The South End Swing

Friday

8 a.m.: This time can be much later if you are driving up from the Charleston area, but you get the point. It won’t take a crazy-early start to get to get an early afternoon tee time.

12:15 p.m. Pawleys Plantation Golf Course

Start your trip with this unforgettable Jack Nicklaus design. The tee time will allow ample opportunity for a recommended trip to the range. Pawleys Plantation offers a stern test, but with five back nine holes playing along the marsh, you will love it, especially the short par 3 13th hole.

5:30 p.m.: Check-in at Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort

Multi-bedroom condos, the beach, a Starbucks onsite. Really, how many questions could you possibly have?

6:30 p.m.: Quigley’s Pint & Plate

Located right across the street from Litchfield, Quigley’s offers outstanding microbrews and a quality menu. Make sure you order fried pickles as an appetizer!

Saturday

8:00 a.m.: Heritage Club

This Dan Maples design is as good as any along the Grand Strand. The layout runs through a stunning piece of lowcountry land, featuring soaring Live Oak trees draped in Spanish moss and the marshy waters of the Waccamaw Neck. Did I mention those large, undulating greens that you will tell your friends back home about?

12:45 p.m.: Lunch at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club

The clubhouse at Caledonia is, by consensus, one of golf’s best 19th holes, so after your round at Heritage, make the two-mile trek to enjoy lunch on the clubhouse deck. You will be overlooking the 18th green, allowing you to start thinking about the approach shot over water you will be making on the same hole a couple hours later.

1:30 p.m.: First tee at Caledonia

Golf Channel’s Matt Ginella ranks Caledonia as the 14th best public course in America, and who am I to argue? The course is stunning from the first drive to the 19th hole. Enjoy one of the game’s special facilities, especially your approach on No. 18!

6:15 p.m.: Bistro 217

After wrapping up at Caledonia (I’d recommend a post-round drink on the clubhouse deck), stop by Bistro 217, one of the area’s finest restaurants on your way home. Make sure you get the whole fried snapper appetizer and the menu, which features fresh, locally caught seafood, is outstanding.

8:00 p.m.: Island Bar & Grill

The nightlife in Pawleys Island isn’t as raucous as it is in Myrtle Beach, but there are good times to be had after the sun goes down.  If you and the boys are looking for a lively scene and a place to watch a game, Island Bar, located in the Hammock Shops, is as good a place as any. The indoor/outdoor seating is a nice perk on a beautiful spring evening.

Sunday

8:45 a.m.: Willbrook Plantation

Willbrook is right across from Litchfield, so you won’t have to get up super early to load the car and make it to the first tee. Did I mention Willbrook is an outstanding golf course? The Live Oak trees, water and alligators will all conspire to end your trip on a high note.

1:15 p.m.: Willbrook Plantation parking lot

Settle your bets, put the clubs in the back, and head home.

3:45 p.m.: Arrive back home in time to knock a few items off the honey-do list and play with the kids.

That’s an itinerary guaranteed to deliver 48 great hours in Pawleys Island.