By Evans Putman
There is a lot of money in the Myrtle Beach golf package market. Unfortunately, like any other opportunity, this can bring out scam artists and bad business practices.
Don't get stuck with hidden charges on your golf packages. Myrtle Beach discount golf package resellers don't always have your best interest in mind. Here are five things to be aware of before booking your next golf package to Myrtle Beach.
The first two items come in the form of hidden fees. Myrtle Beach is getting a bad reputation among visiting golfers because of these hidden fees and surcharges. This was one of the biggest complaints noted in a recent local newspaper's article.
1) Cart Fees – The golf courses require them. Most golf packages leave them out. Hidden golf cart fees top the list of complaints for most golfers visiting the Grand Strand. Many Myrtle Beach golf package resellers keep the $20 or $30 dollars and pass along the fees to vacationing golfers. Ask up front whether or not cart fees are included. If not, demand it or do your business elsewhere.
2) Course Surcharges – Many golf packages allow golfers to "upgrade" to better courses. This fee is normal in the Myrtle Beach golf market. However, many golf packages up sell visitors on better golf courses. Then, after paying more, the vacationing golfer plays a course that is no better or sometimes worse than the original one. Do your homework before paying a surcharge to play a better golf course.
These next two problems often occur with Myrtle Beach golf package resellers that do not know the local market. Any website can put Myrtle Beach on their logo and sell packages from locations all over the world. Only deal with companies that have local market ties and local market knowledge.
3) Golf Tour – The Grand Strand golf area covers approximately 80 miles. Often these fulfillment centers sell Myrtle Beach golf packages that have you driving more than golfing. They don't care how long the trip is as long as they make an extra profit. Make sure to know the distances between your accommodations and your golf courses on your next golf vacation.
4) Course Conditions – Golf packagers with no local ties do not know what the course conditions are like in Myrtle Beach. These companies rely on dated information and have no idea about yearly maintenance schedules. Getting tee times at a lower rung course is bad enough. Don't compound the problem with horrible course conditions. What is the solution? Contact the Myrtle Beach golf courses yourself and ask them about their maintenance schedule and course conditions. Or, stick with a golf packager that has local market knowledge.
Do you need a golf package? This is definitely something to consider. Myrtle Beach has over 120 golf courses and they are not always sold out.
5) Buyers Market – During some times of the year there are more golf courses than golfers. This gives you an edge. It also gives you a reason to consider booking tee times separately. Summer and winter are slower than spring and fall. However, you can sometimes get a better deal booking tee times yourself even in the busy months. Do your research and investigate options instead of blindly buying golf packages.
Remember, golf deals always look great on paper. If your Myrtle Beach golf package is far below the cost of other deals, don't expect a great golfing experience. Investigate, read the fine print, deal with a company that has local knowledge and ask for customer testimonials. This is the best advice we can give you before you purchase a Myrtle Beach golf package.
Make sure to visit our Myrtle Beach golf section for more great tips and information before booking your next golf vacation. For complete golf package tips and advice visit our Myrtle Beach golf package page. You'll find both at [ http://www.PerfectGolfVacations.com]
Copyright 2005 Evans Putman - All Rights Reserved. Reprints allowed see below.
About the Author:
Evans Putman owns and operates [ http://www.PerfectGolfVacations.com] your source for the best golf destination information. We deliver local market information and word-of-mouth recommendations from golf destinations like Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas, Ireland, Hilton Head, and more.