As I wrote in my last blog, there are as many reasons to plan a buddy trip to Hilton Head Island as there are grains of sand on the beach. Ugh. That’s a cliché. Sorry about that. Anyway.
There are 6,000 places to stay and about 200 restaurants at which to dine, and that’s just counting what’s on the 12 mile by 5 mile island. The numbers swell when you include Bluffton, too.
So, you’re contemplating a trip to Hilton Head. The crucial question: where to play golf? I know you don’t want to waste a day on a course that doesn’t fit your game. If you’re a long hitter, you want some rewards for your prowess. If you’re excellent at course management, you want a course that will test the gray matter. Maybe you want the most scenic course. Here are some suggestions.
Best ocean or marsh views
The ninth hole at Crescent Pointe is deep into the marsh. Photo by Lisa Allen
Hands down, Robert Trent Jones course at Palmetto Dunes wins for its intoxicating views of the Atlantic Ocean. You get so close to it, you’ll wish you had packed your bathing suit in your golf bag. The best marsh views belong to Old South Golf Links and Crescent Pointe, both just over the bridge in Bluffton.
Longest/toughest courses
The Robert Cupp course at Palmetto Hall exceeds 7,000 yards. Some of the carries required off the back tees will prove whether your game is what you hope it is. The George Fazio course at Palmetto Dunes is plenty tough and remember it’s only a par 71. It’s long and very, very sandy.
Iconic course
Yup, Harbour Town Golf Links at Sea Pines Resort is the big daddy of Hilton Head Island golf. It gets national face time every year for the Heritage PGA Tour tournament, which landed a new sponsor this year, so it will be the RBC Heritage Tournament and will fall the week after the Masters. If you can play only one course and you want to brag about it, play Harbour Town.
A classic
Oyster Reef Golf Club was designed by Rees Jones and opened in 1982. It has everything you would expect from Jones: strategic bunkers, lots of tall trees right in your way and large, sloped greens. An added Hilton Head Island bonus is a beautiful view of Port Royal Sound on the par 3 sixth hole.
A course in management
The Barony course at Port Royal Plantation is a tight trek through the trees with a
Barony at Port Royal Plantation is a tight walk through the trees. Photo by Lisa Allen
plethora of doglegs. Blasting away will only frustrate you. Tread lightly and carry a big wedge.
Rest assured, though, that no matter which course you choose, conditions will be excellent, the service impressive and memories lasting.
WE HAVE BEEN COMING TO HILTON HEAD MANY YEARS, HOWEVER, OVER THE PAST 8 YEARS WE HAVE BEEN UNABIE TO VISIT. HOWEVER, MY WIFE AND I ARE COMING OCTOBER 9-17 2011
SINCE BEING OLDER I WOULD LIKE TO PLAY
GOOD COURSE, BUT ONE THAT IS EASY FOR HILTON HEAD. THANK YOU
Dear Mr. Roy,
That’s wonderful you’ll be visiting Hilton Head Island again! There are several courses ideal for older players. I don’t hit the ball as far as I once did either, so I like courses that don’t have a lot of forced carries. That’s one attribute of all Pete Dye courses — thanks to his wife, Alice — there is always a way around trouble. That even goes for Harbour Town, even though that’s a tough one.
My top choices for enjoyable play from the senior tees would be: The Ocean course at Sea Pines, Country Club of Hilton Head or the Barony course at Port Royal Plantation. Off island, I would recommend Hilton Head National or Island West.
Safe travels!
Lisa
THANK YOU VERY MUCH