For years, golf industry leaders have recognized that the biggest threats to the game's future are the growing number of players who quit and - perhaps more important - the declining numbers of youngsters taking up golf.
In South Carolina, courses are making increased efforts to be kid- and family-friendly, whether with kids' tees on adult-sized holes; shorter, more manageable holes; or reduced costs for families to play together.
Courtesy of the SC Junior Golf Association's Chris Miller, here's a list of other kid-friendly courses:
Myrtle Beach area:
The Myrtle Beach area offers "kids play free" programs at countless Grand Strand courses for children 16 and younger during the summer months and at deep discounts during other seasons. Find information about them here.
Also in Myrtle Beach, Cane Patch Par 3 - Cane Patch, like its Grand Strand sister course, Midway Par 3, isn't long (794 yards from the back tees) but offers adults a chance to connect with the kids on beach vacations. Cane Patch also has a driving range on-site.
You'll find family-friendly golf courses throughout the Palmetto State. Here's a list of where to start on your next golf vacation in South Carolina.
James E. Clyburn Golf Center, Columbia - A full-service golf practice facility and learning center located in downtown Columbia off of Harden Street. The Golf Center offers a lighted driving range, covered hitting area, a short game practice area with a large practice green and a bunker and a putting green and clubhouse with meeting space.
Par-3 West, Greenwood - This nine-hole, par-3 course opened in 2000 and boasts 1,060 yards from the longest tees.
Eagle Landing, Hanahan - A par-65 "executive" design measuring up to 4,164 yards, it opened in 1986 as the first course designed solely for a modified Cayman ball, which goes about 50 percent as far as regulation balls.
3's Greenville Golf & Grill, Greenville -A completely renovated par 3 golf course is now open for play on the greens formerly known as CrossWinds Par 3, providing 12 unique and challenging holes designed by some of the world's leading golf course architects.
The Plantation Course, Edisto Beach - Short and tight with plenty of water and wildlife, this 1973 Tom Jackson design will test adults but is not too long for juniors (4,438-6,130 yards) and annually hosts numerous junior events.
