Ohio Golf Journal December 2020

Bounded by three miles of Atlantic Ocean beach on one side and a sheltered Intracoastal Waterway marina on the other, Palmetto Dunes serves up a storied history of unparalleled golf experiences for guests from all corners of the globe. The trio of golf courses at Palmetto Dunes has each been honored with South Carolina’s “Golf Course of the Year” award in the past 15 years. On Hilton Head Island’s northwestern point is Port Royal Resort — home to the original landing site of William Hilton, the explorer for whom the island is named. Similar to Sea Pines and Palmetto Dunes, Port Royal is also renowned for its world-class tennis center and other outstanding amenities, including the luxurious Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa. Hilton Head Island boasts plenty of culture and nightlife and fancies itself more sophisticated and upscale than its neighbor four hours to the north, Myrtle Beach. Following a round or two of golf, locals and visitors often visit the numerous bars and restaurants on the south end, although Hilton Head Island’s north end has emerged as a nighttime hotspot of its own. Before hitting one of the eclectic restaurants on the north end of the island, golfers enjoy challenging one of the two courses by Nicklaus and his son, Jack II at Indigo Run Plantation. Winding through forests of pine and oak, and along freshwater lowlands, the Golden Bear Golf Club, which debuted in 1992, will not soon be forgotten. Hilton Head Plantation is the island’s second-oldest private gated community, occupying nearly 4,000 acres. Hilton Head Plantation offers a wide variety of golf, with a quartet of gorgeous layouts: Oyster Reef Golf Club, Country Club of Hilton Head and Bear Creek Golf Club — all designed by Rees Jones — along with Dolphin Head, designed by Gary Player and Ron Kirby. Finally, while Hilton Head has always been a convenient drive destination for many from the north, now, getting to the island is easier than ever. Most of the major airlines offer flights to either the uber-convenient Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) or into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), which is fewer than 45 minutes off island. For prospective visitors to Hilton Head, a variety of custom golf and resort packages for small and large groups are worth investigating. The “Golf Island” has made planning your golf vacation very easy through its website — HiltonHeadGolfIsland.com. When planning your trip, marvel at Hilton Head’s golf courses, browse custom resort packages and attractive rates, and see all that Hilton Head Island has to offer away from the links. Planning your dream golf trip is just a click away. Bear Creek 18th hole