 The Links on Hilton Head
The very fact that Golf Digest ranks Hilton Head Island as one of the top ten golf resorts in the United States should tell you much about just how special Hilton Head Island golf really is. The island offers a number of courses for golfers of all talents and budgets, ranging from high-priced golf courses used by the pros all the way to lower-priced courses which still offer a perfect game of golf. In short, Hilton Head Island golf offers something for everyone, from the golf aficionado to the out-and-out beginner wondering what the commotion is all about.
One of the awesome advantages of golfing on Hilton Head Island is the natural attractiveness of the island itself. Port Royal Plantation is home to a relatively inexpensive course which also happens to be among the island’s most striking: Robber’s Row. To get the best deals at this course, you can play at off-peak times, such as during the summer or in the evenings (this is true for most Hilton Head Island golf courses). Robber’s Row is prominent for its oaks covered with Spanish moss and its beautiful marsh views—some of which become obstacles in the course itself. The course offers a decent challenge while not being excessively difficult and is a good value compared to many of the more expensive Hilton Head Island golf courses.
The most scenic Hilton Head Island golf course, however, is in all likelihood the Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes. It makes excellent use of the island’s lagoon system and features striking views of the Atlantic Ocean from the course’s ninth and tenth holes. It is a very player-friendly course, but can still be very challenging if you play from the back tees. It should be the absolute first choice on the island for anyone who hasn’t played golf for awhile, as the challenge steadily ramps up rather than hitting you from the start.
The single most famed Hilton Head Island golf course is the Harbour Town Golf Links Course located in the Sea Pines Resort. It is home to the only South Carolina stop on the PGA Tour, the Verizon Heritage Classic. It is among the most expensive golf courses on the island, but it is also one of the finest the island has to offer. You don’t have to be a professional to play this course, however. The front tees are placed very agreeably for those new to the game, while the back tees—the same ones used during the Classic—are quite challenging, requiring a great deal of accuracy instead of brute force. The course can actually be somewhat deceptive, as some players don’t realize just how arduous it can be until they notice their scores ended up much higher than they hoped-for. This is the course to go to if you want to experience Hilton Head Island golf at its highest quality.
There are just few of the many world-class golf courses to be found on Hilton Head Island. Anyone interested in the game of golf—beginner and enthusiast alike—should visit the island to find out just how unforgettable Hilton Head Island golf can be. |
