Andrew Rice Golf

Posts Tagged ‘harbour town golf links’

The Lighthouse at Harbourtown Golf Links

 Every summer the tiny island of Hilton Head in South Carolina hosts over 1 million visitors who invariably come to spend a week enjoying the beach, relaxing, fishing and a round or two of great golf. If you plan to play some Hilton Head golf this summer, or any time of the year for that matter, here is a quick run down of the top courses:

Resort/Public:

• Harbourtown Golf Links – If you have saved your golf dedicated dollars and want to treat yourself there is nothing better on the island than this gem. Don’t forget to take your camera and collect a sample of the reeds that led to Brian Davis’ demise
• Palmetto Dunes - this resort features three courses and is known for quality conditioning and good value. The courses are designed by Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio and Arthur Hills.

There are also numerous solid courses open to visitors just off the island in Bluffton. I would recommend Crescent Point (designed by Palmer), which has perhaps the most visually stunning (and difficult) hole in the area – the 215 yard par three 9th hole (pictured below). I would also recommend the Gary Player designed Hilton Head National for its interesting holes and consistent conditioning.

The Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course

If you know the right people or have an inside connection then you might be able to gain access to one of the many stellar private tracks in the area. Here is my line up of the top five:

Private:

• Chechessee Creek (Coore/Crenshaw)
• May River Golf Club (Nicklaus)
• Berkeley Hall – North (Fazio)
• Colleton River – Nicklaus (Nicklaus)
• Long Cove (Dye)

The 9th at Crescent Point

 Click for Hilton Head tee times

I regard Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina as one of the top 10 golf courses I have ever played.  It is one of those rare courses where every hole is memorable! 

The course was originally meant to be Jack Nicklaus’ very first course, but early on Jack realized he was in over his head and called up Pete Dye to help out.  Pete and Alice Dye are now credited with the design of the course.  Alice, because she designed my favorite hole on the course the 13th.  Can you imagine hitting one down the left side of the fairway and being faced with the shot below for a second?

The 13th at Harbour Town

It is an unusual golf course that allows every golfer to be challenged, from PGA Tour golfer to a high handicapper, yet provide them with an opportunity to shoot that great score - Harbour Town has that trait!  It is playable and enjoyable for every golfer on the planet!  The course is not long by modern day standards playing just over 6,900 yards from the back tees.  While the course may be narrow, it is not overly punitive, as the trees often will knock down an off-line shot and provide the golfer with a chance for recovery.

The golf course starts slowly and builds to the back nine.  I actually believe that the back nine at Harbour Town is the best nine holes of golf on any course anywhere! The course has four of the best holes I have ever played anywhere: the long dog leg left par 4 8th; the short and always interesting 13th; the “challenging on all three shots” par 5 15th; and the stunning par three 17th that plays back out to the Calibogue Sound.

The "testy" 17th Hole

For a lifetime of memories and a rare opportunity to play a course that the “pros” play make it a priority to visit Hilton Head and play the magnificent Harbour Town Golf Links

Enjoy the Deutsche Bank at TPC Boston this weekend! I look for a young “bomber” to win…..