Hilton Head Island Golf
Known for its gorgeous beaches, fantastic recreation, and exceptional dining, Hilton Head Island captivates the heart of nearly every visitor. For many of us, our heart lies in that picture perfect green! Golf is one of Hilton Head’s greatest recreational pursuits. Beginning with the opening of the first course in 1961, the island’s amazing selection draws enthusiasts from around the globe. As noted in the winter issue of Atlanta Social Season, “over one million rounds of golf are played annually on Hilton Head Island and Golf Digest readers named the Island number ten on it’s list of “World’s Best Golf Resorts”.”
The map of Hilton Head and the surrounding Bluffton community is dotted with spectacular courses which provide the perfect backdrop for a fun-filled family vacation or a relaxing getaway. This includes Sea Pines Resort, whose Harbour Town Golf Links is home to the PGA’s Verizon Heritage Tournament and the Pete Dye Course, Heron Point, is brand new for 2008’s returning visitors. One cannot forget Palmetto Dunes’ three courses designed by the well known Arthur Hills, George Fazio, and Robert Trent Jones. For many visitors, their trip to the island is not complete without the pilgrimage to hole #10 overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the Robert-Trent Jones course or walking in the footsteps of the PGA Senior Tour in Shipyard Plantation.
Other favorites of visitors and locals alike include the Arthur Hills and Robert Cupp Courses in Palmetto Hall Plantation and the Oyster Reef Course in Hilton Head Plantation. While the setting, history, and challenges of each course are as unique as the island itself, one factor never changes: the enjoyable experiences which will always await you at every first tee box. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the low country and the distinct flavor of Hilton Head Island, these courses envelope your soul and speak to the true athlete inside every player.
The bags are packed and the trunk is shut. You are on the way to Hilton Head for spring break fun with the family! It never fails, though, as you near that exit off I-95. That ominous sound from the back seat – “We wanna play golf this week!” While that would normally be a melodious tone to any vacationer’s ear, it has a certain screech to it when you realize what “golf” really means. That’s right, putt-putt! Waiting in line to hit a pink ball wedged between, well, a rock and a hard place. Why not, instead, get your family out on the real course for a vacation they will all remember.
Hilton Head Island is known, worldwide, as a premier vacation destination. However, did you know that many of their golf courses have also made it possible for the whole family to enjoy the island’s famed links as well? This includes discounted play at top courses for certain ages, the availability of children’s rental clubs, and even coaching and instructional clinics that cater to vacationing youngsters.
Two locations with this well-known reputation for kid-friendly golf are Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines Resorts. The three courses within Palmetto Dunes all offer special pricing for your younger players. Children ten years and younger play free after Noon and juniors under fifteen receive a discounted rate. Junior clubs are also readily available and only require a short reservation. Sea Pines Resort, located on the south end of the island, offers all golfers under the age of seventeen a rate of one half the price of an adult round. This is available any time during the day and includes their newest course for 2008, Heron Point. With all of these choices, only one obvious question stands in your child’s way. “When can I drive the cart?”
|