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HILTONHEAD
INA LEAGUEOF ITSOWN
1956
may not ring any bells with you
in terms of key dates in the history of
golf, but in this corner of South
Carolina’s ‘Low Country’ it was a
landmark year. It saw the opening of a
bridge connecting Hilton Head Island
with the mainland, and the outset of
this tiny parcel of land’s meteoric rise
from private game reserve to exclusive
tourist destination.
It would be fair to say that Hilton Head
Island punches considerably above
its weight; this is a golf destination of
international repute yet it measures just
7
miles by 12 miles. So what’s the secret
to the Hilton Head appeal? Exclusivity
certainly plays a part – this is one of the
most sought after retreats for domestic
and international travellers alike, and
there are two resorts that stand out at
the top of the hot list.
The first is Sea Pines, a development that
originated alongside the 1956 bridge,
making it the original Hilton Head resort.
This 5,000-acre oceanfront property is
jaw-droppingly beautiful, offering oodles
of activities and sports, but it is golf
that takes centre stage. There are few
real icons in golf – the Swilcan Bridge
in St Andrews is one that would qualify
–
but the red and white hoops of the
lighthouse at Harbour Town Golf Links
are unmistakable, and this is the image
inextricably linked to Sea Pines.
Harbour Town is the jewel in the Sea
Pines crown, a stunning course with
equally notable history. Arnold Palmer,
Tom Watson and Davis Love III are
among those to have been inspired by
the Hilton Head surroundings at the
RBC Heritage tournament and a visit to
Sea Pines will see you follow in those
footsteps to name but a few. That’s not
all, however, as Sea Pines is the proud
home to the timeless Ocean Course and
the recently reworked Heron Point by
Pete Dye.
Lodging at Sea Pines is the match of the
endlessly impressive championship golf.
Privacy and independence are two
hallmarks of the homes and apartments
at Sea Pines. Ranging from one-bedroom
apartments to seven-bedroom houses,
these are ideal for families or larger
groups and offer easy access to the
resort attractions.
The Inn at Harbour Town, meanwhile, is
the island’s top-ranked hotel,
overlooking Harbour Town Links and the
racquet club and offering an extra level
of hospitality and service.
Awards and plaudits roll in for Sea Pines,
but only by visiting in person will you
begin to appreciate its unique allure.
Perched beach-side on the North-
Eastern corner of the island is the Westin
Hilton Head Resort, and is the perfect
option for those that like sand between
their toes. Not only will you enjoy the
waves lapping at the shore, the Westin is
also next door to the Port Royal
Plantation whose three courses –
Robber’s Row, Planter’s Row and Barony
–
are among the island’s best estab-
lished. Westin guests also have access
to play the splendid Hills and Cupp
Courses at Palmetto Hall Plantation,
another club whose surroundings
encapsulate the remarkable
natural beauty of Hilton Head.
SOUTHCAROLINA
The unmistakable Harbour Town Links