Golf

The Arthur Hills golf course has received plenty of accolades over the years from 2009 South Carolina Golf Course Owners’ Association Course of the Year to being awarded 4.5 stars by Fodors Golf Digest. Our popular course has one more jewel to add to its crown this year as the South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel named it to their 2013 Best You Can Play list.

Criteria used in judging include, routing, variety, strategy, equity, memorability, aesthetics and the golfer’s experience.

“There are so many outstanding courses that you’re really splitting hairs in the voting,” says Michael Whitaker, the panel’s executive director. “When you think about the number of really good golf courses in this state and reduce that number to 30, it’s a daunting task. Some of the older courses have stood the test of time, some have improved with some relative small tweaks and others that have undergone renovation or restoration to their original design features have increased in quality.”

The Arthur Hills Hilton Head golf course, where collegiate stars like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson honed their talents and a favorite of former President Bill Clinton, takes full advantage of the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island.

Its spectacular layout represents a careful blend of beauty and challenge. Stands of palmetto trees line the graceful fairway and it’s built on a series of rolling dunes. The Arthur Hills Course presents many opportunities for off-balance lies, while ocean breezes add to the challenge. Ten holes on the water further encourage precision play and the course plays 6,651 yards from the back tees.

“We are thrilled that the experts have once again recognized the Arthur Hills Course as one of the most popular layouts in South Carolina,” says Brad Marra, vice president of resort operations for Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. “We offer three golf courses that provide our guests a wide variety of looks and challenges, and we are proud of them all. It is pleasing to know that the game’s connoisseurs agree.”

Have you played the Hills course? What’s your favorite hole?

We also have two other championship Hilton Head golf courses, which give you entirely different experiences all at one resort. The Robert Trent Jones Course has one of only two oceanfront holes on the island, and the George Fazio Course is known as one of the island’s most challenging courses with its bunkers and water hazards. Be sure to check out all three!

We offer a variety of Hilton Head golf packages for all levels of golfers that include lessons, multi-course play and multiple rounds. Call us at 866-744-7558  for more information or to book a package or tee time or fill out our online form to get a quote request for a group golf outing.

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.

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!

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!

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! 

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?