June 5, 2006  (I was 61) 

Myrtle Beach Natl. King’s Course

          Starting at 3 a.m. it rained harder than I thought possible.

We woke thinking we’d be rained out, went to the course for rain

check vouchers, it stopped raining.  We played 36 holes under

partly cloudy to sunny skies.  The greens were slow, aerated two

weeks ago and rain softened.  Beautiful floral landscaping, a well

groomed interesting layout with much water, most of which does

not come into play.  Courteous friendly staff in the clubhouse and

on the courses. The most fun and playable of the few Palmer

courses I’ve experienced.  There were quite a few doglegs, but

only to the left.  Perfect for the famous Palmer draw?  “The

Gambler” is the signature par five.  You tee to an island fairway

180 yards across water, or you take a circuitous route round the

pond adding 100 yards to the hole.  The problem is, you must be

well down the island fairway to be able to make the second water

crossing to the green.  Even from the middle tees the risk was

greater than any reward my game might accrue.

         We played the West course at the same complex in the

afternoon, a much easier track, more wide-open and traditional,

not to mention a value at $35 on the replay rate.