Every golfer knows that there’s much more to a great golf vacation than just the time spent on the course.

But not everyone knows just where to find the goods that make it great.

In case you’re one of those people, check out this list of places where you might like to spend some time while you’re not rolling in birdies and sending drives soaring over water hazards.  

 

Golf Courses

The most obvious place of interest for a golfer in Pawleys Island is probably the beach. Just kidding, it’s the golf course, and the area is home to some serious tracks.

Whether you’re up for the treacherous challenge of the Jack Nicklaus-designed Pawleys Plantation, the scenic Lowcountry landscapes at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, or any of the other beautiful designs around town, Pawleys Island has earned a reputation as a golf destination for the discerning player.  

Golf Shops

Pro shops can be expensive places to pick up a new club or a dozen balls. But don’t worry if you’re in town and forgot to stock your bag before making the trip – a couple of discount shops nearby have got what you need.

Located just up the road in Murrells Inlet, Akers Discount Golf has a full selection of balls, clubs, bags, accessories, and apparel, and also offers all sorts of club repair.

And for something a little closer, check out The Golf Center’s 4,500 square feet of retail space.

Golf Schools

If your game is not quite up to par, consulting a professional could save you tons of time, money, and frustration. If that sounds like something you might benefit from, look no farther than the two award-winning schools in Pawleys Island – Steve Dresser Golf Academy and Mel Sol Golf School.

As the longest-running school on the Grand Strand, Steve Dresser has been fixing broken swings since 1989 and was honored by GOLF Magazine as one of the Top 25 Best Deals.

A former professional golfer in South Africa, Mel Sole has been around the game for several decades and continues to run a school at Pawleys Plantation that consistently ranks among the nation’s Top 25.

Both Dresser and Sole offer various packages, from one to five days, with or without accommodations at the host course. Also, group lessons are a great way to improve the games of everyone in your foursome, and both schools provide discounts as an added incentive.   

Restaurants

Whether you had a good day or a bad one on the links, you’re going to need a good meal afterwards, one way or another. The convenient thing to do is to grab a sandwich from the snack bar at the course, then pick something more exciting for dinner. And that’s where the fun begins.

Pawleys Island is home to an impressive variety of restaurants specializing in everything from fresh seafood, steaks, and Lowcountry favorites to cuisines from around the world. Check out Franks or Perrone’s for a unique upscale experience, head to Pawleys Raw Bar or Chive Blossom café for something a little more low-key, or if you’re in the mood for a classic Italian feast, reserve a table at Pastaria 811 or Caffe Piccolo.

Odds are that you’ll be able to find whatever it is you’re looking for either on the island or not far from it.   

Bars

A good night out for many players of the “gentleman’s game” usually includes a trip to a local watering hole for a beverage or two. As a game of Scottish origin, this shouldn’t be surprising.

Options for late evening drinks around the Island include the rustic charm of Pawleys Island Tavern, the micro-brewery atmosphere at Quigley’s Pint & Plate, or the sometimes raucous crowds up the road on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk.

Wherever you end up, be sure to cab it back to wherever you’re staying and set an alarm for the next morning – there aren’t many worse things than sleeping through your tee time!