More golfers and leisure travelers chose South Carolina than chose Florida as their preferred golf destination on their most recent vacation, according to a Golf Digest survey of 4,000 avid golfers and affluent travelers. Nineteen percent of those surveyed took their most recent golf vacation in South Carolina, compared to 15 percent who vacationed in Florida.

Meanwhile, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and Charleston/Kiawah ranked in the top 10 on four Golf Digest top 10 lists generated from the survey results. South Carolina is the only state with three destinations consistently in the survey results' top 10 rankings.

"Our efforts to demonstrate South Carolina's premium golf product through enhanced marketing are paying off," said Chad Prosser. "The Golf Digest results validate South Carolina's decision to increase our spending to attract golfers. It's a lucrative market, and the state's efforts clearly are making a difference."

Golfers rated Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and Charleston/Kiawah among the top 10 destinations where they say they will take their 2008 vacation, ranking second, sixth and tenth, respectively.

Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and Charleston/Kiawah were also rated among the top 10 destinations about which golfers report having "a lot or some knowledge about the destination." And, the destinations were among the top 10 based on both the quality of golf and the overall vacation experience they provide.

"Certainly, we have seen over the years a direct correlation between the investment a destination makes in marketing communication and their relative levels of awareness and quality perceptions among consumers," said Jon Last, Vice President of Corporate Marketing, Research and Brand Development for Golf Digest Publications. "The results of the study imply that South Carolina's efforts have yielded great benefits." Other survey findings include:

• 73 percent of golfers use the Internet to research and plan for golf vacations;
• Golfers have an average party size of seven and vacation an average of seven days per trip;
• Golfers spent an average of $2,762 each on their most recent vacation, compared to the typical affluent traveler, who spent $1,797; and
• The top three activities golfers enjoy when not on the links are dining, shopping and visiting family and friends.

The online survey was conducted in September by Golf Digest Research Resource Center for the Travel Industry Association of America. Results were announced at the recent Outlook Forum.

For more information on South Carolina golf, visit www.SouthCarolinaGolf.com