Link to Photos of Presentation and Prestwick Country Club Golf Course – Cutlines below

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (Oct. 29, 2025) — Prestwick Country Club, the acclaimed Pete and P.B. Dye design located in Myrtle Beach, has been named the 2025 South Carolina Golf Course of the Year by the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association (SCGCOA).

Representatives of Prestwick, including General Manager Jay Smith and Head Golf Professional Ryan Wilkinson, PGA, accepted the award in Daniel Island on Tuesday, October 28. The award recognizes the very best in golf course quality, management, and community impact across the Palmetto State.

“This award is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the standards we strive to uphold every day,” said Jay Smith, General Manager of Prestwick Country Club. “From our dedicated staff to our loyal community  and visiting golfers, everyone plays a part in preserving the Dye legacy. We take great pride in representing Myrtle Beach and showcasing the best of South Carolina golf.”

Prestwick, a member of Golf Tourism Solutions, earned consideration for the statewide honor after being selected as the 2025 Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course of the Year by the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association (MBAGCOA) in July. (Release here)

“Prestwick Country Club embodies the passion, professionalism, and hospitality that make the Myrtle Beach area golf market such a special destination.” said Ryan Cannon, Executive Director of Golf Tourism Solutions. “We are proud of the Prestwick team and grateful for The Jackson Companies’ continued investment in our community.”

Since opening in 1989, Prestwick Country Club has been a favorite among visiting golfers and locals alike, celebrated for its dramatic layout featuring bold earth-moving, sculpted dunes, pot bunkers, signature railroad-tie accents, and strategic water hazards. 

The National Golf Course Owners Association implemented the award in 1996 and the MBAGCOA has since nominated courses from the Myrtle Beach area. Prestwick succeeds another course in The Golf Capital of the World®, Pawleys Plantation, which was named the MBAGCOA Course of the Year in 2024.

About Golf Tourism Solutions (GTS):  We believe in the magic of a Myrtle Beach golf experience. Through progressive marketing, world-class events, innovative technology, industry research, and our membership, we collectively promote, elevate and advance The Golf Capital of the World®. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:

Mike Alday, Alday Public Relations | mike@aldaypr.com | 615.714.4954

Tammy Boclair, Alday Public Relations | tammy@aldaypr.com | 615.500.2930

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Myrtle Beach, SC | March 2023— A local food bank was restocked after the holidays because of 861 polar bear participants (guests), with ages ranging from grade-schoolers to retirees, gathered on the beach at Ocean Lakes Family Campground to participate in the 23^rd Annual Polar Bear Plunge. The tradition started with just three individuals in 2000 and has grown to nearly 1,000 participants to have fun and help raise money for a local charity. Each Participant is “freezin’ for a reason” and was encouraged to donate at least two nonperishable food items or make a monetary donation to benefit South Strand Helping Hand. The Ocean Lakes Polar Bear participants donated 593 nonperishable food items and helped to raise a record $5,530 this year for South Strand Helping Hand.

“This is what makes Ocean Lakes guests so amazing! This year, our daring guests, through their generosity and thoughtfulness, more than doubled what we have ever raised before!” said Salle Horner, Recreation Manager at Ocean Lakes Family Campground. “Freezin’ for a reason is the name of the season, and Ocean Lakes guests certainly go above and beyond. The pure joy on the faces of the volunteers at South Strand Helping Hand when we show up with a check and a truckful of donations is a spotlight for the entire year.”

Ocean Lakes’ Recreation Program works with several different non-profits during the year. For example, after six months, all guest items left at “Lost and Found” are donated to a local non-profit. Recreation also encourages all guests to leave any unopened, nonperishable food items at the Recreation Office to be donated to South Strand Helping Hand.

The Resort and Commercial Recreation Association (RCRA) presented Ocean Lakes Family Campground with the Premiere Recreation Operation Award during its annual conference in November 2023. To Merit, this recognition, recreation establishments must demonstrate a commitment to providing and enhancing quality recreation programs and services. Additionally, they should boast a diverse range of special events, showcase exceptional creativity, actively contribute to the community, and demonstrate excellence in marketing strategies and departmental goals.

“It’s hard to believe that this Plunge has grown from 3 people to more than 850 kind souls in 23 years,” said Horner. “We are looking forward to continuing to grow this event and donations each year.” Ocean Lakes Annual Polar Bear Plunge occurs every New Year’s Eve afternoon and has become a family tradition!

About Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a division of The Jackson Companies, is the largest campground on the East Coast and one of the largest in the United States. Located in Myrtle Beach, S.C., it has received numerous awards for excellence. It is the National “2022 Mega Park of the Year” and has received that honor from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC), now Outdoor Hospitality Association (OHI), seven times. The Resort and Commercial Recreation Association (RCRA) presented Ocean Lakes Family Campground with the “2023 Premier Recreation Operation Award.” Ocean Lakes received the TripAdvisor® “Hall of Fame” in 2019 and maintains the TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence for consistently great guest reviews on the travel-planning website. In 2006, Ocean Lakes received the prestigious South Carolina Governor’s Cup for making a significant economic impact on South Carolina.

The family-owned business employs more than 300 teammates year-round and employs an additional 350 teammates in-season. It offers 3,432 sites – 859 of which are large and pull-through to accommodate larger RVs. It was built by Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson and their five daughters, starting in 1970. It opened with 30 campsites and one bathhouse in 1971. On an average seasonal day, Ocean Lakes has 25,000 to 35,000 guests enjoying the countless amenities that have made it a local favorite and a national vacation destination. It holds a perfect 10/10*/10 rating from the Good Sam RV Travel Guide & Campground Directory for its overall operation, recreational offerings, services, and appearance. This puts Ocean Lakes Family Campground in the Top 1% of the private campgrounds in North America.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground is a division of The Jackson Companies, a family-owned enterprise that includes Prestwick Golf & Country Club, Ocean Lakes Properties, Crystal Lake Mobile Home Village, Ocean Lakes RV Center, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars, and SayeBrook. The Jackson Companies owns several hundred acres of undeveloped land in the Myrtle Beach area. Several divisions of The Jackson Companies have been recognized nationally in both the golf and camping industries.

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Myrtle Beach, SC – Nov. 30, 2023 | The Resort and Commercial Recreation Association (RCRA) presented Ocean Lakes Family Campground with the Premiere Recreation Operation Award during its annual conference in November held at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbor, FL. This award recognizes recreation operations that continuously display outstanding leadership in the development and promotion of high-quality recreation programs.

“Ocean Lakes is once again honored to be recognized and receive the Premier Recreation Award for Unique Properties for 2023 by the Resort and Commercial Recreation Association,” said Greg Bender, General Manager and Vice President of Ocean Lakes Family Campground. “Our teammates take great pride in ensuring our guest and leaseholders have the best experience possible through many activities and amenities that our Recreation department provides. This is very rewarding for our entire team. The collective efforts of everyone makes Ocean Lakes one of the best vacation destinations in the country.”

The RCRA distinguishes its award into four categories, with three specifically classifying property size according to the number of rooms. Ocean Lakes secured the top spot in the Unique Properties category, encompassing campgrounds, residential communities, cruise ships, and non-profit entities. To merit this recognition, recreational establishments must demonstrate a commitment to providing and enhancing quality recreation programs and services. Additionally, they should boast a diverse range of special events, showcase exceptional creativity, actively contribute to the community, and demonstrate excellence in marketing strategies and departmental goals.

Ocean Lakes’ Recreation program is home to an array of events throughout the year that includes Fitness Classes, DIY Tie Dye Station, Family Game Night, Canvas painting, Line Dance Class, Mason Jar Make & Take, Music Bingo & Stupid Trivia, Nailed it Workshop, Starfish Strut Family 5K, Ugliest Sweater Contest, Polar Bear Plunge, Rock Painting, Visits with Santa, Halloweekends, Fire & Hula Show, Wreath Workshop, Yarn Pumpkins, Themed Bingo Games, and much more for guest and leaseholders to enjoy.

Ocean Lakes’ Recreation works with several non-profits around the Grand Strand. The Commemorative Brick Program allows guest to purchase bricks to raise money for several different charities. The annual Polar Bear Plunge, a significant charitable event at Ocean Lakes Family Campground held on New Year’s Eve, stands as the largest of its kind. Participants are encouraged to donate nonperishable items or make a monetary donation to South Strand Helping Hand, the local foodbank in the area. Recreation is also home Lost and Found; after six months any items left are donated to local charities.

“Activity and event participation have increased due to record occupancy in the campground, and guests choosing to stay on property to participate in our planned activities. We hear from guest about how our activities have become a family tradition,” said Salle Horner, Recreation Manager at Ocean Lakes Family Campground. “We have the most amazing team who truly want to make our mission statement come to life. We want to help our guests “create those family memories that last a lifetime!” Simply put, we love people.”

 About Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a division of The Jackson Companies, is the largest campground on the East Coast and one of the largest in the United States. Located in Myrtle Beach, S.C., it has received numerous awards for excellence.

Ocean Lakes covers 310 oceanfront acres with nearly one mile of beachfront. It offers 3,424 sites – 859 of which are large and pull-through to accommodate larger RVs. It was built by Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson and their five daughters, starting in 1970. It opened with 30 campsites and one bathhouse in 1971. On an average seasonal day, Ocean Lakes has 25,000 to 35,000 guests enjoying the countless amenities that have made it a local favorite and a national vacation destination. It holds a perfect 10/10*/10 rating from the Good Sam RV Travel Guide & Campground Directory for its overall operation, recreational offerings, services, and appearance. This puts Ocean Lakes Family Campground in the Top 1% of the private campgrounds in North America.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground is a division of The Jackson Companies, a family-owned enterprise that includes Prestwick Golf & Country Club, Ocean Lakes Properties, Crystal Lake Mobile Home Village, Ocean Lakes RV Center, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars and the master-planned development SayeBrook. The Jackson Companies owns several hundred acres of undeveloped land in the Myrtle Beach area. Several divisions of The Jackson Companies have been recognized nationally in both the golf and camping industries.

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Myrtle Beach, SC – Nov. 16, 2022 | Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a division of The Jackson Companies, has been named the top mega park in the country – the seventh time since 1997 that the family-owned campground has earned the industry’s highest award.

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) presented Ocean Lakes with the coveted “2022 Mega Park of the Year” award during ARVC’s Annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo’s Awards of Excellence luncheon in Orlando, FL. The award is given to the campground that consistently delivers exceptional guest experiences as a result of its all-around excellence.

“We are honored to be nationally recognized as the “2022 Mega Park of the Year” and to bring this award home to Myrtle Beach,” said Greg Bender, Vice President and General Manager of Ocean Lakes Family Campground. “The consistent dedication from our team day in and day out to ensure our guests are enjoying every aspect of the campground is amazing. It is truly rewarding for our team, leadership, and shareholders to be recognized on a national level for their collective efforts and hard work in making Ocean Lakes one of the best vacation destinations in the country.”

The largest campground on the East Coast, Ocean Lakes features a variety of lodging including 859 campsites and 2,573 annual lease sites featuring beach houses and mobile homes that are available to purchase or rent. Guest amenities include nearly a mile of oceanfront, Sandy Harbor Water Park, Sandy Harbor Family Fun Center, Camptown Center featuring dining and shopping, and an award-winning Recreation program. During it’s 50^th Birthday Celebration in 2021, it gave away a Golden Golf Car, and told its story with a book and video Docuseries. In 2022, new amenities were added for dogs, including Lakeside Paws N’ Play and Sandy’s Wash N’ Wag, and for guests, Sandy’s Coffee and Creamery on the oceanfront. The gated campground features an RV Center with a store and repair technicians; Golf Car Sales, Service and Rentals; Camper Storage; and 24/7 Security. The 310-acre park is open year-round and accommodates between 25,000 and 35,000 guests a day during an average summer day.

The national association selects a top campground for the “ARVC Park of the Year” award in small (0-100 sites), medium (101-250 sites), large (251-499 sites) and mega (500+ sites) divisions. To earn the honor, a campground must deliver consistent exceptional guest experiences as a result of all-around excellence in operations, professionalism, marketing, public relations, customer service, and industry involvement.

About Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a division of The Jackson Companies, is the largest campground on the East Coast and one of the largest in the United States. Located in Myrtle Beach, S.C., it has received numerous awards for excellence. It is the National “2022 Mega Park of the Year” and has received that honor from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) seven times. Ocean Lakes received the TripAdvisor® “Hall of Fame” in 2019 and maintains the TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence for consistently great guest reviews on the travel-planning website.

In 2006, Ocean Lakes received the prestigious South Carolina Governor’s Cup for making a significant economic impact on South Carolina. The family-owned business employs more than 300 teammates year-round and employs an additional 350 teammates in-season. It offers 3,432 sites – 859 of which are large and pull-through to accommodate larger RVs. It was built by Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson and their five daughters, starting in 1970. It opened with 30 campsites and one bathhouse in 1971. On an average seasonal day, Ocean Lakes has 25,000 to 35,000 guests enjoying the countless amenities that have made it a local favorite and a national vacation destination. It holds a perfect 10/10*/10 rating from the Good Sam RV Travel Guide & Campground Directory for its overall operation, recreational offerings, services, and appearance. This puts Ocean Lakes Family Campground in the Top 1% of the private campgrounds in North America.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground is a division of The Jackson Companies, a family-owned enterprise that includes Prestwick Golf & Country Club, Ocean Lakes Properties, Crystal Lake Mobile Home Village, Ocean Lakes RV Center, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars, and SayeBrook. The Jackson Companies owns several hundred acres of undeveloped land in the Myrtle Beach area. Several divisions of The Jackson Companies have been recognized nationally in both the golf and camping industries.

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Bender grew up in Ocean Lakes, spending time at the Annual Lease Site his parents purchased in 1974. He began his career more than 30 years ago in Ocean Lakes’ oceanfront Arcade. “I was very fortunate that a friend and teammate of mine encouraged me to come to work at Ocean Lakes in March of 1988,” commented Greg. “It has been the best decision I could have ever made.” 

 
He continued to work his way up in the company, after graduating from Marion High School. He trained to be a Golf Car mechanic, the Shop Supervisor, and quickly learned about Golf Car sales.

Greg was awarded the company’s top honor by being named the Nelson & Mary Emily Jackson Teammate of the Year in 1997. “I will always be grateful for the opportunities that our founders Mr. and Mrs. Jackson provided me early on,” explains Greg. “I have worked with Lance for more than 30 years, not only has he been my teammate and my friend but also a great mentor.” 

As Bender continued to broaden his knowledge and leadership skills, he became Ocean Lakes Golf Cars’ Manager in 1997. He was instrumental in the growth of the campground’s Golf Car rental program, with a fleet exceeding 900 Club Cars. He took over the campground’s Laundry and Vending operations in 2004. Bender continued to develop Ocean Lakes Golf Car Sales and Service, building a strong reputation in the region, and capitalizing on the custom golf car market.

Today, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars is a leader in the golf car industry, earning prestigious award recognition, Club Car’s coveted Black & Gold Elite status beginning in 2017 through today. The distinction puts Ocean Lakes Golf Cars in the top 10 percent of Club Car dealers worldwide. To earn Elite status, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars achieved extraordinary levels of sales and service, demonstrated exceptional financial performance, implemented successful marketing strategies, and maintained top-notch facilities. In 2019, Greg was named Ocean Lakes’ Assistant General Manager, in preparation for Lance’s retirement.

Announcing Greg Bender’s promotion, Lance commented, “Greg has been an outstanding member of our management team. He models the kind of attitude and leadership abilities that have garnered him respect and admiration among our entire team and throughout the community.”

On March 9, 2021, Lance Thompson, Ocean Lakes’ Vice President and General Manager celebrated his 36th anniversary with The Jackson Companies and Ocean Lakes Family Campground, and on March 31, 2021, Lance will be retiring from the company. Tugging at the hearts of all of us, Lance explained, “I will be forever grateful to the Jackson family for giving me the opportunity to spend my entire career with such a wonderful company. I could not have asked for a better group of owners or a better group of fellow teammates.” 

“Greg has big shoes to fill but his background and knowledge of Ocean Lakes and our culture of serving others were critical elements in his selection as Lance’s successor as Vice President and General Manager,” explains Dennis Wade, CEO of The Jackson Companies. “Our entire team is behind Greg 100% and we look forward to many great things from him in the future.”

About Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a division of The Jackson Companies, is the largest campground on the East Coast and one of the largest in the United States. Located in Myrtle Beach, S.C., it has received numerous awards for excellence. It is the 2017 National Mega RV Park of the Year and has received that honor from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) six times. Ocean Lakes received the TripAdvisor® 2019 Hall of Fame Certificate given only to businesses that have received a Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years based on guest reviews.

In 2006, Ocean Lakes received the prestigious South Carolina Governor’s Cup for making a significant economic impact on South Carolina. Ocean Lakes covers 310 oceanfront acres with nearly one mile of beachfront. It offers 3,429 sites – 859 of which are large and pull-through to accommodate larger RVs. It was built by Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson and their five daughters, starting in 1970. It opened with 30 campsites and one bathhouse in 1971. On an average seasonal day, Ocean Lakes has 25,000 to 35,000 guests enjoying the countless amenities that have made it a local favorite and a national vacation destination. It holds a perfect 10/10*/10 rating from the Good Sam RV Travel Guide & Campground Directory for its overall operation, recreational offerings, services and appearance. This puts Ocean Lakes Family Campground in the Top 1% of the private campgrounds in North America. In 2010, it received the Earth Day Award from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for its iCare Program.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground is a division of The Jackson Companies, a family-owned enterprise that includes Prestwick Golf & Country Club, Ocean Lakes Properties, Crystal Lake Mobile Home Village, Ocean Lakes RV Center, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars, and the master-planned development SayeBrook.

About The Jackson Companies

The Jackson Companies, located in Myrtle Beach, S.C., was founded by Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson and their five daughters. It is a family-owned enterprise that includes Prestwick Golf & Country Club, Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Ocean Lakes Properties, Crystal Lake Mobile Home Village, Ocean Lakes RV Center, Ocean Lakes Village, and the SayeBrook Town Center. The Jackson Companies also owns several hundred acres of undeveloped land in the Myrtle Beach area. Several divisions of The Jackson Companies have been recognized nationally in both the golf and camping industries.

The Jackson Companies team is led by President and CEO, Dennis Wade, CPA, CIA. The executive leadership team includes Steve Alger, VP of Development for The Jackson Companies, Dustin Formo, CPA, Vice President of Corporate Accounting & Finance for The Jackson Companies, and Greg Bender, VP/GM of Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

The family-owned business employs nearly 280 teammates year-round and employs an additional 300 teammates in-season. In 2006, it was named one of the fifteen “Best Places to Work in South Carolina.”

Prestwick Country Club offers 18 outstanding holes of golf and fully stocked pro shop has garnered regional and national recognition. In March 2017, the SC Golf Course Rating Panel announced “Myrtle Beach’s Perfect Round” of golf, considering all the courses in the area, the “Perfect Round” features Prestwick’s #9 and #18 holes. Golf Digest rated Prestwick with 4.5 stars in 2006. Prestwick was also recognized as one of the “Top 5 Grand Strand Courses for 2019” by Myrtle Beach PGA Golf Pros, and “One of the 5 Best Kept Secret Golf Courses in America” by Golf Digest in August 2004.

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MYRTLE BEACH, SC | Ocean Lakes Golf Cars has earned Club Car’s coveted Black & Gold Elite status for its exemplary performance and customer service to Grand Strand residents and guests at Ocean Lakes Family Campground in 2018.

This is the second year in a row since the award’s inception in 2017 that OLGC has been awarded the coveted Club Car Black & Gold Elite status. Winning back to back is quite the feat; only a few dealers have accomplished this honor.
“It means you achieved an extraordinary level of service and representation of Club Car, as well as exceptional sales performance. You are in the top percentile of your peers,” said David Selby, Club Car’s Director of Parts and Services Portfolio.

The distinction puts Ocean Lakes Golf Cars in the top 10 percent of Club Car dealers worldwide. To earn Elite status, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars achieved extraordinary levels of sales and service, demonstrated exceptional financial performance, implemented successful marketing strategies, and maintained top-notch facilities.

“Ocean Lakes Golf Cars and Hilton Head were the only dealers in the state of South Carolina to achieve this status,” said Ben McElmurray, Club Car’s Regional Manager for Commercial, Turf & Retail Sales for the Southeast Region. “They are prepared in every way possible and dedicated to their craft.”

McElmurray also complimented Ocean Lakes Golf Cars on meeting all timelines for warranty registration, warranty claims, and yearly technical training. The Annual Club Car Technical Training is hosted by Ocean Lakes Golf Cars, in which a Club Car Technician and outside dealers attend.

Ocean Lakes Golf Cars has been affiliated with Club Car for 17 years, featuring the brand in the campground’s extensive rental car fleet. It started selling new Club Cars as an authorized dealer in 2015. Club Car, a brand of Ingersoll Rand, celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

“It did not take long for Ocean Lakes Golf Cars to skyrocket to the top,” explains McElmurray. “In just two years as a dealer, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars’ performance has been truly remarkable and helps set the standards for being the best in our industry.”

While Ocean Lakes Golf Cars is located inside Ocean Lakes Family Campground, it serves more than just campground guests. Locals turn to Ocean Lakes Golf Cars to buy new, used, and refurbished golf cars. Often, customers work with the Golf Cars team to create a custom golf car with the colors, theme, and look that fits them perfectly.

OLGC just opened a new 12,000 square foot production facility to assemble, recondition, and customize golf cars for resale, which includes the upholstery and the paint. The new Production Facility has it all, even a wash bay. The facility supplies the golf car showroom located at Ocean Lakes Golf Cars inside Ocean Lakes Family Campground. OLGC sells golf cars beyond the Grand Strand, as their territory includes northeast South Carolina, and into North Carolina.

“While many locals and individuals in surrounding areas come to us for golf cars, there are still many that are unaware that they can come into the campground to purchase a golf car from our showroom, or that they can have a golf car custom made in our facilities,” explains Greg Bender, Assistant General Manager of Ocean Lakes Family Campground. “We want to be everyone’s top choice when it comes to golf car needs.”

Ocean Lakes Golf Cars also has an extensive parts, accessories, and service department to accommodate all major brands of golf cars.

Club Car reps explain that the Elite status is a sign to customers that they will find an extensive inventory of golf cars available, deal with expert technicians possessing extensive knowledge about the cars and receive outstanding customer service.

“When a guest buys a golf car from us, they know exactly what they will be getting,” said Bender.

Employed at Ocean Lakes for more than 30 years, Bender credits the Ocean Lakes Golf Cars team with embracing the culture of providing exceptional customer service instilled by Ocean Lakes Family Campground’s co-founders Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson. They passed away in 2010, but their legacy still lives on and permeates the Ocean Lakes teammate culture.

“It has been a total team effort, and it starts with customer service,” Bender said.

About Ocean Lakes Golf Cars

Ocean Lakes Golf Cars, a division of The Jackson Companies, sells a variety of new, used and refurbished golf cars and accessories; handles a rental fleet of 900 golf cars and has a factory-trained team to service and repair golf cars. A certified Club Car dealership, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars also creates custom golf cars in a variety of colors and themes – from sports teams to beach lifestyles. In 2017 and 2018, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars earned Black & Gold Elite status from Club Car for its exemplary performance. Ocean Lakes Golf Cars is located inside Ocean Lakes Family Campground at 6001 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC. Learn more at www.OceanLakesGolfCars.com or 843-238-8841

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Myrtle Beach, SC | Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a division of The Jackson Companies, in Myrtle Beach, S.C., has promoted Greg Bender to Assistant General Manager. His new responsibilities include overall operations handled in Ocean Lakes’ Main Office and the Annual Lease Site Compliance Department. Bender will continue to oversee Ocean Lakes Golf Cars operations, the laundry facilities and the vending operations.

A central hub of operations for Ocean Lakes, the Main Office houses several important departments but focuses on campsite reservations and check-ins, annual lease site guest registration, guest services, mail and deliveries, and annual lease site operations including Compliance. The Compliance Department works closely with Horry County officials and lease holders to ensure codes and policies are met and to help coordinate construction, renovations and permits on Ocean Lakes features 2,566 annual lease sites.

Bender grew up in Ocean Lakes, spending time at the site his parents purchased in 1974. He began his career more than 30 years ago in Ocean Lakes’ oceanfront arcade. He continued to work his way up in the company, after graduating from Marion High School, becoming a trained golf car mechanic, the Shop Supervisor, and learning golf car sales. As Bender continued to broaden his knowledge and leadership skills, he became Ocean Lakes Golf Cars’ Manager in 1997. He was instrumental in the growth of the campground’s golf car rental program, with a fleet of more than 900 Club Cars. He took over the campground’s laundry and vending operations in 2004. Bender continued to develop Ocean Lakes’ golf car sales and service, building a strong reputation in the region, and capitalizing on the custom golf car market. Today, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars is a leader in the golf car industry, earning prestigious award recognition in 2017, Club Car’s coveted Black & Gold Elite status.

“Greg has been an outstanding member of our management team,” comments Lance Thompson, Vice President and General Manager. “He models the kind of attitude and leadership abilities that have garnered him respect and admiration among our entire team and throughout the community.”

Greg lives in Murrells Inlet with his love, Carrie, and their three dogs, Nalu, Lola, and Rimmie. He is a graduate of LGS XXV and has competed in USTA League Tennis for more than 25 years, winning multiple state team titles. He loves surfing, traveling, golf, and spending time with his family and friends. If he is not on his boat, you might find him camping. Last year, after 8 months of renovations, Greg and Carrie took their refurbished 1962 Shasta camper for its inaugural trip to Dreher Island located on Lake Murray.

About Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a division of The Jackson Companies, is the largest campground on the East Coast and one of the largest in the United States. Located in Myrtle Beach, S.C., it has received numerous awards for excellence. It is the 2017 National Mega RV Park of the Year and has received that honor from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (arvc) six times. Ocean Lakes received the TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence for consistently great guest reviews on the travel-planning website in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

In 2006, Ocean Lakes received the prestigious South Carolina Governor’s Cup for making a significant economic impact on South Carolina. Ocean Lakes covers 310 oceanfront acres with nearly one mile of beachfront. It offers 3,424 sites – 859 of which are large and pull-through to accommodate larger RVs. It was built by Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson and their five daughters, starting in 1970. It opened with 30 campsites and one bathhouse in 1971. On an average seasonal day, Ocean Lakes has 25,000 to 35,000 guests enjoying the countless amenities that have made it a local favorite and a national vacation destination. It holds a perfect 10/10*/10 rating from the Good Sam RV Travel Guide & Campground Directory for its overall operation, recreational offerings, services and appearance. This puts Ocean Lakes Family Campground in the Top 1% of the private campgrounds in North America. In 2010, it received the Earth Day Award from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for its iCare Program.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground is a division of The Jackson Companies, a family-owned enterprise that includes Prestwick Golf & Country Club, Ocean Lakes Properties, Crystal Lake Mobile Home Village, Ocean Lakes RV Center, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars and the master-planned development SayeBrook.

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Myrtle Beach, SC | With Mother’s Day approaching, Sasee magazine reached out to the Jackson family for an interview about their amazing matriarch, Mary Emily Platt Jackson, co-founder of Ocean Lakes Family Campground and The Jackson Companies. Getting all five of the busy Jackson daughters together at one time can be a challenge! However, when it comes to their mom, the “Jackson 5” were honored to sit with Sasee’s Editor, Leslie Moore, to talk about their amazing mother.

We know you will enjoy reading about Mary Emily’s influence (page 12) on her family, her businesses and her precious daughters who continue to honor their parents, Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson, and their legacy from the helm of The Jackson Companies.

About Sasee

Sasee is published monthly and distributed free along the Grand Strand. Letters to the editor are welcome, but could be edited for length. Submissions of articles and art are welcome. Visit our website for details on submission. Sasee is a Strand Media Group, Inc. publication. PO Box 1389, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. Fax 843-626-6452 • Phone 843-626-8911 • www.sasee.com • info@sasee.com.

Copyright © 2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material, in part or in whole, prepared by Strand Media Group, Inc. and appearing within this publication is strictly prohibited. Title “Sasee” is registered with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.

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Myrtle Beach, SC | Ocean Lakes Golf Cars has earned Club Car’s coveted Black & Gold Elite status. The award is given for its exemplary performance and customer service to Grand Strand residents and guests at Ocean Lakes Family Campground in 2017.

The distinction puts Ocean Lakes Golf Cars in the top 10 percent of Club Car dealers worldwide. To earn Elite status, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars had to excel in several goals. It achieved extraordinary levels of sales and service, demonstrated exceptional financial performance, implemented successful marketing strategies and maintained top-notch facilities.

Ocean Lakes Golf Cars has been affiliated with Club Car for more than 15 years, featuring the brand in its extensive rental car fleet. It started selling new Club Cars as a dealer in 2015. Club Car, a brand of Ingersoll Rand, celebrates its 60^th anniversary this year.

“It didn’t take long for Ocean Lakes Golf Cars to skyrocket to the top,” said Ben McElmurray, Club Car’s Regional Manager for Commercial, Turf & Retail Sales for the Southeast Region. “In just two years as a dealer, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars’ performance has been truly remarkable and helps set the standards for being the best in our industry.”

While Ocean Lakes Golf Cars is located inside Ocean Lakes Family Campground, it serves more than just campground guests. Locals turn to Ocean Lakes Golf Cars to buy new, used and refurbished golf cars. They also work with the Golf Cars team to create a custom golf car with the colors, theme and look that fits them perfectly.

Ocean Lakes Golf Cars also has an extensive parts, accessories and service department to accommodate all major brands of golf cars.

The Elite status is a sign to customers that they’ll find an extensive inventory of golf cars available. It let’s customers know they are dealing with expert technicians with extensive knowledge about the cars. They can count on receiving outstanding customer service.

“When a guest buys a car from us, they know exactly what they’ll be getting,” said Greg Bender, manager of Ocean Lakes Golf Cars.

Bender, who has worked at Ocean Lakes for 30 years, credited the Ocean Lakes Golf Cars team with embracing the culture of providing exceptional customer service instilled by Ocean Lakes Family Campground co-founders Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson. They passed away in 2010 but their legacy still lives on.

“It’s been a total team effort, and it starts with customer service,” Bender said.

About Ocean Lakes Golf Cars

Ocean Lakes Golf Cars, a division of The Jackson Companies, sells a variety of new, used and refurbished golf cars and accessories; handles a rental fleet of 900 golf cars and has a factory-trained team to service and repair golf cars. A certified Club Car dealer, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars also creates custom golf cars in a variety of colors and themes – from sports teams to beach lifestyles. In 2017, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars earned Black & Gold Elite status from Club Car for its exemplary performance. Ocean Lakes Golf Cars is located inside Ocean Lakes Family Campground at 6001 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC. Learn more at www.OceanLakesGolfCars.com or 843-238-8841.

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Myrtle Beach, SC | Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a subsidiary of The Jackson Companies, has been named the top mega park in the country – the sixth time the family-owned campground has earned the industry’s highest award.

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (arvc) presented Ocean Lakes with the coveted “Mega Park of the Year” award during the association’s annual conference this month in Raleigh, N.C. The award is given to the campground that consistently delivers exceptional guest experiences as a result of its all-around excellence.

“We are so thrilled to again bring the ‘Park of the Year’ award home to Myrtle Beach,” said Lance Thompson, General Manager and Vice President of Ocean Lakes Family Campground. “Our team constantly strives for excellence in every aspect of our operation to ensure that our guests are truly ‘happy campers.’ It’s rewarding for our team and leaders to be recognized nationally for their dedication to making Ocean Lakes the premier campground in the country.”

The largest campground on the East Coast, Ocean Lakes boasts a variety of lodging including 859 campsites and 2,565 annual lease sites featuring beach houses and mobile homes that are available to purchase or rent. Guest amenities include nearly a mile of oceanfront, Sandy Harbor Water Park, Sandy Mart, Meet n’ Eat, an award-winning Recreation program and more. The gated campground also features an RV Center with a store and repair technicians; Golf Car Sales, Service and Rentals; camper storage and 24/7 security patrol. The 310-acre park is open year round and accommodates between 25,000 and 35,000 guests a day during an average summer day.

The national association selects a top campground for the Park of the Year award in small (0-100 sites), medium (101-250 sites), large (251-499 sites) and mega (500+ sites) divisions. To earn the honor, a campground must deliver consistent exceptional guest experiences as a result of all-around excellence in operations, professionalism, marketing, customer service and industry involvement.

“Ocean Lakes is well known among campground owners and operators as a top-notch destination that sets the standard for others in the industry,” said Paul Bambei, President and CEO of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. “We applaud the Jackson family as well as the campground managers and teammates for always going the extra mile to help guests make family memories that last a lifetime.”

Nelson and Mary Emily Jackson opened Ocean Lakes in 1971 with 30 campsites and one bathhouse and operated the campground until they passed away in 2010. The Jacksons’ five daughters still own Ocean Lakes and guide its growth, including the addition of a high-end, resort-style water park in 2016.

Johnny Williamson, Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Jackson Companies, credited the teammates, management and family with successfully transitioning the campground to the next generation while maintaining the core values that made it special from the start. That makes winning this year even more special, he said.

“Nelson and Mary Emily would be very proud,” Williamson said. “We pulled together and did it together.”

About Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a division of The Jackson Companies, is the largest campground on the East Coast and one of the largest in the United States. Located in Myrtle Beach, S.C., it has received numerous awards for excellence. It is the 2017 National Mega Park of the Year and has received that honor from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (arvc) six times. Ocean Lakes received the TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence for consistently great guest reviews on the travel-planning website in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

In 2006, Ocean Lakes received the prestigious South Carolina Governor’s Cup for making a significant economic impact on South Carolina. Ocean Lakes covers 310 oceanfront acres with nearly one mile of beachfront. It offers 3,424 sites – 859 of which are large and pull-through to accommodate larger RVs. It was built by Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson and their five daughters, starting in 1970. It opened with 30 campsites and one bathhouse in 1971. On an average seasonal day, Ocean Lakes has 25,000 to 35,000 guests enjoying the countless amenities that have made it a local favorite and a national vacation destination. It holds a perfect 10/10*/10 rating from the Good Sam RV Travel Guide & Campground Directory for its overall operation, recreational offerings, services and appearance. This puts Ocean Lakes Family Campground in the Top 1% of the private campgrounds in North America. In 2010, it received the Earth Day Award from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for its iCare Program.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground is a division of The Jackson Companies, a family-owned enterprise that includes Prestwick Golf & Country Club, Ocean Lakes Properties, Crystal Lake Mobile Home Village, Ocean Lakes RV Center, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars and the master-planned development SayeBrook.

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