Myrtle Beach is known as the ‘Golf Capital of The World,’ boasting more than 80 championship courses, nearly 2.8 million rounds played annually. But, notably there’s also mini golf, with more than 50 utterly unique and eclectic places to play along the Grand Strand, many of them now accessible through the South Carolina destination’s new Mini Golf Trail.
But if pubbing rather than putting is your thing, Myrtle Beach has a trail for that too. Launched last year, and spanning the region’s 100 km. of beaches and beyond, the location-based digital passport allows participants to “check in” at the area’s best beer destinations and earning fun prizes along the way.
Noting that Myrtle Beach also has an art trail, Bob Harris of Visit Myrtle Beach’s explains, “We find that trails are kind of a thing that consumers like, because (it gives) an idea of how much of a certain type of product is here.”
And while the new mini golf trail is gaining ground, he admits, “No. 1, and it’s big with Canadians, is our beer trail. That’s the one that’s knocking it out of the park. We have a lot of really cool craft beer establishments that are participating in that. And a lot of them are tucked away in neighbourhoods and not on that beaten path that you go to all the time.
“The trails allow people to live a little bit more like we locals do here and find some of those places, be it a mini-golf course or a craft beer establishment or an art gallery that you can experience while you’re here – and pick up from fun swag while doing it.”
MINI GOLF TRAIL
Reflecting nearly a century of history with the sport and boasting more courses per capita than anywhere else in the world, the Myrtle Beach area is a true destination for miniature golf enthusiasts. Course designer James “Poddy” Bryan, whom Sports Illustrated deemed the “Father of Modern Miniature Golf,” designed approximately 20 courses in the Myrtle Beach area and was responsible for more than 200 nationwide. His final design in Myrtle Beach, Mt. Atlanticus Miniature Golf, opened in 1998 and still stands today as an icon of mini golf experiences at the corner of 8th Avenue North and Kings Highway.
The newly launched Myrtle Beach Mini Golf Trail – believed to be the first mini golf trail in the world – features more than 30 distinct courses along the Grand Strand. Designed for enjoyment by both visitors and locals, the new trail invites families, golf enthusiasts and putt-putt fans to explore the area’s iconic themed miniature golf experiences – from swashbuckling pirate adventures and tropical oases to glowing inter-dimensional challenges and out of the world encounters.
The pass/app unlocks discounts and one-of-a-kind rewards for holders that allows players to ‘check-in’ at each of the courses along the trail using a digital pass on their mobile device. Players can accumulate points with each check-in, redeemable for prizes including stickers, water bottles, hats and t-shirts.
“A first-of-its-kind entertainment experience that invites both visitors and locals to discover our destination like never before, this trail not only highlights the unique charm and imaginative design of our miniature golf courses but also reinforces our status as the ‘Mini Golf Capital of the World,’” says Karen Riordan, president and CEO, Visit Myrtle Beach.
Harris adds that the activity is great for all ages, not just for kids. “It’s a thing we all do as kids – it brings back fun such fun memories; but it’s not all families I see out there. I see guys and ladies, and couples who come down and they’re out there playing and having a good time. It’s kind of like that thing you do before going out to dinner, or after dinner.”
Harris laughs that he’s even talked to people playing mini golf at courses near the airport who said they were killing time before a flight.
“(Mini golf),” he says, “is a big part of the product we have here.”
The free digital pass for the Myrtle Beach Mini Golf Trail is available at VisitMyrtleBeach.com/minigolf.
Beer Trail
The Myrtle Beach Beer Trail takes visitors on a tour of the area’s best local breweries, brewpubs and craft brew experiences. As visitors sample their way across 10 breweries, they’ll not only get a taste of some of the best beverages The Beach has to offer, but also a taste for what makes The Beach such a unique place to visit – complete with amazing food, fun atmospheres and colourful personalities.
The launch of this trail in 2023 is just the latest of many signs The Beach’s beer scene is booming. Since 2020, the area has doubled its number of breweries – with several other new projects in the works.
The digital pass is available at https://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/beer
Beer of The Beach
Meanwhile, Myrtle Beach’s new ‘Beach Easy’ beer is bound to be on tap at least some of the beer trail venues. Brewed by the Grand Strand Brewing Company and dubbed the official “Beer of the Beach,” Beach Easy is an easy-drinking wheat beer meant to “capture the essence of Myrtle Beach’s laid-back, sunny lifestyle.”
Launched in March, the beer is available at Grand Strand Brewing Company and various local retailers and restaurants.
“By creating Myrtle Beach’s first-ever official beer, we’re not only highlighting the area’s growing reputation as a craft beer destination, but also inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy a taste of our beach life, no matter where they are,” said Stuart Butler, Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Myrtle Beach.