Hilton Head

[cer5059]

3 hours ago, stimpmeterp said:

 

Member at Sea Pines CC. Play HarbourTown every Wednesday as part of my membership. Friends and summer reciprocal program at Long Cove, Wexford, Colleton, Oldfield, Tabby, Chechessee, etc.

 

RE: Heron # 9. You must have been playing blue or white. Play the back tees. Wind typically off the ocean calls for a 225 yard draw into the wind or a high (lucky) fade into a hill that slopes left. There's actually 242 yards from tee to end of fairway but looks are deceiving. 

Still, nobody makes it onto that green in 2. Risk reward.  Golf isn't supposed to be easy!

Wexford and Old Tabby are so good 

[klineka]

On 7/1/2024 at 7:19 PM, stimpmeterp said:

 

Member at Sea Pines CC. Play HarbourTown every Wednesday as part of my membership. Friends and summer reciprocal program at Long Cove, Wexford, Colleton, Oldfield, Tabby, Chechessee, etc.

 

RE: Heron # 9. You must have been playing blue or white. Play the back tees. Wind typically off the ocean calls for a 225 yard draw into the wind or a high (lucky) fade into a hill that slopes left. There's actually 242 yards from tee to end of fairway but looks are deceiving. 

Still, nobody makes it onto that green in 2. Risk reward.  Golf isn't supposed to be easy!

I'm coming down the 3rd week in August, I played Harbour Town last year, thinking about Atlantic Dunes this year, is it pretty widely accepted that AD is the 2nd best public course on the island?

 

I am a member of a private course at home so I could have my pro reach out if there are any private courses on the island that are leaps and bounds better than AD but from my research that doesn't really seem to be the case is that accurate? 

[stimpmeterp]

AD is a slightly more challenging course than Heron Point which shares the same clubhouse (Plantation Club) and practice facility. I'd pick Heron Point all day over AD because I think 16-17-18 at AD are just not enjoyable. Heron will test all parts of your game, has par 3s that are anything from 210 to 140, and holes that bend both ways. The only reason someone would not want to play Heron Point is if they dislike Pete Dye designs.

 

Public wise, it is widely and generally accepted that the Sea Pines public tracks (AD and HP) are ranked above the Palmetto Dunes public tracks for general conditions. Those would be my # 1 and # 2. Then the others all fit in the same general category with a slight nod to Oyster Reef, the Nicklaus course in Indigo Run, and then just off island you have HH National. For family golf, you'd then have the 3 public courses in Shipyard and 1-2 more publics in Hilton Head Plantation including Dolphin Head and Bear Creek.

 

Private wise, if you can have your pro call Long Cove, that's a must play private course on the island. If I didn't own property in Sea Pines, I'd have bought property in Long Cove to be a member at that course. It's fantastic.

 

My club SPCC is tight and our greens are of course nicer than AD, but I don't know about our reciprocal program. I'd be happy to inquire or host you if it would work out. 

[ND2005]

On 7/10/2024 at 3:07 PM, klineka said:

I'm coming down the 3rd week in August, I played Harbour Town last year, thinking about Atlantic Dunes this year, is it pretty widely accepted that AD is the 2nd best public course on the island?

 

I am a member of a private course at home so I could have my pro reach out if there are any private courses on the island that are leaps and bounds better than AD but from my research that doesn't really seem to be the case is that accurate? 

I don’t actually think Atlantic Dunes is anything special. They just added a bunch of “natural” features to the old ocean course. Green complexes are good. 
 
if you have potential private course access I would do any of the following 10x over AD: 

-Long Cove

-Berkeley Hall

-Chechessee 

-May River 

-Secession (probably not possible, heard they have 100% gotten rid of unaccompanied guests)

 

[Cincy_Ken]

On 7/11/2024 at 2:19 PM, stimpmeterp said:

AD is a slightly more challenging course than Heron Point which shares the same clubhouse (Plantation Club) and practice facility. I'd pick Heron Point all day over AD because I think 16-17-18 at AD are just not enjoyable. Heron will test all parts of your game, has par 3s that are anything from 210 to 140, and holes that bend both ways. The only reason someone would not want to play Heron Point is if they dislike Pete Dye designs.

 

Public wise, it is widely and generally accepted that the Sea Pines public tracks (AD and HP) are ranked above the Palmetto Dunes public tracks for general conditions. Those would be my # 1 and # 2. Then the others all fit in the same general category with a slight nod to Oyster Reef, the Nicklaus course in Indigo Run, and then just off island you have HH National. For family golf, you'd then have the 3 public courses in Shipyard and 1-2 more publics in Hilton Head Plantation including Dolphin Head and Bear Creek.

 

Private wise, if you can have your pro call Long Cove, that's a must play private course on the island. If I didn't own property in Sea Pines, I'd have bought property in Long Cove to be a member at that course. It's fantastic.

 

My club SPCC is tight and our greens are of course nicer than AD, but I don't know about our reciprocal program. I'd be happy to inquire or host you if it would work out. 

+1 on Heron over Atlantic Dunes.  I've played a number of Dye courses and get the criticisms but Heron is enjoyable.  I like the Atlantic Dunes changes as well but when you make that turn on the second shot on 16 if you're going into the wind it's a long 2 1/2 holes to the clubhouse.

 

Personally I've gotten away from PD courses because they charge premium prices without the premium experience that Sea Pines gives consistently.

[klineka]

On 7/11/2024 at 2:19 PM, stimpmeterp said:

AD is a slightly more challenging course than Heron Point which shares the same clubhouse (Plantation Club) and practice facility. I'd pick Heron Point all day over AD because I think 16-17-18 at AD are just not enjoyable. Heron will test all parts of your game, has par 3s that are anything from 210 to 140, and holes that bend both ways. The only reason someone would not want to play Heron Point is if they dislike Pete Dye designs.

 

Public wise, it is widely and generally accepted that the Sea Pines public tracks (AD and HP) are ranked above the Palmetto Dunes public tracks for general conditions. Those would be my # 1 and # 2. Then the others all fit in the same general category with a slight nod to Oyster Reef, the Nicklaus course in Indigo Run, and then just off island you have HH National. For family golf, you'd then have the 3 public courses in Shipyard and 1-2 more publics in Hilton Head Plantation including Dolphin Head and Bear Creek.

 

Private wise, if you can have your pro call Long Cove, that's a must play private course on the island. If I didn't own property in Sea Pines, I'd have bought property in Long Cove to be a member at that course. It's fantastic.

 

My club SPCC is tight and our greens are of course nicer than AD, but I don't know about our reciprocal program. I'd be happy to inquire or host you if it would work out. 

On 7/11/2024 at 7:44 PM, ND2005 said:

I don’t actually think Atlantic Dunes is anything special. They just added a bunch of “natural” features to the old ocean course. Green complexes are good. 
 
if you have potential private course access I would do any of the following 10x over AD: 

-Long Cove

-Berkeley Hall

-Chechessee 

-May River 

-Secession (probably not possible, heard they have 100% gotten rid of unaccompanied guests)

 

On 7/17/2024 at 8:59 AM, Cincy_Ken said:

+1 on Heron over Atlantic Dunes.  I've played a number of Dye courses and get the criticisms but Heron is enjoyable.  I like the Atlantic Dunes changes as well but when you make that turn on the second shot on 16 if you're going into the wind it's a long 2 1/2 holes to the clubhouse.

 

Personally I've gotten away from PD courses because they charge premium prices without the premium experience that Sea Pines gives consistently.

 

Apologies I just saw these responses. 

 

I had booked a tee time at AD prior to reading these responses but now I'm second guessing it and wondering if HP is the better option, ugh. I did read there is one par 5 at HP that is like 240 max off the tee then still leaves you 300+ in. Not my favorite kind of hole but that finishing stretch at AD doesn't sound fun either, I'd rather enjoy the round vs getting my teeth kicked in since I'm only playing one round.

 

@stimpmeterp I'll DM you.

 

[Cincy_Ken]

12 minutes ago, klineka said:

 

Apologies I just saw these responses. 

 

I had booked a tee time at AD prior to reading these responses but now I'm second guessing it and wondering if HP is the better option, ugh. I did read there is one par 5 at HP that is like 240 max off the tee then still leaves you 300+ in. Not my favorite kind of hole but that finishing stretch at AD doesn't sound fun either, I'd rather enjoy the round vs getting my teeth kicked in since I'm only playing one round.

 

@stimpmeterp I'll DM you.

 

You'll have a great time. I was just discussing preference; there isn't a big separation between the two.  You're correct about #9 Heron being a little gimmicky but that's it.

[ND2005]

The finishing stretch on AD is hard, mostly because the prevailing wind plays into you from 16 fairway on in. But also they are some of the better holes on the course. 

 

I usually play Heron Point over Atlantic Dunes because I lose fewer balls on it. So many water hazards on AD. 

[stimpmeterp]

16 on Atlantic Dunes isn't a good golf hole. It's a 200+ yard carry over trees to a 90 degree bending dogleg right. Total blind luck hole. Agree with what everyone has said. 17 and 18 then kick your a** being super long, super tight, and mostly into the wind that runs south down the coast. Par-par is phenomenal. 

I played in an amateur event at Atlantic Dunes where my flight was 0-6 hcps. The best score from the blue tees on AD was 78. If you happen to score on AD you are having a GREAT day.

 

HP on the other hand is scenic, challenging, and same turf. 16 is a 200 yard uphill par 3. 17 a reachable par 5. Then 18 a Bay Hill style slight dogleg left par 4 (driver/wedge or driver/9). Give me HP all day.

[Imp]

On 5/19/2024 at 8:04 AM, stimpmeterp said:

stayed in that same 3-level condo for 3 weeks during the pandemic. Warning you, it may make you move here full time (I did!).

That's the goal this year. More effort in looking around this Oct. 

[klineka]

Just cancelled the tee time at Atlantic Dunes and switched it to Heron Point!

 

HP was about $50 cheaper too so guess that means I have more money to spend in the pro shop 🤣

 

Thanks for the assistance everyone I'll be sure to post my thoughts after I play.

[Philfil]

Played Heron Point this past Sunday 7/21..  Course was mint!  Cart path only though, which could have been lifted after hole 4..  

 

[Imp]

On 7/18/2024 at 3:23 PM, stimpmeterp said:

16 on Atlantic Dunes isn't a good golf hole. It's a 200+ yard carry over trees to a 90 degree bending dogleg right. Total blind luck hole.

 

IIRC, 240ish straight to the traps so play 225, 150-160 to the hole. Great for fade/slice shots. 😉  I've never gotten worse than bogey on that hole. 

Edited August 1, 2024 by Imp

[Cincy_Ken]

On 7/25/2024 at 7:19 PM, Philfil said:

Played Heron Point this past Sunday 7/21..  Course was mint!  Cart path only though, which could have been lifted after hole 4..  

 

 

For anyone inclined to walk all 3 Sea Pines courses are excellent walking courses with almost every tee box being close to the previous green.  You'll almost certainly play quicker walking than riding cart path only.

[ND2005]

4 hours ago, Imp said:

 

IIRC, 240ish straight to the traps so play 225, 150-160 to the hole. Great for fade/slice shots. 😉  I've never gotten worse than bogey on that hole. 

yup I usually hit a hybrid off the tree line and have like 150ish in. Even if you miss right you generally end up in one of the FW bunkers, not the worst thing in the world. I like the hole 

[Imp]

9 hours ago, Cincy_Ken said:

 

For anyone inclined to walk all 3 Sea Pines courses are excellent walking courses with almost every tee box being close to the previous green.  You'll almost certainly play quicker walking than riding cart path only.

And they have push carts available. 

[lefty1978]

Atlantic Dunes is my favorite Hilton Head course. Great lefty course, I could play it everyday if I had to. My least favorite is Robert Trent Jones at Palmetto Dunes, but would play it again. Have not played any of the private courses. 

[Imp]

Will be down there starting columbus day weekend for a couple weeks . Anyone want to get a round going? 🙂

[doglegs]

Has anyone done May River?  Last time I checked it was stay to play.  Been to the island several times over the years but haven't tried it yet..  Will probably be down in November and thinking bout it.

[stimpmeterp]

On 9/13/2024 at 9:15 PM, doglegs said:

Has anyone done May River?  Last time I checked it was stay to play.  Been to the island several times over the years but haven't tried it yet..  Will probably be down in November and thinking bout it.

I’m told by several locals I play with it’s the most well kept, best condition course of any around here.

[Drwoods2017]

On 9/13/2024 at 9:15 PM, doglegs said:

Has anyone done May River?  Last time I checked it was stay to play.  Been to the island several times over the years but haven't tried it yet..  Will probably be down in November and thinking bout it.

Played it a couple years ago. IMO its the best course in the area. Harbour Town included.

[T-MAC]

On 9/14/2024 at 10:02 PM, stimpmeterp said:

I’m told by several locals I play with it’s the most well kept, best condition course of any around here.

I've been here over 20 years now and I've played every course in the area, both public and private, and May River is my favorite track around here.

[SnowbirdTom]

Well, that escalated quickly.  😄 

 

Asked my oldest son if he wanted to do a 4 day long golf weekend in December.  Yeah, I got a free weekend and some PTO to use!

 

30 minutes later, airplane rez, car, AirBnB and courses are booked.  Harbourtown (because YOLO) and RTJ at Palmetto Dunes.  I'm stoked! Got a condo on the beach at the north end of the island.

 

Now to tell the wife.  😇

[jholz]

5 minutes ago, SnowbirdTom said:

Well, that escalated quickly.  😄 

 

Asked my oldest son if he wanted to do a 4 day long golf weekend in December.  Yeah, I got a free weekend and some PTO to use!

 

30 minutes later, airplane rez, car, AirBnB and courses are booked.  Harbourtown (because YOLO) and RTJ at Palmetto Dunes.  I'm stoked! Got a condo on the beach at the north end of the island.

 

Now to tell the wife.  😇

 

Right on! It is a super cool area to see, experience, and play golf in. I am glad I had the opportunity to do it myself.

 

Hope you and the kid have a great time! 

[cer5059]

Heading down next week and the sea pines courses overseeded Oct 21 and the Palmetto Dunes courses are overseeding Monday. Not great lol

[SnowbirdTom]

Error.

Edited November 2, 2024 by SnowbirdTom

[SnowbirdTom]

Back again.  Ended up canceling the mid-December trip due to surgery.  Mostly recovered, but core's weak as evidenced by my indoor sim results yesterday. 😅 Trip has been rescheduled for late January.

 

HarbourTown will happen, dagnabit!  Arthur Hills at Palmetto Dunes for the warmup round. Wife donated sympathy air miles for my flight, so I sprung for a NICE condo on the beach with indoor pool and jacuzzi.  Son's already got his flight booked too.  

 

/fingers crossed for no more surprise health issues.

[Saflynn]

Well good luck to you. Arthur hills is amazing, but only warning would be if you are getting off a plane/car there are a ton of forced carries and water, might loose a dozen balls. It’s been several years but I remember it being one of my fave rounds in HH. 

[SnowbirdTom]

1 hour ago, Saflynn said:

Well good luck to you. Arthur hills is amazing, but only warning would be if you are getting off a plane/car there are a ton of forced carries and water, might loose a dozen balls. It’s been several years but I remember it being one of my fave rounds in HH. 

 

Thanks, the son asked me to get us on the RTJ course instead of the Hill course.  I'm packing a couple dozen still in the box Bridgestones. One in the golf travel bag and the other in the suitcase.

[cer5059]

Don't know if it has been mentioned in here before, but when I was down there in November, I overheard them talking in the pro shop that Harbour Town will be closing after the RBC to redo all the greens and the bulkheads. Hoping to reopen by November 2025