Hilton Head Golf

Hilton Head Golf

Hilton Head is nicknamed "Golf Island" for good reason: the island itself has 24 championship courses (most semiprivate), and the outlying area has 16 more. Each offers its own packages, some of which are great deals. Almost all charge the most in the morning and lower the rates as the day goes on. Some offer lower rates in the hot summer months. The dress code on island golf courses does not permit blue jeans, gym shorts, or jogging shorts. Men's shirts must have collars.

Arthur Hills at Palmetto Hall. A player favorite from the renowned designer Arthur Hills, this course has his trademark: undulating fairways. The course, punctuated with lakes, gently flows across the island's rolling hills, winding around moss-draped oaks and towering pines. The clubhouse is a replica of an antebellum greathouse.[. 108 Fort Howell Dr., Mid-Island. 843/689-5891 or 800/827-3006. 843/689-9205. www.golfisland.com. Reservations essential. 18 holes. 6918 yds. Par 72. Green Fee: $99-$75-$65. Facilities: Driving range, putting green, pitching area, golf carts, rental clubs, pro-shop, golf academy/lessons, restaurant, bar

Country Club of Hilton Head. Although it's part of a country club, the course is open for public play. A well-kept secret, it's never overcrowded. In 2005 it was a U.S. Open-qualifying site.[. 70 Skull Creek Dr. N, North End. 843/681-4653 or 888/465-3475. 843/689-9976. www.golfisland.com. Reservations essential. 18 holes. 6919 yds. Par 72. Green Fee: $89-$69-$49. Facilities: Driving range, putting green, pitching area, golf carts, pull carts, rental clubs, pro-shop, golf academy/lessons, restaurant, bar

Harbour Town Golf Links. Many golfers say this is one of those must-play-before-you die courses. It's extremely well known because it has hosted the Verizon Heritage Classic every spring for the last three decades. Designed by Pete Dye, the layout is reminiscent of Scottish courses of old. The Golf Academy is ranked among the top 10 in the country.[. Sea Pines Resort, 11 Lighthouse La., South End. 843/842-8484 or 800/955-8337. 843/363-8372. www.golfisland.com. Reservations essential. 18 holes. 6973 yds. Par 71. Green Fee: $270-$230. Facilities: Driving range, putting green, pitching area, golf carts, pull carts, caddies, rental clubs, pro-shop, golf academy/lessons, restaurant, bar

Old South Golf Links. This course has scenic holes with marshland and views of the Intracoastal Waterway.[. 50 Buckingham Plant Dr., North End. 843/785-5353. 843/837-7375. www.golfisland.com. Reservations essential. 18 holes. 6772 yds. Par 72. Green Fee: $50-$90. Facilities: Driving range, putting green, pitching area, golf carts, rental clubs, pro-shop, golf academy/lessons, restaurant, bar

Robert Trent Jones at Palmetto Dunes. This course is one of the island's most popular layouts. Its beauty and character are accentuated by the par-5, 10th hole, which offers a panoramic view of the ocean. It's one of only two oceanfront holes on Hilton Head.[. 7 Robert Trent Jones Way, North End. 843/785-1138. 843/785-3220. www.golfisland.com. Reservations essential. 18 holes. 7005 yds. Par 72. Green Fee: $59-$105. Facilities: Driving range, putting green, pitching area, golf carts, rental clubs, pro-shop, golf academy/lessons, restaurant, bar