Good morning. This is your Happy Valley Golf Team weekly newsletter. Let’s get it!

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• Golfing in Myrtle Beach

• Villegas Wins in Heart-Wrenching Fashion

• What We’ve Learned About The PGA Merger

• And More..

Golf Trip

This week, by request, we are looking at Myrtle Beach, SC. This is one of my favourite golf trip destinations. Pro tip: resorts and courses change their rates at some point in April (not sure exactly when it is this year) from off season rates to peak season rates. If you call any resort they will tell you when they are upping the rates. You can book the week before the rate hike, still get some great weather, and a discount on your golf trip. Another bonus is that it is still classified “off season” so it wont be as busy.

Anyways, on to the courses! 🏌️‍♂️

Day 1: Resort Club at Grand Dunes

• 18-hole championship golf course designed by Roger Rulewich.

• Ranked among "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses".

• Seven holes play along the Intracoastal Waterway.

• Newly renovated clubhouse with full-service golf shop, lockers, dining room, and outdoor veranda.

• Newly renovated greens. They put down Champion Bermuda last year so the greens will be top notch!

• Par 72 playing just over 7500 yards rom the tips.

Day 2: World Tour Golf Links 

• The course features 18 holes of championship golf inspired by some of the most famous golf courses in the world.

• The Open Nine (front) features holes inspired by Bay Hill, Doral, TPC Sawgrass, and others.

• The Championship Nine (back) features holes inspired by Augusta National, Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, and other iconic courses

• Pack extra balls for hole 3 (TPC Sawgrass Hole 17) you will want a few swings at that bad boy.

• It’s a par 72 playing 6,525 yards from the tips.

Day 3: TPC Myrtle Beach

• The 18-hole championship course was designed by Tom Fazio

• Renowned for its challenging layouts, pristine conditions, and stunning natural beauty.

• The course features wide fairways, undulating greens, and water hazards that demand both accuracy and precision.

• Water hazards on 10 of 18 holes.. Again take extra balls.

• 5 sets of tee blocks. They are able to accommodate any level of golfer.

• This is my favourite course in Myrtle Beach!

PGA News

In a heart-wrenching and triumphant conclusion, Camilo Villegas came out on top at the 2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championship. Capturing his first PGA Tour title since 2014. This victory marked a resurgence for the Colombian golfer, who endured the tragic loss of his 22-month-old daughter, Mia, to brain cancer in 2020.

Villegas, entering the final round with a one-stroke lead over Alex Noren, engaged in a captivating duel with the Swedish golfer. The pair traded birdies and pars, showcasing exceptional skill and unwavering focus.

As the pressure mounted on the 18th hole, Villegas displayed nerves of steel, sinking a tap-in par to secure his hard-earned victory. Overcome with emotion, he raised his arms in triumph, dedicating the victory to his beloved daughter.

Beyond the emotional significance, Villegas's performance on the course was equally impressive. He carded four consecutive rounds under 67, finishing at 24-under par, two strokes ahead of the field. His exceptional ball-striking and consistent putting proved instrumental in his success.

Two weeks ago Villeags was 223 in the FedEx Cup standing and was in line to go to Q School to fight for his Tour card. After a 2nd place finish last week and a win this week he locked up his Tour card into 2025.

The victory marks Villegas's fifth PGA Tour title, but it undoubtedly holds a far more profound meaning.

Up Next

This week the Tour is heading to Saint Simons Island, GA for the RSM Classic.

💰 Purse: $8.4 million. $1.51 million goes to first place.

👑 Past Winner: Adam Svensson

💪 Strength of Field: This week we get 11 golfers in the top 50. Strongest field of the fall swing yet!

Other News

• Meet your Monday Qualifiers for the RSM Classic

• 3 Things We’ve Learned About The PGA Tour Merger (PIF is still in play)

• PXG New Product Launch

• Kirk Wins The PGA Courage Award (first time the award has been given out in years)

• McIlroy Resigns as Player Director on PGA Tour Policy Board

This weeks Other News section is shorter than usual. The Happy Valley Team had some disagreements on articles. We will be back strong next week!

Meme of the Week

Thanks for reading!

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Cody.