We had seen the ads for the Myrtle Beach Golf Passport for the last seven years, offering discounted rates for golf at more than 70 courses along the Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach, SC. We hadn't paid much attention until now, mindful that we have guests coming to stay with us next week at our second home in Pawleys Island. Our guests want to play golf but aren't more than occasional golfers. Since our own course at Pawleys Plantation will be closed for a few days and we don't think other private courses are a good option, we figured now was the time to try the passport, which is just $39.
It's a bargain. Some of the courses on the list include the outstanding and highly rated Caledonia and True Blue in Pawleys Island, as well as such stalwarts farther north, such as Tidewater, Long Bay, Aracdian Shores and the recently added Thistle Golf Club. Discounts are as much as 30% off the walk-in rates, and the passport owner can invite up to three friends to play at the same discounted rate.
Some modest restrictions apply. For example, you can only reserve a starting time 48 hours in advance, which means at the most popular times of the year - spring and fall - you may have to play in the afternoon. And some of the courses do not offer the discount a few months a year - again, almost exclusively in the spring and fall. Cardholders also receive discounts on merchandise in the golf course pro shops, as well as at selected area restaurants and a large local golf store.
Some examples of courses we hope to play in the next few weeks (prices include cart and, at some courses, kids under 17 play free): Caledonia ($65), Indian Wells ($38), The Legends' three courses ($53 each), Long Bay ($50), Prestwick ($48), Tidewater ($55), True Blue ($60), and the recently rejuvenated Wedgefield Plantation, the course farthest south on the Grand Strand ($29).
Second-home owners must show proof of ownership in the form of a utility bill. Full-time North Carolina and South Carolina residents need only show a valid driver's license to purchase the passport. The card is only good for the calendar year, but even at the halfway point, it seems like a good deal. The first time you use it, you make your money back.
Web site: MyrtleBeachGolfPassport.com.
acres of rolling hills. Trees come into play on most holes and make positioning off the tee critical to a good score. Views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains provide nice framing to many holes. The driving range is barely 225 yards long and, therefore, permits only iron play off the practice tees. The clubhouse sits on a hill overlooking the 9th and 18th greens and 1st and 10th tees. 
of severity. You won't find the dedicated chipping areas prevalent in modern course designs, but missing Lexington's greens left, right and especially long will make bogey a real possibility. Lexington saves its most challenging green (by far) for last at the 18th, a kidney shaped surface with three tiers that make it tough to land an approach shot on the same level as the pin. But it also makes for creative bank shots from off the green.
fairways, however, demand precision tee shots. Even for the grip-it-and-rip-it players, there are no drivable par 4s. The most compelling four-shotters at Lexington are holes 10 and 12, both of more than 430 yards from the tips that call for the player's best drives and accurate long irons.
