Experiencing Hilton Head Island – A Golfer’s Playground

A golf trip to Hilton Head is only complete if you play the challenging and scenic Harbour Town Golf Links. This course hosts the RBC Heritage Classic each year and it is a true favourite of location and course for the PGA touring pros. The course is definitely one of the best shotmaking courses a golfer can play. Accuracy off the tee is critical as any offline shot gets swallowed up by the trees that outline each fairway. Not only is hitting the fairways important but it is essential to hit the right side of the fairway to provide you with the appropriate angles into the well-protected greens. On the other hand, the lovely par 3’s are protected by water, bunkers and yes alligators. The course is often remembered for the 17th hole, the par 3 over water and then the iconic 18th hole which has the historic lighthouse as its backdrop. A great finish to a spectacular A-level golf course.

The Palmetto Dunes Resort has three excellent golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio and Arthur Hills. These three courses are usually in spectacular shape and are well-manicured. The Robert Trent Jones Course is a favourite of visitors to Hilton Head. The course can really test a golfer at any level especially if the winds are up. The course has generous landing areas off the tee and the greens are well protected. The panoramic views of the ocean on the par- 5 10th hole, make playing this course a favourite among visitors to Hilton Head.

A short drive by car from Hilton Head Island you will find Hilton Head National Golf Club in Bluffton. The staff at this course were extremely friendly and the golf course is set up to provide enjoyment and possibly a low score. The condition of the course and especially the greens were the best that we found in the area. Another positive to a round of golf at Hilton Head National was the pace of play. Golfers play fast and those that want to relax more on the course are happy to let golfers play through - if only every course was like this!

If you are looking for a hidden gem and an extreme challenge when in Hilton Head look no further than Old South Golf Links. This course was recommended by a local and it did not disappoint. This course is very close to Hilton Head National and was very affordable. The front nine was enjoyable but the back nine was a wild ride. On the back nine, there were two sets of target golf par 3’s and challenging dogleg par 4’s. A very good round could easily get derailed when you play these holes. The course also had a great deal of bird life and some menacing-looking alligators. My only suggestion is if you hit your ball into the water, treat it as a sacrifice to the golf gods!

Another must-play course on the island is Oyster Reef Golf Club. The course was in excellent condition and it houses one of the most memorable golf holes in the area. The sixth hole is a challenging par 3 and the green is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Port Royal Sound - Stunning! Some of the other courses that are available for your golfing pleasure include the courses at Port Royal. All of the courses at this resort are worth a play. Another enjoyable course was the Arnold Palmer-designed Crescent Pointe Golf Club.

The Hilton Head area has some excellent accommodations at all price levels. An amazing property approximately 45 minutes outside of Hilton Head is the Montage Palmetto Bluff. Staying at this resort gives the guest the feeling of stepping back into the Old South. The property is exquisite and has so much to offer. An added bonus is the world-class Jack Nicklaus design - May River Golf Course.

This is definitely a top-end resort and you need to be prepared for the money you will spend. The Hilton Head area has some great dining options. Your appetite and taste buds will definitely be satisfied whether you choose barbecue or traditional Southern cuisine. A few select restaurants to experience (that are also favourites for players and guests of the Heritage Classic) are Skull Creek Boathouse, Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, and Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant (a personal favourite for shrimp and grits). If barbecue is what you fancy then head to Bullies BBQ, Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q and One Hot Mama’s American Grill. 

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