How to Experience The Masters in Myrtle Beach

For people living North of the border, spring is a sign of the thaw, the melting of the snow, nature coming back to life and offering one of its most beautiful sights, flowering. For golf enthusiasts, April marks the return of the The Masters tournament, presented in Augusta, Georgia a few hours drive from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Are you one of the lucky ones who will tread this mythical land to appreciate the spring bloom of the azaleas, dogwoods, cherry trees, and a range of other beautiful flowers while watching the top players in the world? Or you will be in Myrtle Beach admiring the same flowers and trees? It is simply fantastic at this time of the year.

Here are a few activities to better experience The Masters during the last round on Sunday, if you are in Myrtle Beach.

There are, of course, a lot of restaurants in the Grand Strand which will show The Masters on their giant screen. You will have fun while enjoying your favorite dishes and drinks. The atmosphere there is very often overexcited and crowded.

For a more golfing ambience, I suggest you experience it on a golf course. Most golf clubs have a restaurant bar better known as the 19th hole by golfers. These, whose customers are mostly enthusiasts and connoisseurs, prefer the atmosphere of a clubhouse. This is the place to be during the coverage of this big-time event. I suggest golf courses with the largest facilities, even if you haven't played there during the day. Places like Myrtle National Golf Club, Legends Resorts, and TPC Myrtle Beach, especially if you bet on the local hero, Dustin Johnson to win his second Masters.

Personally, the way I prefer to watch Sunday’s final round at The Masters is with family and friends. I like to play a round in the morning, have a small lunch and a drink at the clubhouse after the round and then head to my condo or rental house with my playing partners. We live the experience a bit like a Super Bowl with meals like pizza, chicken wing, nachos and b-b-q on the menu. And while you’re at it, why not prepare some pimento cheese sandwiches as they are found at Augusta National to live the event to the fullest. Another way to fill up is to order a typical Southern meal from one of the many restaurants in Myrtle Beach. Nothing better than making small bets with friends and enjoying the images of Amen Corner and the last 9 holes of The Masters, which is where, historically, that the drama unfolds.

If you are still there Monday, are you one of the lucky ones that have your VIP badge to participate at the Monday after The Masters tournament named the MAM? The MAM is an annual celebrity Pro-Am golf tournament hosted by Hootie and the Blowfish since 1994, each Monday following the Masters at The Barefoot Resort – Dye Course. The event has generated millions of dollars for children's educational programs at the South Carolina junior golf program. On the evening, they present an Awards Party Reception, and a concert at the famous House of Blues. Several celebrities are there. Wayne Gretzky, Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer and Alice Cooper have already participated in this event. This year, Davis Love III, John Daly, Charlie Rymer, and Chris DiMarco will be among the professional who are playing.

As I write this blog, we still don't know if five-green-jacket winner Tiger Woods will participate in the tournament this year. Bet a little two dollars that he will be there, he is already on site for his practice rounds. His presence would certainly add interest to many of golf fans. What story would it be if he was among the leaders in the last round, Sunday afternoon?

Memories of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods always come to mind when I talk about The Masters, but I will never forget the precious time spent with friends and family enjoying this thrilling experience at one of the most beautiful courses in the world, but from the golf Capital of the World……. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!