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How is this possible – summer is nearly over and you haven’t been out on the golf course once?! Don’t you realize that you have one of the world’s most desirable golf destinations, Hilton Head Island, right up the road? The place was practically founded as a golf course, with 24 of the world’s most challenging courses stretched from one end of the island to the other.
Don’t fret. Summer is nearly over, but it’s not done yet. There’ still time to plan a last-minute golf retreat with your favorite foursome to tackle the many tricky fairways and rolling greens of Hilton Head Island. But since we’re pressed for time, let’s point you toward some of the best.
Heron Point and Atlantic Dunes, Sea Pines
Yes, the first name in Sea Pines golf will always be Harbour Town Golf Links, home each year to the RBC Heritage, but don’t count out the two clubs served by Plantation Clubhouse.
Given new life thanks to a huge series of renovations and reinvestments a few years back, the experience here starts at the new clubhouse. Many locals were in mourning when the old clubhouse was torn down, with its walls telling stories that dated back 50 years, but they were silenced when they saw the magnificent building that took its place. Spacious locker rooms and outstanding fare courtesy of Fraser’s Tavern adds to the grandeur.
But the real attraction here is the golf. Heron Point was given a thorough refresh shortly after the clubhouse was rebuilt under the watchful eye of Pete Dye, adding fresh challenges to a course that was named South Carolina’s Golf Course of the Year in 2015 by Golf Digest.
Replacing the old Ocean Course, Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III saw a masterpiece of golf design improved on in every way. Native plants were brought in to accent the mesmerizing ocean views and complement the customized blend of grasses that make up the fairways and greens. The result was a course named National Course of the Year by NCGOA.
Cupp Course, Palmetto Hall
On an island flush with golf courses like Hilton Head, it can be hard to stand out. Palmetto Hall’s Cupp Course does that in a big way with a unique computer-designed structure that arrays the fairways into unusual shapes complemented by long, straight lines and harsh angles. It may sound like an odd design, but the playability it creates is endlessly fascinating and brilliantly challenging.
It’s a truly bold design choice, and it’s one that has paid off huge by making this semi-private course the spot that all the local golfers will point you toward when you’re looking for something a little different in your next golf outing.
Where to Stay
Nothing beats golfing on Hilton Head Island, except maybe enjoying discounted rates on golf courses when you stay with Vacation Company. They offer several golf packaging options that offer a discounted rate or even unlimited golf during your stay. Check them out at vacationcompany.com.
