I found an under-rated gem in Hilton Head. Actually, it’s in Bluffton, just before you get to the bridge that takes you on to Hilton Head Island. The Crescent Pointe Golf Club is a hoot, as fun as it is challenging, if I may use a word marketers over-do.

It’s the only public course around with Arnold Palmer’s name on it – Palmer Course Designs created it – if you like Palmer layouts. Crescent Pointe has many of Palmer’s personal design characteristics, including his well-known penchant for sugar-white, beach bunkers.

It isn’t long at 6,673 yards, but it is the kind of course where you can be challenged and have fun at the same time. It has rolling terrain, so it’s a break from all the flat, Hilton Head area courses.

You have to think on every hole, and not just off the tee. The greens lend themselves to difficult pin placements, and on the day I played it, it seemed I was always having to feather an iron delicately over a bunker, or water.

Despite its perils, Crescent Pointe still manages to be very playable. I suspect that is because it requires such concentration. It forces you to focus; I shot one of my best rounds here, for example, though I thought it was one of the more difficult courses I played, certainly harder than sister course Eagle’s Pointe.

Look for the full review coming soon on TG…