Myrtle Beach Mini-Golf
Sure, Myrtle Beach is known as one of the world's golf hot spots. But did you know, that it also boasts one of the world's largest collection of mini-golf courses? Every block, it seems, there's another cascading waterfall beckoning putters to test their skills amid a pirate, tropical, or other whimsical theme. Here are two of the area's best mini-golf attractions:Hawaiian Rumble
Hwy. 17 in North Myrtle Beach
843-272-7812
With its iconic volcanic mountain, the Hawaiian Rumble mini-golf course makes quite an impression, even among the sprawling neon signs, strip malls, and other clutter along North Myrtle Beach's main drag. And when the volcano starts rumbling and spewing fire, as it does every 20 minutes, it takes its LOOK-AT-ME! status to another level. All of the impeccably maintained holes are arrayed around the centerpiece volcano.
So, the place looks sharp, but how's the golf experience? Hawaiian Rumble is so revered among mini-golf afficianados, it's the home of the U.S. ProMiniGolf Association and frequently hosts the group's Masters and US Open tournaments. (I'll bet you didn't even know there were pro mini-golf tournaments.) There's nothing fancy about the holes themselves--rotating windmills and other retro mini-golf staples are apparently passe these days--but the play is challenging and fun.
Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Goff
Downtown Myrtle Beach
843-444-1008
Built on the site of a former department store, the Mt. Atlanticus developers didn't have a heckuva lot of space on which to build a rambling mini-golf course, let alone two courses. So the enterprising designers went vertical and incorporated 36 holes into a structure that rises five stories and is punctuated by distinctive thatched-roof tiki huts at its apex.
The play begins inside where golfers choose between the "Minotaur Goff" (a minotaur is a mythological beast with the body of a man and the head of a bull; I have no idea what a "goff" is) and the "Conch" courses. As the players proceed through the courses they move up and down a number of flights of stairs and weave through the structure. The layout and game play at Mt. Atlanticus is considerably funkier than the pristine Hawaiian Rumble, but it's no less fun. And the view of the Grand Strand at the top of the course is magnificent.
Other Myrtle Beach Things to See and Do
Brookgreen Gardens1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC (south of Myrtle Beach)
843-235-6000
A National Historic Landmark, the beautiful 9,200-acre property includes formal gardens, a vast collection of sculpture displayed in the outdoor gardens, a small zoo, and a lovely guided tour in a pontoon boat. Plan to spend the better half of a day exploring the grounds and enjoying the hushed atmosphere.
To learn more about the area's state parks, museums, fishing, and other vacation options, visit the official visitors site:
