How about a Golf outing to the Grand Strand on the eastern shores? The City of Myrtle Beach is the heart of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile crescent of beach on South Carolina's northern coast.As a result, Myrtle Beach is the premier resort destination on the East Coast, hosting vacationers from around the country and abroad. This is our chance to experience the exhilaration of Myrtle Beach golf and enjoy the thrills of some of the world's most challenging golf courses. There are over 100 courses in the area so choosing only a couple was very difficult. In fact, I couldnt...so I picked three. Since we are going all the way to the east coast, I decided we would try our hand at and extra day of golf. This outing will be a package deal including golf and hotel accommodations. We will be staying four (4) nights at the Island Vista Resort located right on the Grand Strand beach with golfing at three very prestigious golf courses.

Sunday May (TBD) Monday May (TBD) Tuesday May(TBD)Caledonia Golf & Fish Club Myrtle Beach National Thistle Golf ClubCaledonia Golf Course Kings North Course Cameron & Stewart Courses10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM

Day One: Caledonia Golf & Fish Club. Caledonia Golf & Fish Clubs incredible beauty and design has been lauded by Americas leading golf publications. Built on a historic rice plantation surrounded by centuries-old live oaks, the beautiful sweeping views of Caledonia make for a relaxing day on the course. This is a Southern Country Club at its finest, to be considered in the same breath as Augusta National. Upon opening in 1994, Golf Digest selected Caledonia as the Fifth Best New Public Course in America. Golf Digest also named Caledonia one of Americas Top 100 Greatest Public Courses, in the top ten of the Top 50 Courses in Myrtle Beach and a 4.5 STARS rating in the Places to Play Guide. GOLF Magazine ranked Caledonia in their Top 100 You Can Play, and Golfweek has named Caledonia as one of Americas 100 Best Modern Courses since 1995.

Day Two: Myrtle Beach National Kings North. This sensational Arnold Palmer signature course was recognized among America's Best New Courses when it opened in 1996. King's North made its way onto Golf Digest's prestigious list of "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses - 2006" and Golf Digest's "Places to Play" has awarded it 4.5 STARS ever since! Plus, GOLF Magazine ranks it in their "Top 100 Courses in America", truly a must play in the Myrtle Beach area. This course has continually been in the "Myrtle Beach Golf Insider" top 25 with a current ranking of #6. Famous for the island green and "SC" shaped sand traps of Hole 3; the famed par-5 sixth hole, nicknamed "The Gambler" that tempts golfers with a shortcut to the green via an island fairway (Two great shots allow a chance to eagle); and for hole 18 with over 40 sand traps guarding the fairway.

Day Three: Thistle Golf Club. Ferocious, yet Fair has been the philosophy of the Thistle Golf Club since it opened in 1999. Awarded 4.5 STARS by Golf Digest, Thistle has quietly become one of the regions finest courses. This dramatic 27-hole layout reflects its 1815 Scottish heritage with rolling fairways, stacked-sod bunkers and flawless bent grass greens. Old World architecture, abundant landscape and wildlife surround the lakes, waste areas and bridges. The new clubhouse features an authentic Scottish pub with an extensive list of single malts and houses one of the finest private collections of golf memorabilia in the world. Thistle was founded on 12 minute tee times to ensure an enjoyable and relaxed pace of play year round. Golf Getaway

Here is the plan. This is a package deal. Room and golf are included (plus breakfast). As was the case last year, Saturday will be utilized as a travel day. The first day of golfing has been scheduled for the Caledonia Golf & Fish Club on Sunday, our second day of golfing taking place at the Myrtle Beach National on Monday, with our final round of golf on Tuesday at Thistle Golf Club. Finally, Wednesday is an optional day. We can add an additional nights lodging and another round of golf should we so desire.

Project Cost for trip:These prices include 4 nights, 3 rounds of golf with cart, daily breakfast and all taxes.The courses included are: Caledonia, Thistle and Kings North.

$690 per person. Based on 4 occupants in an Oceanfront 3-Bedroom Suite. (1 King 1 Queen Two Twins)$730 per person. Based on six occupants in an Oceanfront 4-Bedroom Corner Suite. (1 King 2 Queens 4 Doubles)$730.00 per person. Based on 4 occupants in an Oceanfront 3-Bedroom Corner Suite. (1King 4 Doubles)These prices include 3 nights, 2 rounds of golf with cart, daily breakfast and all taxes.The courses included are: Caledonia and Kings North.

$490 per person. Based on 4 occupants in an Oceanfront 3-Bedroom Suite. (1 King 1 Queen Two Twins)$530 per person. Based on six occupants in an Oceanfront 4-Bedroom Corner Suite. (1 King 2 Queens 4 Doubles)$530.00 per person. Based on 4 occupants in an Oceanfront 3-Bedroom Corner Suite. (1King 4 Doubles)

This year as in the past, a group dinner is planned. In fact, I have decided to select two. The first dinner social will be at TBD on Sunday eveningThe second dinner social will be held on Monday evening at TBD

If you have any questions, feel free to inquire,Lad MeairsEmail: meairs2@comcast.net (home) or laddin.d.meairs@lmco.com (work)Phones: (925) 978-0170 (home) (925) 829-8615 ext 330 (work) - (925) 813-2465 (cell)

Mail checks to:Lad Meairs1254 Mokelumne CourtAntioch, CA 94531

Website:Place: Caledonia Golf & Fish Club Date: Sunday May(TBD)Course: Caledonia Course Tee Time: 10:00 AM (first group)Location: Pawleys Island, SC Price $110.00 (south of Myrtle Beach)

Caledonia Golf & Fish Club in Pawleys Island south of Myrtle Beach, is simply put one of the best golf courses in the region, and on a national scale - one of the tops in the country! Golfers can expect world class service, immaculate conditioning, exquisite landscaping, fine amenities plus a layout that provides both challenge and playability. A nice touch is the FREE seafood chowder that is offered to all golfers in the wooden hut set up along the path to the first tee box. The practice facilities are comprehensive, and include a targeted grass range, putting greens plus a 3-hole short game area with sand bunkers. The course is visually stunning, and is over-seeded from tee to green, providing green playing conditions all year long. The environment is not unlike Augusta National, with exquisite landscaping and aesthetic touches that include abundant flower beds, wooden and stone bridges, tall pines and moss covered oaks, plus meandering creeks that line several fairways and cross in front of a number of greens. 84 white sand bunkers and sprawling waste areas provide challenge and aesthetics, and water hazards come into play on 8 holes. The manicured fairways are rolling in nature and tree lined, with landing zones that are defined by pine trees, water and sand. The sloping green complexes are often well protected by sand traps and grassy swales that form into collection areas. There are 4 sets of tee boxes that play to distances and slopes measuring 6526 yards/140 slope, 6121 yards/134 slope, 5710 yards/129 slope for men and 138 for women, and 4957 yards with a slope of 122 from the red tees. Though not an overly long course - Caledonia will test the best of players with its undulating terrain and daunting hazards. There is great variety in design, and the conditioning and landscaping help to make this one of Myrtle Beach's MUST PLAY courses. The scorecards have diagrams and tips on how to approach each hole...heed the advice - you will need all the assistance you can muster on this course. Enjoy the unique style and beauty of this layout, which annually is rated 4-1/2 out of 5 stars by Golf Digest Places to Play. http://www.fishclub.com/caledonia/

Website:Place: Myrtle Beach NationalDate: Monday May (TBD)Course: The Kings North CourseTee Time: 10:00 AM (first group)Location: Myrtle BeachPrice $100.00 (in the heart of the Grand Strand)

Currently ranked No. 9 in Golf Digests Best Golf Courses in South Carolina. Originally the North course, it was named South Carolinas Course of the Year for 1996 and in 1997 Golf Digest ranked it among the Top 10 New Upscale Public Courses in America. There are lakes, ponds, and marshes coming into play on sixteen holes. Recognized for its No. 3 island green with the S and C shaped sand traps and their par-5, 6th hole--nicknamed 'The Gambler"--features an island fairway which offers golfers a "risk-reward" short-cut to the green for a chance at eagle, but the two shots are a definitely a gamble! Their signature hole is No. 12, a 140-yard, par 3, requiring a shot from an elevated tee, over water, to an island green. The most unique hole is the 464-yard, par-4 18th with forty-two bunkers. Nicknamed "The Bullseye" by Golf Magazine, it has sand traps guarding either side of the fairway, and the green reaches out into a lake offering a number of very tempting pin placementsThis track is certainly one of Arnies best, and is also one of the best tracks in the area. Holes #6, #14, #16 & #18 at the King's North are featured in the book "The 100 Greatest Holes along the Grand Strand," published by The Sun News. For over twenty five years, the North Course at Myrtle Beach National was the most requested and best recognized course on the beach. In 1996, Arnold Palmer and the Palmer Design Group returned to Myrtle Beach National and transformed the North Course into a brand new course--one of the most visually exciting and challenging golf courses in America. By moving over 400,000 cubic yards of dirt, adding bulkheading, 7,000 azaleas and 600 hardwood trees, enlarging lakes, bunkers, and greens, and planting new "Crenshaw" bentgrass greens, Palmer created what many believe to be the finest course on the Grand Strand--King's North. King's North features some of the most dramatic and unique holes in all of golf. http://www.mbn.com/courses/profiles/?id=60

Website:Place: Thistle Golf Club Date: Tuesday May (TBD)Course: Cameron & Stewart Courses Tee Time: 10:00 AM (first group)Location: Sunset Beach, NC Price $100.00 (north of Myrtle Beach)Thistle Golf Club in Calabash (north of Myrtle Beach) is a 27-hole Scottish links type layout, with rolling fairways, stacked sod bunkers and bent grass greens. The design is a showpiece of an exclusive gated residential community, with acres of wildflowers, nature preserves and carefully sculpted landscaping. A unique feature here is the tee time schedule - which is set up in 12 minute intervals to provide a comfortable and efficient pace of play. This is almost unheard of in this day and age when courses are packing their schedules to get as many players on the course as possible.The clubhouse is quite spectacular, with features like a full service restaurant and bar, banquet and outing facilities, locker rooms with showers and more. The design is also one of Scottish architecture - complimenting the golf course design theme. Practice facilities here are comprehensive, and include a targeted grass range, short game area with sand bunker plus putting green. On course yardage blocks are posted in the fairways of all par fours and fives at 100, 150 and 200 yards, and sprinkler heads are also measured to the center of the green. Each tee box has posted measurements and the day's pin placements are indicated on a pin chart that is posted on all carts - which also have coolers and rear covers to protect clubs during inclement weather. The playing surfaces consist of L-93 bent grass greens and 419 Bermuda fairways. Five sets of tee boxes are provided for on each hole, with slopes ranging from 137 to 109. The North course has water in play in some shape or form on all nine with 24 sand bunkers, and plays to 3450, 3187, 2949, 2580 and 2257 yards. The South is the longest of the three and measures 3547, 3308, 3092, 2776 and 2355 yards. The West nine plays to 3351, 3168, 2891, 2627 and 2211 yards. The South and West nines have 54 sand traps with water in play on 14 of the holes This is a nice, links inspired design, with great facilities, fine conditioning and friendly service. From the tips and blue tees, this course can be quite a challenge. From the three forward sets, mid levels and beginning players can enjoy a round and score well here. http://www.thistlegolf.com/

Island Vista Resort149 Suites14 FloorsLooking for something out of the ordinary? Allow us to introduce you to the Island Vista, a premier Myrtle Beach luxury resort, overlooking one of the most preferred stretches of beach on the Grand Strand. The Island Vista is a 149-room, 12-story, all-suite hotel, which celebrated its grand opening in May of 2006. At this Family owned and operated resort, we pride ourselves in offering the true essence of Southern Hospitality. Warm and friendly service, great food, the finest in amenities, and a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere are what make guests feel theyve found their home away from home. The Island Vista is located in the heart of the Grand Strand along some of Myrtle Beach's most affluent residential communities. The Island Vista On The Beach features luxurious two, three and four bedroom suites tastefully decorated with a Tropical British West Indies flare. All of the suites are oceanfront and offer spectacular views of the blue Atlantic. The suites are highlighted with interior appointments such as granite counter tops, full kitchens, tray ceilings, tile flooring & Jacuzzi tubs in some of the larger units. Each suite also includes a large living room for a gathering area, and each bedroom is equipped with a TV and a private bath. A spacious master bedroom is featured in the 3 & 4 bedroom suites. The large master bath in these units offers granite counter tops, double vanities, a large jacuzzi tub, a separate shower and a walk-in closet as well as tile flooring. The hotel offers a full service restaurant called The Cypress Room which serves breakfast and dinner daily with lunch options available on the patio and at the pool bar during the summer months. Activities on site include the indoor and outdoor pool complex which includes a lazy river, three pools, spas, splash pool, waterfall and rock formations overlooking the beach. Adults may enjoy the fitness center and tanning lawn

The Cypress Room: Come and enjoy our famous Southern Breakfast or a Casual, yet Elegant Dinner while enjoying a floor-to-ceiling view of the ocean. Our award-winning Low country cuisine, casual fare, and family-friendly menu will please both kids and discriminating palettes alike. We also have an excellent wine list and a fully stocked bar.The Tiki Hut: Feeling too relaxed to find a restaurant? No problem. Keep your shoes off and enjoy lunch or dinner poolside. The Tiki Hut offers fresh, casual lunch and dinner options, and a variety of frozen concoctions for adults. Menu items can also be delivered to your room. And if dancing under the stars sounds like fun to you, youll love our weekly Reggae Nights in the summer!Island Vista Resort - 6000 North Ocean Blvd. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577(888) 733-7581 - info@islandvista.com

Oceanfront 4 Bedroom GrandOceanfront 4 Bedroom Corner

Broadway at the Beach South Carolinas Best Travel Destination invites you to experience our 350-acre, festival entertainment complex that offers restaurants, entertainment, nightclubs and shopping. As the largest festival entertainment complex in South Carolina, Broadway at the Beach annually attracts more than 14 million visitors. Broadway at the Beach is home to 19 restaurants, more than 100 specialty shops, two movie theater complexes, a nightclub district and theaters that feature live shows and other major venues. Come to a paradise filled with non-stop celebrations. Broadway at the Beach- its Broadwayyy Fun!http://www.broadwayatthebeach.com/

Amusement Park Rides and Water ParkFor the young and young at heart, Family Kingdom offers some of the most memorable and adrenalin-pumping experiences on the Grand Strand. Come discover the fun of Family Kingdom. Freefall 110-feet on our newest attraction - the Slingshot Drop Zone. Ride our thrilling wooden roller coaster, the Swamp Fox. See the ocean from atop the largest Ferris wheel in the State of South Carolina or splash into fun in our awesome log flume. http://www.familykingdomfun.com/WaterPark/Myrtle Beach's Most Thrilling Live EntertainmentThe Palace Theatre is located at the heart of Myrtle Beach in the award winning "Broadway at the Beach" Entertainment Complex. The Palace Theatre plays host to some of the greatest and most spectacular live entertainment shows, broadway theatre productions and musicals from around the world, including its new resident show Hooray for Hollywood.http://www.palacetheatremyrtlebeach.com/index.cfm

Attractions in the AreaCome out for some good ol' down home, knee slappin' entertainment as you watch in amazement as 32 horses perform astounding feats while you relax and enjoy a Southern feast. The cast members will fill you with laughter and keep you entertained with this variety filled show. While enjoying all the excitement, you will be able to sit back and soak up all the southern hospitality that will be served up with your four-course dinner that will leave you more than satisfied. http://www.dixiestampede.com/

http://www.thecarolinaopry.com/

The Nation's #1 Variety Show. The Carolina Opry has for 23 years been thrilling visitors. The award-winning show blends two hours of high-energy music, comedy and dance that will leave you on the edge of your seat! Highly acclaimed by The New York Time, USA Today, NBC Nightly News, and CNN, The Carolina Opry is the only show to win every major South Carolina tourism award and the only show to be voted the #1 show for 23 years straight.

Sunday Evening Dinner Social (TBD)Monday Evening Dinner Social (TBD)

To Thistle Golf ClubTo Caledonia Golf & Fish Club

http://www.myrtlebeachgolf.com/courseguide/caledonia-golf-and-fish-club/