about the challenges he faces as an instructor.
• The back nine: Myrtle Beach updates and details about the Barefoot Resort Courses.
• Accommodations of the episode: The AshWorth!

Quotes:

“People that are watching on TV, they just want it very simple, right? If I just do this one thing, it's going to help me get a little bit better. That's where I try to do a lot of things that keep it in that perspective.” — @JimmyHanlin [0:18:27]

“I think when we look back at this 20 years from now, we're going to see that the PGA Tour or the people that were involved at the PGA Tour and the world is going to owe [Phil Mickelson] an apology.” — @JimmyHanlin [0:25:33]

“At the end of the day, I want to turn on a TV every Sunday and have a chance to see John Rahm, Scottie Sheffler, and Brooks Koepke going at it. Just what I want to watch. It's the best.” —@JimmyHanlin [0:29:37]

“It's good if Tiger finishes four rounds these days. I love him. I love Tiger. He's been so good to the game of golf, and it's just a shame.” — @JimmyHanlin [0:49:23]

In this special episode of Tee'd Off, Ben and Aaron sit down with long time Myrtle Beach Golf veteran and new President of Volvik USA, Pete Kinney!

Pete started his career in Myrtle Beach in 1990 as the Assistant Professional at Waterway Hills, a former popular course located on Restaurant Row. Known for it's signature gondola ride across the Intracoastal Waterway to and from the course, Pete said that manning the gondola once a week was the greatest bag boy position in town! To fuel his love for the game and to make ends meet, Pete also worked at a mini-golf course in the evenings, and even provided the famous 49 cent grip changes at Golf Dimensions! After stops at Sea Trail and Tidewater golf clubs, Pete scored his first Head Professional job at Beachwood Golf Club in 1996. During this time, Pete was involved in the inception of the Tee Time Network in the Myrtle Beach area, which was one of the first network-based tee times systems in the country!

Over the next 20 years, Pete shifted into the corporate realm of the golf industry, gaining a wealth of experience in the apparel and equipment sectors with senior sales positions at major brands including TaylorMade, Slazenger, Cleveland, Bridgestone, Golf Galaxy, and Ralph Lauren. During his time with these brands, Pete became obsessed with the development and innovations of the golf ball. In 2023, Pete interviewed for a senior sales position with Volvik. His knowledge for the industry, golf ball manufacturing, and the genuine grass roots tales of his career were more than impactful, and Pete accepted the position of President of Volvik USA in August of 2023!

With an impressive list of accomplishments spanning 4 decades, Pete coined this amazing opportunity with Volvik as his, "last job," but that in no way defines the ferocity and pace at which he has taken to bring a resurgence to the brand. With 13 balls in their lineup, and nearly a dozen special edition balls, Volvik is bringing the word FUN to performance on the links! Pete showed the Tee'd Off crew their new Deadpool gift set to be released with the much-anticipated 3rd film, and he also dropped a bombshell on a new partnership with Disney! With vastly popular franchises such as Cars, Monsters Inc., and Toy Story, be on the lookout for some special edition Volvik balls showcasing your favorite Disney Character. Ben and Aaron hoped that Star Wars balls would soon be available, and Pete intimated that a deal with Lucas Films is not out of the question. How cool would a Darth Vader ball be?! In addition to providing fun, Volvik is looking to tee it up for a cause; their Vista3 Pink 360 BCRF ball gives $1 to each dozen sold for the Breast Cancer Research Fund, a initiative that not only seeks for a cure, but for ways to reduce recurrence of cancer in survivors. Pete and Volvik are off to a wonderful start reshaping the Volvik brand and we cannot wait to see what's next!

Being a person of authority in the golf ball sector, we could not help but ask for Pete's feedback on the golf ball rollback. From the perspective of a PGA Member and Volvik President, Pete is against the rollback, but promises that Volvik will push the envelope of what is possible and maximum the performance of their balls, regardless of any restrictions.

In a very special segment of Tee'd Off, Pete shared hilarious stories about Gary McCord, David Feherty, and Tiger Woods! You will have to tune in to hear these amazing stories!

The package of the episode is the Myrtle Beach Golf Trail Replay Package, where you can get great prebooked replay discounts on nearly 30 of the top courses in Myrtle Beach!

The accommodations of the episode is the Blue Water Keyes in North Myrtle Beach. This oceanfront resort offers some of the most luxurious 2, 3, and 4 bedroom condos in the area, with large floorplans and great bedding options for your next Myrtle Beach golf trip!

In this episode of Tee'd Off, the crew discuss the new drama in the world of golf, including new LIV Golf defections and rumors, Tiger's new apparel deal with TaylorMade, and an amateur winning a PGA Tour event for the first time in 30 years! PGA Professional Jake Benton joins the studio to discuss the prominent Arrowhead Country Club in Myrtle Beach. Aaron and Ben share what packages and accommodations fit well with Arrowhead Country Club, and some great things to do in the Myrtle Beach area after a fun round of play in the Golf Capital of the World! The show wraps with another great segment of "Tee'd Off!"

For the first time since Phil Mickelson in 1991, an amateur won a PGA Tour event! Nick Dunlap took home the trophy at the American Express Championship at PGA West, scoring a tournament-best round of 60 on Saturday and a dramatic finish to hold on to the lead on Sunday. Although his amateur status prevented Nick from taking home the $1.5 million prize, he did leave with some special parting gifts, including PGA Tour exemptions and entry into all 4 upcoming major championships. Nick also won't be hurting monetarily for long, as he has recently announced he is turning professional and will be competing on the PGA Tour full time for the remainder of 2024.

LIV Golf pulled another big name over to their controversial alternative golf tour; world number 16 Tyrell Hatton has signed onto Jon Rahm's Legion XIII for a deal worth $50 million dollars. Tyrell is the newest defections amongst a batch of rumored PGA Tour departures, including names like Wyndham Clark and Brian Harmon. One of the biggest names rumored in this group is quite a blast from the past.. Anthony Kim! AK is slated to make his long awaited return to professional golf by joining LIV in March. Kim, who has not played on the PGA Tour since 2012, has been absent from the game due to injuries and a large insurance policy that would be void if he returned to the tour. The large LIV sign on bonuses have made it possible for AK to take the risk and return to competitive golf. Kim's energy, cockiness, and risk-it-all style of play made him quite the polarizing figure in 2008-2011; it will be great to see him tee it up again soon on the big stage again!

Tiger Woods' recent split from Nike Golf has left many in the golf world wondering what the future would be for the Goat's personal brand. Those questions were answered quickly, as TaylorMade has recently filed for Trademark rights for a new logo of a new brand known as Sunday Red! This new brand appears to be the next chapter in what has been an iconic period of golf fashion. Sunday Red will feature apparel and accessory offerings, so we look forward to seeing what TaylorMade comes up with!

Jake Benton, PGA Professional of Arrowhead Country Club, stops by the Tee'd Off studio to talk shop and explain what makes one of the highest requested Myrtle Beach courses so special. Arrowhead is located just off of Highway 501 in Myrtle Beach, and offers 27 premium holes. Jake is proud of the wall to wall overseeding program that makes Arrowhead green and pristine year round! The mini verde bermuda greens are always a treat and roll pure year round. Jake breaks down Arrowhead's signature hole: Waterway #5, which offers some of the finest views of the Intracoastal Waterway! The package of the episode is the popular Elite Package, which offers great pricing and replay offerings for some of the most premium courses in Myrtle Beach.

The accommodations of the episode are Bay View on the Boardwalk and Paradise Resort. Both with 1,2,3, and 4 bedroom options to fit most budgets, golfers can stay in style on the oceanfront and be close to all the action Myrtle Beach! Off the course, the Tee'd Off crew break down some of the area's most popular breweries, including Voodoo Brewing Grand Strand Brewing Company, and Crooked Hammock Brewery.

In this episode of Tee'd Off, Dale Ketola from the Grande Dunes Performance Center joins Ben in the studio to discuss the latest in the golf world. They discuss the controversial news on the imminent golf ball rollback, Jon Rahm's departure to LIV Golf, and Tiger's possible departure from Nike! They also discuss the beautiful Resort Course at the Grande Dunes and Dale's state of the art Performance Center. Ben gives an update on the happenings in Myrtle Beach and.. of course.. what Tee's them Off!

The USGA and R&A announced in December their formal intent to roll back the performance of the golf ball. In 2028, professionals will be playing with a "nerfed" ball, with amateurs to follow in 2030. The predicted effect on distance for elite players is expected to be 10-15 yards, with amateurs to experience an decline of 3-10 yards. This news has been met with almost unanimous chagrin from all golfers. Teaching PGA Professional Dale Ketola explains how the ball rollback is just the beginning, that they USGA and R&A also have plans to dial back the performance of equipment, something he exclaims that will certainly effect the salesmanship on future club fittings;, "how do we convince people to spend their money on something worse than they already have?" We hope that these manufacturers use the next 4 years to innovate and achieve the most performance possible with the new restrictions!

Jon Rahm becomes the highest ranked player to make the switch to LIV Golf. The strong Spaniard inked a deal reportedly worth $450-$600 million; once again that money talks! The PGA is hopeful to stop the bleeding and mitigate future star player defections by a multi-billion dollar investment from the Strategic Sports Group in early 2024. Equity payouts to PGA players is expected from these funds. The timeline for the PGA and LIV merger is still unknown, so hopefully this financial support will help keep the world's best on the PGA Tour and stop further fracturing of professional golf.

Tiger Woods was cold and reserved when asked at the PNC Father Son about his future with Nike Golf, stating bluntly, "I'm still wearing their product." Rumors are swirling that the PNC may have been last tournament for the Goat and Nike, creating even more rumors with where the big cats claws may land next. Our guess is on a current partner, such as Bridgestone or TaylorMade, creating an apparel line. If it's truly over with Nike, what a run it was, and we are excited to see where and what Tiger's new brand will be!

Dale Ketola gives his history in the game of golf. A self taught golfer that earned a golf scholarship to Coastal Carolina, he missed playing on the team with Dustin Johnson by just one semester. He does however have a hilarious story on playing golf with DJ outside of CCU! Dale breaks down the Grande Dunes Performance Center offerings and what makes the Grande Dunes Resort Course so special. Built on a bluff with many views of the Intracoastal Waterway, the 2001 Roger Rulewich design has claimed many awards both locally and nationally since it's opening, and has recently underwent a green, bunker, and clubhouse renovation in 2022! The Terrazza 19 Tapas Restaurant in the Resort Clubhouse offers unmatched views and bites and a must-try if you tee it up at the Grande Dunes. Dales gives a rundown of the Grande Dunes signature hole, Number 14! This par three is daunting, with tee yardages closing in on 200 from the men's tees! A front to back pitched green and slick Champion Bermuda greens makes this hole a tough landing spot. This hole provides some of the best views of the waterway in all of Myrtle Beach golf, but look out for that random gust of wind!

To play Grande Dunes, make sure you check out the Founders Inclusive Package! To stay, try the highly requested Crescent Shores condos in North Myrtle Beach, with 2, 3, and 4 bedroom oceanfront condos! Stay and play in style with MB Golf!