Golf

Here at Palmetto Dunes, we believe that improving your golf game often times starts in your head. Our Hilton Head golf school, the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy, offers a variety of classes that work on your mental golf game. Our head of golf instruction, Doug Weaver, is a big proponent of spending time on the mind in order to improve your skills.

“The average person is so busy, they don’t have time to master the perfect golf game. Plus, every golfer is restricted by the limits of his physical skill,” says Doug. “The one thing within our control, however, is how we approach an overall round, a specific hole or a given shot.” 

We offer a Mental Golf Workshop weekly, as well as part of our three-day Hilton Head golf school. Before you even come to class, you’ll fill out a survey online, which takes about 15 minutes, that determines your golf personality. The result is a 24-page report that Doug uses to improve your game during the Hilton Head golf class. With the survey, you’ll get an analysis of your golf temperament, golf fitness tendencies and ability to work with instructors and get customized strategies for pre-round preparation, playing shots and course management.

Doug teaches his students how to concentrate and not just think on a conscious level, but a subconscious level. But he promises, no hypnotism involved :). “It’s a fun way to play golf,” says Doug.

He encourages his students to envision a good golf shot before ever taking a swing and even to try putting with eyes closed, or with eyes on the cup and not the ball.

Come try Doug’s methods of using your mind to become a better golf player. Read more about our 2- and 3-day golf schools and variety of golf clinics. Call us at 866-744-7558 to reserve your spot today or to book one of our South Carolina golf getaways that include lessons, tee times and accommodations.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.