Course Conquered - Recapping the Plunder on Pawleys
The Salty Golfer recently hosted its highly anticipated 4th annual "Plunder on Pawley's Island," a two-day golf tournament that drew 44 competitive teams from across the United States to the stunning courses of Myrtle Beach. 
This year’s event was nothing short of spectacular, with intense competition, beautiful weather with a slight torrential down pour, and a thrilling conclusion that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
Thank you to True Blue and Caledonia Golf and Fish Club for letting us host our event at your incredible courses.
Wes Loman: The Heart of the Tournament
Sorry Wes I had to do this. The Salty Golfer himself, Wes Loman, was a constant presence on the course, bringing his signature Salty Golfer energy to the event. With his great friend Stephen Buckner and cohost of The Welcome to Puttsville podcast setup in tow, Buck narrated the events of the tournament, while Wes played in the event this year. Sadly this one of the last shows as the podcast came to a end earlier this month. 
Wes’s presence is one of the key elements that makes "The Plunder" such a special event, turning a competitive golf tournament into a celebration of the sport and community.
Day One: Shamble at True Blue
The tournament kicked off at the picturesque True Blue Golf Club in Myrtle Beach, where competitors faced off in a shamble format. Teams of golfers, each eager to stake their claim on the leaderboard, navigated the challenging course with a blend of strategy, Skill, luck and maybe some booze.
The shamble format allowed for some creative play, with teams using the best drive among their members before playing their own ball through the hole. The atmosphere was electric as teams maneuvered through the pristine fairways and meticulously maintained greens, laying the groundwork for the final day's showdown.
Closest to the Pin Competition
Adding to the excitement on day one was the Closest to the Pin competition at True Blue. This contest saw golfers aiming for precision on one of the course’s most challenging par 3s.
With the pin strategically placed in a tough spot, competitors had to bring their A-game to get as close as possible. The tension was high as each golfer stepped up, knowing that even a few inches could make the difference between winning and losing.
Day Two: Best Ball at Caledonia Golf and Fish Club
Day two of the tournament brought the competition to the legendary Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, a course known for its Southern charm and challenging layout. A Mike Strantz masterpiece. The format switched to best ball, where each player on the team played their own ball, and the best score on each hole counted towards the team's total.
This format tested the individual skills of each golfer, making for an intense day of competition. The lush, oak-lined fairways and scenic water hazards of Caledonia added an extra layer of challenge, making every shot count.
The Final Showdown: A Dramatic Chip Off
The tournament’s climax unfolded on the 18th hole at Caledonia, with a alternate shot format to stake the claim of overall champion. With everything on the line, three of the teams made par to compete in the chip off.
The pressure was palpable as golfers took their final swings in front of an eager crowd. In the end, it was the dynamic duo of Joshua Chang and Ross VanDycke who emerged victorious, securing the championship from the 4th flight with precision and poise.
Victory and Prizes
For their outstanding performance, all flight winners received their own pirated sword trophies and cash payouts. Chang and VanDycke also received a custom waxed canvas walking back and headcover along with additional cash for their pockets.
Exclusive Tournament Merchandise
Adding to the excitement, The Salty Golfer rolled out exclusive tournament merchandise that quickly became a hit among participants and spectators alike. A special line of "Plunder" hats was among the top sellers, perfectly capturing the spirit of the event.
In addition to the hats, a wide array of Plunder-themed gear, including shirts, ball markers, and more, were available for purchase, allowing attendees to take home a piece of the action. The merchandise not only served as a stylish memento but also as a way for golf enthusiasts to show their support for The Salty Golfer’s vibrant community.
A Celebration of Golf and Camaraderie
The Plunder was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of golf, camaraderie, and the laid-back, coastal lifestyle that The Salty Golfer embodies. From the friendly rivalries on the course to the shared laughs and stories at the 19th hole, this year’s tournament was a resounding success, leaving participants and spectators alike eagerly awaiting next year’s event.
Blog By JM
9.13.24