GRANDE DUNES-ROCKS AFTER RECENT RENOVATION

SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 NORTH ROSELLER ROAD minutes from Woodfield Mall, has three simulators open all year round. So drop in and play the indoor version of the Schaumburg Golf Club. You can be fitted for clubs, or get a golf lesson. To book simulator time call (847)-885-9000 or visit SchaumburgGolf.com. MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open for golf and home to McWethy’s Sports Bar, need a place for Sunday’s big game. Mistwood Golf Dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Call or book online a hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com. (630)-739-7600 IT’s new club fitting season.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook. At Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach SC.

GRANDE DUNES IS BACK.

Because not only is the golf course open for play, it’s back in form after last years over four month renovation.

Architect John A. Harvey got the call to oversee the renovation project. Harvey worked under original architect Roger Rulewich who designed Grande Dunes that opened in 2001.

Grande Dunes is one of Myrtle Beaches top golf destinations. But while their is plenty of room for golf, there are now very nice homes around the golf course on most holes.

The renovation project has added some teeth to the golf course. But still helps the average amateur golfer enjoy their round, while having fun.

While the yardage tops off at 7,578 long enough for any tournament, their are six sets of tee’s. The front tee’s measure out to 5,353 yards, with four sets of tees playing over 6,000 yards. The black tees do measure to 7,183 if the back tees are too long for your game.

The Par 3 14th hole that can play 220 yards, is regarded the signature hole at Grande Dunes.

What was really needed from the renovation, was having the tee’s, bunkers and greens redone.

The greens had lost a third of their size over the years and have had over 40,000 square feet added to them, with fairways having grown by eight acres of grass.

Because the bunker conditions have been improved. It should be easier for most amateurs to get out them. But the improved drainage so keep the course playing faster and firmer.

Tom VanHoogen is Grande Dunes head golf professional.

Tom VanHoogen the clubs head golf professional, is as excited about all the improvements off the golf course, as he is the ones on the golf course.

Because not only did the golf course get a renovation. But the clubhouse did as well.

VanHoogen will tell you that golfers would only grab a hotdog and “hit the road” after a round of golf.

So now it’s not just a snack, but you can really get a full meal for lunch of dinner.

The 19th hole is Terrazza-19 and the full menu is a good one. But if you do want something a little more traditional, the Pimento cheeseburger is really good.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Grande Dunes head golf professional Tom VanHoogen.

So if your headed down to Myrtle Beach, put Grande Dunes on your hit list. You never know who you might find there. During a recent visit, golfers found former PGA Touring professional who now works in television, Charlie Rymer on the new back porch taping a segment for the Today Show.

The par-3 11th hole at Grande Dunes can play up to 190 yards.

The outdoor dining area has heaters when needed. But in Myrtle Beach that is not too many months a year.

Practice area’s have been updated, so when you need to hit balls before a round, you will enjoy having some nice facilities to practice in. Don’t forget while you are there to visit the pro shop, with plenty of apparel and golf balls.

Grande Dunes is located not far inland from the ocean. So on any given day the wind conditions can change, testing golfers with new conditions.

So to book a round of golf at Grande Dunes, or you can call the course at 888-886-8877 or visit online Grandedunesgolf.com.

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About Rory Spears

Rory spent over 8 years growing up working at Rob Roy Golf Club in Prospect Hts.IL, then two years at Chevy Chase in Wheeling. He has covered golf in Chicago since 1986. Rory was one of the initial members of WSCR all-sports radio Chicago and covered golf there for 5 seasons, before moving on to work for ESPN/Sportsticker and ESPN Radio. In addition to hosting Golfers on Golf Radio on WCPT AM820 Chicago, he writes for both the Chicago District (CDGA) Magazine, and formerly Chicagoland Golf. Rory has played over 525 courses in 39 states, and rates golf courses. He does golf course management and communications consulting, within the golf industry.