Golf

Doug Weaver, head of golf instruction at Palmetto Dunes golf resort, is all about making the game of golf fun. He wants you to leave your stress behind when on your Hilton Head golf vacation, forget about throwing clubs and relax and enjoy the game.

Easier said than done, right?

According to Doug, he strives to make people “players”. He says, “a player is somebody who plays well without a perfect swing, understands the game and doesn’t get bogged down in all the mechanics.” A pro golfer who embodies that “player” mentality is Bubba Watson, a playful, imperfect golfer who gets the job done, but has fun while he’s doing it.

Palmetto Dunes offers a variety of classes at our Hilton Head Golf Academy that address these frustrations and helps bring the joy back to the game of golf. They include:

Bubba Golf – Learn how to play like Bubba in this weekly 50-minute class with Doug. The class focuses on the mechanics of making specific trouble shots while learning to think less and focus better.

Mental Golf Workshop – Part of our three-day Hilton Head golf school, the Mental Golf Workshop lets you complete a “golf personality” profile before beginning class. This helps Doug to better understand your personality and areas you need to work on, allowing him to personalize your instruction.

Off the Knees and Under a Branch – In Doug’s Short Game II workshop, he teaches you how to get out of the toughest situations on the course, even when you’re “on your knees, under a branch.” With the confidence that you can play your way out of a worst case scenario, your game will improve!

“Every round has failures in it, if you overreact, that’s how a lot of rounds are ruined,” says Doug. “Golf is fun. Learn how to handle those challenges, and that’s when you really have fun.”

The three championship courses at Palmetto Dunes lend themselves to having fun while you’re on your Hilton Head vacation. They are challenging but not too much so. They’re a good blend, says Doug, meeting the needs of every type of golfer.

Palmetto Dunes offers a range of options for South Carolina golf vacations, including a golf stay and play package, the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy Package with two full days of instruction, monthly packages and more. Call us at (866) 744-7558 for more details.

So next time you feel like throwing a club out of frustration, remember these words from Weaver: “Golf is not a game of perfect. It’s a game of good.” And have fun out there!

It never fails. You think you’ve packed everything you need for a vacation, and then you realize you left your brand new golf glove on the kitchen counter or your new tennis attire in the dryer. Or perhaps you just “feel” like you need a little something new to up your game – and who doesn’t want to come home from their Hilton Head vacation with something to add to their wardrobe? Since any purchase doubles as a souvenir, stocking up at our Hilton Head pro shops is totally justifiable. In fact, it’s a win-win!

Our Hilton Head tennis pro shop and our Hilton Head golf pro shops offer all the essentials -- from the outfit to the equipment – as well as a few awesome extras. We’ve picked five great finds at our Pro Shops just in time for your fall or winter Hilton Head vacation and for the holidays.

In our golf pro shops:

1)      GARMIN Approach S3 GPS Golf Watch -- The S3 is an innovative GPS golf watch preloaded with more than 27,500 courses domestically. It offers a high-resolution touch-screen display and shows the shape/layout of each green, allowing the user to select hole locations for precise distances. It also displays yardages to doglegs and lay-ups, and allows the user to calculate distances of an individual shot, not just distance to the hole.

2)      9 & Dine Ladies Apparel -- This collection does very well, and we’re currently stocking the new fall collection. It offers coordinating tops and skorts for a number of unique looks. 9 & Dine is designed for performance without sacrificing fit or style. In addition, every piece in the collection is made in the USA.

3)      Titleist 913D2 & 913D3 Drivers -- Titleist begins shipping new drivers in November, just in time for you to use one on our three Hilton Head golf courses during your vacation! The new 913D2 is a 460cc driver with innovations to the face insert, rear weight and lower CG location that deliver the best combination of speed and forgiveness.

For tennis enthusiasts:

4)      TASC Apparel -- Our Tennis Center pro shop recently added logo apparel from TASC, which many of you know stands for Technical All Season Comfort. The fabric used in this clothing line for men and women is light weight, has 4-way stretch, UPF 50+, anti-odor, breathable and moisture wicking.

5)      LoveAll Shirts -- The shop also carries a new shirt line for women called LoveAll. These shirts are made for tennis lovers by tennis lovers. They infuse their products with the intimate knowledge of the game and the absolute obsession for the sport. LoveAll’s vision is to serve up sizzling merchandise that reflects your passion while remaining divinely comfortable and flattering. Serious and fun; just like you.

What sounds good to you? Any good ideas for holiday gift giving? If you don’t see what you need, head over to our Hilton Head pro shops or give us a call at (866) 744-7558 for some ideas and for shipping rates. 

There are games of chance and games of skill. Golf certainly is a game of skill and the best way to improve your game is to tweak things now and again.

While enjoying your Hilton Head vacation, make sure you sign up to attend at least one of the programs offered at our top-notch Hilton Head golf academy so you can score lower and enjoy the game even more. Even if you don’t think you need to tweak your game, you should consider getting a friend or family member to sign up for a program or two then you can just tag along for moral support (wink-wink, nudge-nudge).

In fact, the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy is currently running a special for 10% off if you sign up for a multi-day program. If another golfer signs up with you, you get 15% off. The two-day programs offer a 4:1 ratio for three hours of instruction per day, nine holes of golf daily and much more. The three-day programs also have a 4:1 ratio for four hours of instruction per day, 18 holes of golf and more.

The Golf Academy is led by former PGA Tour player Doug Weaver. As Director of Instruction Weaver manages the Palmetto Dunes golf academy and supervises all golf instruction. “The two- and three-day schools are great because they have a slow pace and you can enjoy learning at whatever your playing level,” Weaver says.

In addition to the multi-day programs, the academy offers nine golf programs about an hour in length nearly every day of the week. Each class focuses on different aspects of the game, including beginner golf, back to basics and the short game. The programs are appropriate for golfers from ages 12 to adult. Eleven teaching pros, some of whom are former PGA Tour professionals, provide hands-on instruction to golfers with varying levels of proficiency.

Weaver says the Power and Distance Class helps you learn the five different ways to hit the ball harder and more precisely using moves that are best for your body type. Every golfer’s body creates power uniquely. The experts will show you the five major power moves and which ones you should focus on.

Another good Hilton Head golf lesson we offer is the Mental Golf Workshop, which helps you concentrate better and keep your energy high. In short, you learn how to concentrate like a pro and maintain it.

Speaking of concentration, the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy has created a class that zeroes in on Bubba Watson’s unique approach to golf. “Bubba is one of the greatest players of our time,” Weaver says. “He’s relaxed and care free. He’s casual yet very competitive and he understands it’s a game of opposites – the harder you try, the worse you do.”

Unsure which school is right for you? Contact us for more information or to make a reservation for any of our Hilton Head golf lessons at (866) 744-7558.

Imagine this: You’re on one of Palmetto Dunes’ three gorgeous Hilton Head golf courses and you begin to wonder: “What’s the best way to play this hole? How will I ever get around that sand trap?” And then perhaps: “I’m getting hungry. Wonder where can I get lunch or a cold drink after I get this hole-in-one?”

Well, the folks at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort kind of read your mind and created a golf app for your smartphone that will answer all these questions – and then some – in real time and right in your pocket! Another reason we’re known as one of the best South Carolina golf resorts.

The app is available for free in the iTunes store and Android market. Simply download it and then start off your day by browsing the app to learn about each of the resort’s three championship golf courses. With a few taps, you can even schedule your tee time.

While you’re playing with us, you can keep track of yardage with the app’s built-in GPS and enter your score into a mobile scorecard that allows you to engage in some healthy live competition with others in your group. Use the app to check information about each hole on each course (par, handicap and playing tips), and when you make that hole-in-one, the app makes it easy to brag about it on Facebook. Your post will certainly make all your friends jealous that you’re enjoying a great Hilton Head fall golf getaway at Palmetto Dunes while they’re at work!

Playing 18 holes makes a guy or gal thirsty (and hungry, too!), so be sure to use the app to access food and beverage info from Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers and Pizza (located at the Robert Trent Jones course), as well as the Grilles at the George Fazio and Arthur Hills courses. Tap to direct-dial the restaurants to place an order for pickup after your round.

And while you’re out there on the course, you may realize you need a certain piece of equipment to improve your game. Don’t forget to check out the special offers from the resort’s pro shop available only to app users.

We’ve put a lot of thought into this app to anticipate golfers’ needs out on the golf course. Download it, check it out and put it to use today! Let us know what you think!

Remember when you were a kid and you stayed outside from sun up to sun down? Fall is the perfect time to do just that on Hilton Head. With milder temperatures and fewer crowds, fall is a fabulous time to enjoy all the outdoor fun that Hilton Head and Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort have to offer. 

Love to be on the water? We have several options for you during your stay. Rent a kayak or canoe to explore Palmetto Dunes’ 11-mile lagoon system by your own power. Choose from single or double kayaks, and a one-, two- or three-person canoe rentals! We like that the canoes and kayaks (generally) have two speeds: paddle and drift. That makes them both a perfect mode of transportation for slowing down to really enjoy the Hilton Head wildlife and the fall weather. 

Speaking of paddling, you can also rent a stand up paddleboard during your stay. This sport has quickly grown in popularity and when you’re out there balancing on the water, you’ll see why. It’s peaceful and a workout all at the same time. 

Palmetto Dunes also offers several options for you to charter a boat at Shelter Cove Marina for deep-sea or inshore fishing excursions, as well as leisure cruises such as dolphin cruises, sunset cruises, dinner cruises and more. 

For land-lubbers, Palmetto Dunes has plenty of activities to keep you outside until dark. We have three world-class golf courses and a top-ranked tennis center featuring 23 clay and two Nova ProBounce courts (six of which are lighted for night play). Don’t forget to check out all of the great Hilton Head vacation packages we offer for you and your group to stay and play golf, tennis and more at special rates this fall. 

Like to bike? We have you covered. Simply make a reservation with Hilton Head Outfitters to have bikes delivered right to your hotel or Hilton Head vacation rental on the day you arrive. All you have to do is hop on and ride. Explore Hilton Head by bike in the cooler morning temps and meander the island’s more than 50 miles of public bike trails in the sunny but mild afternoons. 

After you’ve enjoyed a day on the water, the courts or the greens, head on over to Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza restaurant at the Robert Trent Jones course, the Dunes House open to resort guests and which boasts ocean views, or Shelter Cove, where you can enjoy waterfront dining -- and meander from shop to shop -- in the beautiful fall weather. 

Need help planning your fall Hilton Head vacation or have questions about our outdoor activities? Contact a Vacation Planner for more information or call us at (866) 744-7558.

Beautiful weather, beautiful greens, an early tee time and still plenty of sunlight left in the day to walk the beach, rent a bike or play another round! Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? That’s what your fall getaway to can be to Hilton Head’s Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. With temps in the 70s through October, clear blue skies and sunny days with decreasing humidity, fall is just about perfect for your Hilton Head golf vacation.

Tee Time
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort has not one, not two, but three world-class golf courses on the property, so you don’t even have to venture outside the resort to tee-off from three different, challenging courses. Each distinguished course was designed to make the most of your abilities … and then some.

For example, the Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course is one of only two oceanfront holes on the entire island. Its 10^th hole, a par-5, offers a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t let this beauty fool you, however. The course is tough and was rated among the best courses in the Southeast by readers of Golfweek magazine.

The George Fazio Course is the only par-70 golf course on the island and is considered Hilton Head’s most challenging championship course. Fazio designed the course with plenty of bunkers and water hazards to make sure you use all the skills our pros can teach you! The course demands a combination of long play and precise golf shots and ranks among America’s top 100 golf courses.

The Arthur Hills Course was built on a series of rolling dunes and is framed by palmetto and live oak trees. It offers many opportunities for off-balance lies and has 10 holes on the water, which means you need to take into account the ocean breeze before you swing.

Have Some Fish and Chips
We know a few people who enjoy the peace of fishing combined with the challenge of golf, and we agree. These two activities are the perfect complement.
So this fall, we’re offering our “Fish & Chips” package that lets you take advantage of the amazing redfish abundant in our waters this time of year with an inshore fishing charter along with two rounds of golf per person. It also includes a $100 gift card for dining at the resort, including our new Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers & Pizza restaurant at the Jones course, a sleeve of golf balls, $50 gift card per person at our Hilton Head pro shops and a two-hour kayak rental to take in our lovely lagoon. Call us at (866) 744-7558 for more about this package.

We also offer a variety of other golf vacation packages from monthly memberships to unlimited golf and more.

Take a Lesson
Take some time to improve your golf skills this fall with a lesson or two from one of our golf pros. Our fall schedule at the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy offers a range of options from the novice to the expert golfer.

Our Director of Golf Doug Weaver is a big proponent of the power of the mind when it comes to the game of golf. Take his Mental Golf Workshop and learn how to concentrate like a pro. It also offers a pre-class evaluation of your mental golf style. Ladies can work on putting, chipping, pitching and full swing at our Ladies Only golf workshop.

Need help generating more power? Take our Power and Distance class and learn about the five major power and distance moves and which you need to focus on. Enjoy watching the free-spirited Bubba Watson? We’ll teach you how to model his playful attitude and show you how he makes those crazy shots in our Bubba Golf workshop.

And Then Some
In addition to golf, Palmetto Dunes has a host of other activities for you and your group: fishing, tennis, biking and lots of activities and events. You name it, we probably offer it! If you have more questions about what Palmetto Dunes offers for fall getaways in Hilton Head, visit our website or call us at (866) 744-7558.

Fall on Hilton Head Island means fishing, festivals and outdoor fun and we’ve got plenty of each at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. Here are our Top 10 Fall Activities in Hilton Head: 

1. Golf 
We think there’s no better time to play golf than in the fall. The weather is mild, the crowds are gone and you can enjoy the natural beauty of Hilton Head. Palmetto Dunes features three top-rated championship golf courses, even one with a haunted lighthouse, but more on that later! All of our world-class golf courses in Hilton Head are different and challenging in their own way. Let our vacation planners point you in the right direction between the George Fazio course, the Arthur Hills course and the Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront course. Or better yet, try all three and take advantage of our multi-round savings! Call them at (866) 744-7558.

2. Tennis
Tennis in the fall at Palmetto Dunes brings you many options. We host five Hilton Head tennis tournaments in October and November, where you can participate or just watch. If you book accommodations through Palmetto Dunes in one of our beautiful Hilton Head vacation homes or villas, you get two hours of complimentary tennis court time daily. If you're working on polishing your court skills, Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center offers a full schedule of lessons and clinics year-round. We also offer a happy hour and exhibition of our pros playing Mondays at 5:30 p.m. through October and Demo Days on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. through October where you can try out the latest in racquet technology. Come play for fun, take a lesson or play in a tourney at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center and see for yourself!

3. Fishing
In the fall, the red fish are spawning and abundant all around Hilton Head. Palmetto Dunes can arrange for you to take a half or full-day fishing trip on the calm waters of our 11-mile inland lagoon system or in the open water, so you can catch one for yourself. Check out our fishing charters that leave from nearby Shelter Cove Marina for your chance to catch a Big Red and get a great picture to impress all your friends!

4. Biking
Bike rentals on Hilton Head is the perfect way to get a little exercise and see the beautiful island at your own pace. During fall, you can pedal for hours without breaking much of a sweat and enjoy the autumn beauty. Hilton Head Outfitters offers the largest fleet of bike rentals on the island, so there’s something for everyone in the family, including tag-a-longs, kiddie seats and more! They also have bike rentals suitable for almost every terrain on the island: beach, street or bike path.

5. Kayaking
Exploring Hilton Head Island by kayakis a calm, wonderful experience. There’s something about sliding through the water under your own power that’s exhilarating and rewarding. Listen to the birds, check out the fish and be sure to take along a waterproof camera so you can capture the amazing natural beauty of Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Outfitters rents single and double kayaks year-round at a great value. 

6. Festivals
There’s plenty going on around Hilton Head in the fall. Hilton Head food festivals ramp up, featuring burgers, seafood and beer, and there are several fun runs that serve to support the local community (and work off a little of your burgers, seafood and beer!). Visit the Palmetto Dunes’ activities calendar or the Hilton Head Visitors and Convention Bureau’s Calendar of Events to find something that strikes your fancy.

7. Explore history
Hilton Head Island is named after Capt. William Hilton, who sailed from Barbados to explore lands granted by King Charles II. Those who settled on the island and surrounding areas were successful in growing cotton and indigo, and the region was a stronghold during the Civil War. In fact, Hilton Head’s “haunted” Leamington Lighthouse was not only used to guide ships passing in the night, but it was reportedly built by Union soldiers stationed there during the Civil War. The grounds of the lighthouse can be accessed by visitors and the lighthouse is visible from the 5^th and 15^th greens on the Arthur Hills course at Palmetto Dunes!

8. Stand Up Paddleboard
Maneuvering through the water on a stand up paddleboard takes some skill – and a lot of balance – but it’s a wonderful way to see the island and get up close and personal with nature. Hilton Head Outfitters can set you up with all the gear you’ll need to explore Palmetto Dunes’ 11-mile lagoon system. What will you see? The lagoon winds through three golf courses, neighborhoods and a hardwood maritime forest. You’ll want a waterproof camera for this adventure, too!

9. Birding
When you go birding on Hilton Head Island, you have the chance to watch both shorebirds and inland birds. Our golf courses at Palmetto Dunes are also members of the Audubon Bird Society. The island is made up of protected wetlands, woods and sandy beaches, providing a birder's paradise! The experts at Hilton Head Outfitters can point out the best spots for birding and provide all the equipment you’ll need for your adventure.

10. The Beach
What would a Hilton Head vacation be without a visit to the beach, which was recently ranked No. 2 in the nation by 10Best? Fall lets you escape the full heat of the sun (though remember to wear sunscreen, because the rays can still be harmful) and enjoy a sunrise, sunset or afternoon walk or run on the beach. Why not pack a picnic lunch and sit by the sea one afternoon or vow to wake up early to watch the sunrise over the water? It’s well worth the early wake-up call, we promise! Keep your eyes out for dolphins at play. One may surprise you with a big leap out of the water!

If you’ve planned to spend a week at Palmetto Dunes this fall, you might as well go ahead and expand it to an even 10 days, just to make sure you’ll be able to do everything on our top-10 list! What’s your favorite fall activity on Hilton Head? Did we miss any?

Here at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, a top South Carolina golf resort, we can think of many reasons for you and your family or group to come play golf courses in Hilton Head any time of year. But for this blog post, we’ve boiled it down to our top 5 reasons. Drum roll please:

No. 1 – Three Varied Golf Courses
A lot of our guests love that they don’t have to leave Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort to play on three different and very challenging Hilton Head golf courses. Our courses fit the mood of any golfer whether you’re looking for more of a challenge, more of a view or a more relaxed and fun game.

The Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course is one of only two oceanfront holes on the island. Its 10^th hole, a par-5, offers a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t let this beauty fool you, however. The course is tough and was rated among the best courses in the Southeast by readers of Golfweek magazine. The Jones Oceanfront Course plays 6,122 yards from the middle white tees. 

The George Fazio Course is the only par-70 golf course on the island and is considered Hilton Head’s most challenging championship course. Fazio designed the course with plenty of bunkers and water hazards to keep players on their toes. The course demands a combination of long play and precise golf shots and ranks among America’s top 100 golf courses. The Fazio plays 6,239 yards from the middle white tees.

The Arthur Hills Course was built on a series of rolling dunes, framed by palmetto and live oak trees, offering many opportunities for off-balance lies. Ten holes on the course are on the water, which means you need to watch out for ocean breezes. Graceful yet challenging is a great way to describe this course, which plays 6,122 yards from the middle white tees.

No. 2 - Hilton Head Weather
The weather in Hilton Head is balmy and sub-tropical year-round, which allows for allows for all types of outdoor activities throughout the year. We don’t slow down when things cool off a little around here. In fact, our three golf courses heat up with travelers who enjoy playing golf on Hilton Head in 70-degree temps through October and in the 60s through December. While January is our coldest month, with a temperature range of 40-59 degrees, that’s still perfect for snowbirds who flock to our sunny golf courses during winter wearing shorts and T-shirts. And if you want to come in the summer, no worries. Read reason No. 3:

No. 3 – Air-Conditioned Golf Carts
When you’re playing one of the most popular golf courses in South Carolina during the balmiest days of summer, it’s such a treat to retreat to air conditioned golf carts. In fact, our entire fleet of golf carts is air-conditioned. Just load your clubs, hop in and cool off with a cold beverage as you ride in luxury to the next hole. Arrive refreshed and ready to make par. Ahhh….

No. 4 - Segway Golf Transporters
Spice up your mode of transport from green to green by renting one of our Segway Golf Transporters. We’re the only Hilton Head Island resort who offers them! A great open-air alternative to golf carts, these fun yet practical rides can reach speeds of more than 12 MPH. Our Segway X2 all-terrain vehicle is wider with deeply treaded tires. They’re easy to operate and maneuver and allow for superior preservation of the golf course.

No. 5. Beauty
Palmetto Dunes lives up to the reputation as one of the most popular South Carolina golf resorts and one of the finest resort destinations in the world. It’s garnered the attention of such respected travel resources as Travel + Leisure Family, Forbes, Fodor’s Golf Digest Places to Play, Frommer’s The Carolinas and Georgia, Golf Magazine and more. All of these resources tout the natural beauty of the resort, as well as its amenities.

Palmetto Dunes is picturesque at every turn from our pristine beach to the 11-mile inland lagoon system that winds through the resort, to the superbly sculpted golf courses framed by palmetto and live oak trees. The resort truly showcases the natural beauty of the island.

Do you need more reasons to play golf courses in Hilton Head? We think not! Come play a round with us and book your tee time by calling (866) 744-7558.

Remember, Palmetto Dunes also offers many more activities besides golf, including world-class tennis, fishing, bike rentals, shopping, dining, kayaking and lots more to give you a well-rounded Hilton Head vacation.

A long weekend is on the horizon (Yay!). And we can’t think of a better way to spend your days off than on a Labor Day golf getaway to Palmetto Dunes!

Here’s a rundown of the things you can do at this ever popular South Carolina golf resort, including plenty of golf but some other Hilton Head activities, as well:

Tee Time
The Hilton Head Celebrity Golf Tournament kicks off Friday Aug. 31, 2012 at our famed Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course, one of our three world-class golf courses. Since 1979, the annual event has raised more than $3.8 million for well-deserving children’s charities of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Celebrities at this year’s tournament include actors Richard Schiff of The West Wing and Brian Baumgartner, Kevin from The Office; TV personalities Paul Goodloe of the Weather Channel and Holly Sonders of Golf Channel’s Morning Drive; numerous professional athletes and plenty of South Carolina favorites including Bobby Cremins; and George Rogers, NFL running back, University of South Carolina graduate and 1980 Heisman Trophy winner. 

While you won’t be able to play the Jones course Friday (it will be closed for the tournament), you can certainly go and enjoy the festivities! Or you could plan to play one (or both) of the other golf courses at Palmetto Dunes: the George Fazio Course (called the most challenging course in Hilton Head) and the Arthur Hills Course (with 10 holes on the water!). Of course, the Jones course will be back open on Saturday and Sunday. 

We also have a special deal right now on Saturday that you can take advantage of while in town. If you book a tee time after 11 a.m. you get half off resort rates if you use code SSSPECIAL12 and book your tee time online here.

Boogie Down
While HarbourFest fireworks are over for the season, Shannon Tanner hasn’t gone home yet! Shannon is a family entertainer, who’s been singing and playing music to crowds at Shelter Cove since 1988. Shannon will be performing Friday at 6:30 and 8 p.m. with other live entertainment Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Cappy the Clown will be on hand 6-9 p.m. all weekend and there will be lots of other family activities to do, as well. So bring the whole bunch and experience a new family tradition! 

Bike Around Town
Rent a bike from Hilton Head Outfitters, THE place for Hilton Head bike rentals, and explore. Hilton Head Island has more than 50 miles of bike paths that take you beneath live oaks draped with Spanish moss, past creeks and marshes, and close to an assortment of beautiful flowers in bloom. 

What’s going on Labor Day weekend at Palmetto Dunes? As you can see, a lot! In addition to the events above, be sure to check out our event calendar for more information on daily tennis clinics, golf demonstrations and after-hours activities at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort! Enjoy your long weekend!

Looking for a great golf getaway this fall? The weather is getting milder and there’s no better time to grab your friends and head to Hilton Head for a golf vacation. Palmetto Dunes has the ticket with a variety of golf vacation packages that appeal to everyone from the solo golfer to those who want to golf as a family and from those looking for improve their game to groups of golfers. Even snow birds who are planning to spend their winter in warmer climes can find a package that lets them maximize their time on the course but still be gentle on the wallet. 

One of Palmetto Dunes’ most popular offerings is the Golf Stay & Play Package. Choose from two or three rounds of golf along with a four-day/three-night stay. Not only can you play on three championship golf courses, you’ll also receive two hours of court time per day at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center and the best rates and priority access for all resort activities and amenities. 

We also offer plenty of group golf options. If you have a group of at least nine, choose from our Group Golf Getaway Package or the Group Golf Package. Right now, if you book either of these packages by Aug. 31, 2012, you can receive a 4^th round free. (See our website for details.) The Getaway Package includes three rounds of golf per person and four days/three nights in select resort villas, as well as a 10% discount select items in the pro shop! With both group golf packages, you also receive preferred rates and access to resort activities and amenities. 

For seasonal (calling all snow birds!) and part-time residents, we offer a Monthly Golf Membership getaway and a Monthly Stay and Play package. Both give you an unlimited 30-day golf pass. The getaway package simply includes a 30-night stay in a one-bedroom villa at Palmetto Dunes and two hours of tennis court time daily. Preferred rates and priority access to resort activities and amenities also included.

If you’re just learning to golf, we have a package for that, too! Consider our Golf Academy Package, which includes two days of world-class golf lessons, a computerized club fitting, video analysis, unlimited use of the practice range, and when you’re ready, preferred pricing for a round of golf. A minimum three-night stay is required. 

Wait, there are more great getaways at this top South Carolina golf resort! Whether you’re a guest or just “playing through,” Palmetto Dunes also offers Multi-Round Golf Specials for two and three rounds of golf. 
One more thing: Don’t forget to book in advance. You’ll actually be rewarded for it! You can receive up to 50% off the Resort Golf Rate if you book your tee times in advance. 

Check our website for more details or to book your next South Carolina golf getaway. You can also contact one of our vacation planners or give us a call at (866) 744-7558. Happy golfing!

Thinking of planning a golf vacation at a South Carolina golf resort? What are you looking for: A great deal? A convenient location? Top-notch lodging? Oh yes, and a variety of challenging yet fun golf courses? 

Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner: Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is a South Carolina golf resort you must visit if you are a golf aficionado.

Here’s why:

Great golf
We have three renowned courses, each one designed by a hero in the world of golf: 
The Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course was named one of the best golf courses in the Southeast by Golfweek magazine. The 10^th hole of this par-five course is one of only two oceanfront holes on the island! The rest of the course ambles along our 11-mile lagoon system. Here’s a fun fact: We book more rounds at the Jones course than any other course on the entire island!  

The George Fazio Course is definitely a challenging choice with its varied bunkers and water hazards. The Fazio is ranked in the nation’s top 100 courses and is the only par-70 course on Hilton Head. 

The Arthur Hills Course was ranked 4.5 stars by Fodor’s Golf Digest. It has been played by Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, who no doubt enjoyed its careful mix of beauty and challenge. It’s positioned on a series of dunes, which presents many opportunities for off-balance lies. In addition, the course offers 10 holes on the water and the ocean breeze adds to the challenge. 

Great prices
When it comes to pricing, Palmetto Dunes offers high quality and ways to save. For example, book in advance and save up to 50% off the Resort Golf Rate, which is already very affordable. We also offer multi-round rates, junior programs and a 30-day golf pass, as well as an array of golf packages. 

Great location and lodging
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort spans 2,000 acres in the heart of Hilton Head Island and boasts three miles of beachfront. We also have an award-winning tennis center and more activities than you can shake a golf club at. 

In addition, Palmetto Dunes offers all guests a luxurious stay, whether you choose a villa with a view of Broad Creek or a well-appointed oceanfront home, we offer special rates and packages, including the best rates on golf and all resort activities, when you book directly through Palmetto Dunes. 

Ready to book your vacation at an amazing South Carolina golf resort? Contact a vacation planner today, or visit our website for more details!

Golf fans around the world have been talking since April about “the shot” that PGA Tour professional Bubba Watson pulled out of his bag to win the 2012 Masters at Augusta National. 

The stone-cold hook seemed to defy physics as the ball flew off pine needles toward the fairway, seemingly making a hard right and landing on the green. (It’s a hook because Watson is left handed.) 

Learn some of those shots at our new “Bubba Golf” weekly series by PGA professional and Palmetto Dunes Director of Golf Instruction Doug Weaver. 

Doug will teach golfers how to be creative while mastering the game and have a blast along the way. Doug describes “Bubba Golf” as adventurous, light-hearted and instinctive. The program focuses on the mechanics of making specific trouble shots while learning to think less and focus better. Think of it--you’ll only slice when you want to. Imagine that. Doug vows to teach players how to increase their smiles and decrease their strokes. 

Join us for “Bubba Golf” every Thursday from 3-3:50 p.m. at the Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort through August. The cost is $25 per session and is open to golfers ages 10 and older. “Bubba Golf” is one of 12 programs currently offered as part of the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy. Private lessons are also available.

If you really want to pull off the total “Bubba” look, head to the Robert Trent Jones Course Pro Shop. It has the largest selection on Hilton Head Island of Travis Mathew, Bubba’s preferred label. You also can pick up a “Bubba Golf” T-shirt. 

To reserve a spot for “Bubba Golf,” call Palmetto Dunes toll free at 877-567-6513. Let us help bring out your inner “Bubba.”

Palmetto Dunes has come up with a new place for families to unwind inside the resort for breakfast, lunch or dinner or for golfers to enjoy a meal after a round or two of golf. Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers and Pizza overlooking the Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course is now open seven days a week for  a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner.

In addition to barbecue, burgers and pizza, we also have plenty of Southern dishes, soups, salads, seafood and steak, as well as a kids’ menu. Not only did we tap the culinary talents of Jim Self, one of the developers of Palmetto Dunes, and his Tennessee slaw and barbecue sauce, we took to heart suggestions from our guests for a spot where families can gather for a relaxing meal that won’t bust the budget.

At Big Jim’s, you’ll find big-screen TVs for catching the latest golf tournament, happy hour specials and live entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It’s also a perfect vantage point for Tuesday night fireworks launched all summer long as part of HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour.

Big Jim’s is in the heart of the resort close to the beach, Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center and Hilton Head Outfitters. It’s a perfect spot to dine after a day of swimming, playing tennis, kayaking the lagoon or cruising around on bikes. It adds to the mix of restaurants our guests already enjoy: The Dunes House for lunch and dinner, pre- or post-round meals at Arthur’s Grille and the Fazio Grille at our two other golf courses, or fine dining at Alexander’s.

Join us this summer at Big Jim’s for a relaxing meal on our outdoor deck. You can also call us at 843-785-1165 for take out or catering. See you around!

Hilton Head Island is the perfect place for a wedding: a romantic retreat with plenty of sand, surf and beautiful views. Of course, Hilton Head Island also is one of the best golf destinations in the world. Why not combine the two?

You’ll certainly persuade the groomsmen to bound cheerfully to Hilton Head Island if you promise them a round or two of groom’s golf. Gather the guys, smoke a cigar or two and try to beat your buddy with a lower score.

Just choose which of our three designer courses you’d like to play. The Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course is known for its #10 hole overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on Hilton Head Island. The George Fazio course demands accuracy and more than a few sand shots, and the Arthur Hills course put the world’s best players -- Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson -- to the test as college players.

Add a round to your festivities and we’ll treat you like pros: cart signs with your grooms’ names, complimentary yardage books and gifts for all players. We’ll even set up contests, such as longest drive and closest to the pin, for your groomsmen. We also offer a full menu for golf groups, and if there’s at least 12 in your party, the bride and groom play for free!

Want more info? Contact our group coordinator, Michael Royer, at 866.306.4330 and he'll be happy to set up your golf outing. Then, tell your groomsmen and let the taunting begin!

When you come to Hilton Head, park your car and don’t go back till it’s time to go home. Leave the transportation to us!

Starting April 1, our popular Dunes Buggy is back and ready for the busy season. This free transportation for resort guests travels throughout Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove Harbour. That means you can go from the beach to shopping without ever setting foot on your gas pedal.

Destinations include the golf courses, restaurants within the resort, Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center, Hilton Head Outfitters, the General Store, pro shops, Shelter Cove Marina and all the restaurants and shopping within Shelter Cove.

If you need to hitch a ride aboard “the buggy,” call 843-689-4222 and we’ll dispatch on a first-come, first-serve basis usually within about 10 minutes of your call. Give us a little more time during the busy weeks of the Heritage and Fourth of July, please ☺. The Dunes Buggy runs all summer through September.

And lest you be tempted to head to your car, remember we’ve got bikes, kayaks and hey, your own two feet, to get you where you need to go here in Hilton Head. You’ll enjoy the views a lot more and burn off a few calories while you’re at it.

See you soon on the Dunes Buggy!

Not only is Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort a great place to play golf on Hilton Head Island, it’s a great place for children under age 12 to learn from one of the nation’s best golf instructors.

Palmetto Dunes’ director of golf instruction and former PGA Tour professional Doug Weaver was named by U.S. Kids Golf as one of the top kids golf teachers in the country. Weaver was one of 50 instructors awarded an honorable mention in the awards, which honor professionals for their expertise and commitment to developing the game of golf in youth.

Palmetto Dunes offers an array of junior instruction from afternoon clinics to week-long programs as part of the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy. There are sessions for every age and skill level. Golf clubs are available if needed.

But what makes lessons at Palmetto Dunes so special is the contagious enthusiasm for the game. At the heart of every class is showing students how to apply the skills they already have to golf. For example, if they like soccer, some of those basics apply to golf.

Weaver has perfected the teaching techniques at Palmetto Dunes through experience as a former PGA Tour professional and a U.S. Open record holder. He also is a Golf Digest South Carolina Top 10 Instructor.

“The principles of golf not only teach athletic skills, but are true lessons for life,” says Weaver. “I enjoy helping children build their golf, and life, skills and am so excited to have been recognized for doing a job that I love.”

Palmetto Dunes also offers golf instruction that caters specifically to men, women or families. Pick up some skills you can put to the test on one of three courses in the resort: the Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course that bumps against the Atlantic Ocean for the best ocean views on any course on Hilton Head Island, the bunker-laden George Fazio Golf Course that beckons you to lift your game a notch, and the Arthur Hills Golf Course that features the historic Leamington Lighthouse.

Hone your game from some of the best instructors in the country at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort on Hilton Head Island.

We’re kicking off 2012 with four wonderful tournaments for all our golf and tennis friends out there. While we know many of you are stuck in snow and ice, why not head to Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and spend a little time outside in milder temperatures at one of these entertaining events.

On  January 21, we’ll hold the Martin Luther King Golf Tournament at our Arthur Hills course. Locals will invade our golf course to play in honor of the great Martin Luther King Jr. Next, during the first weekend in February, the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center will host the No-Snow Tennis Classic from the 3^rd – 5^th of the month. Grab your racquet and head down to Hilton Head for some great tennis play with a guarantee of no snow!

We’ll also honor all those in the food and beverage industry in Hilton Head with our annual F&B Golf Tournament on February 16. This will be the tournament’s 8^th year at our George Fazio course and you can enter now by simply clicking here. This tournament is all about the locals and at least one person from your team needs to be in the food and beverage industry.

The 26^th Annual “Luck of the Irish” Doubles Tournament will bring us into March with tennis teams that are sure to please. We hope to see lots of men’s, women’s and mixed doubles team this year. It’s only $45 per person for one event or $55 a person for two events. You can register your doubles team by clicking here and filling out the entry form.

We feel very lucky to have such amazing events happening this winter season and to be able to engage with all the Hilton Head locals and out-of-towners through these events. Whether you “love” tennis or golf, we hope this blog post got you on “par” with some tournaments to enjoy this year! 

While most of the country is bundling up and sitting by their fireplaces, here at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort we’re out and about playing in 70-degree weather. From tennis and golf to fishing and kayaking, the activities don’t slow down here in Hilton Head when winter rolls in. To keep our winter visitors, active we’ve got some great seasonal deals for the tennis, golf or outdoors fanatic.

Hilton Head Outfitters is offering unlimited biking, kayaking and canoeing throughout the winter.  For $49 per person you can rent a bike for the whole month or you can buy a bike for 25% off! Guests can also buy a year membership for $300 per couple or $199 per person, and enjoy unlimited kayak and canoe rentals!

Winter is actually the best time to start fishing in our lagoon system, because red fish, speckled sea trout and sheephead are bountiful. Head on over to Shelter Cove Harbour to take one of the many fishing charters with Captain Trent Malphrus. You’re sure to reel in a big one!

If tennis is more up your alley, you can purchase a monthly membership through February for only $200 per person that includes two hours of court time per day. Finally, if you’d like to play with us AND stay with us, we’ve got a 30-night resort accommodations package that includes golf, bikes, kayaks and tennis starting at only $1,200 per person. We think that’s a deal!

 Call us 866-744-7558 and find out all the ways you can save this winter season! 

While winter may slow down most of the country, visitors to Hilton Head can stay active no matter the time of year. With daytime temperatures averaging between 50-60 degrees during the winter, it’s great weather to get outside and play a round of golf with us here at Palmetto Dunes.

This winter we’re offering two new golf packages and programs that will not only help improve your game but will bring a little piece of Canada to our Island.

If  you’re  looking  to improve your golf game while the weather is milder, the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy is offering a new “Five Ways to Better Golf” assessment and coaching package. Led by Doug Weaver, Palmetto Dunes’ director of golf instruction, guests receive assessments of the following five systems of their golf game: mental, full swing technical, short game technical, equipment and fitness.

Hailing from Granby, Quebec, Michel Dion, joins our golf team this winter to help with instruction. Winter brings many of our Canadian golfers to Hilton Head and Dion’s experience and French-speaking abilities will bring a whole new dynamic to Palmetto Dunes.

Spend your winter with us improving every aspect of your golf game, and we’ll have you looking like a star in time for spring and summer!  

Not sure what to get the golf lover on your list? Let Palmetto Dunes help with our holiday gift guide! Our first suggestion: the new TaylorMade Burner 2.0 Iron!

This iron delivers distance with progressive top lines and a thinner face. They’ve also designed shafts specifically for each head and every iron has been reinvented by TaylorMade. Another impressive upgrade is that the weight of the club is lower and wider for a higher level of forgiveness. You’ll never hear the golfer in your life complain about turf-drag or shortened ball flight with this club, reaffirming that you bought them the right holiday gift.

All of our golf pros are really enjoying the new TaylorMade Burner 2.0 Iron and would recommend it to any level of golfer. You can call us now 843.785.1136 or stop by our proshops for more information or to pick one up. We can’t promise that your golfer’s clothes will be wrinkle free, but we can promise that this iron will be a welcomed addition to their golf bag! 

Our Robert Trent Jones Course was the first golf course built at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, and it’s a favorite of many. In fact readers of Golfweek magazine voted it among their favorite courses in the Southeast.  The course offers 18 holes, 11 of which wind alongside an 11-mile lagoon system.  The Jones course is most famous for its par-five 10^th oceanfront hole, one of only two on the Island.

Built in 1967 by Robert Trent Jones and significantly reconstructed in 2002 by longtime protégé Roger Rulewich, this course aims to please. After reshaping tees, elevating fairways and improving the drainage system, the course re-opened and was named the 2003 Golf Course of the Year by the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association and is ranked four stars by Golf Digest. The Jones course plays 7,005 yards from the championship tees.

And that’s not all! The course also claims the largest pro-shop at Palmetto Dunes, and one of the largest on the Island. From Nike and Adidas to Burberry and Travis Mathew, we have it all. After you purchase those new clubs make sure you hit our free custom club fitting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday! We hope to “tee” you soon.

The weather is starting to cool down which means it’s a great time to get a group of friends or bring your loved one on a golf getaway here at Palmetto Dunes. There’s no better time to play golf than in the fall here in South Carolina. We have tons of beautiful Hilton Head rental homes and villas that overlook one of our three award winning golf courses but 951 Inverness is a must-see villa!

Remodeled in 2009 and situated on the 12^th hole of the George Fazio course, this three-bedroom, three- bath villa is perfect for a group or a family. After a morning on the fairways you can cool off in the community pool that’s only a short walk from your villa or chill out by watching TV on the flat screen in the living room!

Make sure to take advantage of our other activities, such as the two hours of free tennis court time and discounted bike rentals, that you receive when you book your villa through Palmetto Dunes. Another great bonus of renting with Palmetto Dunes is that you can enjoy lunch, dinner or mid-afternoon cocktails at The Dunes House!

951 Inverness is ready to make your fall golf outing perfect, so check out its availability, gather up your gang of guys or group of gals and call us at 866.380.1778. Fore!

Designed by American professional golfer and golf course architect George Fazio, this Palmetto Dunes course is often perceived as the most challenging Hilton Head golf course. Fazio, known for his uniquely-shaped bunkers, designed long par-4s beset in water hazards and bunkers.

The George Fazio Golf Course is the only par-70 course on Hilton Head Island and requires players to not only be precise in their play but to be prepared to play long. Starting play off with a 432-yard 1^st hole and ending the game with a 462-yard 18^th hole gives you an idea of how demanding the course can be.

In 2010, the course underwent grass replacement to promote consistent year-round play for our golfers. We replaced the TifDwarf Bermuda grass with a more shade-tolerant, Diamond Zoysia grass, a warm-weather grass that handles salty soil and high traffic well. This upgrade has created a more enjoyable and consistent experience for players on all 18 holes of the George Fazio Course.

Ranked among the Nation’s Top 100 Courses, the Fazio course at Palmetto Dunes was built in 1974 and is still referred to by many visitors and locals alike as their favorite course on the Island!

See a complete Course Map and get some tips from the pros on playing this course.

The Arthur Hills course, ranked 4.5 stars by Fodor’s Gold Digest, features a series of rolling dunes, as well 10 holes on the water. Named the South Carolina Course of the Year in 2009, the course was designed to encourage precision.

The dunes create many opportunities for off-balance lies and the ocean breezes present an additional challenge. TravelGolf.com says, “There is very little sand on the course, making the hazards a little harder to pick out. Beware the swales, tight fairways and lots of water.”

Most people recognize the Hills course by the Leamington Lighthouse that sits on the 15^th hole. The lighthouse, built sometime between 1879 and 1880, was part of a navigational system of lights guiding ships into Port Royal Sound. It’s the only historic lighthouse on Hilton Head and one of only a few surviving in the state of South Carolina.

Don’t forget we serve breakfast and lunch at the grill and we dish up a mean New England Clam Chowder that you have to try. We hope to see you all out at the Hills course and if you have any questions ask for our head pro there, Clark (he’s wonderful).

Here at Palmetto Dunes we have three award-winning golf courses that we love to brag about. What you may not know is that besides the courses themselves, we also have three amazing pro-shops located on each course!

Our main pro-shop is located at the Robert Trent Jones course and is the largest on the island with a wide variety of merchandise. At all of our pro shops, you can find the newest up-and-coming designers, like Travis Mathew, and many of the classics, such as Cutter & Buck and Underarmour. All three also have the latest equipment from Titleist, Cobra, Cleveland, TaylorMade and Nike.

Beyond our collection of clothing and equipment, each pro-shop also has a grill inside that is open daily for lunch and dinner. Every Thursday the Jones course has all you can eat tacos from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m! Need something warm before a cold tee time? Come by the Arthur Hills grill and try a bowl of Liz’s homemade New England clam chowder. It’s delicious!

Have you been to our pro shops? Did you find something you can’t live without?

The British Open ended July 17 with a win from Irish player Darren Clarke, who, at 42, became the oldest Open champion since 1967. What you may not know is that he played The Open with the R11 driver by TaylorMade, a driver you can find right here at our pro shops at Palmetto Dunes.

The R11 can activate the three dimensions to distance with Moveable Weight Technology, Flight Control Technology and the Adjustable Sole Plate. All these aspects came in handy for Clarke’s big July 17 win.

Did you know TaylorMade products have been used in 32 worldwide victories, surpassing all other brands?

If you’re looking to play like a champion, come try it out at our free custom golf fitting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. See you on the greens!

What will you be doing this Labor Day weekend? What about participating in Hilton Head’s annual Celebrity Golf Tournament?

At the tournament, amateur golfers are paired with a different celebrity each day of the three-day event. Celebrities include a variety of sports figures, news anchors, dancers, comedians and more. Here’s the complete celebrity roster list.

The first round, which takes place at our very own Robert Trent Jones Course, is Friday, September 2, followed by the Pete Dye Course at Colleton River on day 2 and Harbour Town Golf Links on day 3.

Opening day of the tournament is also Greenwood Appreciation Day to honor Greenwood Communities and Resorts for being a part of this Labor Day golf event for over 30 years. We are so proud to be a part of the Greenwood family and the location of Round 1 of this year’s Celebrity Golf Tournament!

Since 1979, The Celebrity Golf Foundation has raised more than $3.8 million for our community’s children. This year, the event’s proceeds will benefit 20 children’s charities in the Lowcountry.

Sound like fun? Make it a family affair this Labor Day weekend. Let the kids get active at Palmetto Dunes with golfing, tennis, surfing and more while you hit the links.

Here’s some good news for all of our athletes out there: playing other sports can help your golf game! The reason? The motion involved in other athletic activities, such as swinging a tennis racket, hitting a baseball or throwing a Frisbee, are very similar to the mechanics used in a golf swing.

An article in Golf Tips magazine encourages readers to hold a football and pretend to be a quarterback handing off a ball to the running back. This motion is similar to the initial takeaway of a golf swing. “Just as you would with a football handoff, the takeaway begins with the rotation of the body to the right and the club out in front of the chest.” By practicing motions with sports you’re already comfortable with, you can start breaking down the individual motions in a golf swing.

Our resident golf pro at Palmetto Dunes, Doug Weaver, is an avid believer in this athletic approach to improving your golf game. Weaver says, “You will play better tennis if you play golf and vice versa.” At Doug’s junior clinics, the kids do football drills, soccer drills and even hula hooping to help them loosen their hips and improve their follow-through motion.

So remember, the master of another sport CAN master golf too.

While many women are purchasing golf-related items for the dads in their life, they should be the ones hitting the links this month! June is Women’s Golf Month and we have some wonderful ways to celebrate golf in Hilton Head.

Get a group of your girlfriends together for 4 days/ 3 nights of golf, sun and fun with our Group Golf Getaway package. This package gives you the opportunity to try all three of our courses in addition to discounts in all our pro shops!

There’s nothing better than having a pro teach you the basics or help you perfect that swing and we have just the pro to help you here at Palmetto Dunes. Doug Weaver, who’s graced the greens at the US Open and was previously a PGA TOUR player, has several dedicated programs just for the ladies. Besides enhancing your short game, putting or working on your full swing you can also receive a $25 spa gift card to help you unwind!

Ladies, pack up your clubs, shoes, visors and khakis and come see us in Palmetto Dunes this month for some great golf and great fun!

Check out this great golf video too!

If you’re a Beaufort County resident, it’s time to take advantage of our Thursday afternoon Golf Fest event. Join us each week from 3:30 to 4 p.m. (time varies seasonally) and learn more about each of our three golf courses over a period of three weeks. It’s only $20 to play 9 holes and we provide chicken wings and beer afterward! Golf Fest is a way for Beaufort County residents to experience our courses and meet our pros – and learn more about becoming Palmetto Dunes golf members. If you’re interested, contact Samm Wolfe at the George Fazio Course at 843-816-1571.

If you’ve ever played the Robert Trent Jones course on a Thursday then you’ve definitely seen and, if you’re lucky, had the pleasure of meeting Starter, Sammy Mulrain. Sammy has been with us at Palmetto Dunes for more than 30 years and he is one of very few people who can say they’ve never missed a day of work. Sammy’s never even been late! Sammy, who is 95, might have gotten his work ethic when he stormed Normandy in World War II or maybe even when he played baseball with “The Scooter” himself, Phil Rizzuto. After living across the world, he moved to Hilton Head, S.C. and we are so grateful he did. Sammy gives back to our community by working with several non-profits in the area. For example, he spends his own time collecting lost golf balls, which a local church can then sell as a fund-raising activity. Sammy won the 2009 Employee of the Year award from Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association, a much deserved recognition, but to us here at Palmetto Dunes, but he’s Employee of the Century! We love ya Sammy!

Here in Hilton Head we rarely have a day where it’s too cold to play golf, but some days the heat can be a bit of a factor. For those summer days on the steamier side, we help cool you down with specialized cooling golf carts.

Tuesday we were lucky to have a visit from two-time Heritage champion Boo Weekley. The Jones Pro Shop had a crowd lined up out the door to get Boo’s autograph and picture! He graciously signed a picture for every person who came and posed for photos with some of our golf team members.

Mike Choma makes a Hole in one at the par 3 eight it was playing 186 with a sever left to right cross wind I knew it was very good from the start

I enjoyed my recent golfing experience at Trent Jones. The course is wonderfully manicured, and the staff is friendly and helpful. I enjoyed the club house dining and bar area. The staff served our group promptly with a smile. I will return to play the course and tell all of my friends about the beautiful golf course.

When you vacation at Palmetto Dunes, you’ll be hard pressed to find yourself bored. But just in case there’s a moment that finds you wondering what to do next, we have 5 great don’t-miss activities that are part of the ultimate Palmetto Dunes experience. Stay tuned for future posts on more top activities at the resort!

Kevin Cisneros, McKenzie Siders and Chris Alcantara are ready to Get Their Plaid On with Sir William Innes at the Clubs for Kids, Arthur Hills Course, on Mar. 5. The boys are junior golfers at the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head.

We attended the "Where Does the Power Come From" Golf Exhibition for the second time on February 28th. I found Doug Weaver's explanation of the golf swing and his approach to teaching golf very sensible and understandable. During last years' vacation the Short Game Class for which we registered after the Golf Exhibition was rained out but we did get to take the class during this year's vacation. "Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice make perfect." Doug's Short Game Class not only taught me how to putt, chip, and pitch; it taught me how to properly learn putting, chipping, and pitching. In the class Doug clearly explains the reasons for the fundamentals of each aspect of the short game and he shows how to practice those fundamentals. Along with his handout notes, I feel I am well equipped to practice perfectly in order to learn how to putt, chip, and pitch well on the golf course. Remember "Lessons are not given; Lessons are taken!" Ask Doug lots of questions. He has the answers. Phillip and Joanne Seymour, Kemptville, Ontario, Canada.

My parents celebrated their 50th anniversay this year and we wanted to give my Dad the ultimate gift. I contacted Doug Weaver, Palmetto Dunes Director of Golf Instruction and he packaged an extraordinary day of golf! My Dad said this was phenomenal, best gift we ever gave him and he is hinting for more! Thanks Doug, your the best!

The Hills course at Palmetto Dunes is the best on the island - we come every year and it's our first choice

The Hilton Head Island Middle School Special Olympics program and the PD Golf Academy have partnered to produce 3 medals in the 2010 SC State Special Olympics Golf Tournament and 1 silver medal in the 2010 National Special Olympics Golf Tournament!

 The Palmetto Dunes Junior Golf Academy has hosted classes year-round where 4 students have been preparing for the Special Olympics. PD Golf Instructors Christian Waters and Brandon Waters trained, traveled and competed with the Olympians and were awarded medals as well. Austin Alvarez, a golf professional friend of Doug Weaver filled in for Doug Weaver while he watched his son in the State football playoffs.

After you left I puttted for another 25 minutes and I really start to feel like I was hitting the putts with my back and not my hands. A strange and wonderful feeling. Never felt it before in 48 years and was puting the best roll on it I ever have. So thanks again very much. Cheers, John "Freddy" Laurie

I recently had a putting lesson with Doug Weaver. His diagnosis, explanation & correction was right on. He really helped me with some aiming problems stemming from set up and alignment.

Hi Doug, A "thank you" for the time we spent together at Palmetto Dunes is long overdue. I have only been able to play 3 rounds since returning to Pittsburgh but I can tell you my ball striking is much more consistent. And when it isn't I'm not trying 400 different things as I now know what I need from my swing. At least at this stage. Wish I could spend a weekly session in your court but real life...... I have also devoured the pamphlet. Some of the references I am not familiar with but can generally figure out. I think the "scissors" and "double scissors" grips are what you demonstrated out of the sand the last day. One thing I really learned from the pamphlet is to keep the ball under my left eye when putting. The routine (putting) you showed me has led me to develop a consistent 7 step process. Believe me...... it's me...... it's not a complicated or time consuming thing. Just consistent. Also, YES. I was too far from the ball for most of my shots. You mentioned this one time but I hear everything and forget very little so I put it to test and I do find it easier to make a "modern swing" from this position. So, THANKS. I look forward to your video and spending more time together; just wish I could be in HHI more than once/year. I hope your son is staying healthy and both he and Hilton Head Christian Academy are having continued success. Best Regards, Jack Scores: 76, 81 (relapse), 74 Goal: always under 75 Probability: ??

David Bankowski of Melbourne Florida made a Hole in one at Arthur Hills Course in Palmetto Dunes. David was playing with the Reynolds Golf Group on September 17th when he shot the ace on hole #3 from 129 yards. He used a pitching wedge.

Congratulations David!

What a great trip. This is our third year in a row. Thank you Suzanne Vogt for you & your team rolling out the red carpet for us again. Great golf, great weather, and good times were had by all. We'll be back next year!

My daughter's first golf lesson was a winner thanks to Doug's one-on-one instruction. He inspired the whole family to learn more about golf.

I love being able to receive such in depth golf lessons from Doug Weaver. He takes such a personal interest in me that it instantly makes me feel like a better golfer. His focus and dedication to helping myself and his other students really is just impeccable. There probably isn't any better golf instructor that I have ever met. His knowledge of the game of golf blows my mind, and he always gives me these awesome drills to take home so I can continually sharpen my game. Thanks Doug for all your help...my golf game just keeps on getting better with your assistance!

Since I have been living in Hilton Head, SC, Doug Weaver and I have been working together for almost eight months now every week. In this picture, Doug is adjusting my grip which was too strong. Doug has been a saving grace to my golf game, and I look forward to working with Doug every week!! Plus you can't beat being able to receive lessons from one the best instructors on the island, and at one the best golf courses in Hilton Head as well.

Doug Weaver has been a saving grace for my golf game. Since I've been a student at the Professional Golfers Career college, working w/Doug every week has been one of my favorite parts of the school. There is just this amazing feeling of satisfaction when I hit the links, and being able to incorporate all of the tips Doug gives me each week and seeing such positive results!

Play with the Pro and learn as you go. This is Sam, Alex and Ryan on the 10th green of the Jones with the Atlantic Ocean. Playing with former PGA Tour Player Doug Weaver

Johnny and Joey took lessons with Coach Weaver for the summer and loved it! They really improved and learned a lot! Thanks for a great summer - see you next year!

Just started golfing - you made it a lot of fun and I learned a lot. Can't wait for another lesson!!! Thank you - Katie

Just finished three days of classes and clinics with Doug and George - time and money very well spent! Doug really helped me get a better "feel" for the game and greatly improved my confidence on the course. In addition to everything I learned, I also laughed alot. You can't miss!

Thanks Doug for helping me get better at golf. I will always remember that when you swing down the ball goes up! Ryan

Thank you Doug for instructing Meredith and Maddie. They had a great time and cannot wait to get back on the course!

Doug's free clinic on Mondays are a great introduction to his teaching style---relaxed, uncomplicated, and fun. My goal last winter was to take my game to the next level, and thanks to Doug's Short Game clinics and a few private lessons with him, I've lowered my handicap and am enjoying golf more than ever!
More than anything, I appreciate the practical advise he gave me on how to relax before taking every shot,

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On our way to Florida over Spring Break this year we stopped in Hilton Head for the weekend to prepare and play golf for the first time after too long of a winter break. Doug was great to work with as he spent time with each of my players individually video taping their swing and giving them little things to work on as we began our preseason practice.

The same should be said for other professions giving golf tips. We took up golf a little less than one year ago. In that time, there was plenty of advice given, whether it was from a co-worker, family friend, or even a barber. Our experience was that in a couple of hours with Doug, our game - fundamentals, mechanics, and overall grasp of the game - improved immensely! Clearly Doug has a wealth of golf knowledge and has been doing this for many years. The best way to explain his teaching style is relaxed, adaptive, rooted in the fundamentals, and fun. He is like the college professor with the PhD and the course textbook he wrote himself, who can actually communicate with the undergrad - thus tailoring his delivery to where you are in your golf journey. After spending the last year playing round after round to improve, it was clear that I learned more in my few hours with Doug than a whole year of playing and listening to the advice and tips of everyone else. Do yourself, your sanity, and your game a favor - take a round off and invest that time and money into lessons with Doug. Remember, while a Golf Pro may not give a good haircut, they are in fact masters of their profession.

I did one private lesson and the 3 hour group putting, short game, and full swing instruction with Doug. He was awesome! I would recommend either the private or group lessons. I visit South Carolina every May and will now do lessons with Doug every year. It is easy to see that he really cares and is great at articulating the concepts that he wants you to adopt in your swing.

Doug's lessons have taught me that golf is more than a swing. His unique and illustrative communication skills focus on applying your athletic ability against the games key fundamentals that allow you to master the basics. Since taking lessons with Doug , the confidence in my technique has allowed me to improve in all aspects of my game and win my club championship. When you are done taking a lesson with Doug you will be able to see your shots, feel your shots, and trust your ability to execute.

Having played golf for forty years, I was having a terrible time with a vicious, peristant hook. Doug was able to identify the basic problems and ,by the end of the lesson, i was hitting good shots and had an understanding of fundamentals I needed to remember and practice. As an added bonus, Doug made the experience enjoyable. I would recommend Doug to any golfer wanting to improve his/her golf game.

It has been 1 year since I have taken a golf lesson. Doug Weaver was very good yet it was a simple lesson. I would recommend him

This was our first golf lesson and we had a great time!

We fully enjoyed our 'back to the basics' lessons with Doug Weaver and immediately signed up for the on course short game clinic for later in the week. We took away some real practical tactics and game improvements - customized to our abilities. Thanks Doug!! (Also enjoyed the beautiful course at Palmetto Dunes.

Like everyone else on this page, I love the game of golf -- finally, again. Over the past two years that hasn't been the case. A serious flaw in my game left me anxious and confused. Nothing I did fixed it -- not extensive reading and research, not watching golf videos and not taking lessons from pros who thought they had it figured out if I just turned this way, adjusted my backswing that way or added a new convoluted swing thought.

While their dad's are playing in the Heritage Tournament, The Heritage Kids Club lets the children enjoy a group lesson with Doug and his crew at the Palmetto Dunes Robert Trent Jones course. The children and volunteers always enjoy this visit and you never know... one may be on the PGA tour in the next 15 years!

For our way of saying thanks to our customers, we invited several clients and potential clients to Doug Weaver's group golf lesson. Doug did a masterful job of teaching and kept it fun for everyone. I am still hearing about how Doug's tips are helping them play the best golf they have played in years. What a great experience!!!! Thanks Doug and we will definitely do this again.

I took my first golf lessons from Doug Weaver last August after spending several years trying to figure it out for myself. It is a new game to me now. When I remember and apply Doug's simple advice, at the range or on the course, I strike the ball well. I am earning back the money I spent on lessons in skins games because my friends are just starting to catch on that I am not the same hack! See you in August.

I've been taking golf lessons for several years but I can honestly say that the Ladies Only clinic I did with Doug Weaver helped me more than anything. I'm delighted to have learned so much with personal attention over a three hour period. Many thanks to Doug. Can't wait to come back and do it again. Then he can see the improvement to my game.

Every Monday from 4 to 5, a very informative and entertaining clinic done by Doug Weaver, former PGA player and head of instruction.. Make sure he tells the story of the 4 holes in one at the US Open at Oak Hill!

To Palmetto Dunes, Jones course: My name is Andy Guthrie and I played golf at the Jones course on 04/20/10. The staff at the Jones course were the best around. We had a tee time at 2, told us it was cart path only on the golf course. They gave us a break on the green fees and came to find out it was 90 degrees anyways. The course was awesome, lunch was great and everyone at the Jones golf course took care of us. Just wanted to write a little something to express my gratitude, I would highly recommend this place to all my friends and family! Thank you again Palmetto Dunes for a wonderful golf experience! Andy Guthrie

Brian Gay, 3-time PGA tour winner and 2009 Heritage defending champion AND 2-time Verizon Heritage winner Boo Weekley visited Palmetto Dunes at the Robert Trent Jones Pro Shop!

Kids from the Local Boys and Girls Club came in for photographs with Brian Gay, and even got a golf exhibition from Director of Golf Instruction, Doug Weaver.

On March 15, 2010, Ernest Jenkins of Westford, MA made a hole-in-one on the Arthur Hills Course hole #8. The yardage is 135 Yards. Witnesses were David Kreug Omaha of Nebraska and Ann Jenkins (Spouse)
Congratulations Ernest!

-Clark Sinclair, Head Professional.

Many thanks to the GolfChannel.com's wonderful staff for putting together such a great tournament last weekend. The Players enjoyed themselves, and I know our team really enjoyed hosting the tournament and look forward to being able to do it again next year.

-Brad Marra, Director of Golf

GREAT Tournament last weekend with lots of energetic competitors. Thanks to all who participated! Take a look at our tournament schedule to see when we go at it again!

Tournament Schedule

We had such a great round of golf on the George Fazio Course at Palmetto Dunes in Hilton Head. It was a beautiful morning with perfect temperatures and a cooling breeze for our 7:52am tee time. The air conditioned golf carts were a key ingredient to us finishing the round strong as we approached mid-day temperatures. The course is in excellent condition, and offers beautiful views from start to finish. This par 3 on the 17th is intimidating as you hit over the water to the green, but my playing partner managed to land one about 20 feet from the hole to set up for a birdie putt (which she missed!) - and we both escaped with par. We are looking forward to our next trip to Palmetto Dunes, and hoping to play the Hills Course the next time around.