By SHANE SHARP

Pardon the Myrtle Beach golf industry if it’s feeling a bit victimized lately.

The economic and social events of the past year and a half play out like some kind of cruel tragicomedy for an area that has dubbed itself the Golf Capital of the World. The Grand Strand spent the past 30 months constructing 20 new golf courses, bringing the region’s total to a jaw-dropping 120. This fearless building bravado was egged on by an increase of over one million annual paid golf rounds between 1990 and 1999.

Enter the next millennium, the great equalizer.

Gas prices went through the roof, and the humbling but unavoidable economic theory of supply and demand kicked in as there simply weren’t enough golfers in the world to fill up all those new and old fairways. Annual paid rounds decreased during 2000 and the first half of 2001, and at one point, as many as 28 golf courses were reportedly up for sale.

But the Grand Strand is nothing, if not irrepressible. Despite the greatly exaggerated reports of gloom and doom, four new golf courses opened at the beach over the past year: Grande Dunes, Shaftsbury Glenn, Crown Park and Farmstead.

Grande Dunes was the first out of the block last spring, and is by far and away the most ambitious of the four projects. At the core of the development is a 18-hole Roger Rulewich designed golf course that is drawing rave reviews.

"It is a big project, with the marinas and hotels coming on board," says head professional Mike Buccerone "The course was designed with the intent to do another golf course with another clubhouse in the future. We will have a 36-hole project within the Grande Dunes development, and the new course would be more geared more towards membership."

Rulewich may not have as recognizable a signature as his mentor – Robert Trent Jones Senior -- but his design credits are impressive. He played a major role in the design of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama, and his revamping of Medinah for the 1999 PGA Championship, Valderamma, and the Dunes Club have made him one of the most sought-after designers of the new millennium.

The Grande Dunes Country Club is perched on a bank overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway to the west, and U.S. Highway 17 to the east. And unlike many Grand Strand courses that shy away from their maritime environment, Grande Dunes puts water in play on almost every hole.

"The front nine was originally the back nine when we started," says Buccerone. "But we thought about what people would remember. They would remember the holes along the Intracoastal Waterway and with all the courses down here, everyone needs a trademark."

Grande Dunes is not shy about the fact that it’s a top tier surcharge course, charging close to $160 in the peak spring and fall seasons. But golfers can get around for $99 from Nov. 12-25, and for just $79 from Nov. 26-Dec. 31.

Farmstead, which opened its doors in late September, is designed by Willard Byrd and is intended to serve as the upscale sibling for the Meadowlands Golf Club across the street. Some reports have Farmstead pegged as the best North Strand inland course since The Thistle opened over two years ago. Farmstead also has the unique distinction of having the region’s only par-6. That’s right, the 740-yard 18th hole is sure to become one of the most talked in the Grand Strand. Late fall and winter rates have not been set for the course, but Farmstead officials are estimating between $60-$100 depending on time of day and day of week.

Shaftsbury Glen, designed by Clyde Johnston, opened back on September 24. Shaftsbury is operated by the Glens Group, purveyors of Heather Glen and Glen Dornoch. In a unique twist, the course also offers a fishing venue along the Waccamaw River.

"Winged Foot was the model for the course," says Rich Ballinger, who moved over from the head pro position at Glen Dornoch to take over the reigns at Shaftsbury. "There are very wide, generous fairways and landing areas."

Shaftsbury Glen places a premium on second shots, and becomes more difficult closer to the greens. Greens are turfed with A-1 bentgrass, and will be large and undulating like most of the newer complexes around the Strand. Shaftsbury Glen charges $91 for a round in November, but the price drops to $70 in December.

Crown Park, which opened back in March, rounds out the new course docket for 2001. The course was designed by Myrtle Beach local Robbie Byers, and is marketed as a "low end" surcharge course. Rates are $42 for packages and $47 for walk-ins from Nov. 12-25. From Nov. 26 through January, rates drop to $25.

Barefoot Resort Update

Construction on Barefoot Resort and Golf’s Clubhouse should wrap up by mid November. The new 40,000 square foot facility will anchor three of the Resort’s Courses. The Resort Clubhouse overlooks the 18th hole of the Fazio Course with a view of the lake. The Clubhouse houses a casual lounge area, a banquet room, grill room, men’s and ladies’ locker rooms and a pro shop.

Barefoot is also taking the next step in its development with the addition of nine golf-based neighborhoods. Centex Homes will serve as the primary developer in the 2300-acre golf community, and according to Hampton Pitts, Myrtle Beach Division President of Centex Homes, the company will provide a wide range of offerings for primary, retirement or second home living.

One of the most unique aspects of Barefoot’s residential development is the number of options that will be provided to potential buyers. The nine neighborhoods range from luxurious, single family homes to affordably priced golf villas and are priced from $80,000 all the way up to half a million dollars.

Looking Ahead …

Construction of a new course at Ocean Ridge Plantation in Brunswick County is expected to begin in early 2002, and Tim Cate has been commissioned with the design. An upscale practice facility and a golf school designed to rival any along the Southeast coast will accompany the course.

"We are very excited about the plans for a fourth course and the upscale practice facility," says Director of golf Plankers. "These additions will continue to enhance Ocean Ridge's growing reputation as one of the best golf facilities along the Grand Strand and throughout the southeast region."