Looking to plan the perfect golf trip to Hilton Head Golf Island? Planning a buddies trip or a romantic golf getaway can be a full time job not to mention pressure filled to deliver a memorable experience. Below is an interview with Cary Corbitt, President of the Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association who shares some insider information about golfing and traveling to Hilton Head Golf Island, must play courses, a sample itinerary and where you can go for more planning tools.
Give our readers an overview of your destination and why they should consider it for their next golf trip? Hilton Head Golf Island comprises more than 30 golf courses in Beaufort and Jasper counties, with an emphasis on the lodging and golf on-island. We work closely with the Hilton Head Island Visitors and Convention Bureau to provide an exceptional golf and vacation experience. Through a newly designed website (www.hiltonheadgolfisland.com ), we provide a user-friendly and one-stop online booking engine for visiting Hilton Head and playing championship golf.
What are the must play courses in Hilton Head Golf Island? Each April, Harbour Town Golf Links at Sea Pines Resort hosts the PGA TOUR's RBC Heritage. Its famous finishing hole along the Calibogue Sound anchors as one of Pete Dye's seminal designs. Called "nothing short of a work of art" by famed golf writer Dan Jenkins, Harbour Town Golf Links has continually ranked in the highest echelons of championship courses and is a perennial "must play" when visiting the Palmetto State. Another Dye design in Sea Pines, Heron Point stretches more than 7,000 yards from the back tees. Golfers are challenged by a cadre of risk-reward holes and fairways that move toward and away from hazards.
The Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course is consistently ranked among the best golf courses in the Southeast by readers of Golfweek. Its signature hole, the par-five 10th, offers a sweeping and breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. The George Fazio Course is regarded by many golfers as the island's most challenging championship course. Designed by famed golf architect George Fazio, it is ranked among America's top 100 golf courses and stands apart as the only par-70 course on the island.
The Arthur Hills Course offers a careful blend of beauty and challenge. Built on a series of rolling dunes at Palmetto Dunes, this design presents many opportunities for off-balance lies. Palm trees and palmettos line graceful fairways while ocean breezes add to the challenge. The importance of precision play is amplified by 10 holes on the water.
What is the hidden gem and/or best value course? Currently, the Heritage Collection offers three-night, three round "stay-and-play" packages starting at $134/person through March 15. Golfers can choose from one of seven layouts on Hilton Head Island. Palmetto Hall Plantation, Port Royal Golf Club, Oyster Reef Golf Club and Shipyard Golf Club offer 135 championship holes.
Can you provide our readers with an ideal itinerary for a long weekend? We recommend arriving on Thursday evening and staying at Sea Pines Resort or Palmetto Dunes. Each offers a variety of hotel and villa accommodations for all budgets. For the avid golfer, 36 holes at Palmetto Dunes on Friday is a must, choosing between two its three premier layouts. On Saturday, our advice is another 36 holes of championship golf, beginning with Heron Point at Sea Pines and finishing with a round at Oyster Reef Golf Club. Finally, we believe the perfect end to the trip is 18 holes at Harbour Town Golf Links on Sunday before departing Hilton Head.
After golf, what are the "must do" things or attractions to see? Conde Nast readers ranked Hilton Head among the "Top 10 Best U.S. Islands" due to world-class golf, magnificent beaches, fine dining and elite accommodations. The eminent red- and white-striped Lighthouse in Harbour Town stands sentinel at the end of the 18th hole. There are more than 250 restaurants and 200 stores to browse. Public bike and nature trails extend 50 miles around the 12 mile by 5 mile wide island.
Traveling from a longer distance? Hilton Head is easily accessible by most major airlines through Hilton Head Island (HHI), Savannah (SAV - one hour), Charleston (CHS - two hours) and Columbia (CAE - 2.5 hours) airports.
What is the best time to travel? The average temperature on Hilton Head is 76 degrees so the climate is conducive to visiting year-round. Spring and fall are the peak golf seasons, with great deals to be had in the shoulder and off-peak (winter) seasons. The summer months are a very popular time for families from around the world to visit our beautiful beaches.
Where can golfers go for more information to research and plan their trip? Visit www.hiltonheadgolfisland.com to view a course directory, stay-and-play specials and accommodations. Hilton Head Golf Island 800-523-3373
