Hilton Head golf vacation on three budgets: Plenty to do on a Lowcountry golf trip
Hilton Head Island, S.C. isn't as price prohibitive as one might think. One can plan a very sweet Hilton Head golf vacation for as little as $100 a day per person, including golf and lodging.
Packed onto this elite isle of golfing bliss are dozens of golf courses - some public, some private - and more than 200 restaurants. No, that dining number is not a typo. Go ahead, plan a weekend of golf rounds, followed by eating yourself silly.
No matter where you play, you won't feel cheated or slighted. Any of these combinations give you the choice of virtually any Hilton Head golf course, including the acclaimed Harbour Town Golf Links, home of the annual PGA Tour stop the week after the Masters.
Hilton Head golf on $100 per day
Starting with $100 per day per person, with double occupancy, you have your choice of playing virtually any public course on the island. By public, don't think "cheesy municipal." Think "gorgeous, we're-here-to-pamper-you resort courses." It's impossible not to name drop. Course designers include Robert Cupp, Arthur Hills, Rees Jones, Willard Byrd, George Cobb, George Fazio, Robert Trent Jones and Pete Dye.
Essentially, the packages throw in lodging for free, because golf on the island does run close to $100 per round, a little less in the chilly but still golfable winter. As an example, any of the Heritage Group courses (Palmetto Hall Plantation, Port Royal Golf Club, Shipyard Golf Club and Oyster Reef Golf Course) charge $52 to $132, depending on the season.
Sea Pines Resort charges $45 to $120 for the Ocean course and $190 to $255 for Harbour Town Golf Links.
At $100 per person, you'll get some ritzy digs and great golf. Stay at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront, which includes wi-fi access throughout the property, breakfast and a daily newspaper. The beach is right outside.
A Hilton Head golf vacation for the middle budget
Opt for a private villa at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort at $179 per person per day, based on four people staying in a two-bedroom, two-bath villa including a round of golf each day at one of the resort's three golf courses: the Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio or Arthur Hills.
If you want to be a little more pampered off the course, you might consider staying at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa at Port Royal Plantation.
Exit the building in one direction, and take a short cart ride to play one of three courses. Amble in the other direction and you're on the beach.
A three-night package includes two days of golf and runs about $220 per person per night.
A luxury Hilton Head golf vacation
Bump up the accommodations once again, and you can stay at The Inn at Harbour Town, Sea Pines Resort's elegant, European-flavored inn right on Harbour Town Golf Links. Two-night packages typically include a round each at Harbour Town and Heron Point. If you do choose that option, make time to borrow a bicycle and check out some of the rest of the 5,000-acre resort.
No matter what option you choose, you'll love the golf and the service at any of the hotels. Competition for travelers is steep on the island, and as a result, you'll be treated to some excellent golf and great service.
Plus, they have been catering to their customers for more than 40 years. Staff members can probably anticipate what you want even before you do.
February 23, 2010
Lisa Allen, Contributor
Lisa Allen is a golf, travel and business writer based in Beaufort, S.C. She has edited newspapers, magazines and books in Michigan, Indiana and South Carolina. Follow her on Twitter @LAllenSC.
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