Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head, SC
Travelogue
Golf Comments

Welcome to the Hilton Head Island Golf Comments - a moderated page where you can find comments on the Hilton Head area golf courses. Note: This page is not an advertisement for any particular spot and all opinions contained here are solely those of the individual contributor.  E-mail addresses are being removed to encourage the posting of answers  to the Travelogue and to reduce the growing spam problem.

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pls send me golf sport materials
-- kerry iyiola - Thursday, April 28, 2005 at 08:58:31

My wife and I will be visiting Nov.29th thru Dec 6th. We love to golf, shop and eat at nice restuarants. What do you recommend for golf courses to play? Can we get on Harbor Town? What cost? What do you suggest for us to site see? This is our first time to Hilton Head.
-- Bob Dunham (bob.dunham@midwestwireless.com) - Monday, October 13, 2003 at 17:01:44

My husband, 14 yr-old daughter and I have recently returned to Northern Ireland from our holiday in Charleston and Hilton Head Island. We stayed at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Shipyard for two weeks. For anyone coming from a colder climate, the heat (in the 90's) takes some time to get used to, but we loved the wide beach, the waves, the alligators, turtles and birds, and the excellent service we encountered almost everywhere.
Our favourite restaurant was Steamers at Coligny Plaza - great waterside atmosphere, and simple but delicious seafood. Funnily enough, we found that the more we spent on a meal, the less we enjoyed it - too much overworking of ingredients, for instance at Charleston's Fine Dining and the Old Fort Pub. La Pola's was excellent for pasta, although the atmosphere was not particularly exciting.
We found the island rather too manicured and cultivated for our tastes, but did find southerners very polite, friendly and charming. Early morning bike rides were good, and my husband enjoyed golf at Shipyard Golf Club.
Alison Patrick
-- Alison Patrick (amp@apc.onyxnet.co.uk) submitted 1/28/1999

My wife and I, and friends of ours returned from HHI 4/25/98, and had a pretty good time. We stayed at the PLanters Quarters at Port Royal Plantation, which was very very nice....& quiet! These timeshares are gold crown rated with RCI and are huge! Three bedrooms, three baths(jacuzzi's in two), living, dining, & sunrooms. This timeshare gives you access to the Westin Resort health club, and outdoor areas...very nice. Since were mainly golfers, we tried various golf course on or near the island.
We played at Port Royal (course condition not so good), Ocean course at Sea Pines (Tough, but fun..windy, alligators,water, and see the owner of "Home Depot" house on #16), Shipyard Plantation (older, fairways dry, greens ok), Old South Golf And C.C. (Good condition, very good for the $$, good greens) Our favorite was the Arthur Hills course at palmetto dunes. It was in unbelievable condition & the most fun to play with about twenty alligator sitings! But, very expensive ($110)
Overall, if you've been to Myrtle Beach, Northern Michigan, or Southern Pines (Pinehurst) the golf here is quite expensive. The average round is about $85-95. We've played nicer courses in Pinehurst in the fall (Aug.-Sept.)less than half the price.
Other things to try :HH Brewing Co., Dolphin cruise at Broadcreek, rent bicycles (great fun on the beach), trip to savannah...(oysters at Shuckers..ummmm!a must!) Had a nice week.....will probably go back some day.
-- Paul Gomez (paul.gomez@usa.net) submitted 1/28/1999

3DHilton Head GOLF Information: There are a lot of courses on the island and just off the island too. The green's fees can be high so getting a "deal" is worth looking into. The best deal I found is "LAST MINUTE TEE TIMES." This guy gets deeply discounted tee times froma number of courses in the area. Call him at 689-2289 from 7-10PM in the evenings and he can tell you what he has available the next day. Sea Pine's famous Harbourtown course is really pricey and probably not worth it unless you JUST have to play it. The Ocean course and the Sea Marsh courses there are fun tracks. The three nines at Shipyard are good as well. A lot of the condos there like Port of Call, etc. have golf packages included with their rentals so there are a lot of folks on the course that haven't a clue how to play the game sometimes. The Arthur Hills and Fazio courses at Palmetto Dunes are good. The Palmetto Hall courses are good too. The 3 courses at Port Royal=20 have a beautiful clubhouse...
-- 3DGerry from Vail (3Dgazman@colorado.net) submitted 1/28/1999

Having just returned from a disapointing trip to Hilton Head, I would like to contribute one piece of information to this travel log. Hilton Head is an island of 'gated' communities. If you are not staying in the community, you cannot go in. If you cannot go in, you cannot see the ocean. The only access we had to the beach was walking a few blocks and cutting through the Holiday Inn parking lot. We found it very frustrating to be on a small island and not be able to see the ocean as we drove around. We ended up cutting our stay short because of this and really wished we had known ahead of time. What we did see of the island was lovely, we did go to Harbor Town (you pay $5 to go into that gated community) which was nice. We golfed at a couple courses just off the island, Rose Hill and Island West, which were super. Not sure if we will go back, if we do we will be sure to stay inside!
-- Joyce Mara (jmara@worldnett.att.net) submitted 5/18/1998

Just came back from Christmas on Hilton Head, first time there. Stayed at the Hyatt which has nice ocean front rooms @holiday rates ($69). Golf: The golf courses (except in Seapines) are closed on Christmas but it seems to be an annual tradition for everyone to go out and walk them on xmas. It's lots of fun.
We liked the Arthur Hills and Fazio courses at Palmetto Dunes. Greens fees are very reasonable this time of year.... we paid $35 each including cart. We got discounts through the Hyatt and you can check the newspaper for other deals. We also played Robert Trent Jones @ Palmetto, Country Club at SHipyard and The Golden Bear.... these didn't compare in quality to the Fazio and Arthur Hills @ Palmetto.
Tennis: I went to the adult weekend Clinic at Van Der Meer. It was fun with nice people, but I think my money would have been better spent on private lessons and the adult drills in the afternoon. Van De Meer has covered courts which came in handy on rainy days. I played at Sea Pines also which is a nicer facility, but no covered courts and it's a pain paying to get into Sea Pines.
Restaurants: We truly enjoyed 211 PARK (great wine selection) and TRUFFLES (Sea Pines). Aunt Chilada's was ok as was Hilton Head Diner.... nothing great. STEAMERS looked good but too long a wait. Have fun.
-- Holly (hollys@maine.rr.com) submitted 1/4/1998

Most romantic restaurant/best food: LaMaisonette
Best bar: Reilley's
Best deli: Gruby's
Best golf: Long Cove
-- Anonymous submitted 9/21/1997

Following my trip to Hilton Head where we spent half of April and most of May this year...I sumitted a number of suggestions to the Travelogue regarding restaurants, etc. These were in the May and June and maybe even the July 1997 Travelogue. I also invited interested parties to contact me via E-Mail if they had specific requests for information and frankly have been overwhelmed by the number of nice folks who have taken me up on my offer. So far I have answered all of them, but if I can put another note in the Travelogue regarding GOLF....maybe it would help. So..here's the straight scoop on Golf at HHI. There are a number of great courses on or near the island. Prices can be high, but there are deals to be obtained. The famous HARBOURTOWN is great...but very expensive and frankly there are a number of other super courses on and near the island that would be as much fun to play unless money is no object and you simply must play Harbourtown. If you type in Hilton Head Golf...in a search engine....you should be able to get a listing with phone numbers of all the courses in the area. Also...once you are there....there is a free booklet available at super markets...shopping malls, hotels etc. called Hilton Head Golf which lists all the courses as well. I thought the other two Sea Pines courses...the Ocean and Marsh were good. All three nines at Shipyard Plantation were fun as were the Fazio course and the Hills course at Palmetto Dunes. The Robert Trent Jones course was very "municipal" and not worth it as far as I was concerned. The courses at Palmetto Hall were good and the 3! courses at Port Royal were fine except they were very tight and a little short. The Indigo Run course is super. Just off the island...the Old South and Old Carolina and the Gary Player course...Hilton Head National are real good courses. The Fuzzy Zoeller course...Island West is good...but a long drive. The Rose Hill Plantation course is very nice and not far off the island and I hear they have a 3 day package which is a very good deal...Call them and ask about it. In short...golf is abbundant at HHI, but can be expensive unless you get a good deal and I've tried to tell you how. If you want to pay full retail....I guess you are either very rich...or very foolish. All the Best.....Gerry from Vail
-- Gerry from Vail (gazman@colorado.net) submitted 8/12/1997

RE: Golf Equipment: I visited a golf store by the name of Island Golf Shop in Orleans Plaza (by Makato Restaurant). Was looking for a "Bubble Burner" or "Big Bertha" club. The salesman persuaded me to purchase one of their own clubs --a knock-off--and can it ever "knock" the ball. And best of all, the price was less than $70.00!! With the money I had left over, I took my wife out for dinner the rest of the week.... Art Nor, Frankfort, IN, June, 1997
-- Art Nor (enor@holli.com) submitted 6/14/1997

Recently, I sent in a note to the Hilton Head Island Travelogue following our return from an extended stay in April and May of 1997. (You can read it in the travelogue) Foolishly, I suppose I offered to give advice on the best RESTAURANTS...GOLF deals...and other items of interest on the island...but I wan't prepared for the onslaught of requests from all over the USA from a lot of nice folks. While I have tried to answer each request, it has become an awesome task so I will try to sumarize my opinions, advise and counsel at this time. While I realize it maty not be for everyone, I hope you will accept it as the "Straight Scoop" from a guy with on financial interests in answering your questions. If this doesn't work...then you can reach me at my E-mail address and I will try to help you. Thanks for your understanding... GERRY from VAIL.
By the way, I am a "young at heart 50ish guy...my long suffering wife is a gourmet cook...and I have eaten in csome of the best and worst restaurants all over the USA. I like to have fun...am an avid skier, golfer, tennis player and enjoy likfe to the fullest. Hilton Head is a GREAT place ! My coments which will be sent in seperately will deal with...GENERAL ADVICE....RESTAURANTS....GOLF....TENNIS... SIGHTSEEING and other misc. items. Hope you have a great vacation. All the Best.....GERRY
-- Gerry from Vail (gazman@colorado.net) submitted 6/13/97

Just returned on May 23rd to Vail, CO where I live after being at HHI for half of April and most of May, 1997. We rented a lovely 3 BR - 3 1/2 B house right on the golfcourse in one of the plantations there and really enjoyed the area. We ate out about 4 nights a week and a variety of restaurants and discovered some really good ones...some tourist rip off ones...and some that were just plain medicore. We cooked in about 3 nights a week since our place had a super outdoor grill and got some great FRESH seafood while we were there. We discovered a place called BARNACLE BILL's...which sells FRESH seafood and Bill's fish...shrimp..crabs...etc. was clearly the best on the island. There are some other places that sell seafood...but beware...some of it is frozen and not fresh and Bills prices are great and the fish is fabulous. He is located right on the main road (Hwy 278 - Hilton Pkwy) right next door to the Speedway gas station whicvh has the lowest price's on gas on the island. It is towards the bridge from Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove and on the Shelter Cove side of the road before you get to Folly field road. Tell Bill that GERRY from Colorado sent you and I'll bet he treats you right. If anyone is interested in the best restaurants and the ones to avoid...send me an E-Mail message and I'll get back to you. Looking at some of the comments posted here....some must be posted by people who are either kids or else they don't have a clue about what is good dining. Ex....Fuddruckers... come on...no my idea of gourmet food. If you send a message...let me know how old you are and the kind of food and atmosphere/prices you like.. so I'll have an idea what to suggest. All in all...HHI has something for everyone and is a great place to visit. P.S. I call give you some tips on how to get the best prices on greens fees and where to play if you are a golfer. All the Best... Gerry Z. gazman@colorado.net
-- Gerry Zimmerman (gazman@colorado.net) submitted 5/28/1997

I visited Hilton Head Island for the first time just this past week in March. My parents have been going for the past couple years and have finally purchased a house in Indigo Run right on the Golden Bear golf course. The crazy crab is a great place to eat, while I found Crabby Nicks not as good, even though they were loaded with bussiness. I loved playing golf at the golden bear in Indigo Run, and The Golf Club at Indigo Run is very nice, but it is private and only accepts 385 members. I also like Rose Hill which is off the Island. If you want to take golf lessons, definetly go to the Island Golf school, right on folly road, where the driving range is. They are great there. I was there from 3/15/97 - 3/22/97
-- Jun de la Rosa (mngoph1133@aol.com) submitted 3/27/1997

We have enjoyed vacationing at Hilton Head's Shipyard Plantation for several years now. We stay, and I would strongly reccommend, Beachwalk. It is just behind the Crystal Sands Resort about 150 yards to the beach. Prices are very ($795 for a three bdrm, 3.5 bath) cheap in the sport season (middle of August) and the weather and surf are still comparable to the heart of summer. Clean pool, free tennis, and golf discounts available. Villas are very secluded in a beautiful setting typical of Hilton Head. Don't miss the excellent seafood buffet at the crystal Sands Resort for under $20. Other eateries I would suggest are Shuckers for lunch, of course the Salty Dog for a casual night on the Calibogie Sound for margaritas and peel-and-eat shrimp, and a place called Steamers (beside the Holiday Inn). It seems like nobody knows about this place, but it is excellent-huge portions and very affordable.For golf either Shipyard Golf Club or go off the island to Rose Hill for about $23 for 18 and a cart. I would also suggest spending a day or at least part of a day in Savannah. Take in its old world charm, plenty of antique shops, and have lunch on the water at the Shrimp House. Oh, don't forget to pick up a caramel apple the size of a softball, maybe bigger, at the candy store on the water. I can't give away all of my secret spots, but hopefully these few tips will make your stay more enjoyable. Bye for now.
-- ANDY AND SHANNON ADOLPH (tadolph@uakron.edu) submitted 3/22/1997

In the past four years we have vacationed at HHI and stayed at the Crowne Plaza Resort (formerly Crystal Sands), but this year we thought we would rent a villa in Evian, if possible. Could you send rental info or possible agencies to contact. We need to sleep 5. We have come down the last to March breaks, and the two summers prior. In March we found other than golf and tennis, you could not veg in the pool or the ocean. Weather was great (60s and low 70s) but not as nice as being in the hot summer time. More action and people and activities to do in the warm months. Also at the Crowne Plaze (which is a fabulous hotel) we found in March a lot of business conventions there and they took over the hotel more or less. Otherwise, a great holiday spot for young and old. My son roller blades and bikes all day long and my self and my daughter find plenty of shopping. The Southern hospitality is great. My husband got a hole-in-one in Shipyard's course and that was a bonus on last year's holiday. Golfing is expensive especially if you want to take a teenager with you. Las Vegas Golf & Tennis is a great place for golf and tennis bargains, and so is Players World. Guiseppe's great for salad and pizza. Up here in Toronto we look forward to a friendly visit to HHI in the very near future. It is only a short 17 hours drive down and it is such a beautiful drive. Any rental information would be appreciated. Thanks.
-- karen (yu173439@yorku.ca) submitted 1/27/97

5th January 1997 Hi & a Happy New Year to you all We are from Harrogate in England and are coming to HH at Easter following a relaxing weekend in HH after business trip to South Carolina last February.
I loved HH and managed 2 rounds of Golf at Old South & Palmetto Dunes - both excellent. Weather in Feb was gorgeous at 70f+. Ate at Damons - ribs very good! Regarding Easter - we are staying at Southwind on Shipyard in a timeshare - can anyone pls advise how I can book a golf package for the week for my teenage son(21h/c) & myself(15) Thanks Iain Gray
-- Iain Gray (106261,3706@Compuserve.com) submitted 1/5/97

We almost feel like residents on the Island...we have been coming since 1981 and have owned numerous time shares but now a condo in Shipyard. We love the wide beaches for walking and riding. Our son, a lawyer, is enamored to the original Crazy Crab's and we love the salad bar at the Chart House. Truffles in SeaPines is also a favorite. For 90's golfers we like Indigo Run and can almost always get a tee time. We rent our condo through Shoreline, the Taylor's do an excellent job...were most helpful with the hurricane scars this last summer. ..Looking forward to returning and eventually retiring! Thanks....Dick and Liz
-- Liz and Dick Reiling (rbr@erinet.com) submitted 1/4/97

Restaurants: Best meal with excellent food, good service and a cheerful atmosphere was Neno al Toscante. It's new so you need to call and get the number. It's worth the effort. La Maisonette is OK, but not great. Avoid Crabby Nick's; it's not too good.
Tour of Dunfanuske (sp?) Island: This is almost a scam and will get worse as the Island becomes more settled. I enjoyed the boat ride much more and suggest you just do that and not waste time of the Island.
Overall comments about Hilton Head: Good place to visit. First place I ever played golf with alligators on the course! Hard to drive there at night with no lighted streets. Will go back again.
-- Glen (Glen Lakes@AOL.com) submitted 12/12/96

Wow! WHAT A PLACE! I am a golfer, but there was more than just golf --> Harbor Town, biking, and trees. Yes, trees are everywhere. I've never seen a Taco Bell completely surrounded by trees before. I having been going to Hilton Head the past two years with my great friends, the Gignilliats. I hate too say too much good things about the island because it might become too crowded. Anyways, I think I might live there when I make it on The Tour and win enough money.
-- R. Jeremy McLaughlin (rjm2@ra.msstate.edu)

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