Story by Ian Guerin

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. | Not every Myrtle Beach golf vacation is just about the golf.

Brews and dude time can often be the reason for the trip, with the time on the course serving as little more than a backdrop for the rest of the week. Hey, we don’t blame you; cutting loose is a necessary part of life, after all.

For those who cut a little more loose, South Carolina’s Grand Strand has perfected that faction of its repertoire.

From the courses who won’t frown upon some morning sauce to the nightclubs who allow you to sufficiently burn the candle at both ends – and the time between tying it all together – Myrtle Beach can cater to those reliving their college days with the boys.

So designate a driver or budget for some Uber rides and sleep on the flight home.

ABOUT THAT GOLF

Maybe the significant other said the trip was kosher because she realized you’d be spending at least a portion of the trip on the links with some other adults looking after you. Marshals aren’t babysitters, but they will prevent “Animal House 2” starring you from breaking out.

In order to fully appreciate your group’s potential, you’re gonna want to stay away from some of the high-brow courses the area has to offer. Not only do you increase the chances of a complaint from other players, you also don’t want to drink your way through a $150 round; it’s bad golf economics.

We want you to have fun without worrying about a few beers on either side of the turn and then maybe a couple more at the 19th hole. Good places to start? Colonial Charters Golf Club, River Oaks Golf Plantation, Legends Golf & Resort and Wild Wing Golf Plantation all offer the triple threat when it comes to laid-back rounds. Each have designs that won’t beat you up, great service from the staff on and off the course and a welcoming clubhouse bar and grill that give you plenty of excuse to stay on the property after the round.

POST-ROUND DRINK STRATEGY

A number of restaurants around the area have earned a reputation for taking care of golfers looking to keep the good vibes going during lunchtime and happy hour, even if they aren’t necessarily considered great late-night hot spots.

Sam Snead’s Oak Grill & Tavern is going to be one of the leaders in the clubhouse. The memorabilia all over the walls of this Carolina Forest establishment is going to remind players of their own successes (or failures?) from earlier in the day. What’s more, it’s just down the street from three-course Myrtle Beach National home site, a favorite of hundreds of visiting players each week.

Brass Tap Beer Bar in Market Common has a great tap selection, and for those who can’t decide, beer flights are a great way to try a bunch of new stuff without doing it 12-16 ounces at a time. They also change their Happy Hour beer selection daily, mixing it up for repeat visitors.

On the south end, Creek Ratz on the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk has true blue-collar drink prices (especially during Happy Hour) and modestly priced food to make sure you can power through until the late-night extravaganza. It’s just a few miles away from several courses, including many members of the Waccamaw Golf Trail.

ALL NIGHT LONG

Bars and nightclubs are aplenty, but finding the ones that will take your group to the next level is easiest when doing so in bunches.

Taking that approach, two districts are simply what your doctor probably didn’t order. The newly minted Avenue at Broadway at the Beach is an ode to the likes of Bourbon Street. There’s a piano bar (Crocodile Rocks), a karaoke joint (Broadway Louie’s), dance clubs (Malibu Surf Bar and Oz) the frozen drink mega shop Fat Tuesday’s, and the new uniquely stylish Hard Rock Cafe. The clientele range in ages from college to retirement – depending on how late the party goes – and the variance is scenes means you don’t have to stick to just one.

Barefoot Landing’s nightlife choices aren’t quite as vast as those of Broadway, but in the House of Blues, it has a nationally known venue attracting nationally known artists serving as the perfect kickoff to many a late evening. After a show, it’s a quick walk to Bully’s Pub to keep the party going.