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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 1 - 15 of 610 (Page 1 of 31)

Submitted by John Ares from Pawleys Island, SC

Q: The Sun-News edition earler this week indicated that Dustin Johnson would be playing at the Las Vegas tournament this week. Any word on what happen to Dustin?

Answered 10/20/09 00:17:04 by Alan Blondin

A: I think that was probably in the weekly capsules we do to keep up with our local touring pros. It was probably listed two weeks ago when we didn't know if he'd be in the field or not. Turns out he wasn't and he's not in the field this week at the Frys.com Open either. He's taking a break after playing five of six weeks with the four FedExCup playoff events and the Turning Stone Resort Championship, where he was the defending champion. He indicated he was going to be taking some time off and said he may go on a vacation trip somewhere, which he might have done.

Submitted by charlie alsup from nashville, tn

Q: I have heard reports that the weather has been very hard on several courses with bent grass greens... Any information on this?

Answered 10/12/09 21:35:28 by Alan Blondin

A: I've played at least a couple courses with bentgrass greens in the area in the past month and haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary, or heard about anything out of the ordinary. The end of the summer is always a tough time for bent, but the weather wasn't overly hot or wet late this summer to put the grass in peril. Maybe what you've heard is isolated to a few courses.

Submitted by Kathy Parodi from Myrtle Beach, sc

Q: How do I report recreational club golf results - the e-mail address I have is recreation@thesunnews.com, but there is no way to report the results at that site.

Answered 10/12/09 21:33:12 by Alan Blondin

A: That is definitely the site to send club golf results to. We've had some scores bounce back to people on occassion but it doesn't happen often. Please send to that site. If you have further issues getting results included in the Thursday recreation page contact sports editor Shane Bowen at sbowen@thesunnews.com

Submitted by HOLLIS WINELAND from BLACKWOOD

Q: Hi Alan what is the latest on Jaguar's Lair opening? Thanks Hollis

Answered 10/12/09 21:26:09 by Alan Blondin

A: It's on hold for now with the sluggish economy. They have essentiall built nine holes but holding off on the other nine. I'll be checking on the progress in the near future for an update.

Submitted by PATRICK from Rochester NY

Q: Hi Al,i don"t remember all the details but i heard or read about a group or someone breaking away from Martins Golf and starting thier own golf store,can you clear this up for me?

Answered 10/07/09 00:58:00 by Alan Blondin

A: Haven't heard of a breakoff group from the Martin's PGA Tour Superstore but will make a point of looking into it.

Submitted by Joe Proderick from Kingston ont. Canada

Q: Comming down over Christmas. Would like to invite you to play with my son and myself. Is that possible? Our treat. Thank YOU

Answered 10/07/09 00:56:18 by Alan Blondin

A: You can email me at ablondin@thesunnews.com in advance of coming to town and if I'm available it would be my pleasure.

Submitted by Dan Lynes from River's Edge, Shallotte, NC

Q: Alan, enjoyed playing with you at the 1st Tee event yesterday. How do I info on other 1st Tee events in the area? Dan

Answered 10/07/09 00:54:39 by Alan Blondin

A: The First Tee of Myrtle Beach has its annual fundraising golf tournament on Feb. 25 at Legends Golf Resort. Other than that, you can always keep up with the First Tee events on their web sites, www.thefirstteemyrtlebeach.org and www.thefirstteebrunswickcounty.org

Submitted by PATRICK from ROCHESTER NY

Q: Al, the Golf PassPort is for residents / property owners. we rent for 3 months and were wondering if we were missing out on any discount golf programs other than some coupons.It"s a shame that the "snow birds" can"t get a equal break,as we bring in tons of money to the MB area.When we spend $3000-$4000 for renting (which is more than most residents are paying in realestate taxes).

Answered 09/12/09 22:45:05 by Alan Blondin

A: The Grand Strand Golf Association has a discount program and also has a series of one-day play days on area courses with discounted rates for the group. Some restaurants are also part of the discount program. You can visit www.grandstrandgolfassociation.com or email its director, Ben Hunt, at ben@grandstrandgolfassociation.com

Submitted by Ron from Chatham, nj

Q: Where can I find a printed (not on-line) directory of golf courses in the area. I will be in MB at the end of October. I only recently returned to golf and I would like to play some easy courses so I don't get discouraged.

Answered 09/12/09 22:41:28 by Alan Blondin

A: Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday has a Golf Planner magazine that I would assume has the list of courses. You can call them at 843-477-8833 and see if its in there or they have another list. We used to run one in Myrtle Beach Golf Magazine but the magazine was discontinued in November 2006. Regarding easy courses, you're in luck. Most of the inexpensive courses in the area are also generally easier than the expensive layouts.

Submitted by John Osterberg from 384 Mckendree Ln.Myrtle Beach SC

Q: Alan, My neighbor scored a hole in one today at Quail Creek GC, 5th hole ,par 3, 145 yds. with a driver no less. His name is Frank Wibrew of 380 Mckendree Ln ,Myrtle Beach 29579 Can this be posted in the news this week?. It was witnessed by myself and another player.Please let me know and can this be posted anywhere else? Thanks John Osterberg jaoaeo@yahoo.com

Answered 09/12/09 22:38:31 by Alan Blondin

A: We usually get those turned in by Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday, who gets them a couple times a month from the golf courses. If it was recorded by the course it should make it to us. That way we keep them coming from the same sources so we don't get the same information multiple times. If the course didn't record the information, you can send it directly to recreation@thesunnews.com. thanks

Submitted by PATRICK from Rochester NY.

Q: Hi AL,love your page.For years we "snow birds" have been joining the Senior Golf,but I am begining to think these rates aren"t so great anymore,any thoughts on this?

Answered 09/03/09 14:41:46 by Alan Blondin

A: The Myrtle Beach Golf Passport is offered by the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association and that organization has pretty much put the squeeze on other discount offerings in the area, particularly the Grand Strand Senior Golf Discount program. A lot of courses thought it got too large. I believe as long as you can show you're at least a part-time resident you can get the card, which probably offers the best prices in the area. You can find info at www.myrtlebeachgolfpassport.com. Good luck

Submitted by Mike from Peck, MI

Q: Could you please explain what a "Captains Choice" tournament is. We have scrambles up hear in Michigan, but had never heard of this before. Thank you.

Answered 09/02/09 16:37:20 by Alan Blondin

A: Captain's choice is the same thing as a scramble. All four players tee off, the best drive is selected and the four players all hit from that spot. That procedure is repeated after each shot.

Submitted by Larry from Mt. Laurel, NJ

Q: Alan: What's the condition of the new greens at Rivers Edge? Our group is coming down in October and we hear varied opinions.

Answered 08/26/09 19:04:25 by Alan Blondin

A: I saw the new SeaDwarf Paspalum greens the other day. The greens are very plush but as of late August they were slow as the course is letting them grow in before attempting to get the blades fine, low and fast.

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.

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