PAWLEYS PLANTATION'S JACK NICKLAUS SIGNATURE CONSIDERED ONE OF THE TOP 10 COURSES IN MYRTLE BEACH 3/23/2010
South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel Once Again Names Grand Strand Area Course One Of “South Carolina’s Top 50 Golf Courses”
March xx, 2010, Pawleys Island, S.C. — The Jack Nicklaus signature golf course at Pawleys Plantation Golf and Country Club in Pawleys Island, S.C., has been named one of the top 10 courses in Myrtle Beach by the prestigious South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel. The panel also rated Pawleys Plantation as one of “South Carolina’s Top 50 Golf Courses.”
“We are thrilled to not only be considered one of the top courses in South Carolina, but also one of the top 10 in the Grand Strand area,” said Jann Walker, director of marketing at Pawleys Plantation. “There are over 350 golf courses in the state of South Carolina, so these honors are very special to us. It is truly a testament to the wonderful design of our Jack Nicklaus golf course, as well as a compliment to our hard working staff.”
The South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel consists of 128 avid golfers from throughout the state including golf writers, professional golfers, collegiate golf coaches, golf course superintendents and business executives. In contrast to some other ratings panels, the S.C. panel members are required to actually play a course before they can vote on it. That means that their rankings are based on criteria that can only be met by experiencing a golf course such as routing, conditioning, memorability and aesthetics.
MYRTLE BEACH AREA GOLF RESORT, PAWLEYS PLANTATION, OFFERS THE "GOLD MEDAL" SPECIAL 3/22/2010
Porter Airlines Makes Taking A Vacation Easy For Canadians With Direct Flights To Myrtle Beach
March 22, 2010,Pawleys Island, S.C. — Pawleys Plantation in Pawleys Island, S.C.,is now offering the “Gold Medal” special. Porter Airlines, with its direct flights from five major Canadian cities, including Montreal and Toronto, to Myrtle Beach, is making the trip easier as well as more affordable. Thisspecial offer, created just for Canadians, is also a great deal and will allow visitors to stay four nights at the three night price. From now through May 31, 2010, guests can enjoy luxury accommodations in a one-bedroom suite for $399 per room, plus tax, based on double occupancy. This is a savings of over 25% off the regular rate.
Pawleys Plantation is well-known for its top notch amenities, including its award-winning Jack Nicklaus designed course and Lowcountry charm. The “Gold Medal” special will entitle visitors to play Pawleys Plantation's signature course for a special guest rate, and replays can be booked at half price. It also includes two tickets to Brookgreen Gardens, known for its sculptures, gardens and history. To learn more about all that Brookgreen Gardens has to offer visit www.brookgreengardens.org. For more information about the area go to www.visitgeorge.com. There you will find all the wonderful activities, restaurants and shops on the beautiful southern end of Myrtle Beach, which also features one of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast.
MYRTLE BEACH GOLF COURSE, PAWLEYS PLANTATION, ADDS FREE PLAYING LESSON TO BEST EVER GOLF SCHOOL PACKAGE THIS WINTER 12/16/2009
Three-Day Golf School Adds A $200 9-Hole Playing Lesson, But Keeps The Package Price At $799
December 11, 2009,Pawleys Island, S.C. — The popular “Best Ever Golf School Package” offered by Pawleys Plantation in Pawleys Island, S.C., just got better with the addition of a nine-hole playing lesson for free.
The package, which has been offered without a playing lesson since the summer of 2009, combines deluxe accommodations, golf on Pawleys Plantation’s award-winning Jack Nicklaus-designed course, daily breakfast, and three days of golf school at the on-site Phil Ritson-Mel Sole Golf School, which is currently ranked one of the top five golf schools in America. From now through February 24 only, the package will also include a 9-hole playing lesson, which is a $200 value.
The price of the “Best Ever Golf School Package” will remain steady at $799 per person for December, January and February. Based on double occupancy (taxes inclusive), it includes three nights accommodations in a luxurious one-bedroom suite, two rounds of golf with carts on Pawleys Plantation’s signature Jack Nicklaus course, three breakfasts, and three-days of golf instruction at the highly acclaimed, on-site Ritson-Sole Golf School. The free 9-hole playing lesson by a Ritson-Sole instructor will be conducted on the Nicklaus course.
“This package is an extraordinary value,” said Jann Walker, director of marketing at Pawleys Plantation. “A playing lesson gives a golfer the opportunity to put what he's learned in the golf school to work on the course under the watchful eye of his instructor. That time on the course can be invaluable in terms of increased understanding of course strategy and management.”
Pawleys Plantation’s on-site golf school has several instructors including owner and Golf Magazine Top Teacher, Mel Sole. Class size is limited to four students to ensure plenty of individual attention. Unlike most golf schools, students are not moved to different instructors for chipping, putting, iron play, etc. Each class stays with its owninstructor throughout all parts of the full swing and short game, and the resulting rapport and continuity means maximum improvement.
“A package like this would cost three or four times as much at any other Top 25 golf school,” said Jann Walker, director of marketing at Pawleys Plantation. “Mel's commitment to making top instruction affordable is one of the reasons that Golf Magazine says the Ritson-Sole Golf School is one of the best values among America’s top schools.”
Additional information is available at www.pawleysplantation.com or by calling Pawleys Plantation at (800) 367-9959. More information on the Phil Ritson–Mel Sole Golf School is available by calling (800) 624-4653 or online at www.ritson-sole.com.
PAWLEYS ISLAND GOLF SCHOOL FEATURED IN NATIONAL MAGAZINE THAT REACHES EIGHT MILLION READERS WORLDWIDE 6/9/2009
The Costco Connection Spotlights Pawleys Plantation's Phil Ritson-Mel Sole Golf School And The People Who Made It One Of America's Best
June 9, 2009, Pawleys Island, S.C. — The Phil Ritson-Mel Sole Golf School is featured in this month's edition of The Costco Connection, a lifestyle publication that is mailed to more than eight million Costco members worldwide, as well as distributed via Costco warehouses. The article, which directs readers to the school Web site at www.ritson-sole.com, reports on the golf school and the interesting personal story of its two partners, Mel and Rosemary Sole.
The Phil Ritson-Mel Sole Golf School is one of the top schools in the United States. Both its teaching philosophy and its commitment to affordability have drawn national attention. Providing high quality instruction for significantly less than other top national schools, the Ritson-Sole School has caught the attention of numerous national publications. Travel & Leisure, Men's Journal and Golf Tips magazines have recognized the Ritson-Sole academy as one of "America's Best Golf Schools" since 1994. GOLF Magazine recently named them to their “Top 25 USA Golf Schools” list for the 10th consecutive year in November 2008 and said, “this group has done it longer and better than any school.”
The Ritson-Sole Golf School offers instruction at much lower tuition rates than other schools in the Top 25. Director of Instruction Mel Sole believes that top-notch instruction should be within reach of every golfer. The cost for his three-day golf school program is less than half of that of most of the other Top 25 golf academies.
For example, the "Best Ever Golf School Package," currently offered by the golf school in conjunction with their host golf resort, Pawleys Plantation, is designed to offer outstanding value. It is being snapped up by recession-conscious golfers across North America. For under $1000, taxes included, year-round, golfers can enjoy accommodations, breakfasts, green/cart fees, and a top notch golf school for three days.
The personal angle of the story reveals a chance meeting by Mel and Rosemary in a foreign country that was pure "serendipity." The passion and persistence they've shared for the same goals have enabled them to survive the married-to-your-business-partner scenario, a current topic of interest in the media. The article refers to their success in combining business and marriage as scoring a hole-in-one.
Mel Sole is consistently ranked a "Top Teacher in North America" by GOLF Magazine, has 40 years of international teaching experience, and is a former veteran of the South African PGA Tour. Phil Ritson is a world-renowned golf coach who counts K.J. Choi, Gary Player, Curtis Strange, and many other stars as students at one time or another. Phil is also a former mentor to David Leadbetter.
The Phil Ritson-Mel Sole Golf School is in session year-round at Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club, an award winning resort featuring a Nicklaus signature course, luxury villas, dining, and Meeting & Convention facilities. One-hour private lessons and $35 group clinics are also available.
Other locations for the Ritson-Sole academy include Conyers, Ga; Independence, Mo.; Greenville, S.C.; Ellicottville, N.Y; and Malinalco, Mexico.
More information on golf school instruction is available by contacting The Phil Ritson-Mel Sole Golf School at 800-624-4653 or 843-237-4993, www.ritson-sole.com. Information on accommodations and tee times is available by calling Pawleys Plantation at 800-367-9959, www.pawleysplantation.com.
ZAGAT® SURVEY RANKS PAWLEYS PLANTATION AMONG THE TOP GOLF COURSES IN THE U.S., VIRGIN ISLANDS AND PUERTO RICO 4/8/2009
Well-Respected Survey Of Golfers Results In Rave Reviews For Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club
April 7, 2009, Pawleys Island, S.C. — One of the nation’s leading surveyors of American travelers, Zagat®, has ranked Pawleys Plantation among the top golf courses in the United States, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in its recently released 2009/2010 guide, America’s Top Golf Courses 6th Edition. Zagat surveyed more than 6,054 avid golfers for the ratings and reviews in the guide.
Those surveyed rated Pawleys Plantation as “very good to excellent” in all categories including the course, facilities, service, and value. Describing the course as “one of Jack Nicklaus' best designs,” the guide reports that the course “is an example of true Southern Golf all the way down to the plantation-style clubhouse."
Zagat is the brand name of America’s leading guides to restaurants, golf, and hotels. The 2009/2010 golfer’s guide contains over 1,000 player reviews of the country's public, semi-private and resort courses. Pawleys Plantation was also ranked very highly in the 2007/2008 edition.
“Pawleys Plantation is very excited and honored to be recognized by Zagat again,” said Jann Walker, director of marketing for Pawleys Plantation. “We take pride in our well-conditioned course and are thrilled the raters continue to rank our course so highly. Zagat is known for producing reliable resources for travelers, so we know that when Zagat speaks, travelers listen.”
PAWLEYS PLANTATION GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB NAMES RILEY KINLAW HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL 3/3/2009
Class A PGA Member Joins Staff Of Golf Resort That USAToday.com Recently Named “One Of The Snazziest Resorts On The Grand Strand”
Pawleys Golf & Country Club in Pawleys Island, S.C., has named Riley Kinlaw the new head golf professional. Pawleys Plantation is one of the top golf resorts on the coast. USAToday.com called Pawleys Plantation “one of the snazziest resorts on the Grand Strand,” and it is “one of the most underrated resorts in the Southeast” according to Travel + Leisure Golf magazine.
Kinlaw will manage the day-to-day operations of the resort’s pro shop and its Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, as well as plan all member and guest tournaments. In addition, he will be responsible for coordinating with the golf course superintendent to ensure top-notch course conditions, as well as motivating staff to maintain the high level of customer service that guests of Pawleys Plantation have come to expect.
Before joining Pawleys Plantation, Kinlaw was the head professional at Cardinal Golf and Country Club in Greensboro, N.C. During his tenure, Kinlaw was responsible for managing the golf staff, overseeing all aspects of inventory control, developing merchandising programs, and promoting all club tournaments and activities. Kinlaw taught over 200 group lessons and clinics annually and overlooked the implementation and development of the caddie program.
Kinlaw began his career in 1996 in Greenville, N.C. as an assistant golf professional at Brook Valley Country Club. In 1999, he began working at Cardinal Golf and Country Club in Greensboro, N.C., where he worked as a first assistant professional until 2002. During that time, he operated Country Club Systems, trained an outside staff of 8-15 annually, and helped expand the growth of all junior golf developmental programs. In 2003 he was promoted to head professional.
Kinlaw graduated from Mount Olive College in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Graphic Design. In 2002 he was elected as Class A PGA Member with over 100 hours of continuing education and seminars. Kinlaw has course work in a variety of fields including interpersonal skills, customer relations, tournament operations, food and beverage, and turfgrass management.
“Riley brings an impressive background and a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of the golf industry,” said Laura Rippy, general manager for Pawleys Plantation. “His commitment to service makes him a good match for Pawleys Plantation. We work hard to exceed guest expectations and Riley’s approach to service makes him a nice fit.”
GOLF WORLD READERS RANK PAWLEYS PLANTATION ONE OF THE NATION'S TOP 50 GOLF RESORTS 1/16/2009
Voters Rank Pawleys Plantation Among Elite Resorts Like Kiawah Island, Pinehurst And TPC At Sawgrass
October 27, 2008, Myrtle Beach, S.C. — Pawleys Plantation, located in Pawleys Island, S.C., has been voted one of the Top 50 Golf Resorts in the United States in Golf World's first-ever ranking of the best public, private and resort facilities in the country. The rankings were published in the Oct. 17 edition of the magazine.
Pawleys Plantation ranked number 35 on a list that included world-famous destinations like the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Pinehurst Resort and the TPC at Sawgrass.
“We're excited to be on Golf World's 'first-ever' readers' choice list,” said Jann Walker, director of marketing at Pawleys Plantation. “There are so many choices for people looking to enjoy a getaway at a top-rate golf resort. This is especially rewarding because we deliver an experience that Golf World readers believe compares to resorts that are much more expensive than Pawleys Plantation.”
Unlike other rankings, which are produced by panelists and editors and course designers, this list was created by the readers of Golf World. More than 21,000 individual golf course evaluations were received.
"It's a great list, because it's a populist list" said Ron Whitten, architecture editor for Golf Digest/Golf World. “It belongs to the people. There isn't any other ranking like it."
The rankings were based on voting on 13 criteria, including quality of the course, conditioning, reputation/prestige, value and pace of play.
The Golf World ranking is the latest in a long list of honors for Pawleys Plantation, including being named “one of the most underrated golf resorts” in the Southeastern United States by readers of Travel + Leisure Golf magazine.
The Phil Ritson-Mel Sole Golf School was once again named one of the “Top 25 Golf Schools In America” by Golf Magazine, and hole #13 at Pawleys Plantation's award-winning Jack Nicklaus-designed course was recently featured as of the Grand Strand's “Dream 18” holes by The Sun News in Myrtle Beach.
Meeting And Event Planners Rate Pawleys Plantation One Of The Top Meeting Sites In The Southern United States
January 2009, Pawleys Island, S.C. — Pawleys Plantation in Pawleys Island, S.C., has been judged one of the top meeting facilities in the Southern United States by the readers of ConventionSouth magazine. The prestigious “Readers' Choice Awards” for 2008 were published in the magazine's December issue. The winning sites were selected from hundreds of nominations for the best meeting destinations, convention centers, hotels and venues located within ConventionSouth's 14-state editorial area.
We feel very honored that Pawleys Plantation is one of only two facilities along the Grand Strand to receive this award,” said Jann Walker, marketing director for Pawleys Plantation. “To be among an elite group that not only meet, but exceed, the high demands of meeting planners today in physical attributes, commitment to hospitality, and customized service is truly an accomplishment. Our staff works hard to make the meeting experience at Pawleys Plantation an exceptional one and it’s rewarding to receive recognition for their efforts.”
ConventionSouth is one of the premier trade magazines for professional meeting planners. Each year readers nominate meeting sites that they feel display exemplary professionalism and service standards. Additional attributes such as easy access, ambiance, superb cuisine, and staff members who provide top-notch hospitality were also taken into consideration. Honorees were chosen based on the number of nominations and detailed comments made by readers.
TRAVEL + LEISURE GOLF MAGAZINE RANKS PAWLEYS PLANTATION ONE OF THE MOST UNDERRATED GOLF RESORTS IN THE SOUTHEAST 9/23/2008
Pawleys Island, South Carolina Resort Is Included In The Magazine’s 2008 Report On The “World's Best Golf Resorts”
Pawleys Plantation has been named “one of the most underrated golf resorts” in the Southeastern United States by readers of Travel + Leisure Golf magazine. Results of the magazine’s annual reader survey on the “World’s Best Golf Resorts” were reported in the 2008 September/October issue of the magazine and at www.tlgolf.com.
Pawleys Plantation is the only Grand Strand/Myrtle Beach-area resort to be included on the prestigious list. It joins the ranks of the Southeast’s most elite venues including Pinehurst Resort and Kiawah Island Golf Resort, as well as world-famous destinations like The Greenbrier and Pebble Beach Resorts.
“We’re extremely excited to have Travel + Leisure Golf readers recognize Pawleys Plantation as one of the most underrated golf resorts in the Southeast and the world,” said Jann Walker, director of marketing at Pawleys Plantation. “It’s a great honor to be seen as an undiscovered gem, and we appreciate their recommendation. At Pawleys Plantation, we offer a charming Lowcountry setting, a great Jack Nicklaus golf course, gourmet dining and exceptional service. And when you look at what we deliver, it’s apparent that we’re one of the most affordable upscale golf experiences in the entire United States. We hope that this ranking will inspire people to learn more about Pawleys Plantation and experience it for themselves.”
Travel + Leisure Golf“received thousands of votes on hundreds of properties throughout North and Central America and across the British Isles” to determine its rankings of the world’s best. A property's score was based on a 100 point scale and measured against how well it did relative to other properties. Pawleys Plantation received a rating of 99.35 and was rated the second most underrated golf resort in the Southeast after Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in Pinehurst, N.C. which has hosted two U.S. Women’s Open Championships. Resorts were judged on whether they hadfirst-rate golf courses and accommodations, as well as other aspects including having a state-of-the-art practice complex.
“The magazine’s editors wrote that ‘so many elements go into an ideal golf vacation [but] above all, the courses must be exhilarating and the accommodations first-rate,’” said Walker. “Travel + Leisure Golf’s readers clearly believe that description applies to Pawleys Plantation and we’re just thrilled.”
Travel + Leisure Golf is published by American Express and focuses on the affluent golf lifestyle. In 2006 and 2007, it was reportedly ranked as the "2nd Most Influential Golf Publication."
GOLF MAGAZINE RATES MYRTLE BEACH GOLF COURSE, PAWLEYS PLANTATION, ONE OF THE TOP 20 COURSES IN SOUTH CAROLINA 9/2/2008
Lowcountry Favorite Joins Kiawah’s Ocean Course And Harbour Town On Prestigious List Of The State’s Best
August 29, 2008, Pawleys Island, S.C. — Pawleys Plantation’s Jack Nicklaus-designed course has been named one of the best courses in South Carolina according to Golf Magazine’s “first-ever” ranking of the best courses in each state. The rankings were determined by Golf Magazine’s course-ranking panel, editorial staff, and “well traveled spies.” The list appears in the September issue of Golf Magazine.
“We are proud to be on Golf Magazine’s ‘first ever’ course listing by state,” said Jann Walker, Director of Marketing at Pawleys Plantation. “Our staff has worked very hard to maintain Pawleys Plantation’s reputation as one of the top courses in Myrtle Beach. So, it’s especially exciting to be listed with prestigious courses like Kiawah’s Ocean Course and Harbour Town as among the best in S.C.”
As part of a five year plan, a significant investment has been made in all areas of the golf course to maintain the integrity, vision and character which has made this magnificent 18 hole layout by Jack Nicklaus one of the most awarded golf courses in South Carolina. "We are taking steps to ensure our Nicklaus Signature course maintains the status it has always had," said Jason Epstein, Director of Golf at Pawleys Plantation. “Pawleys Plantation delivers a round of golf that is sure to be memorable to golfers and where no attention to detail is overlooked."
“It is gratifying that all the hard work to keep Pawleys Plantation a top notch course has been recognized,” said David Eure, CGCS, ValleyCrest Golf Course MaintenanceSuperintendent at Pawleys Plantation. “It has been a challenge to make the renovations without disturbing play. And, according to the feedback we have received, we have achieved our goal.”
For more information about Pawleys Plantation call 877-763-7341 or visit their Web site at www.pawleysplantation.com.
MYRTLE BEACH'S PAWLEYS PLANTATION KEEPS ITS COURSE RANKED AMONG THE ELITE WITH RENOVATIONS AND UPGRADES 9/2/2008
Jack Nicklaus Design Is One Of The First Along The Grand Strand To Use “Celebration” Bermuda Grass
August 11, 2008, Pawleys Island, S.C. — Pawleys Plantation in Pawleys Island, S.C., is taking steps to ensure its award-winning Jack Nicklaus-designed course maintains its status as one of the top courses along Myrtle Beach, S.C.’s Grand Strand by implementing several changes to the course. Pawleys Plantation is investing more than $250,000 in upgrades, including putting new “Celebration” Bermuda grass on its practice tees.
Pawleys Plantation is one of the first courses along the Grand Strand to use Celebration, which is known for its bright green color. The grass is increasingly popular among golf course superintendents because it goes dormant later in the season and greens up much quicker in the spring. In addition, it uses less water and fertilizer, fills in divots quickly, and is shade tolerant, cold hardy and drought resistant.
Pawleys Plantation elected to put the aesthetically pleasing and durable Celebration Bermuda on its practice tee as it expands that area from 8,000 to 10,000 square feet. In addition, more landscaping with native grasses and flowers like “Knock-out” roses are being planted around the course. Other upgrades include the installation of a new pump system that is more efficient in its use of water; rebuilding tees along the rice dike that reaches out into the saltwater marsh; strategic removal of trees to open up areas to sunlight and for playability; and sodding with zoysia grass along the edges of cart paths for both aesthetics and durability.
“Pawleys Plantation continues to get better and better every year,” said David Eure, golf course superintendent at Pawleys Plantation. “The course has a naturally beautiful setting with spectacular views of the salt marsh and we continually work to complement that beauty. And, from a player point’s point of view, it’s good news that we have not had to shut down the course to make these changes.”
THE GOLF CHANNEL REALITY SHOW, ROAD TRIP: MYRTLE BEACH, INSPIRES NEW PAWLEYS PLANTATION GOLF PACKAGE 3/1/2008
The "Road Trip" Golf Package Features Golf Courses Spotlighted In Show's First Four Episodes
February 26, 2008, Pawleys Island, S.C. -Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club in Pawleys Island, S.C., is offering a new golf package, "Road Trip." To celebrate their appearance on The Golf Channel's new reality series, Road Trip: Myrtle Beach, the "Road Trip" package lets golfers experience four courses featured on the show, including Pawleys Plantation, which the show's stars lauded for its "awesome" beauty.
The three-night "Road Trip" package is available through September 3, 2008 (rates vary from $433 to $714 per person, according to the season) based on quad occupancy. It includes accommodations in a spacious Pawleys Plantation villa, daily plantation breakfast, and a round of golf on Pawleys Plantation's Jack Nicklaus-designed layout, and one round each on the Tradition Golf Club, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, and Willbrook Plantation Golf Club. Airing on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., Road Trip: Myrtle Beach is the first reality show to be based in South Carolina and Myrtle Beach is the first American golf destination to play host.
"We are very excited that The Golf Channel chose to kick off their reality series on the south end of the Grand Strand," said Jann Walker, director of marketing at Pawleys Plantation. "By showcasing top-notch golf courses on the Waccamaw Neck, The Golf Channel gives viewers a look at a different kind of Grand Strand golf experience. We're part of everything that Myrtle Beach has to offer, yet we're in a quieter part of the area where the focus is on great golf and the beauty of the Lowcountry. The show explores the unique south end restaurants and nightlife. Viewers will definitely learn why Myrtle Beach has been nicknamed the 'Golf Capital of the World.' And, after seeing our golf course and accommodations, they'll get a better understanding of why Travel & Leisure Golf magazine named Pawleys Plantation one of the best places to stay in Myrtle Beach."
PAWLEYS PLANTATION EXECUTIVE CHEF ERNEST BLEDSOE NAMED "GRAND CHAMPION" OF 2008 SOUTHEASTERN CHEFS COMPETITION 2/7/2008
Bledsoe And Three Other Chefs From Pawleys Plantation Received Medals For Their Performances In American Culinary Federation Competition
February 7, 2008, Pawleys Island, S.C. - Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club's executive chef, Ernest Bledsoe was named "Grand Champion" of the Myrtle Beach Chapter of the American Culinary Federation's 7th Annual Hot Food Competition. The competition of Southeastern chefs was held during the Annual Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Supply Show of the Southeast Jan. 29-31.
Chef Bledsoe competed against 70 chefs from North and South Carolina, and as far away as Connecticut and Michigan. Bledsoe received a gold medal for his crab crusted grouper and seared scallops with a shiitake mushroom, brussel leaf and leek ragout, roasted sweet potatoes and crab cream. At the end of the competition judges named him "Grand Champion" of the event.
"Ernest has been such a great addition to our team and it's a joy to see him win such a prestigious honor," said Jann Walker, marketing director at Pawleys Plantation. "To also have three other chefs from Pawleys medal in this event is really a testament to the level of cuisine we offer our guests"
In addition to Bledsoe's honor, three other Pawleys Plantation chefs received medals during the event. Nicholas Huckabee, sous chef, received a silver medal for his marinated beef skirt steak with roasted red pepper mash, roasted beets and parsnips and brandy jus. Brandon Wallace received a bronze medal for his roasted pork loin with natural jus, oven dried tomatoes and roasted sweet potatoes, and Leon Nesbitt, kitchen manager, received a bronze medal for his bronze beef with sunset potato mix and grilled leeks.
PAWLEYS PLANTATION EXECUTIVE CHEF ERNEST BLEDSOE WINS TOP HONOR IN 12th ANNUAL SOUPER SUPPER GOURMET SOUP COMPETITION 11/12/2007
Bledsoe Earns "The People's Choice Award" For Roasted Corn And Crab Chowder , A Featured Soup At Pawleys Plantation's Regular Sunday Brunch
Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club's executive chef, Ernest Bledsoe, won "The People's Choice Award" for his Roasted Corn And Crab Chowder at the 12th Annual Souper Supper held November 11. Bledsoe's Roasted Corn And Crab Chowder is a featured soup on Pawleys Plantation's regular Sunday Brunch.
Chef Bledsoe competed with more than 25 chefs from throughout the Grand Strand Region who prepared and served gourmet soups for the 2007 event.
"The People's Choice Award" winner is selected by patrons who attend the event, samples all the soups, and vote for their favorite. All proceeds raised through tickets to the event go to the American Culinary Federal Scholarship Fund.
"Ernest is a wonderful new addition to our culinary team at Pawley's Plantation and it's exciting to see him win such an honor in his first Grand Strand competition," said Jann Walker, marketing director at Pawleys Plantation. "His Roasted Corn And Crab Chowder is extraordinary and we're making it a regular part of our Sunday Brunch. Because we're open to the public, anyone can visit us and experience this great gourmet soup and Chef Bledsoe's other dishes for themselves."
Chef Bledsoe recently relocated to the Pawleys Island area from Charleston, S.C. where he was executive chef at The Harbor Club. A graduate of Johnson and Wales University in Miami, Fla., Bledsoe trained alongside celebrity chef Oliver Saucy at Cafe Maxx, a prestigious 4-star restaurant in Pompano Beach, Fla.
He currently resides in Pawleys Island with his wife, Kimberly, and four children.
PAWLEYS PLANTATION IS AMONG THE 25 BEST GOLF COURSES IN SOUTH CAROLINA, ACCORDING TO GOLF COURSE RATINGS PANEL 11/1/2007
List Of South Carolina's "Premier Public Access Facilities" Recognizes Lowcountry Favorite Pawleys Plantation Golf And Country Club
The Jack Nicklaus signature golf course at Pawleys Plantation Golf and Country Club in Pawleys Island, S.C. has been named one of the 25 best golf courses in South Carolina by the prestigious South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel. The panel's list of the best places to play in the state appeared in the just-released fall 2007 issue of Palmetto Golfer, the official magazine of the South Carolina Golf Association.
"To be ranked among the state's top 25 courses by the South Carolina Panel is a true honor," said Jann Walker, director of marketing at Pawleys Plantation. "Unlike other ratings panels, the S.C. panel members have to actually play a course before they can vote on it. That means that their rankings are based on criteria that can only be met by experiencing a golf course such as routing, conditioning, memorability and aesthetics. In every one of the categories, Pawleys Plantation delivers and we thank the panel members for acknowledging that we are one of the state's best."
The South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel consists of 128 avid golfers from throughout the state including golf writers, professional golfers, collegiate golf coaches, golf course superintendents and business people.
The 25 Best You Can Play In S.C. "is a list that any state in the nation would be proud to offer," said Mike Whitaker, the panel's executive director. "It's a list that the vast majority of states would die to have."
Renowned for its casual elegance and exceptional service, Pawleys Plantation is the premier resort on the Waccamaw Neck of coastal Georgetown County, S.C., just south of Myrtle Beach. Surrounded by spectacular natural wetlands, salt marshes and a 600-acre nature preserve, the resort offers exceptional accommodations in charming Lowcountry fairway villas. Its Jack Nicklaus golf course is ranked as one of "America's Top Courses" by Zagat Survey and as one of the top 20 courses in Myrtle Beach by Golf Digest.
PAWLEYS PLANTATION GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB BRINGS PREMIUM ACCOMMODATIONS TO WACCAMAW GOLF TRAIL 10/1/2007
The Lowcountry's Premier Resort Will Now Provide Accommodations, As Well As Golf, To The Trail
September 27, 2007, Pawleys Island, S.C. - Pawleys Plantation in Pawleys Island, S.C. has announced that it will begin offering accommodations to golfers playing the Waccamaw Golf Trail. The Trail is a consortium of twelve championship golf courses, including some of America's most awarded, and two accommodations providers located on the quiet southern tip of the Grand Strand.
Renowned for its casual elegance and exceptional service, Pawleys Plantation is the premier resort on the Waccamaw Neck of coastal Georgetown County, S.C., just south of Myrtle Beach. Its Jack Nicklaus championship golf course has been part of the Waccamaw Golf Trail since it was created.
Pawleys Plantation is a 582-acre resort surrounded by spectacular natural wetlands, salt marshes and a 600-acre nature preserve. It offers exceptional accommodations in charming Lowcountry villas that are spacious and beautifully appointed. Lining the park-like fairways of the Jack Nicklaus golf course, the villas offer magnificent views of the course, lakes and the salt marsh.
Waccamaw Trail golfers who stay at Pawleys Plantation will have access to a gracious antebellum-style clubhouse that has a restaurant, bar and full-service pro shop. In addition to golf, guests can enjoy on-site golf school, tennis, swimming, and a fitness room.
"We are delighted to be an official host resort of the Waccamaw Golf Trail," said Jann Walker, director of marketing at Pawleys Plantation. "We guarantee that golfers who stay at Pawleys Plantation will experience a new and exciting dimension to the Trail. From the moment you come through our gated entry and travel under our huge moss-draped oaks toward our clubhouse, you will know that you have come to a special place. We'll ensure that your stay along the Waccamaw Golf Trail is as memorable as your best round of golf."
Zagat Ranks Myrtle Beach Golf Course, Pawleys Plantation, Among The Top Golf Courses In The U.S., Virgin Islands And Puerto Rico 4/27/2007
Prestigious Survey Of Avid Golfers Results In Rave Reviews For Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club
April 24, 2007, Pawleys Island, S.C.- One of the nation's leading surveyors of American travelers, Zagat®, has ranked Pawleys Plantation among the top golf courses in the United States in its 2007/08 guide, America's Top Golf Courses, which was just released. Zagat's surveyed more than 6,250 avid golfers for the ratings and reviews in the guide.
Those surveyed rated Pawleys Plantation as "very good to excellent" in all categories including the course, facilities, service, and value. Describing the course as a "memorable salt marsh-and-lowlands" layout, the guide reports that players were "awestruck by the scenery" at the "well-conditioned" course.
Zagat is the brand name of America's leading guides to restaurants, golf, and hotels. The 2007/08 golfer's guide contains player reviews of 1,075 public, semi-private and resort courses in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
"Pawleys Plantation is very pleased to have golfers rate us so highly in the survey," said Jann Walker, director of marketing for Pawleys Plantation. "Zagat only surveys the cream of the golf courses here in Myrtle Beach, so it's an honor even to be reviewed. And, because the company is known for producing reliable resources for travelers, when Zagat's speaks, travelers listen. So, we are very excited to be rated so highly."
