I recently spent a few days down on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina after having not visited for several years. Within a few hours of being on the island I asked myself "Why haven't been back sooner?" The only reason I could come up with is that I am an idiot.
What's not to like about Hilton Head golf? It has plenty of terrific golf, wonderful food and a laid back atmosphere. It is only a 45 minute ride or a 2 hour ride from Charleston and as you drive across the bridge onto the island you feel the stress disappear.
I am sure you have seen the lighthouse on television but it is truly a special feeling the walk down the 18th hole at Harbour Town Golf Links which is one of my all time favorite places to play. The home of "The Heritage" is unlike a lot of the courses on the tour where you lace up your shoes tight and hammer at the ball. There you have the opportunity to use all the clubs in your bag and play a variety of shots. The 18th hole is the signature hole at Harbor Town but depending on the way the wind is blowing the Par 3 Seventeenth Hole can give all you can handle. The first round I hit an 8 iron into the green but on the very next day with the wind coming in off Calabogie Sound I needed to hit a 3 iron from the same tees. It is just a special place to play and incredibly fun. But Harbour Town is not the only place to play on the island. I have played and enjoyed the 2 other courses at Sea Pines Plantation as well as the courses at Palmetto Dunes which has courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Arthur Hills and George Fazio. After you have decided which of the many courses you wish to play you can easily book your tee time with a few clicks by using the golf course directory.
If you are a member of a private club it would be worth asking your pro to see if they could get you on one of the private clubs like Long Cove Club which is fantastic.
When it comes to eating after golf, head on over to The Salty Dog Cafe which is an island institution. The Gumbo they serve up at the Salty Dog is excellent. But if you are a fan don't even think about leaving without having a slice of their Key Lime Pie. I have had a lot of Key Lime Pie in my life but the Key Lime Pie at The Salty Dog Cafe is the best I have ever had (Sorry, Jane).
There is one more reason I like Hilton Head Island so much is the people. The people down on Hilton Head are relaxed and welcoming. It is nice to go to a place where you feel the locals want you to visit them. So if you have not been to Hilton Head Island "Go" and if you have "Go back soon" it is definitely worth the visit.
