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Alan Blondin

The Sun News' golf beat writer

Alan Blondin

Alan Blondin has worked at The Sun News more than 10 years and has predominantly covered golf since 2000. He previously covered high school sports, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and Coastal Carolina University athletics for the newspaper. Ask him about such things as course facts, tournaments, players, and local golf events.

For recommendations or opinions on specific golf courses, visit our Golf Discussion Board.

Most Recently Answered Questions

Questions 16 - 35 of 696 (Page 2 of 36)

Submitted by Steve Turner from Uxbridge, Ontario

Q: I am thinking of playing Rivers Edge this September after not playing there for a number of years. I have heard and read a number of conflicting things about the conditions. Do you have the straight goods.

Answered 08/23/11 23:21:52 by Alan Blondin

A: I haven't been up there but they replaced the greens with SeaDwarf Paspalum since you've last played and I would think they're in good shape this time of year. I haven't been up there in a while, however, so I don't know. They scenery and layout are quite enjoyable, I do know that.

Submitted by Ron Sullivan from Bridgeport, CT

Q: Who owns Island Green golf club?

Answered 08/23/11 23:18:36 by Alan Blondin

A: Island Green was sold by a group of doctors from the northeast in June 2006 to a three-company conglomerate that planned to develop the Dogwood nine and operate the remaining 18 holes. The managing partner was Mark Nuzzo of Orlando, Fla. I believe they still own it.

Submitted by Bill Barker from Union, Ohio

Q: On our trips to Myrtle Beach some 20-25 years ago, one of our favorite places to eat was the Old Pro's Table. It is no longer around and I can't find out where it was located. I though it was on the northern end of Restaurant Row maybe in the Tanger's, Wal-Mart area. I asked some locals but no one is sure. Can you help?

Answered 08/23/11 23:11:21 by Alan Blondin

A: Yes, it was owned by the Hackler family and was located essentially across the street from the north side of Barefoot Landing on U.S. 17 North. It kind of nestled up against a small area of tidal marsh there.

Submitted by Marc Kuzio from Liverpool, NY

Q: Al, Me and my wife and another couple are coming down in September, we are wondering if there is any Captain & Crew tournaments that we can play in on Labor day Sept 5th.. were looking for something fun that is male/female friendly. thanks for the help, I will be looking for any type of help... Marc Kuzio

Answered 06/02/11 18:18:36 by Alan Blondin

A: There may well be one, but we haven't received notification yet. It might be a little early. The latest captain's choice event we have received for the calendar is: Aug. 21 | Third annual Tee Off Fore A Cause, Indian Wells Golf Club, four-person captain’s choice format. Entry fee of $100 per player includes lunch, awards and player gifts. The tournament benefits the Wounded Warrior Project for injured U.S. veterans. Contact Fred Kane at 843-333-7974 or e-mail fred@teeoffforeacause.org, or visit www.teeoffforeacause.org.

Submitted by Bob LaRocque from Greene,N.Y.

Q: I am a former Winter member of Deer Track any more news about possible reopening? Thank you.....

Answered 05/24/11 22:13:26 by Alan Blondin

A: I will be looking into it so look for some news in the near future, but I don't have an update right now.

Submitted by james ashley from greenwoos sc

Q: what are the final results of the monday after the masters golf tour. played at the dye resort..................

Answered 05/07/11 13:15:13 by Alan Blondin

A: The tournament was won by a group headed by PGA Tour pro Kyle Thompson and former major league pitcher Jaret Wright. The group, including amateurs Nat Hardwick, Joel Weinbach, Ted Smith and Bryan Carroll, won in a sudden-death chip-off over two other teams after shooting 19 under par in a non-handicap scramble format. The teams that matched the winning score were headed by pro Ken Duke and former NFL receiver Sterling Sharpe, and pro Tommy Gainey and singer Colt Ford. That's all I've got. I don't have the full results and the tournament website hootiegolf.com doesn't have them either. Sorry

Submitted by dennis navin from Tewksbury

Q: Alan, I see Ryan covered and wrote the column about Hootie's after the Masters tournament but I didn't see any pics of you playing. I didn't see any of the WMBF TV personallities either. How come we don't any of the MB stars come out??

Answered 05/07/11 13:00:58 by Alan Blondin

A: Well, both Ryan and I wrote something from the event. I had a story that included tournament organizers hoping to have Mike & Mike back in 2012 and the experiences of caddies from the Aynor High golf team. As far as local celebrities playing, the amateur spots cost $5,000, and I don't think anyone is paying that to play with me.

Submitted by Dennis Todd from Ellijay Georgia

Q: What are you hearing about Deertrack reopening ?

Answered 05/07/11 12:58:31 by Alan Blondin

A: I wrote something that ran on Tuesday, May 3, and its definitely a complicated process. There are three local men trying to buy the property out of foreclosure, but the land is also tied up in several lawsuits so that could conceivably put any foreclosure sale on hold. A hearing on May 18 might clear some things up. Here is the story link: www.thesunnews.com/2011/05/03/2139392/golf-could-return-to-deerfield.html

Submitted by Tom Edwards from Port Henry, N.Y.

Q: Hello Alan, A bunch of us "goldf nuts" will be down to Myrtle in a week or two and was wondering how you would rate over all course conditions coming going into early spring? We were down about the same time last year and had some of the best conditions in recent memory. Thanks Alan ! Tom

Answered 04/05/11 03:18:35 by Alan Blondin

A: Course operators and superintendents try to get courses in optimal condition during the spring golf season, that's why they were in such good shape last year. It's the busiest and most profitable time of the year for courses. It's not exactly the best time of year for Bermuda, since it is coming out of dormancy and there is still rye overseed in the fairway and poa trivialis on Bermuda greens (bentgrass should be in really good shape right now with no overseed), but the conditions are still very good and everything is greening up right now.

Submitted by DW from Pasadena, CA

Q: I love the Masters and all the great traditions like the previous winner putting on the next winner's green jacket. Now, I am too young to have seen Jack Nicklaus' in the sixties. I was wondering who put on Jack's second jacket when he won back to back masters in 65-66?

Answered 04/05/11 03:06:47 by Alan Blondin

A: That's a good question. When Tiger Woods won consecutive Masters in 2001-02, I believe the chairman of the Masters Tournament and Augusta National, who was Hootie Johnson at the time, put the green jacket on Tiger. My guess is the chairman of Augusta National at the time of Nicklaus' consecutive wins placed the jacket on him.

Submitted by Hollis Wineland from Blackwood, N.J.

Q: Question? Do you know the story on the "wellman course" I played several weeks ago with two people who were members from the course at another course. They said it is closed? thanks, Hollis

Answered 03/24/11 22:04:38 by Alan Blondin

A: Haven't heard much about it. It is out of my official coverage area in Johnsonville, but I'll inquire about it.

Submitted by pete from willimantic, ct

Q: Alan, do you know what is going to become of the old Bay Tree Golf Plantation property? I know it has been closed for a number of years and i believe it is on its second owner since it closed.

Answered 03/24/11 22:04:01 by Alan Blondin

A: It sits idle waiting for the economy to turn around so something of use can be built. It could be dormant for awhile.

Submitted by Jordan Malcolm from Hillsborough, NJ

Q: Long time PGA Professional Mac Hood is no longer at Meadowlands Golf Club and Farmstead Golf Links. What course is he at in Myrtle Beach these days. I always enjoyed playing at the facilities he managed as the service levels and golf experience were ALWAYS far above the fee he charged to play. What a great loss to Meadowlands and Farmstead.

Answered 03/24/11 22:03:13 by Alan Blondin

A: Mac actually took a job in beautiful Palm Beach County, Florida, working at the municipal Okeeheelee Golf Course. The financial benefits led Mac out of the area after 21 years on the Grand Strand, including 18 in the golf business here. I'm sure many will miss him.

Submitted by Benton Montgomery from Pawleys Island

Q: Al, I was wondering why The Sun News did not have any coverage of the Can-Am matches held last weekend at Wachesaw Plantation. This event for the past ten years has gathered the top junior golfers in SC with the top juniors in Ontario, many of which have gone on to successful college careers and beyond. The quality of play is quite good and is open to the public and really represents our community well.There was television coverage from channel 13 but surprisingly nothing in the local paper. The State Paper covered the event from Columbia but locally the coverage was missing. I would bet if the event was covered better our local community would enjoy watching these kids play and sharing the hospitality that makes our community great.

Answered 03/24/11 21:59:52 by Alan Blondin

A: I write something in advance of the event every year to let the public know that it is happening, and we always run the results in some form. This year, those two both ran in my columnn, which runs every Tuesday. I agree that it is a very nice event, and wish we could cover every event that happens in our area. It could happen in the future, and it would help if any of the 16 players representing South Carolina were from our coverage area. The State had several participants in its coverage area, hence the attention from them.

Submitted by Hollis Wineland from Blackwood, N.J.

Q: HI Alan, Question? What year was the dream 18 holes put together? I think it is about time to update the list. Only a suggestion. I am sure most of the holes would stay the same, probability. Could have some type of format where the average golfers could pick there dream 18? See what you come up with. Only another suggestion. Thanks Hollis

Answered 03/24/11 21:56:05 by Alan Blondin

A: We last did the Dream 18 late in 2008 and it ran in early 2009. Not long ago, and there haven't really been any new course openings, so the holes would remain the same. We don't want to water down the product. We are planning, however, to do a Dream 18 project this year that might be the top 18 courses on the Strand rather than holes, so hopefully that will come together. Involving the general public to let them have a say about their top courses will be included.

Submitted by will howard from scottsdale, arizona

Q: alan, icome to myrtle beach once a year. I think it s great but here it has over a 100 coures but i can,t count that many do you count putt putts how can i get a true list of playable coures in the grand strand

Answered 03/24/11 21:51:31 by Alan Blondin

A: The count of about 102 includes courses stretching from Andrews on the south end to Southport, N.C. on the north end. A map with information on each course is available on The Sun News website at: www.thesunnews.com/2011/01/31/1973933/golf-courses-along-the-grand-strand.html

Submitted by Hawk from Sunset Beach, NC

Q: Any word on what is going on at Brick Landing? Is it going to reopen or will it remain unused?

Answered 03/17/11 00:22:49 by Alan Blondin

A: I need to update that situation in print, but I haven't heard anything positive in regard to the course reopening.

Submitted by Hollis Wineland from Blackwood,N.J.

Q: Welcome back. What is the story on "The vally@East Port". Have they changed anything or just the Name? I just came back from playing "Cape Fear National" as you said,very good course. Also played the renovated Colonial Charter course. I had a old score card I took with me to compare. Rick Robbins did a good job, much better course. Also very good job on the renovation at "Pine Lakes" Much better also. Thanks Hollis

Answered 03/10/11 21:38:48 by Alan Blondin

A: The Valley at Eastport is largely the same course as Eastport Golf Club, they just got it back in shape to reopen.

Submitted by AJ McGurran from Myrtle Beach

Q: Dear AL, Rumor after rumor I hear that you should hit one more club down here as compared with my home course in London, Ontario? What is the real deal..? Thanks AJ

Answered 02/15/11 23:05:53 by Alan Blondin

A: It's probably good advice. I'm assuming the courses you play in London, Ontario, are well above sea level, and all the courses here are right at sea level, so the ball won't travel as far in the air. When I've played in higher elevations I've had to adjust. In Guatemala, when I was as much as 5,000 feet above sea level, my ball was carrying up to 1 1/2 clubs farther. Enjoy the seaside views.

Submitted by Bob Washburn from Pittsburgh

Q: Regarding the inquiry about the location of "three rock." Rivers Edge in Shallotte was originally to be called Thee Rock. Deedy White was the developer. I toured the property while it was being developed to write a story for Myrtle Beach Golfing News. I don't think it ever open for play as Thee Rock.

Answered 01/29/11 12:48:47 by Alan Blondin

A: It didn't, and thanks for the insight, Bob

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