How to Experience The Masters in Myrtle Beach

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, however, April marks the return of golf season with the first major of the year — The Masters —  which takes place in Augusta, a few hours drive from Myrtle Beach in Georgia.

Perhaps you're one of the lucky ones who is willing to spend a small fortune to tread the mythical courses of Augusta National and 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 perhaps you prefer to visit Myrtle Beach, where you can enjoy much of the same setting — goregous golf courses, flowers and trees in full bloom — but with 60 miles of beaches nearby. 

If you find yourself along the Grand Strand this time of year, you may want to take a break from your beachgoing to experience the magic of the Masters during your trip. Here are a few activities to help you enjoy "Masters Weekend" while you're here at The Beach.

Watch at a Restaurant

There are, of course, a lot of restaurants and sports bars along the Grand Strand that will show The Masters on their TVs during Masters weekend.

This gives you and your crew a chance to enjoy your favorite dishes and drinks in a unique setting with a crowd of lively fellow golf fanatics as you cheer on your favorite pros. 

Some great choices which are open to the public and attached to local courses include Ailsa Pub — a Scottish-American style bar at Legends Golf Resort — and Putter's Pub, located at Barefoot Resort.

Other lively options include "watch & play" locations like TopGolf Myrtle Beach or the new PopStroke at Broadway at the Beach. 

I also enjoy a stop at any of the restaurants along the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk, which include local's favorites like Dead Dog Saloon, Creek Ratz, Wahoo's and Drunken Jacks. The Marshwalk even holds an annual "Mini Golf Masters" tournament the Saturday of Masters weeknd with holes set up at all the restaurants and drinks, live music and revelry all day long.

Enjoy it On The Course

One great way to celebrate the occasion is with your very own "Masters" experience, playing at one of more than 90 great golf courses in the area. There's nothing like playing a round with friends while you channel your inner PGA pro, imagining you're sinking that final putt to win the green jacket — before retreating to the clubhouse to watch the real pros perform.

Most golf clubs have a restaurant / bar better known as the 19th hole by golfers, which is one of the best places to watch the annual tournament. For real golf enthusiasts who prefer the atmosphere of a clubhouse, this is truly 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.

Throw a Beachfront Masters Party

Even though there are tons of way to enjoy it out in the world, personally, I prefer to watch Sunday’s final round at The Masters 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 go all out for the experience a bit like a Super Bowl with meals like pizza, chicken wings, nachos, and barbecue 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?

Monday After The Masters

If you are still here on Monday, you won't want to miss the annual Monday after The Masters tournament, an annual celebrity Pro-Am golf tournament hosted by Hootie and the Blowfish.

Since 1994, each Monday following the Masters, this tournament has taken place 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.

In the evening, they present an Awards Party Reception and a concert at the famous House of Blues. Wayne Gretzky, Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, and Alice Cooper have participated in this even in years past. 

This year's field includes sports personalities like Urban Meyer, Sterling Shepard and Clinton Portis and musicians like Branford Marsalis, Joey Fatone and Edwin McCain, paired with pros and former PGA golfers.

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!