KIngC1331

Long Cove Club – Pete Dye Precision in a Lowcountry Paradise By Yardage Book Golf On July 8th, 2025, Cooper and I teed off at 2:30 PM at Long Cove Club in Hilton Head Island—a private Lowcountry haven carved through moss-draped oaks and pristine marshland. This was no ordinary round. Designed by the legendary Pete Dye, Long Cove delivered exactly what we had heard it would: a strategic, challenging, and beautifully maintained test of golf. Let’s get one thing out of the way—this course demands accuracy off the tee. With tight fairways and firm-but-fair playing conditions, Long Cove isn’t going to let you cruise through your round on raw power alone. It rewards the golfer who plays smart and stays in play, and punishes wayward tee shots quickly—something I, Colyn, unfortunately learned the hard way throughout the day. One hole that truly stood out was Hole #5. It’s short, but in classic Dye fashion, it’s deceptive and demands thoughtful execution. We stood on the tee box scratching our heads, unsure of the ideal line. It’s the type of hole where local knowledge goes a long way—or in our case, a bit of trial and error. For me (Cooper), Hole #5 became my personal highlight of the round. After pushing my tee shot into the pinestraw on the right, I had to get creative. I pulled a 56-degree wedge and hit it just to the top of the ridge in front of the green—exactly where you want to be to have a chance. From there, I chipped down to about five feet and drained the putt for par. It was a small victory, but on a course like Long Cove, moments like that feel like birdies. The greens were in phenomenal shape—firm and quick, but not unreasonable. Approach shots needed precision, but once you were on the surface, putts rolled true. Fairways were tight but immaculately manicured. While the challenge is real, Long Cove doesn’t feel unfair. It’s very playable if you’re thinking your way around and not getting too aggressive, but make a mistake and the course won’t hesitate to show its teeth. A highlight moment for me (Colyn) came at the par five 15th, a gorgeous hole with a pretty straightforward tee shot, but a tricky approach into a green guarded by trees. After a solid drive and a less-than-ideal second shot, I had to get creative. I pulled a low-drawing 7-iron, landed it just off the green, and made a putt from the fringe for my only birdie of the day. It was a much-needed boost after a day of battling off the tee. Off the course, Long Cove impresses just as much. The clubhouse is elegant and traditional, with a warm, inviting locker room and an excellent pro shop. The practice facility—known as “The Cove”—is nothing short of elite. Outfitted with state-of-the-art technology and led by top-tier instructors, it’s a true centerpiece for player development. We had the pleasure of being shown around by Mr. Chehval, whose knowledge and hospitality elevated the entire visit. He was incredibly kind and generous with his time, answering all of our questions and making us feel like longtime members. Mr. Patton was another key part of our experience—his communication ahead of our visit was spot-on and made planning our round a breeze. It’s little things like that, combined with the subtle luxuries (shoutout to some of the nicest golf carts we’ve ever driven), that reflect the club’s top-tier standards and thoughtful attention to detail. Even more memorable than the course itself was the atmosphere. From staff to members, we were met with kindness and genuine conversation everywhere we went. It’s the kind of place where the people seem just as passionate about creating a welcoming golf culture as they are about the game itself. Final Yardage: Long Cove Club is a shining example of Pete Dye’s brilliance, wrapped in Southern charm and executed with elite-level hospitality. The course asks a lot of your game—but gives back even more through unforgettable moments, impeccable conditions, and a clubhouse culture that feels like home. At Yardage Book Golf, we’re already hoping for a return trip.