Golf vacations to the north end of the Grand Strand golfing Mecca don’t need to be a month or even a weeklong to get some serious enjoyment.

In fact, we’ve found over the years that more and more players are making the most of their weekends – and not even the long variety – to stay and play. The North Myrtle Beach-Little River-Longs neck of our woods has everything you need to play a bunch of golf and snag some great food all within a pretty small radius.

Here, we’ve set a tentative itinerary to maximize it for you. We’ve got three courses and dining choices that will knock your socks off.

Got two-and-a-half days? Let’s ride.

FRIDAY
You’ve rolled into town and need to make sure you’re ready to go for 54 holes of golf over the course of the next 40 or so hours. That means protein is your friend.

Enter Brisket.

The North Myrtle Beach is locally owned but packed with Texas flair, courtesy of one-half of the ownership team. Chicken and ribs are on the menu, but the big dog here is the beef brisket cooked for 12-14 hours and served up on metal trays with all sorts of choices for sides.

It’s located on U.S. 17 in the heart of it all, so getting to and from wherever you’ll lay your head on the North Strand for a couple nights will be highly accessible.

SATURDAY
This is the big day, and 36 holes of golf is going to push you out the door on a clock. Make time for breakfast – might we suggest Eggs Up Grill or Hot Stacks Pancake House on Main Street/Robert Edge Parkway and U.S. 17 before heading west?

Our first course of the day is Aberdeen Country Club is less than 5 miles from there, just off Highway 9. Split between the Meadows and Highlands 9s, this Tom Jackson creation blends tight fairways with others that are quite ample, decent-sized greens and some impressive tree lines.

After the round, it’s time to head inside to the 4,000-square foot clubhouse that debuted in 2018 (it was rebuilt after the course suffered damage from Hurricane Matthew). Grab one of the spots at the bar and peruse the menu for a quick bit to eat before we hit the road for the super long drive to your next course.

Due west a solid 8 minutes, you’ll arrive at Long Bay Golf Club, the Jack Nicklaus design that opened in 1988 in conjunction with his other local project, Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club.

While not quite rolling the difficulty factor of its sister course, Long Bay (top photo) still isn’t easy but presents a look much different than most courses in the area – and definitely different than Aberdeen. That’s part of why we included it here.

Another reason is what happened in 2023. It was then that the property owners initiated a greens project that increased the size of the putting surfaces approximately 67 percent of what they were in 2022. It softened the course some, and it allows players to take more risks getting to the greens. We think you’ll love new look.

After you head back to your hotel for a quick shower (you might be a little gamey), it’s out to Barefoot Landing, where Taco Mundo Kitchen y Cantina awaits. Located on the back side of the property overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, Taco Mundo is a relatively newer eatery that hasn’t disappointed yet.

The serving sizes are considerable, and the selection is a lot vaster than your typical Mexican joint. And if you can’t decide on one of the margarita choices, take advantage of their two flight options.

It’s a relaxing environment, something you’ll appreciate after eight hours on the courses.

SUNDAY
Getaway Day is equal parts excitement and sadness, sure, as we know the trip will be coming to an end soon. But not yet.

After breakfast (might we suggest flipping to the other option provided for Saturday?), it’s a quick jaunt to River Hills Golf & Country Club. Another Tom Jackson design, this one isn’t all that similar to Aberdeen.

Here, Jackson blended rolling terrain with huge water elements while not eliminated sight lines for the most part. There are five sizable doglegs (Nos. 2, 8, 14, 17 and 18), but the landing areas off the tee are clean and clear on three of those. The visual elements of the course pop throughout this layout, serving as great backdrops for any group photos.

You’re going to want to take them. Pretty soon, you’ll be heading home from a whirlwind weekend.