golf green surrounded my bunkers

“Golf Island” Gems: Part One

In the weeks leading up to the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, we’re highlighting some of the area’s many exceptional designs. This three-part series includes recommendations for on island, off island and day trip courses. Today’s post features layouts on Hilton Head Island.

All eyes will be on “Golf Island” next month as the PGA TOUR comes to Hilton Head. The RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing – a Lowcountry tradition and South Carolina’s only PGA TOUR event – will once again be played on the iconic Harbour Town Golf Links at The Sea Pines Resort.

Both on- and off-island layouts are experiencing some of the best course conditions in years. Coupled with temperatures in the 70s and more direct flights than ever into Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport, spring is the perfect time to visit Golf Island.

Harbour Town is a favorite venue among TOUR players and anchors a stable of championship-caliber tracks across Hilton Head Island. Here’s a sampling of some of the destination’s most challenging and player-friendly layouts appealing to a wide swath of players.

Also designed by Dye, Heron Point was named South Carolina’s 2015 Golf Course of the Year. Dye supervised recent enhancements including softening green surrounds and contours, enlarging several putting surfaces and adding numerous ornamental landscape beds. Additionally, the putting surfaces were transitioned to Tif-Eagle Bermuda.

Opened in October 2016, Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III is a complete reconstruction of the historic Ocean Course, Hilton Head Island’s first course. The new layout features entirely rebuilt holes with modern shot values and scenic corridors. The pronounced seaside ambiance and Lowcountry feel is accented by coquina shells and seaside grass.

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort also showcases a trio of tournament-tier golf courses, designed by three legendary architects: Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio and Arthur Hills. Switch things up by renting a Golf Bike instead of a cart for your round.

The Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes sports one of only two oceanfront holes on Hilton Head Island. It is widely renowned for its open, inviting layout and challenging yet fair play. It is the most open of the three and breezes roll off the Atlantic Ocean to constantly affect play. Ranked one of Golfweek’s “Best Resort Courses” for 2017, the Jones Course appeals to novices and experienced players alike.

Hilton Head Island’s only public par-70 design, the George Fazio Course at Palmetto Dunes has just two par 5s, both offering good opportunities to score. The layout balances open, tree-lined fairways on the front nine with tighter and more severe routing on the back nine. With new, state-of-the-art Diamond Zoysia greens, the Fazio Course delivers a peak golf experience.

Measuring 6,651 yards from the tips, the Arthur Hills Course at Palmetto Dunes places a premium on accuracy and precision rather than distance. With an extensive network of lagoons winding through 10 different holes, continuous lines of dunes and thick stands of palmettos, the Hills Course seamlessly integrates the area’s natural beauty into its challenging design.

Grab your clubs and journey to Hilton Head Island. Natural beauty, outstanding golf, and a relaxing island vibe await your arrival.

golf green surrounded my bunkers

Find Your Island Time

Hilton Head is America’s favorite island, offering 12 miles of pristine beaches and everything you need for the ultimate retreat. Enjoy easy days relaxing in the sun, sand and surf on some of the best beaches in the country.
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