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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.

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Most Recently Answered Questions

Questions 16 - 35 of 612 (Page 2 of 31)

Submitted by Patricia from Myrtle Beach, SC

Q: Bob, how would I go about getting sponsors for Fience, or where would I start? He plays golf better than most professionals, but we have no money. He is so good, people are amazed and he draws a crowd everywhere he plays. He loves the attention and the people, he says it makes him play even better. Money, is his problem. Any advice would be greatly apreciated!

Answered 08/26/09 19:02:58 by Alan Blondin

A: Most touring professionals have the same problem. What they try to do is find a sponsor and often times they'll find acquaintances or friends to fund and back them. If he has that much ability and draws a crowd, it can be someone who sees his ability but doesn't necessarily know him who will be willing to put money up. He probably has to be aggressive in courting a sponsor. Pro golf is a tough living for most. If he can get enough money to enter some mini tour events, he can play to earn enough for his next event. I wish him luck.

Submitted by Donna Treat from Durham, NC

Q: What is the status on the sale of The Reserve to McConnell?

Answered 08/05/09 05:54:16 by Alan Blondin

A: The attorney for the resigned members who are suing in an attempt to recoup their initiation fees said nothing has really progressed in the past month and it will likely need to ruled on by a court. It remains to be seen if McConnell Golf executives will wait around long enough to complete the sale, or if they are obligated to. I don't believe they are.

Submitted by Marty from Ossining, NY & The Legends

Q: What is going on with Dustin Johnson? Is his wrist injured and what time frame can we see him back in service?

Answered 07/31/09 17:18:46 by Alan Blondin

A: Saw Dustin on July 30 and he told me his wrist is fine, he was just taking a couple weeks off. He said he is playing the next two weeks in the $8.5 million WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone CC in Akron, Ohio, ,and the $7.2 million PGA Championship at Hazeltine National in Chaska, Minn.

Submitted by Brian Macaulay from Morristown TN

Q: Good afternoon, I'm thinking of coming to play golf with my 10 year old. Do the golf courses charge him full price?? Trying to see if its going to be worth driving all that way. thank BRIAN

Answered 07/29/09 23:04:03 by Alan Blondin

A: Many if not most of the courses on the Grand Strand allow children 16 and under to play free with a paying adult. You can view the full list at www.kidsplayfree.com. It lists the courses and contact numbers that participate in special/free rates for juniors with adults. Call the courses to get their policies, but its definitely worth bringing your son.

Submitted by Henry from Hillsborough, NJ

Q: What's going on at the River Oaks golf course? The one nine is closed and I see they are taking down a lot of tall pines.

Answered 07/29/09 23:01:18 by Alan Blondin

A: The Otter nine holes closed earlier this month for bunker renovations, new drainage, tree removal and new cart paths. I wrote something about it last weekend and it can be viewed at: www.thesunnews.com/sports/story/986093.html

Submitted by Ed Desautels from Pittsburgh, PA

Q: Hello, Alan. I'm interested in your opinion of the current state of the Sunbelt Senior Tour. I recall a couple years ago there was talk of a rival tour sponsored by AcuFlex and headed up by Rocky Rockett. Did that ever pan out? Based on a review of the 2009 results, it looks like the field sizes have been quite small (around 20 entrants). I was wondering if this was the effect of the rival tour siphoning off players, the poor economy, or some other factor(s). Thanks for your insight, Ed

Answered 07/29/09 22:54:05 by Alan Blondin

A: Sunbelt Tour founder and operator Don Barnes is only holding tournaments when there are sponsors. The other tour fizzled out early in its first year and the Grand Strand Pro Golf Tour initially added seniors to its event to accommodate the displaced players, but there are now few remnants of the tour. If Sunbelt numbers are down it's likely do to the poor economy more than anything. We'll see how the Sunbelt's South Carolina Senior Open goes at Tidewater from Sept. 8-10. It's traditionally one of the biggest tournaments with the strongest fields of the year.

Submitted by Billy from Myrtle Beach, SC

Q: Do you know of any captain's choice tournaments being held this weekend?

Answered 07/29/09 22:44:07 by Alan Blondin

A: There are two Saturday and one on Tuesday. Saturday | Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina Fore the Girls Tour nament, Tradition Club, four-person captain's choice, 9 a.m. shotgun start. Tournament benefits area Girl Scouts. Entry fee of $75 per player includes food and prizes. Entry deadline is July 24. Contact Anne Carpenter at 800-786-8704, 843-669-5174 or annecarpen ter@girlscoutsesc.org. Saturday | The Coastal South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross will host its 15th annual Hurricane Golf Classic at True Blue Golf Club in Pawleys Island. The benefit tournament will begin with a 1 p.m. registration and lunch provided by McAlister's Deli followed by a 2:30 p.m. shotgun start. Cost for the four-person captain's choice tournament is $100 per player or a foursome with a hole sponsorship for $500. There will be prizes for a hole-in-one, closest-to-the-pin and longest drive. The tournament will be held rain or shine and all proceeds will benefit the local chapter of the American Red Cross, which serves Horry, Georgetown and William sburg counties. To register, call 843-477-0020 or 843-546-5422 or visit www.coastalscarc.org. Tuesday | The All Saints Parish Waccamaw Episcopal Church will host its second annual Charities Golf Tournament at Caledonia Golf and Fish Club in Pawleys Island. The tournament will benefit local charities such as Tara Hall, Outreach Farms, Martha's House, Smith Medical Clinic and Project Lifesaver. The tournament will begin at 1 p.m. with registration followed by a 2:30 p.m. shotgun start. A Low Country BBQ will follow the event at Caledonia's Fish Shed. Cost for the four-person captain's choice tournament is $100 per player or a foursome with a hole sponsorship for $500. Corporate sponsorships are also available. To register, contact the church office at 843-237-7475 or email the Parish Office at AllSaint sParish@sc.rr.com.

Submitted by Andy Harbin from Homestead, FL

Q: The World Am is currently polling current and past players about the possibility of moving the tournament dates from it's current August/September date to either March, May, later in September, or October. How would such a date change be received by the local, Myrtle Beach community? In my twenty years of playing in this tournament, I am of the opinion that the community's enthusiam for this tournament has been waning for several years. Would a date change positively affect this perception?

Answered 07/16/09 02:59:36 by Alan Blondin

A: I honestly don't believe the community's enthusiasm for the World Am has waned. Participation has decreased from 5,000 before 9-11-01 to probably less than 3,500 this year, but I don't think the businesses and people in the area think any differently of the tournament or its players. However, if the tournament moves, I would expect it to move later in Sept. because it's a slow month both for tourism and golf courses, or possibly into May since the area is trying to replace the bike rallies that dominated May in recent years. Neither of those times are busy. Golf courses are somewhat busy in Oct. and March so I wouldn't expect a move to those dates.

Submitted by Eric Fugate from Morganton, NC

Q: Are round putters better to get the ball rolling earlier then flat putters?

Answered 07/16/09 02:51:32 by Alan Blondin

A: I once tried a Convex Putter, which I believe is now known at the Curv Putter, and liked it. The makers say the putter keeps the ball online better on off-center hits, but I don't know if it gets the ball rolling faster, or prevents skidding or not. Physics isn't necessarily my subject of expertise.

Submitted by Dave from North Myrtle Beach, SC

Q: Alan-we moved recently to NMB and was wondering if there are any "informal" leagues where a single golfer can show up on a given day and play with a group. I don't live in a development that has a formal organization. Thanks.

Answered 07/16/09 02:47:09 by Alan Blondin

A: Wild Wing Plantation is having informal nine-hole tournaments every Wednesday throughout the summer. That might be a fun way to meet other golfers. I know a number of weekly and bi-weekly leagues that are affiliated with golf courses don't require the members to live at the golf course. Good luck finding something that interests you.

Submitted by Al from Lexington, SC

Q: What do you think of the Myrtle Beach Golf Passport?

Answered 07/16/09 02:39:26 by Alan Blondin

A: If you are going to play a lot of golf on the Grand Strand over the course of a year, or even six months, you will certainly save a fair amount of money off published rates, so for $39 it seems to be a good deal.

Submitted by HOLLIS WINELAND from BLACKWOOD N.J

Q: Hi What is the status of Jaguar's Lair golf course and when will it be open for play? thanks Hollis

Answered 07/16/09 02:37:07 by Alan Blondin

A: Hey Hollis, it's still under development but isn't moving along very quickly since the economy and housing market have tanked. The spring will be the earliest it will open, and it's likely going to be later than that.

Submitted by Mike Quigley from Queens, NY

Q: Al, We have a group coming arriving in September. We are playing two rounds at Aracadian Shores and two rounds at Myrtlewood Pine Hills. Have the greens been aerated recently? We would not like to putt on sandy greens. Thanks.

Answered 07/03/09 13:56:44 by Alan Blondin

A: Since its only two courses I would call them individually to see what their course maintenance schedule is. Both have Bermudagrass greens and they are usually aerated in early summer and sometime in the fall.

Submitted by Eric Fugate from Morganton, NC

Q: I am thinking of playing golf in Myrtle and surounding areas in October. How is the Weather and courses in that month? How crowded is it then?

Answered 07/01/09 19:22:43 by Alan Blondin

A: October is considered part of the fall golf season, so prices are up more than they are in the summer and winter, and the courses are more crowded. But the hotels aren't full like they are in the summer, and there are more tee times available than in the spring season. The weather is usually very pleasant and course conditions should be fine. Courses generally aerify the greens in early fall, so you may catch the aftermath of that at some layouts.

Submitted by jrashley from greenwood sc

Q: could you please tell me where i can find an updated list of every golf course public, semi-private,& private in and around the 60 miles of myrtle beach as of june 8, 2009. thanks..................

Answered 07/01/09 19:06:38 by Alan Blondin

A: This is a list we've compiled at The Sun News with some information about each course. It's accessible through the Myrtle Beach Access site: http://www.thesunnews.com/golf-course-highlights/story/774625.html

Submitted by Bob Sampson from Pittsburgh Pa

Q: Looking for golf events to particiapte in during the last week of July 2009 in Myrtle area. Is there a schedule I can view with info ?

Answered 06/26/09 14:53:05 by Alan Blondin

A: Bob, these are the tournaments we have been informed about as of now. Hope this helps: July 24 | The Fabulous 50s Festival Tournament, Wachesaw Plantation East, 7:15 a.m. shotgun start. Four-person captain's choice format. Entry fee of $59 per person includes $200 to the winning team, other prizes, goodie bag, coffee-and-donut breakfast, Chick-fil-A lunch. Proceeds will be donated to the Horry County Arts and Cultural Council. Entry deadline is July 17. Call 843-349-7122 or Lou Krieger at 843-215-3753. July 24 | The third annual Grace Ministries Charity Tournament will begin with a 2:30 p.m. shotgun start at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club. Play will be a four-person captain's choice format. Entry fee of $85 per player includes lunch, beverages and prizes. Entry deadline is July 17. Proceeds benefit Grace Ministries of the South Strand, which supports home-bound senior citizens with a variety of services. For more information, call B.J. Bryant at 843-333-0927 or Tommy Jackson at 843-997-2580. August 15 | The Joseph B. Bethea United Methodist Church Tournament, Tidewater Plantation and Golf, four-player captain's choice, 9 a.m. shotgun start. Entry fee of $60 includes lunch, awards and door prizes. Gold Sponsorship of $500 includes team entry, booth site and signage. Entry deadline is July 31. Contact George Sands 843-267-0017.

Submitted by Golf Fan from Aynor, SC

Q: Question: On June 19th you posted an article: Alan Blondin on Myrtle Beach golf: Legends courses subject to foreclosure sale this week... Why would you say: THIS WEEK... when in fact in your article you say that the sale is JULY 6TH ??? That is 17 days from the date of your article until the sale.

Answered 06/22/09 20:38:00 by Alan Blondin

A: I don't write the headlines for my own stories and unfortunately that one was incorrect. I have since corrected the version online.

Submitted by Casey from Little Rock Ar

Q: My brothers and I will be in town the week leading up to the July 4th weekend. We have been trying to find if there are any scramble tournaments we can play in (without luck). What would be a good source for scramble tournaments for that time frame?

Answered 06/16/09 23:24:08 by Alan Blondin

A: Here are the tournaments around that time, then nothing until after the 4th, according to our schedule: June 23 | The 20th annual The Sun News Educational Foundation Tournament, in memory of John Ribar, former sports columnist for The Sun News, at Pine Lakes Country Club. Continental breakfast and registration at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. shotgun start. Two- person team captain's choice format. All players must have a handicap and teams will be pre-flighted. Prepaid entry fee is $100 per person and includes practice balls, post- tournament food, gifts and non- alcoholic beverages. All proceeds will be donated to The Sun News Educational Foundation, which provides college scholarships for area high school seniors. Call Diana Fromal at 843-626-0247 or Peggy Studds at 843-626-0250. June 27 | The National Association of Women in Construction will hold their 19th annual golf tournament at Myrtle Beach National Golf Club. Cost $240 per team or $60 per person. Cost includes a goody bag, beverages on the course and lunch. For more information, call Sue Cline at 843-449-0757 or Shirley Horne at 843-448-0220. Deadline to enter is June 15. June 27 | South Strand Helping Hand tournament, Wachesaw Plantation East, four-person captain's choice, 8 a.m. shotgun start. Honda Fit awarded for a hole-in-one on specified hole. Entry fee of $75 includes buffet lunch, donuts, coffee and prizes. Call (843) 238-4594. June 28 | The Loris Blue Pride Booster Club will hold their 17th annual golf tournment at Black Bear Golf Course beginning at 1:30 p.m. Format is a four-person select ball. There will be prizes, food and drinks available. The cost is $60 per player and the cost to sponsor a hole is $100. For more information, call Neil James at 843-756-2500 or Steve Cox at 843-756-1514.

Submitted by al. robb from ontario , canada

Q: i will be sno-birding it in myrtle for 6 months...could you tell me if there is a senior discount book and if there might be a course that offers seasonal membership for 6 mths. in north myrtle....hope you can help..thankyou

Answered 06/04/09 19:50:51 by Alan Blondin

A: I believe the Grand Strand Senior Center still offers a discount card. You can reach the organization by calling 843-293-1137. Not sure about six-month memberships in the NMB area. One course I'd check with is Possum Trot. It is managed by the Glens Group, which also manages a couple other courses on the North end.

Submitted by Ed from O"Donovan

Q: I am moving to Myrtle Beach and would like a list of golf groups and associations that offer weekly and monthly golf tournaments for residents

Answered 05/11/09 20:53:09 by Alan Blondin

A: Some groups and organizations that offer tournaments to its members are: The Coastal Carolina Amateur Golf Club is run by Patrick Jones. Visit www.coastalcarolinagolfclub.com or email ccagc@sccoast.net. The Grand Strand Golf Association is run by Ben Hunt and also has a discount rounds membership card. Visit www.grandstrandgolfassociation.com or email ben@grandstrandgolfassociation.com. The Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association has a discount card called the Myrtle Beach Golf Passport and hosts several events for members over the summer. Visit www.myrtlebeachgolfpassport.com or call 843-477-8822. The eGolf Amateur Tour has Saturday tournaments and is run by John Livoti. Visit www.amateurgolftour.net/mb_tour_pages/default.asp or call 1-866-918-4653

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