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Last fall, we shared with you that one of our residents and regulars at our Hilton Head golf courses shot his age or better for an amazing 1000th time. Leo Luken, who at the time was 95, came to play golf with us about three times every week. We are saddened to inform you that he passed away in his sleep on August 2 at the age of 96.
Leo made national headlines with his golf feat, showing up on the Golf Channel and PGA.com, as well as in USA Today. You can watch the Golf Channel interview with Leo below:
Leo didn't even begin playing golf until the age of 45 and didn't shoot his age for the first time until he was 71. In 2005, he participated in the Shoot Your Age Championship in Florida, which aired on CBS. There he shot his age for the 530th time, actually bettering his age by six shots. Leo won the tournament, besting even Arnold Palmer and Gary Player!
Originally from Indiana, Leo was also an avid baseball player and served as a pitcher in Fort Wayne, Ind. He holds a spot in the Kentucky and Indiana sports halls of fame.
In the Hilton Head Island Packet, our Director of Golf Instruction Doug Weaver said, "As an athlete, he was as intense a competitor as I've ever known. He's the type of guy that if he would have learned golf at 20, he would have been a competitive pro."
"I want people to remember how fortunate we all were to be around him," said Weaver. "If I played golf with him 20 times in 10 years, it wasn't enough. He had an Arnold Palmer type of charisma."
Three-Ball. Hat Trick. Trifecta. No matter what you call it — if it happens in sports, three of almost anything is reason to celebrate.
We're excited to share with you that we've experienced our own three-peat after the S.C. Board of Directors of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) named our George Fazio golf course the 2014 South Carolina Golf Course of the Year. It's the third and final of our three Hilton Head golf courses to receive this prestigious designation.
In 2003, the Robert Trent Jones oceanfront course was named South Carolina Golf Course of the Year, while the Arthur Hills golf course received the honor in 2009. All three have also been rated four stars or more by Fodor's Golf Digest Places to Play.
"The award-winning George Fazio course embodies the values we cherish at Palmetto Dunes – offering year-round championship golf in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry," says Brad Marra, vice president of resort operations for Palmetto Dunes. "Many golfers regard it as the island's most challenging championship course."
The Fazio golf course demands a combination of long play and precise golf shots. From the 432-yard 1st hole to the 462-yard 18th hole, the Fazio course is the only par-70 golf course on Hilton Head Island. Its long par-4s are beset with bunkers and water hazards. The Fazio course plays 6,239 yards from the middle white tees.
In October, the Fazio Course will be in the running for National Golf Course of the Year.
Book a tee time at the Fazio course and try it out for yourself! For more information about Hilton Head golf packages or group golf on Hilton Head Island, visit www.palmettodunes.com.
Everyone's talking about Rory McIlroy right now with his big win at the British Open. He even got the coveted Sports Illustrated cover, which is rare for any golfer other than Tiger Woods. Here at the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy, we like to teach golfers how to improve their game and love to take a look at some of the pros' best techniques.
According to our Director of Golf Instruction Doug Weaver, Rory McIlroy is known for his rotating swing. When you look at the completion of his swing, his right shoulder is over the left leg and past the left shoulder rather than stopping the rotation.
How can you learn that technique? Weaver suggests naturally tossing a ball toward to the left of the target line almost at a right angle to get the feel of it. He says it translates into better compression of the ball, which you'll hit clean and far. Watch this video of Weaver demonstrating:
In a recent article, Golf Digest also noted McIlroy's outstanding putting at the British Open where he made 20 birdies and two eagles and one-putted 34 out of 72 greens. The article notes that his putting coach Dave Stockton teaches players to "begin to set their stance while looking out at the line -- not at the ball." At the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy, we offer eight hours of putting instruction every week to help you work on that aspect of your game.
The Daily Mail's Tony Jacklin says, "Rory's technique is fabulous, showing that golf is nothing to do with size but all about speed and balance and rhythm and skill. It's magical to watch."
Weaver offers some tips for putting like McIlroy in this video filmed at the oceanfront 10th hole at the Robert Trent Jones course at Palmetto Dunes:
Of course, if you want to be like Rory, it doesn't hurt to use Nike clubs and wear Nike apparel, too. The Palmetto Dunes golf pro shop at the Robert Trent Jones golf course is one of only six Nike Golf TTC Concept shops across the U.S. where you can find plenty of Nike gear.
If you want to learn to play like Rory, look no farther than the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy. Call us at 866-650-4130 to schedule your private lesson today!
Since golfing is a way of life here at Palmetto Dunes with our three championship Hilton Head golf courses hosting hundreds of golfers every week, we thought we'd share some of our favorite golf quotes. They come not just from golf professionals, but from comedians, writers and even presidents!
Here's our top 10:
"I know I am getting better at golf because I'm hitting fewer spectators." – Gerald Ford
"They call it golf because the other four-letter words were taken." – Raymond Floyd
"Hit it hard, go find it and hit it hard again." – Arnold Palmer
"The ardent golfer would play Mount Everest if somebody put a flagstick on top." – Pete Dye
"Golf is an awkward set of bodily contortions designed to produce a graceful result." – Tommy Armour
"Golf is a game in which you yell 'fore', shoot six and write down five." – Paul Harvey
"It is good sportsmanship not to pick up lost balls while they are still rolling." – Mark Twain
"The most important shot in golf is the next one." – Ben Hogan
"The golf swing is like a suitcase into which we are trying to pack one too many things." – John Updike
"I never learned anything from a match that I won." – Bobby Jones
There are plenty more great golf quotes out there but these are just a few that made us laugh or gave us pause. What's your favorite golf quote? Who's your favorite golfer?
Come enjoy a fall Hilton Head golf getaway at Palmetto Dunes this year! View our golf vacation packages or get a quote to bring down a group of 12 or more. Happy golfing!
Do you get competitive when it comes to golf? We've got just the event for you: our 1st annual Palmetto Dunes Summer Golf Series.
The tournament will run three Saturdays in July, one Saturday at each course, with prizes and bragging rights at stake.
The format will be a shotgun start with a four-man team scramble and team handicap at 20%. The first two tournaments are independent of the championship, and the top two teams from each of the first two tournaments will be re-handicapped based on their scores.
The top two teams will be competing for the Series Grand Championship at the Robert Trent Jones golf course where six teams will be playing to be the grand champions. The rest of the teams will be competing as they did in the first two events at the Arthur Hills golf course and the George Fazio golf course.
Prizes, which will be awarded for low net, closest to the pin and long drive, will include resort gift cards, golf certificates, hotel nights, restaurant discounts and more. The grand prize winners will receive individual and team trophies and custom shirts with the series logo and 2014 champion embroidered on them.
The tournaments start at 9 a.m. on July 12 at Arthur Hills, July 19 at George Fazio and July 26 at Robert Trent Jones. Entry fees are $65 per player or $260 per team and $85 per player or $340 per team for the Jones championship.
What do you think? Can you and your golf buddies bring home the championship trophy? If you'd like to give it a go, you can save $5 by registering online or give us a call at 843-686-9624 for more information. Good luck!
Are you considering a Hilton Head vacation soon? Let us help you plan the perfect getaway that fits your hobbies and interests. At Palmetto Dunes, we offer so many activities from fishing to biking and from tennis to golf that you'll be hard pressed not to find something you'll love. Here are 5 great ways to vacation at Palmetto Dunes:
1) Tennis Getaways – If you "love" tennis, we've got all sorts of fun packages and activities for you. With the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center, which sees thousands of visitors every year, you can find clinics, round robins, equipment demonstrations, tennis tournaments and more. We offer tennis vacation packages that include instruction and tennis court time and are even tailored to large groups. If you really love tennis, consider our Extreme Tennis Vacation!
2) For the Outdoor Lover – There's so much to do outdoors at Palmetto Dunes and so much beauty to see. The Outdoor Adventure package rolls the best of our outdoor activities all into one with at least three nights of accommodations in one of our Hilton Head vacation rentals, kayak rentals, a dolphin cruise, Hilton Head bike rentals and tennis court time daily.
3) Romance in Bloom – Looking for a romantic getaway for just the two of you? We offer several romance packages like our Honeymooner's Escape, Mini Moon and Anniversary Celebration that include spa treatments, bike rentals, kayak rentals and more.
4) Golfers Delight – Get your best golf buddies together and play all three of our championship golf courses, each uniquely challenging. Our golf vacation packages include instruction time, accommodations and tee times, and be sure to take advantage of our free club fittings and free golf demo on Mondays at 4 p.m. at the Robert Trent Jones course.
5) Family Fun – Got kids? We love kids here at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. Our Ultimate Family package and Sun 'N Fun Island escape are uniquely designed to entertain all ages down to our smallest guests. Kids will find lots to do at the resort like family tees at our golf courses, junior tennis clinics and round robins, fishing, crabbing and summer Surf School just to name a few.
What kind of Hilton Head package sounds like the perfect fit for your vacation? If we can answer any questions or tailor any package to better fit your needs, please don't hesitate to give us a call at 866-650-4130.
One of the best things about Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is the opportunity for golfers to experience three 18-hole championship Hilton Head golf courses all at one resort with first tees no more than 5 minutes apart. Designers Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio and Arthur Hills all have established golf courses at our resort and each offers a unique playing experience for the golf lover.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Course
The Jones course is perhaps best known for its oceanfront setting with one of only two oceanfront holes on the entire island. Its layout is immaculate and stunning in its beauty and the view from the famed 10th green is not one that will soon be forgotten (we've even had weddings there!). Jones plays away from the clubhouse until it reaches its famed back-to-back par-5s that play out to the ocean. It's also known to have the most accommodating fairways of the trio of courses, though keep in mind you might lose a ball or two as the course winds its way over the resort's inland lagoon system.
George Fazio Golf Course
We hear a lot that the Fazio course is the most challenging of our courses. It offers the island's only par-70 layout, whose long par-4s, elevated greens and deep bunkers will test all facets of your game. Known as a great course for "faders" of the golf ball, the Fazio course features a unique double green at 11 and 16 that gives you a peek at what many experts believe is the toughest finishing stretch of holes on the island. These are a Fantastic Four featuring three par-4s over 400 yards from the white tees and a par-3 just a step less than 190.
Arthur Hills Golf Course
Lastly, you'll find our Hills course, which is as much a tour of a wildlife sanctuary (keep your eye out for waterfowl and an alligator here or there) as a round of golf with its natural beauty. There are those who say they could play the Hills Course every day and never play it the same way twice with the diversity of strategies presented. PGA Tour star Bryce Molder shot a course-record 60 here while in college, while Tiger Woods took an 8 at the signature 17th, a par-4 that requires a drive and an approach over and around one of the many lagoons on the layout.
At all three courses, you'll find five sets of tees, including family tees, to create an enjoyable, yet challenging round to players of all skill levels. You'll also find three different putting surfaces: Champion Bermuda on the Jones Course, shade-tolerant Diamond Zoysia on the Fazio and TifDwarf Bermuda on the Hills Course.
Which of the courses will you take on? Do you dare try all three and 54 holes on one visit?! Let us know if you take the challenge and how you did!
For more information about Hilton Head golf packages or to get a quote on group golf, visit our website at www.palmettodunes.com or give us a call at 866-650-4130.
If you've ever played golf at our Robert Trent Jones golf course, then you probably know Sammy Mulrain. This 97-year-old lover of golf served as the course starter every Thursday for the last 33 years, never missing a shift! How's that for dedication? Sammy has finally put down his golf clubs, at least as a career, and retired as our starter ranger at 97 years young.
He's truly beloved by the staff at Palmetto Dunes and by all the golfers who come through our doors year after year. "You don't come across people like Sammy every day," says Brad Marra, vice president of Palmetto Dunes. "He was a great guy to have at Palmetto Dunes and an even greater person to know. His is a wonderful story of service and dedication with a lasting impression on all of us."
Sammy, who was named the 2009 Employee of the Year by the Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association and recently featured in an article in the Hilton Head Island Packet, is known for his attention to detail, making sure golfers get off on time. A veteran who stormed Normandy in World War II, he's known for his meticulous efficiency.
He also has a heart for charity and even searches for lost golf balls on his own time, donating them to a local church for their use in fundraising events. Sammy retired to Hilton Head Island in 1978 after a career working for the American Can Company.
When asked about his favorite part of his years at Palmetto Dunes, Sammy says it's the people and the chance to stay active. In an Island Packet article featuring him several years ago, he said, "That's why I do it at my age, just to talk to people…I try to get them laughing. The Jones course has a hole on the ocean, so I tell them, 'When you get to the 10th green, don't go swimming or nothing.'"
Matt Ginella, host of Morning Drive on the Golf Channel, mentioned our Robert Trent Jones golf course as one of the best Hilton Head golf courses to play. Watch the segment on Hilton Head here:
It's hard to believe the much-awaited annual RBC Heritage golf tournament is here and gone once again! We had a great week, despite it being a bit soggy, hosting lots of events at our Robert Trent Jones golf course and enjoying a variety of media coverage associated with the tournament. Mutt Kuchar ended up taking home the Tartan jacket after a thrilling conclusion to the golf tournament!
On Monday, April 14, we had lots of fun with John Maginnes when he hosted his Maginnes on Tap radio show live from the Jones course. Here he is with Brad Marra of Palmetto Dunes:
On Tuesday, April 15, NFL pro-bowler and golf lover Sterling Sharpe visited the Jones course. Sharpe, who was great with fans, especially the kids, signed autographs and in between the rain headed out on the course for some golf demonstrations.
During the week, we also had record apparel sales. It seems everyone was ready for some new spring duds to wear on the green! The ECCO Golf Van really helped spur the sales with their amazing golf footwear.
We were so excited that Matt Ginella, host of Morning Drive on the Golf Channel, mentioned our Robert Trent Jones golf course as one of the best Hilton Head golf courses to play. Watch the segment on Hilton Head here:
To see more photos from the 2014 RBC Heritage follow our Pinterest board below:
Follow Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort's board RBC Heritage Golf Tournament on Pinterest.
Want to come enjoy Hilton Head Island golf yourself? Book your tee time or your golf getaway online or give us a call at 866-650-4130.
Spring is just around the corner and you want to not only be outfitted in style, but with the gear that will most improve your game. New items are arriving daily at our Hilton Head golf pro shops at Palmetto Dunes, many of which are being used by the pros as they head out on the PGA Tour.
Want to play like a pro? Here are some of the highlights of our new golf items:
Breaking its own record of 11, PING earned 15 gold awards in the 2014 Golf Digest March 'Hot List', more than any other single brand for the third straight year. At the PGA Tour Farmer's Insurance Open, for example, eight sets of Ping S55 irons and six sets of I25 irons were in play, along with eight G25 drivers used by both Bubba Watson and Hunter Mahan.
PING Golf was the only company to earn at least one gold award in every category. The I25 and G25 series, both available at our pro shops, were both recognized with the highest honors in the driver, fairway wood, hybrid and iron categories. The new I25, Karsten, S55, G25, and the Tour Gorge wedge, which we also carry, each won gold.
The new Nike Covert 2.0 Drivers are also one of our top picks. As one of only six Nike Golf TTC Concept Shops in the country, you can find the latest and greatest Nike Golf picks at our Robert Trent Jones golf course pro shop.
The Covert 2.0 Drivers are used by all the major Nike players, including Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Nick Watney and Charles Schwartzel. They deliver more forgiving distance, faster ball speed and simple, intuitive customization to meet the swing needs of every golfer. High-Speed Cavity Back technology redistributes weight to the heel and toe, allowing for increased distance and more stability across the face of the driver.
We offer the Nike 360-degree Fitting System for anyone who would like a custom fitting by our club-fitter, Rob Thompson, named one of the country's top fitters for six years in a row. Call us at 866-744-7558 to schedule your free custom fitting.
Women can head out on the greens in style this spring with our new Annika Paramount collection from Cutter & Buck. Inspired by the legendary golfer Annika Sorenstam, this visionary collection combines cutting-edge technology with ingenious details to fit women who are always on the move.
The collection is designed to be feminine yet sporty, utilizing the latest breakthroughs in fabric. You'll find it at both the Arthur Hills course pro shop and Robert Trent Jones course pro shop.
Our picks for spring shoes are the ECCO BIOM HYBRIDS, ECCO's first ever performance hybrid shoe, which marks a major advancement in golf shoe technology. Worn on tour by Fred Couples and dozens of other top players, it's made from Yak leather, which is naturally soft, durable, smooth and breathable and also treated for weather protection.
The shoes have ECCO's Natural Motion Technology with flexible midsole arch support that mirrors the foot skeleton, providing excellent support and comfort, as well as their Advanced Hybrid Outsole Technology that provides excellent grip in all conditions.
We also like the ECCO GOLF STREET, which is a golf shoe that doesn't look like a traditional golf shoe and remains the game's most popular style! With their first ever hybrid model, the shoe has a superb combination of comfort, convenience, stability and traction and is worn on and off the course by the world's best players. The shoes are weather resistant and have insoles that wick moisture to keep you dry and comfortable.
Stay tuned as we get in more items for men's apparel and for summer fashions. Come visit our Hilton Head golf pro shops and get outfitted for warm weather play at our three championship Hilton Head golf courses! Need a tee time? Book it right here.
Last week, the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport celebrated in high style as JetBlue landed its first planes at the airport, making the area the latest addition to the airline's routes. There will now be daily flights coming into and out of Hilton Head Island from New York's JFK and Boston Logan airports, connecting from many other cities across the country.
The addition of the airline is good news for the Lowcountry, as it adds more options for vacationers coming to the island. Already, JetBlue plans to increase the capacity of the airplanes flying into the area by 50% due to high demand, and other airlines have also lowered costs and added flights and additional seats.
On February 13, the first flights flew into the Savannah-Hilton Head International airport and the area hosted a grand celebration. Local officials and guests enjoyed blue cocktails, visits with "Forrest Gump," comments from company executives and more. Major media, including representatives from Travel + Leisure, Southern Living, New York Magazine and others flew in for the event. Take a look at our board on Pinterest chronicling the entire event.
The Savannah/Hilton Head area has invested in a marketing effort to lure Northeasterners ready for a warm weather getaway to the Lowcountry area, which includes advertising in major outlets, as well as billboards atop taxis in New York City noting "Hilton Head is in full 'swing'."
Palmetto Dunes has created a package for those looking for a great airfare rate to play world-class golf in the Lowcountry. The Blue and Greens package includes a $200 JetBlue gift card per person good toward airfare, as well as 4 days/3 nights in a resort view villa, 2 rounds of golf per person at our beautiful championship Hilton Head golf courses, 3-day Hilton Head bike rentals from Hilton Head Outfitters and 2 hours of complementary tennis court time daily at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center.
We're so excited to have JetBlue in town and hope you are, too! Be sure to check their rates before planning your next Hilton Head vacation to Palmetto Dunes.
Give us a call at 866-744-7558 to book the Blue and Greens package or for any other resort or Hilton Head vacation questions. Fly safe!
Several members of the Palmetto Dunes golf staff recently attended the 61st annual PGA Golf Show in Orlando to check out the latest and greatest in golf gear, apparel, accessories and services. More than 1,000 companies demonstrated their wares to some 41,000 people who attended from 80 different countries. Our team learned a lot and wanted to share their findings and favorites with all the golf lovers who visit Palmetto Dunes!
Doug Weaver, director of golf instruction at the resort, made the rounds at the show, interviewing many of the company reps on the details of their new equipment. He particularly spent time with Nike Golf on their shoes, drivers and balls.
The Lunar Control II shoe, which will be highlighted at this year's Masters(no apostrophe) by Rory McIlroy, is known for being very lightweight while providing full support using the latest in Nike technology. More from Doug:
Doug also got up to speed on the new Nike Covert 2.0 driver, whose technology is designed to provide more stability, less resistance, straighter ball flights and faster ball speeds. Here is the full interview with Nike:
All of the Nike products from the show will be available at the Robert Trent Jones course pro shop, one of only six Nike Golf Concept Shops in the country.
While at the PGA Show, Doug logged over 30 hours of training with the inspirational Peter Jacobson! Classes focused on one plane and two plane swings, exercise, mental, junior golf and club fitting. Peter is a friend, Ryder Cup Player, Senior Tour Champion and TV commentator. At the age of 48, with his game falling apart, Peter took to a program that revived his game so much so that he became a Ryder Cup Player.
Get these and more tips from Doug with a private lesson, clinic or golf school at the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy this spring!
Doug also caught up with the Golf Channel's Michael Breed, host of "The Fix." He and Doug were PGA tour players together and Doug encouraged Michael to go into modeling. He took Doug's advice and later combined his love of golf with modeling to become a TV show host.
View all of our videos from the PGA Golf Show on our YouTube playlist and let us know if we can schedule a tee time for you at one of our three beautiful championship Hilton Head golf courses by calling 866-744-7558 or booking online.
On first glance, it may not look like the sports of baseball or tennis have much in common with golf – aside from hitting a ball – but according to Palmetto Dunes' Director of Golf Instruction Doug Weaver, the sports actually do have several things in common.
After attending an Atlanta Braves baseball game recently, Weaver noticed that the way a baseball player hits the ball with the bat is not so different than the impact of a golfer hitting a ball on the PGA tour.
In imitation of baseball players, he offers these tips to keep in mind for hitting a golf ball effectively:
Weaver also says that tennis players tend to make great golfers, because tennis players develop the same muscles stroking a forehand that are required for a proper golf swing. These are the oblique muscles, the same ones used for laughing and coughing.
Says Weaver, tennis superstar Rafael Nadal emphasized building his obliques to increase his racket speed. He also notes that other tennis greats who've pursued golf include Ivan Lendl, Leyton Hewitt and Stan Smith. Golfer Jack Nicklaus was also known for playing tennis and even built a tennis court in his backyard. Weaver has seen plenty of visitors to Palmetto Dunes play one sport in the morning and the other in the afternoon.
Says Weaver, "the bottom line is you'll play better tennis if you play golf and vice versa." So we invite golfers to give tennis a try and tennis players to give golf a try. In fact, wouldn't that make a great New Year's resolution?
Here at Palmetto Dunes, we have outstanding facilities for both, making it easy to enjoy both sports on your Hilton Head vacation. Let us know if we can help you select the right golf or tennis clinic to help you get started or if we can set you up with private lessons at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center or with Doug Weaver at the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy.
It's been a good year for this South Carolina beach resort! Palmetto Dunes not only received a number of high profile honors and accolades recognizing everything from our championship Hilton Head golf courses and tennis facilities to our family friendliness and outstanding staff, but we also started several new events that were a great success.
Here's a quick look back at our star-studded 2013:
The Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center was honored to host a number of high-profile state championships for the United States Tennis Association (USTA). In May, seniors from across South Carolina headed to Hilton Head to take home top honors in the USTA South Carolina 40 & Over Championships, formerly known as the Senior Championships. Then in October, we hosted the USTA South Carolina Combo Adult Championships. Our very own Jackie Reynecke, who helped coordinate these events, was also named the South Carolina League Volunteer of the Year for the USTA.
The Tennis Center was featured in the July issue of Tennis Magazine in a large spread about the resort and was recognized again by TennisResortsOnline.com as the No. 9 Top Tennis Resort in the world and No. 4 Top Junior Tennis programs in the world. Plus, the users of TripAdvisor named the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center the No. 1 attraction in Hilton Head.
Our golf courses are always wonderful to play with their varied attributes and amazing layouts, but they were especially regarded this year. The Arthur Hills golf course got a shout-out from Golf Digest magazine as a top Hilton Head course, in an article that also designated the island as a Best Buddies Trip Destination. PGA.com selected the famous oceanfront No. 10 hole at the Robert Trent Jones golf course a "South Carolina dream hole" and we couldn't agree more!
We also launched a brand new golf app for the iPhone and Android, which now has thousands of users. Using your phone, you can check yardage information, book your tee time, set up leader boards and order food at our golf grilles so it's hot and ready when you finish your round. Download it by searching for Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort on your favorite app store.
New Events at Shelter Cove Harbour
Several events made their debut at Shelter Cove Harbour this year to great acclaim. Taste on the Harbour kicked off in March. Due to the event's success, we hosted the event again in October, offering featured menus, drink specials and tastings from Shelter Cove Harbour restaurants on select nights combined with live music from local island bands.
Additionally, Parrot Palooza joined our already very popular HarbourFest summertime event, which celebrated 25 years. Shannon Tanner and the Oyster Reefers, a Jimmy Buffet tribute band, entertained attendees on Friday evenings with island style music as they danced and sang the night away while the sun set over Broad Creek.
Capstone Award
The finish off the year with a bang, Travel + Leisure magazine named Palmetto Dunes to its Top 25 World's Best Family Getaways in its November issue. This made our resort the highest-ranking in South Carolina. The awards are based on a survey of the magazine's readers. "Whether it's reeling in a trophy redfish, learning how to properly swing a golf club or riding the waves on a surfboard, Palmetto Dunes has so much to offer families year round," said Brad Marra, assistant vice president of resort operations for Palmetto Dunes.
What's coming next year? More good things! Palmetto Dunes will be launching a brand new device-responsive website, using the latest online booking technology and designed for ease of use by our wonderful guests. For golfers, the Jones course will be adding new GPS-enabled touch screen systems for all golf carts, which offers course fly-overs, yardage, hole information and more. There's so much more in store… you'll just have to come visit us to see it all!
For more information about vacationing at Palmetto Dunes, visit us at www.palmettodunes.com or call us at 866-744-7558 to get started booking your spring or summer Hilton Head getaway.
Let us help you with your holiday gift list this year with unique items from stores around Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. Whether you've got a golfer, a tennis player, an outdoorsman or an ocean-lover on your holiday list, we've got the gift for them! Here are some of our top gift picks for 2013:
Golf Pro Shops
The golfer on your list will love this item from our Robert Trent Jones golf pro shop! The new Garmin Approach S4 GPS golf watch ($349.99) is the perfect idea for the golfer who has everything. This stylish, yet lightweight and comfortable watch uses hi-res touch screen technology and comes with a GPS receiver for precise yardage to the front, middle and back of the greens, plus layup and dogleg distances. There's even a smart notification feature that lets you receive emails, texts and alerts from your iPhone (iPhone 4s and above models). The battery lasts up to 10 hours in GPS golf mode. Now, that's a watch!
Be sure to use it while playing one of our three championship Hilton Head golf courses: the Robert Trent Jones golf course, the Arthur Hills golf course or the George Fazio golf course.
Tennis Pro Shop
At the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center pro shop, we can't resist the cute Spin Winz! It's a plastic circle that attaches to the end of your racquet to help decide who serves first when the racquet is spun. Instead of the boring "M or W" or "P or D," your options include "Trophy or Wife," "Social or Butterfly" and "Diamonds or Pearls" as examples.
For men, we have a variety of logo shirts, great deals on Prince tennis racquets and shoes from Asics, Adidas and K-Swiss. For women, we have Life is Tennis bags in both Tote and Sling styles in a variety of colorful patterns, and LBH tops in sleeveless and long sleeve in a rainbow of colors.
Hilton Head Outfitters
Grab a new Hilton Head hoodie or Hilton Head Outfitters long-sleeve T. These are great for cooler days and to remind you of your last vacation or upcoming vacation to the island. They are available in a variety of colors, including green, pink and blue.
The Ship's Store at Shelter Cove Marina
Wouldn't your loved one look great in a new pair of Costas? Or how about a new pair of Sperry Topsiders? The Ship's Store offers a broad selection of Costa del Mar sunglasses, and when you buy any pair you get a $20 resort gift card (consider that a gift to youself!). The Ship's Store has the largest selection of Sperry Topsider shoes on the island with more than 50 styles to choose from. They also carry Guy Harvey shirts, Sanuk sandals, Columbia Sportswear and Tervis tumblers.
The Palmetto Dunes General Store
While it would be nice if you could send your loved one a batch of cinnamon rolls freshly baked from the store, that may not be practical J. Instead choose from the General Store's selection of coffee mugs, long sleeve T-shirts and sweatshirts. They also have some cute beach-themed ornaments, including Santa Claus with an alligator, a sea turtle and by a palm tree, as well as dolphins, sailboats and more.
Palmetto Dunes Gift Card
Not sure what to get the Hilton Head Island fans in your life? No worries! Just get them a Palmetto Dunes gift card redeemable at point of sale locations around the resort. These include Hilton Head accommodations, golf rounds and lessons, tennis court time and lessons, golf and tennis pro shops, Hilton Head Outfitters, the Ship's Store at Shelter Cove Marina, Big Jim's restaurant, the golf grilles and the Dunes House. The cards are now available with free shipping and overnight options … just in case you wait till the last minute.
Come visit our Hilton Head stores this holiday season and choose the perfect gift for the people on your list. Give us a call at 866-744-7558 if you'd like us to ship an item to you. Happy shopping!
If you've ever played our Hilton Head golf courses, then you know just how gorgeous they are with their lush greens, live oaks around every corner and even views of the Atlantic on the Robert Trent Jones course. But have you ever seen our courses from above? We doubt it!
We've created new 3-D animated "flyovers" of each of our South Carolina golf courses to give you a bird's eye view before you hit the greens. Simply go to the individual web page for each course listed below and click on the link to view the flyover.
Once you're on the flyover, choose which hole you've like to soar above and get ready to fly! Each view shows you par for the hole, as well as the distance from each of the tees. Pause at any point to take a more detailed look.
Watching these flyovers is helpful for golfers, because it shows you all in one glance the obstacles you'll face at each hole and allows you to formulate a plan of how to get there.
Don't forget to check out our Hilton Head webcam at the Robert Trent Jones course, as well, to see real-time, on-the-ground action at the golf course. Both of these options are great ways to be "on the course" even when you're stuck at your desk.
Be sure to browse some of our amazing fall golf packages that let you play golf at all three of our championship courses, improve your game at our Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy and enjoy other activities like fishing and biking.
Let us know what you think of the new flyovers and we hope to see you teeing off soon!
Shooting your age is a coveted accomplishment for any golfer, because it not only means you've lived a relatively long life, but that you're still a pretty good golfer. Leo Luken, 95, a longtime player at the Hilton Head golf courses at Palmetto Dunes, where he lives, recently reached that feat for an incredible 1000th time. On Tuesday, September 24, Luken shot 47-45 for 92 at the George Fazio golf course.
Luken didn't start playing golf until the age of 45 and shot his age for the first time at 71. He plays golf several times a week and usually shoots his age – or better – two out of three rounds. Formerly a pitcher for the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Zollner Pistons, he holds a spot in the Kentucky and Indiana sports halls of fame.
Luken participated in the Shoot Your Age Championship in Florida 2005, which aired nationally on CBS, shooting his age for the 530th time and bettering his age by six shots. He ended up winning the tournament, besting even Arnold Palmer.
"Yeah, [one of the players] thought I was lying," says Luken. "Before we teed off the first day down at the championship, he was walking around introducing himself and asking guys how many times they'd shot their age. One guy said 12, and another said 30. When he got to me, I said, '529,' which was the number at that time. [He] threw up arms and said, 'Get outta here.' The next day I made it 530 and won the tournament."
Have you ever shot your age? Do you think you could do it 1000 times? Here's hoping you can, just like Leo Luken!
If you want to give it a shot, our 30-day Hilton Head golf membership is a good place to start. It gives you plenty of chances to hit the mark!
Summer is coming to a close, but that's no reason to deny your buddies more rounds of golf! Text them now and make plans for long weekend to Hilton Head Island for golf, football, fishing and good times. We've got 5 good reasons why:
1) The weather is usually awesome! Average highs on Hilton Head Island in September and October range from the mid 70's to the mid 80's. While we can't promise sunny skies every day, they are the norm during the autumn season. Just think… no sweat, and a nice ocean breeze!
2) Get a FREE round when you book by September 15 – Book a group of 12 or more and stay a minimum 3 nights and get a fourth round of golf FREE, plus free replays as available! More golf is never a bad thing… Here are the details.
3) Get three varied experiences – Here at Palmetto Dunes, a top South Carolina golf resort, we offer three different championship golf courses with varied challenges, views and experiences.
4) Play golf by the ocean – Our Robert Trent Jones golf course is one of only two Hilton Head golf courses with oceanfront holes. Tackle our famed par-5 10th hole right on the Atlantic and see if you can beat the ocean breeze to come under par. If you don't, the view will make up for it!
5) Tell everyone you rode on a Segway – Make golfing with the guys even more fun by ditching the golf cart and hopping on a Segway. Enjoy a laugh as your friends – and you – learn how to balance this amazing piece of technology.
There, did we convince you?! Submit your request for a quote right here or call us directly at 866-744-7558. Let the competition begin!
Hilton Head is often a popular vacation site for celebrities from the Clintons to John Mellencamp to Paula Abdul, but the celebrity sightings will ramp up this fall at the annual Hilton Head Island Celebrity Golf Tournament August 30-September 1.
This yearly event pairs amateur golfers with celebrities to raise funds for local children's nonprofit organizations. For the past 30 years, Greenwood Resorts and Communities has played an active role in the success of the tournament, and one of the highlighted Hilton Head golf courses has been our own oceanfront Robert Trent Jones course.
Participating in the Hilton Head golf tournament this year are a host of celebrities, including:
And the list goes on… To see the complete list of celebrity participants, visit the tournament website.
The Robert Trent Jones course is the first stop for the three-day tournament. Opening ceremonies begin August 30 at 8:45 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. On day 2, players will head to the Arnold Palmer Signature Course at Wexford Plantation and on day 3, Harbour Town Golf Links.
On September 1, there will also be a special kids' event from 1-3 p.m. with putting contests and prizes, as well as T-shirts and golf balls for the first 100 children.
Nothing planned for Labor Day? Take an end-of-summer break to Hilton Head Island and enjoy this classic Hilton Head Island golf tournament. For information about accommodations or other Hilton Head activities at the resort like tennis, kayaking, fishing and more, visit www.palmettodunes.com or give us a call at 866-744-7558.
When it comes to the PGA Championship this weekend at Oak Hill, all eyes may be on Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, but there's something special that happened at this same course 14 years ago that left our own Director of Golf Instruction Doug Weaver with a record-setting moment in history.
Weaver, then 29, was one of four players at the 1989 US Open at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y., to hit a hole-in-one in less than two hours, a record for a PGA event. He was the first to hit the ace. It happened on the 156-yard sixth hole where Weaver used a 7-iron to make the shot. The ball went into a ridge to the right of the cup and then rolled back into the cup for the famous shot.
"The decibel level in the grandstand went up and up and up," said Weaver at the time in the New York Times, and, he said, when the ball disappeared into the cup, "it sounded like a clap of lightning."
Three subsequent players made a hole-in-one on the very same hole and using the same 7-iron club after Weaver. "The best part for me was that I was on the 12th tee, less than 100 yards from the sixth green when Mark got his hole-in-one," Weaver said. "I was in the middle of the 13th fairway when I heard the roar for Jerry, and I was on the 14th hole when I heard the roar for Nick's. I was able to relive it every time."
According to the New York Times, the odds of such an event happening all on the same day are 332,000 to 1. Even for a professional to hit a hole-in-one on the PGA tour in any given round is calculated at 3,708 to 1.
Weaver has been featured in articles and several media outlets across the country as we head into the PGA Championship at the same New York course this weekend. Mentions of Weaver's famous shot have run in the New York Times, Chicago Times, been discussed on the Golf Channel and more.
Should you hope for a hole-in-one at this year's Championship? We're not betting on it. The sixth hole has been changed since then and the slope softened. Of course maybe if Doug Weaver was there…
If you would like to take a lesson or clinic from our very own PGA pro, Weaver himself, give us a call at 866-744-7558. He offers instructional programs every day of the week at the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy for players of every skill level.
We love kids here at Palmetto Dunes and we like to keep them busy with our many kid-friendly activities like surfing, tennis, kayaking, swimming and fishing. But golf is especially near and dear to our heart since we have three amazing and varied Hilton Head golf courses all inside our beautiful resort.
PGA America and the National Golf Course Owners' Association have declared July Family Golf Month in an effort to promote golf as a fun, family recreational activity that lets you spend uninterrupted quality time together.
"Getting the family together for a round of golf, whether it's nine or 18 holes, is a great outdoor activity that gives parents the opportunity to have uninterrupted conversations and quality time with their children," says PGA of America President Ted Bishop. "It's also a great way for the entire family to enjoy golf's health and wellness benefits while creating memories for a lifetime."
So how can your family enjoy golf at our South Carolina golf resort? Ah, let us count the ways!
Family Golf School
We offer three-day, two-hour private golf lessons designed specifically for your family at our Hilton Head Family Golf School. We'll meet everyone at exactly their skill level and help them improve their game. We love this video showing a mom and her daughters during their Family Golf School lesson!
Kids Play Free
To encourage our golfers to teach the game to their kids, we let kids play free at the Robert Trent Jones Hilton Head golf course and the Arthur Hills golf course after 4 p.m. with an adult paying regular rate. This is a great opportunity to expose your kids to the game and enjoy some one-on-one time with each other!
Junior Tees
We've also installed permanent junior tees on our Robert Trent Jones golf course, and the George Fazio course caters to juniors with markings of 150 yards or less. This makes it easier and more fun for junior golfers!
Junior Golf Lessons
We also have a variety of Hilton Head golf lessons for juniors, including our Little Swingers program designed for ages 3-7. Director of Instruction Doug Weaver teaches the game of golf while singing songs with the kids.
Our Junior Golf Clinics for ages 6-18 focus on golf fundamentals like golf shots, etiquette and rules. Weaver covers three different shots every day, and four-time attendees are rewarded with a Junior Golf School Manual.
Lastly, if you have a junior gofer who's top of the class, enroll him or her in the Advanced Juniors Classes for ages 8-18. These kids get to play with a pro and get instruction as they go!
Make your love of golf a family affair at Palmetto Dunes! To sign up for any of the above golf lessons, schools or clinics or for any questions, please call us at 866-744-7558.
Looking to better your golf game this summer? We've got some tips from our very own Hilton Head golf pro and director of golf instruction Doug Weaver. From putting to your swing, he's got some golf tips to make your summer of golf even better!
1) Sidehill lies are common and are rarely practiced. Here are some easy tips to remember: find a point in between your toes and heels where your balance feels like it is under your shoestrings, take multiple practice swings to allow your body to adjust to the feeling of that particular shot and ask your playing partner to watch where your ball goes so you can focus on making solid impact.
2) Improve your chip! Measure the distance between the shaft back to the face with your finger. This tells you the loft. Then, if you want to see what the loft will do for you, lay the pitching wedge down on the ground and step on the head. This will tell you the trajectory. Now, place the ball in the middle, lean on your left foot and use your putting stroke. Remember; let the club do the work!
3) When putting, use your shoulders, or big muscles, to allow your little muscles, or your hands, to stay soft. The result is a naturally smooth, unhurried and consistent putt. It's easy to work against yourself by guiding the club instead of letting it do the work for you.
4) Swing the golf club like you are swinging a baseball bat on your slice. The traditional batting stroke allows the forearms to rotate in both the backswing and the forward hit. The golf swing needs the same forearm rotation to allow the clubhead to be square at impact.
5) Remember to swing "Nice and easy when it's breezy" than trying to hit the ball through the wind! But the harder the swing, the more spin on the ball, which is only exaggerated by the wind.
What area of your golf game do you most need to work on? For more help with your swing or other challenges on the green, try one of our Hilton Head golf schools or clinics. View the complete Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy schedule.
We also offer a variety of golf vacation packages that all you to improve your game while enjoying plenty of down time, as well. For example, with our Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy golf vacation package, you get two full days of instruction, resort villa accommodations, a free club fitting, video analysis and discounts on resort activities.
Summer is almost here and that means there will be lots of people out playing our three championship Hilton Head golf courses! Not only do you want to have a great game, but you want to look fabulous and have the latest and greatest equipment to boot. We've picked three of the hottest summer golf items that have just arrived in our Palmetto Dunes golf pro shops to share with you:
Men's Oakley Golf Apparel
This is a new golf apparel line for us here at Palmetto Dunes and we just received our first shipment in May. Oakley is popular with lots of golf pros like Bubba Watson, Ricky Barnes and Zach Johnson, and we think our customers will like it, too. Oakley says their aim is to blend bright colors with intricate detail and a broad array of materials. Come into one of our Hilton Head golf pro shops, try on some items and see what you think!
9 & Dine Women's Golf Apparel
Of course, we want our ladies to look just as good as the gents on the golf course and that's why we carry the 9 & Dine brand of women's golf apparel. This line, made in the USA, was created out of a desire for fashion, comfort and convenience and we think it succeeds! It's been described as clothing that can transition from the golf course straight to cocktail hour – a win-win. 9 & Dine's collections were created to give women golf clothes they'll love to wear, on the golf course and beyond. Here's a fun video featuring the 9 & Dine founder:
Taylormade RBZ-2 Fairway Woods Golf Clubs
Looking for some new golf clubs? Need a great Father's Day gift! May we suggest the new Taylormade RBZ-2 Fairway Woods clubs? The second generation of the Rocketballz fairway woods brings an improved speed pocket design and a low, forward CG location to produce a fairway wood that is up to 10 yards longer than last year's fairway wood revolution. Come try these during a free club fitting with Rod Thompson at the Robert Trent Jones course range and see how you like them! To make an appointment, please call us 843-686-9137. Come see the difference properly-fitted equipment can make in your game.
What new golf gear are you looking for this year? It's likely one of our three golf pro shops has it! Stop by and browse a while next time you're in town or give us a call directly at 866-744-7558 to see if we have what you need in stock.
Be sure to check out all of our summer Hilton Head golf clinics, schools and classes, Hilton Head golf packages and play some rounds with us this summer. Have a great summer golf season!
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.
Here in the south we are blessed to play host to two of the best golf tournaments, and Palmetto Dunes is either just a few minutes or just a few hours' drive from both!
The Masters, held at Augusta National in Augusta, Ga., every year, is April 11-14, and the RBC Heritage, on Hilton Head Island, follows April 18-21. We think these make for great opportunities to extend your trip with a few extra days of golf at the beach.
Our South Carolina golf resort is offering a special package for those traveling down for either tournament. The Ultimate PGA Tour Stay and Play Package offers accommodations (three-night minimum) plus three rounds of golf at our three championship Hilton Head golf courses starting at $184/night for stays through April 27, 2013.
As if that's not good enough, we're throwing in one more perk to sweeten the deal! If you book this package online or by phone using code PGA, for every night you stay with us, we'll enter you to win a pair of 4-day RBC Heritage tickets with VIP passes to our SkyBox. The winner will be announced April 2.
When you play golf on Hilton Head Island with Palmetto Dunes, you get three different but amazing award-winning courses to choose from, including the oceanfront Robert Trent Jones course with one of only two oceanfront holes on the entire island.
We also have a new Palmetto Dunes smartphone golf application to help you maximize your game downloadable on iTunes or Android phones. With a live leaderboard, hole information, GPS yardage and one-click call dining reservations, you're set to have your best game ever followed by a cold beer and BBQ ribs at the new Big Jim's BBQ, Burgers & Pizza Hilton Head restaurant at the Jones course.
Plus, Golf Digest recently named Hilton Head Island as a top Best Buddies getaway. So grab a group of friends, head to the Master's or the RBC Heritage and then stop off at Palmetto Dunes before or after for a perfect South Carolina golf getaway. Request golf rates here or call us at 866-744-7558 to get started.
Where do you go when you want to have fun with your best buds? Golf Digest says Hilton Head, and we agree, of course! Lucky for you, Palmetto Dunes is located on Hilton Head and home to the finest golf courses on Hilton Head Island! There's no better choice than Palmetto Dunes for your group golf trip, where we specialize in providing a top-notch, first-class golf experience!
In their December 2012 issue, Golf Digest ranked their top 36 destinations for a "Best Buddies" getaway. Hilton Head came in at No. 9, with our Arthur Hills course named as a key golf course. Golf Digest editors created the list by surveying panelists of more than 1000 avid golfers who rank their biennial
America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses.
To add to Hilton Head's impressive list of awards, the island was named No. 8 for Best Value, No. 8 for Best Courses, No. 9 for best weather, No. 10 for best food and drink, No. 10 for best lodging, and No. 7 as best for couples (Palmetto Dunes offers great romance packages for you and your special someone).
Throughout March, we're giving you even more incentive to come play golf with your buddies at Palmetto Dunes and see if you agree with Golf Digest! When you book a golf group, you'll get your fourth round free AND free replays based on availability. When your group plays golf at Palmetto Dunes, we also provide a dedicated on-site group coordinator, as well as complimentary range balls and yardage books plus resort discounts and free tennis court time!
Another great thing about a Hilton Head guys getaway (or girls!) to Palmetto Dunes is all the OTHER activities we offer to keep you busy. Get everyone together for a deep sea fishing charter or kayak through our peaceful inland lagoon. Run on the beach or bike some of Hilton Head's 50 miles of paved bike paths. We also offer two hours of free tennis daily for each night you stay in one of our Hilton Head vacation villas. We'll keep you as busy as you want to be!
Request a group golf rate proposal here and be sure to check out all our great Hilton Head golf packages, some of which include lessons and other activities. We promise you'll love your stay and our championship golf courses!
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.
Here in Hilton Head where most days the skies are blue and the weather is mild, there is plenty to do to keep active during the winter months. Here are our top 10 winter activities on Hilton Head Island:
1) Polish your golf game – Our Hilton Head golf academy offers a variety of classes for golfers all winter long. Learn to play more carefree like Bubba Watson, improve your mental golf game or enjoy daily 50-minute clinics on different skills. See our winter golf academy schedule. Or just head out for a round with some pals. Winter is a great time to play golf in Hilton Head, as the crowds of summer are long gone, making for better pace of play, and temperatures are mild.
2) Ride a bike! – With some 50 miles of paved bike paths on Hilton Head Island, there's no excuse not to get out and enjoy the beauty of our island. Hilton Head Outfitters offers Hilton Head bike rentals for every member of your family, including cruisers, kiddie carts, tag-a-longs and child seats.
3) Get in a cardio workout by playing tennis – Tennis gets the blood pumping for sure and the milder weather makes for more comfortable outdoor play. Try a Hilton Head tennis lesson from our Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center or take it up a notch with our Cardio Tennis class offered during the winter months on holidays.
4) Shop! – There are plenty of unique boutiques and stores on Hilton Head to make sure you head home with a one-of-a-kind souvenir of your Hilton Head vacation. Try Shelter Cove Harbour waterfront shops or shop our Hilton Head golf pro shops and tennis pro shop for some great finds.
5) Kayak or canoe the lagoon – Plan to rent a kayak or canoe from Hilton Head Outfitters and head out mid afternoon, when the weather should be at its warmest. Enjoy a peaceful tour of our 11-mile inland lagoon system, take in the wildlife and see Palmetto Dunes in an entirely new way.
6) Take a walk on the beach and look for shells – With fewer people visiting Hilton Head in the winter, you'll enjoy a quiet stroll and have a better chance of finding some great shells. Keep your eye out for dolphins in the surf and see what kind of treasures have washed ashore. Here are more tips on beachcombing in Hilton Head.
7) Catch a redfish! – Fall and winter are some of the best times to catch a "big red" and our team of fishermen can help you do it. Whether you take an offshore or inshore Hilton Head fishing charter, learn to fish from the pros and see if you can earn bragging rights to a trophy red.
8) Eat oysters – Here in the south, we say that months ending in "r" are the best ones to eat oysters, so before December winds down, take this last opportunity! There's a fine art to eating an oyster (or you can just slurp it down, of course J) whether you enjoy it with a touch of lemon, hot sauce or just plain!
9) Go birdwatching – The birds are out in winter, and in fact, during Hilton Head's last Christmas bird count they totaled up more species than ever before! Grab some binoculars and head out on a kayak in the lagoon or a Hilton Head boat tour to Daufuskie Island or Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge for some great birdwatching. More Hilton Head birdwatching tips in the Hilton Head Outfitters blog.
10) Do nothing! After you've done our top 9, why not relax, unwind and do nothing :)? Kick back in your Hilton Head vacation rental from Palmetto Dunes and enjoy an ocean or palm tree view. Grab a good book, a cup of coffee and rest. Ahhh….
Palmetto Dunes offers plenty of packages to help you work in all of these things from our Monthly Stay & Sports Membership to our Spa Packages to Hilton Head tennis packages and Hilton Head golf packages. If we can answer any questions or book you a stay or tee time, please give us a call at 866-744-7558.
Finding the right holiday gift for every person in your life can be more than a little stressful! But when you come shopping in Hilton Head, you're likely to find some unique gift items to both surprise and delight your family and friends. To help you with your holiday shopping, we've compiled some of our favorite gift ideas from around our famous South Carolina resort and neighboring Shelter Cove Harbour.
For the golfer:
For the tennis player:
For the outdoor enthusiast:
For an artistic or unique gift:
For anyone:
Here are more holiday deals at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and Shelter Cove Harbour. If you can't make it in person to shop, feel free to give us a call at 866-744-7558 and we'll be happy to ship.
How far along are you on your holiday gift list? Will any of these golf gifts, tennis gifts or other ideas make your list? Happy shopping!
It's getting to be the time of year where the weather up north starts to get cold, with snow and chilling winds as the norm. But here in Hilton Head the weather is mild year round with the average high between 60 and 72 November through February. In fact, you can check our website home page any time of year for the current temperature and see our Hilton Head weather chart for average highs year round.
With sunny days so tempting, we have lots of folks who like to come spend a month or more with us in the winter, and to cater to these loyal guests, we offer a variety of fun options to keep them busy at our Hilton Head beach resort.
Our Monthly Stay and Sports Membership is great for active individuals who love to enjoy the great outdoors. It includes resort accommodations for 30 days in a Hilton Head vacation home or villa, unlimited golf on our three legendary Hilton Head golf courses and bike rentals throughout your stay, two two-hour kayak rentals to enjoy our calm 11-mile lagoon system, two hours of tennis court time daily and the best rates on all other activities at the resort. Plan to burn a few calories with this monthly sports membership!
Golf aficionados will love our Monthly Golf Membership that gives you a 30-day unlimited golf pass to our three championship courses. You also receive discounts at our Hilton Head golf pro shops, golf grills and range. Imagine how much your golf game will improve with so much practice!
If you're a tennis player, you'll be excited to know that with any stay at a Palmetto Dunes-managed Hilton Head vacation villa or home, you receive two hours of complimentary tennis daily. So play your heart out!
Outdoor enthusiasts may enjoy a weekly – or even yearly -- kayak or canoe rental from Hilton Head Outfitters. Yearly members pay $199 for one person for unlimited use of the store's standard kayaks and canoes in the Palmetto Dunes inland lagoon system, as well as receive half off for a second person and 10% off all other rental equipment. Monthly bike passes are also available for $59.99 for exploring the more than 50 miles of paved Hilton Head bike paths.
Which monthly sports membership is ideal for you? Call our vacation planners today to schedule your chance to get out of the cold and into the bright Hilton Head sun this winter!
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.
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 10th 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 10th 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!
When it comes to playing just about any sport, proper instruction and technique is the key to your ability to play well. Even better is proper instruction in a beautiful location! Award-winning Hilton Head tennis resort, Palmetto Dunes has you covered on both accounts.
Tennis magazine has consistently ranked Palmetto Dunes among the "50 Greatest U.S. Tennis Resorts" since 1975. It also named Palmetto Dunes the No. 1 tennis resort in the Carolinas for 2012 and one of the top 10 tennis resorts in the U.S. Tennis Resorts Online also ranked the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center the No. 5 Tennis Center in the World. Could there be a better place to play tennis?!
Whether you prefer private lessons or a group setting, the tennis pros at Palmetto Dunes' Tennis Center can help. They offer Hilton Head tennis lessons that will help you establish the basic skills needed to play the game, as well as help you continue to develop your skills – all while enjoying a Hilton Head tennis vacation. And it doesn't matter if you're a junior or an adult; we have tennis lessons for ages 4 and older!
Private and semi-private lessons are ideal if you feel like you need personal attention. We have half-hour and full hour lessons available. Our rates are very reasonable, but you can save even more if you book five or more lessons at one time. Please call us at 866-744-7558 to schedule.
If you'd prefer to take group tennis lessons, the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center has several tennis clinics throughout the week including: Serve Clinic, Grand Slam Clinic, Competitive Doubles Clinic, Competitive Edge Drills, Return of Serve Clinic and more. Check our website for details and pricing. We even offer a Create Your Own Clinic, where you choose the time, the pro and what you focus on! Once you feel comfortable with your new skills, try them out in one of our Round Robin tournament competitions, which are held daily from 3-5 p.m.
Junior tennis players also can benefit from our clinics and camps. And, they too can play in the Junior Round Robin Tournaments and Junior Grand Slam Tournaments.
As a side note, Palmetto Dunes does require players wear regulation tennis shoes while on the court. Please review our tennis dress code. Don't worry, if you've forgotten something at home or just want to take advantage of our amazing gear and great prices, just stop by our Tennis Center Pro Shop. It's the largest on the island and it has everything you need.
In addition to instruction, Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center also hosts eight tennis tournaments each year that stretch from February to November and appeal to a range of ages and skill levels. The facility is continually selected as the host facility of choice for a wide range of tennis tournaments and events. This October and November we have lots of tournaments coming up, including the Banana Open, USTA Tennis on Campus Fall Invitational and the "Nutty Buddy" Tennis Classic.
And if you're looking to mix up your activities while on your Hilton Head tennis vacation, consider a round or two of golf at Palmetto Dunes' three world-class South Carolina golf courses.
Don't wait a minute longer to sign up for tennis lessons this fall. Tennis is a great sport that's not only fantastic exercise, but also tons of fun and a chance to socialize with friends. Grab your racquet. It's time to learn to play tennis in Hilton Head! Call us at (866) 744-7558 and book your court time today!
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 10th 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!
Here at Palmetto Dunes, we love families. Nothing lights up our day like seeing a child enjoying the wonders of our resort and summer fun is definitely one of our specialties. After all, we've racked up a wall's worth of plaques naming us one of the world's best resorts for family vacations.
We have children and teens programs and activities for all ages and all skill levels. Some are a few hours, some a few days. Some are fairly structured, some aren't. All offer lots of activity and plenty of fun!
For little golfers, try our "Little Swingers" program, which teaches golf basics while singing songs. More intensive is the five-day Palmetto Dunes Junior Golf Academy and, in between, we have clinics for various ages, practice rounds with an instructor and special prices for golfers under age 17 to play our three designer golf courses. We even have Family Golf School, which whole families can do together. Watch the video below to see some little golfers in action.
We're proud of our tennis programs for the younger set, too. Our tennis clinics start with players ages 4 and up and includes Junior Tennis Camp for ages 9 to 17 and the Junior Grand Slam for tournament-level players. There are lots of clinics, tournaments and practices to choose from, as well. Here's another great video clip of our tennis program for kids:
We take advantage of the fact we're on an island, too, with all kinds of boating and fishing activities that set sail from Shelter Cove Marina. You can see science in real life here in Hilton Head. See dolphins up close on our dolphin cruise or learn how to crab with our Lowcountry experts. How about family ski day where you have your choice of ski instruction, kneeboarding or tubing or let them try out paddleboarding with a few lessons in our calm inland lagoon system.
No matter what strikes your kids' fancy, they're sure to find something at Palmetto Dunes that will keep boredom at bay, as well as keeping them active and engaged during your Hilton Head vacation.
From the golf course to where to eat and drink we've compiled tips and information from the staff at Palmetto Dunes to help you get the most out of your visit to our resort.
If you've never stayed with us before, feel free to ask us any questions you have by emailing email@example.com or you can "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and we'll answer your questions there.
Do you have a great tip for visiting Palmetto Dunes?
We've heard from so many of you who are already counting down the days, weeks or months until you hit the beaches here in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Spring break is right around the corner for most and summer will be right behind! We're getting just as pumped as y'all about the beach season and to get you even more in the mood, we've come up with a list of must-do activities while you're visiting us at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort.
One of the most beloved Palmetto Dunes locations, The Dunes House, plans to re-open in late February, just in time to feed the spring breakers and summer vacationers the best fish tacos and drinks around with an unbeatable oceanfront view.
March not only brings us the spring breakers but also the Tennis Welcome Exhibition and Happy Hour and Demo Days. Every Monday night at 5:30 p.m., we get our employees and guests together to enjoy cocktails and lemonade while watching our tennis pros play on Centre Court. If you really enjoy tennis, then our Tuesday 2 p.m. Demo Days is the perfect way to test the newest equipment and ask our pros any technical questions you may have.
Summertime brings lots of activities unique to Palmetto Dunes like stand up paddle boarding and our amazing surf school. Learning to paddle board can be tough in the ocean waves so we provide lessons on our calm 11-mile lagoon system!
Our surf school has taught tons of people to hang-10 over the past few years and it's back this year to teach a whole new crew. Even if you've never even attempted to stand on a board, our instructors will have you surfing before you know it. Just check out these young surfers.
Summer wouldn't be complete without HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour and nightly performances by Shannon Tanner, a Hilton Head summer tradition that families return to enjoy year after year.
We can't wait to see you all this year and hope you'll enjoy all the Palmetto Dunes classics, while also trying a new activity or event! Oh, and you might have so much fun that you see fireworks!
When most people think about Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort they think about the beautiful beaches, three amazing golf courses, miles of paved bike paths and exceptional tennis. While we're incredibly proud to be known for all of these activities, we also want you to take advantage of our many sailboat charters out of Shelter Cove Harbour just across the road. We have two exquisite sailboats and three fun filled cruises that will please the whole family.
The Schooner "Welcome" offers a variety of options, including a relaxing sunset cocktail and hors d'oeuvres cruise ideal for catching the marsh breeze and enjoying the amazing views of Hilton Head. For those interested in the wildlife surrounding our island, the Eco Cruise is for you. Hitting the seas each afternoon allows you to encounter a wide variety of marine wildlife like sea turtles, marsh birds and majestic dolphins. Finally, the "Welcome" provides a fun-filled family experience with the Pirates Adventure Cruise. Sail the high seas with a pirate as your guide while learning to hoist the sails and steer the ship. Ahoy matey, it's a good time indeed!
If you're looking for a more private sailboat charter, we have the smaller 40-foot "Special-K". Take your time sailing around Hilton Head Island with an experienced captain and crew. Whether you're interested in learning more about how to sail or you want to surprise your spouse with a romantic private ride, the "Special-K" is a great choice.
The next time you're in Hilton Head consider taking an adventure to the high seas and come aboard one of our fabulous sailboat charters!
January is the month where many Americans are gung-ho with their list of New Year's resolutions. Lots of people are hitting the gym and checking out the health food isles at the grocery store, but we've also heard many people say they also resolve to spend more time with family. If you've been trying to get your immediate, or extended, family together for a while or want to plan a family reunion, why get the gang together at Palmetto Dunes?
Between our beautiful homes and villas, three world-renowned golf courses, tennis, bikes, fishing, shopping and the beach, every person in your family will be happy and entertained. What many people don't realize when deciding where to stay Hilton Head is that when you stay with Palmetto Dunes, you get the best deals available on all the activities at the resort, as well as lagoon activities and boat charters out of Shelter Cove Harbour. You also get two free hours of tennis time each day!
Shelter Cove Harbour, just across the road from the resort, is also a great place to take the fam, because there are plentiful restaurants to enjoy each night and a variety of shops to peruse. Our group planners can even help create a special dinner at The Dunes House or a more formal party to celebrate your family reunion.
So, ring up your family, start matching up calendars and settle on a date. Then give us a ring at 866-744-7558 or click here and we'll handle the rest.
We hope to see your whole gang here soon!
We know that many of you are experiencing chilling temperatures, snowy skies and icy roads. While we can't make it summer any earlier and we can't raise the temperatures to the lovely mild days we're experiencing here on Hilton Head, we can give you live updates and visuals of the beach every day! We have two webcams set up on the resort, one at The Dunes House and the other at The Robert Trent Jones Golf Course.
If you're in need of a little golf action on a cold day, check out the webcam at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. This beautiful course was renovated in 2002 to reshape fairways, trees, greens and bunkers. We were also able to improve the natural draining of the course by linking it to our 11-mile lagoon system. The Jones Course has 11 holes that run by the lagoon and 10th hole has a spectacular view of the ocean! This webcam is sure to make you want to pack up your clubs and head down to Hilton Head.
If you've had a rough week and need a minute of rest and relaxation from work, then check out The Dunes House webcam. The Dunes House is known for their awesome fish tacos and amazing view of the ocean. This webcam is situated in the perfect place to give you a view of guests enjoying lunch and watching the waves rolling in! If you're a romantic, check this webcam on the weekends for a chance to see a wedding happening live on the beach!
We want to bring you a little piece of Hilton Head and all that Palmetto Dunes has to offer whenever you want it by maintaining these webcams. The best part is the next time you're here you can tell your family or friends to tune in to see what a great time you're having on vacation!
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 3rd – 5th 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 8th 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 26th 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!
It's that time of year again! Time to start thinking about spring and summer vacations and we hope you choose Hilton Head. We're offering some great deals if you book your vacation here at Palmetto Dunes early and we wanted to highlight one of our wonderful Hilton Head rentals.
We know you want to spend your vacation in total paradise and 2526 The Morrings is pretty darn close! This two bedroom, two and a half bath villa comfortably sleeps six people, perfect for a family or group.
The location is ideal within the resort because you're very close to The Dunes House, the beach and you're right at the pool. The master bedroom has a king bed while the guest bedroom comes with two queen beds. The kitchen is open to the living room and den, allowing you to easily cook dinner while chatting with your family.
For those early birds who book now, we've got a great deal if you stay 5 or more nights. Call us at 866-744-7558 and you'll only pay $250 to reserve your vacation, plus we'll throw in free bikes and two hours of tennis court time each day! Your remaining deposit won't be due until February 15, 2012.
This 2012 Early Booking Special won't last forever but the memories in this beautiful villa will! We hope to see you all in Hilton Head soon!
It's said that 1 in 5 grooms propose to their wife each holiday season. With all the love and joy in the air between Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's, it's no surprise to us! If you're one of the lucky couples who've decided to head to wedded bliss this holiday season, you might want to consider a Hilton Head wedding as the perfect place to tie the knot.
Whether you want a quiet beachfront affair surrounded by close friends and family or a lavish event in a beautifully-decorated venue with hundred of guests, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort can help. Anne Graves, our catering and events manager can make your wedding dreams come true. If you'd like to see some of the beautiful Palmetto Dunes weddings we've had throughout the resort, take a look at our online testimonials.
We also encourage you to keep connected with us on Facebook and Twitter as one bride, Marie, did. She was able to ask questions each day the week in advance of her Hilton Head wedding on Twitter, tweet us updates on the excitement while they were in town and then post all their amazing pictures on Facebook and Twitter to share with our online family. We enjoyed Marie's wedding both online and offline!
We hope to hear from all you newly-engaged couples so we can help create your dream wedding. Please give Anne a call at 866.650.4130 or you can fill out a request form. Happy wedding planning from all of us at Palmetto Dunes!
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!
We thought it would be fun to share a little bit of history about the resort that so many of you call home, home away from home or vacation heaven.
It all started for Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort back in 1967 with the first major project being the development of the lagoon system. One year later, in 1968, development began on our championship Robert Trent Jones golf course
The early 70's brought the addition of the Inn Villas, Beach Villas, Water Oak Villas, the Chimney Cove development and the groundbreaking of the Hyatt Hotel. In 1973, the Fazio course was started and the Jones pro shop was expanded. The following year our wonderful Tennis Center was completed and the end of the 70's allowed us to finish Ocean Cove Villas, Turnberry Village and the Fazio Tennis Courts. We ended the decade with the acquisition by Greenwood Development Corporation.
The 80's brought more growth in our accommodation arena by adding Captain's Walk, Captain's Cove, St. Andrew's Common and more. In 1980 construction began on Shelter Cove Marina, making it an exciting year for us! Three years later came the dedication of Shelter Cove Harbour and the popular King Neptune sundial, the largest working figurative sundial in the world... In 1986, the Arthur Hills Course opened, completing our acclaimed, award-winning golf trifecta.
Over the past ten years, the resort built a new Tennis Center in 2001, and in 2002, the Robert Trent Jones course was completely renovated.
Look how far we've come since 1967! Who knows what will be in our future, but we look forward to all the great things to come and providing our guests with more activities than ever.
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!
It might be freezing outside and you're thinking more about wearing scarves than swimsuits but this Christmas why not get the family a present that will warm everyone's heart? A trip to Hilton Head Island!
Here at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort you can find the perfect home or villa located near the ocean, golf course or lagoon depending on how your loved ones want to spend their vacation.
2118 Windsor Place has an oceanfront view and plenty of space for your whole family. The large open balcony is a great place to drink your coffee in the morning or wind down at night to the sound of tbhe ocean breeze. Enjoy views of the ocean from your private balcony overlooking an oceanfront pool with a spa, barbecue area and children's pool.
We know that many families love to gather in the kitchen and this unit has a spacious kitchen that's open to the living and dining room. Another great feature is that all four bedrooms have their own private bathroom, making it easy for everyone to clean up and get ready after a day in the sand. The Arthur Hills golf course is a short walk away for all the golfers in the family, and you can enjoy two hours of free tennis court time each day you stay with us!
So call us now at 866-744-7558 and get the whole family a gift they will truly enjoy. Also, when you book early, you're eligible for some really amazing deals!
There are so many things to be thankful for here in Hilton Head, South Carolina. The gorgeous weather, the beach, fishing, biking, great golf and tennis and all the amazing people! If you're looking to skip the early snow this year and have a warm Thanksgiving, come celebrate with us at Palmetto Dunes. The average temperature here in November is upper 60's to mid 70's, making it great weather to hit one of our three golf courses, walk the beach or to play tennis all day!
Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated in a big way at our beach front restaurant, The Dunes House! On Thanksgiving, Nov. 25, from 11 am - 5 pm you can enjoy a huge Thanksgiving buffet your grandmother would be proud of. You can also pre-order a meal for carry-out. Just call us at 843-686-9623 or email us at email@example.com. The best part is you don't have to cook or clean up when you're done!
The buffet is $27.95 per person plus tax and gratuity and $13.95 for kids 12 and younger. Here is the menu for Turkey Day:
Thanksgiving Menu at The Dunes House:
Mix Greens Salad with House Dressings
New England Clam Chowder
Citrus Brined Deep Fried Tom Turkey
Oven Roasted Organic Free Range Turkey
Corn Bread Stuffing
Green Bean Casserole
Honey Glazed Baked Bone in Spiral Ham
Miss Liz's Three Cheese Mac and Cheese
Candied Yams
Garlic Mash Yukon Gold Potatoes
Fennel and Rosemary Crusted Prime Rib
Desserts include: Frankie Mae's Famous Pumpkin Pie, Keylime Pie,
Southern Bourban Pecan Pie, Sweet Potatoe Pie and Cookies.
Regular menu will not be served at this time.
We'll also be hosting a holiday kick-off celebration the day after Thanksgiving and we'll be sharing information soon with all the details. Whether you join us or celebrate at home, happy Turkey Day!
You work hard to stay in shape when you're at home, and you certainly don't want to let all that hard work go to waste by stopping on vacation. No worries. When you come to Palmetto Dunes, we've got you covered. Hilton Head Island is the perfect place to run, bike or even try something new, like beachfront yoga! Here are some options to help you return with the same, or better, beach bod that you arrived with:
Hilton Head Outfitters offers a wide variety of bicycles to rent. Guests can bike through the smooth streets, which are perfect for a calm, breezy ride. If you're up for more of a challenge, try a vigorous ride on the beach, which can burn up to 500 calories an hour! Another Palmetto Dunes activity that really gets the blood flowing is Cardio Tennis!
If you are a yoga enthusiast, you've got plenty to choose from. With many yoga studios around the island, you're sure to find the right fit! Our favorite is oceanfront yoga. What could be a better workout than practicing poses with the waves crashing serenely in the background? Beach Yoga is available in front of the Dunes House on Palmetto Dunes taught by Pamela Eaton.
If you're interested in visiting a more traditional gym, there are several on the island to try. We have an Anytime Fitness, Beach City Health and Fitness and Players Club Fitness Center to name a few. But, if you're looking for an awesome challenge we suggest trying CrossFit. Our own tennis maven, Jackie, attends each morning and highly recommends it!
So whether you're into tennis, biking, running or lifting here in Hilton Head Island, we've got all you need to get your sweat on! Let us know if you try any of our suggestions and how they "work out".
Halloween is in just two short weeks, which leaves little time to find a costume. For those who are super busy and don't want to spend a lot of time or money on a cool get-up for Halloween, we've got you covered with some Palmetto Dunes-inspired costumes for the whole family!
1. Dad as a golfer:
-polo shirt
-khaki shorts/pants
-golf shoes
-sweater to tie around your neck
-golf glove
2. Mom as a tennis player:
-tennis skirt/dress
- visor
-tennis shoes
3. Child as a Surfer:
-bathing suit
-cover up
-surfboard: can be made out of cardboard and painted by your child
-shell necklace or a lei
4. Toddler as a Sea Turtle:
- green hooded sweatshirt
- green sweatpants
- 2 large sheets of dark green felt
- light green and tan felt
- 2 large googly eyes
- pillow stuffing or newspaper
- fabric glue
This costume requires a little more work than the other three but is still very easy and super inexpensive to create. Follow these simple steps from HGTV and don't be afraid to get a little creative with it!
These are just a couple ideas that are fun and can be pulled together with items in your closet. Got more cheap and easy costume ideas? Tweet us an idea or a picture @PalmettoDunesSC or post to our Facebook page!
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 10th 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 12th 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 1st hole and ending the game with a 462-yard 18th 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 15th 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.
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.
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!