Shipyard Golf Club, Hilton Head Island, SC

Over the years, Shipyard Golf Club has hosted several premier events and is the former home of the Hilton Head Senior International (1982 to 1984). At the time Shipyard was recognized as one of the finest layouts on the CHAMPIONS TOUR. Shipyard has 27 holes, creating three distinctly different 18-hole layouts. Each course offers four sets of tees and can be played by any level of player. Not too long ago, all 27 greens were resurfaced with Diamond Zosia, a grass that stands up well to the Carolina weather. Several holes offer excellent risk/reward opportunities, but you’ll need accuracy off the tee and a good command of your short game to score well here.

The Clipper and Galleon course at Shipyard Golf Club were the first two courses and opened in 1970; nines the Brigantine Course followed in 1982. The George W. Cobb-designed Clipper Course may be the most difficult of the three nines. Most holes have A combination of long fairways lined with towering oak trees and perilous hazards such as sand bunkers and water hazards to keep you on your toes. All three nines require a good long game and soft touch around the greens.

The Clipper Course is the longest and provides the toughest test. Number 6 on the Clipper course is a challenging par 4 that plays 400 yards from the White Tees. It’s a dogleg right with a fairway bunker at the corner. Playing your tee shot slightly left of center will provide the best angle into the green which slopes back left to front right. The bunkers on either side of the green add to the challenge.

Shipyard has excellent practice facilities including a full-length driving range, short game area, and practice green. The staff of PGA Professionals at any of these courses can help you get the most out of your game. They offer private lessons, group lessons, camps, and clinics for golfers of all skill levels. There’s no excuse not to play your best when you step up to the first tee.

Heritage Golf Group has partnered with two local resorts: The Westin Resort & Spa and The Sonesta Resort. To get to the Sonesta Resort, you drive right by the Shipyard’s clubhouse, making it easy to get in an extra nine holes in the evening.

The Sonesta Resort is a AAA Four Diamond family-friendly beach resort that recently underwent a $30 million renovation. The renovation included a spectacular new swimming pool complex with a shaded lap pool and Jacuzzi, a zero-entry heated lagoon swimming pool, and a children’s area. The 340 spacious guest rooms and suites offer views of the Shipyard Plantation grounds, lush tropical gardens, swimming pools, and the Atlantic Ocean. The resort offers indoor and al fresco dining at Bayley’s Lobby Bar & Terrace, Seacrest Restaurant and Terrace, and Sweet Cane restaurants.

At the Westin Resort & Spa, coastal splendor meets southern hospitality. The resort sits nestled amid natural dunes and Hilton Head Island’s pristine white sands, The Westin Resort & Spa offers its guests oceanfront resort views from most guest rooms, the Heavenly Spa by Westin, and three outdoor pools. All of Westin’s bright, open rooms include WiFi, a flat-screen cable TV, a small refrigerator, and coffee-making facilities. There’s family-friendly dining in the Carolina Room, poolside dining at Splash, with additional dining at View 32 and Ingredients.

Any or all of these courses can be packaged together through The Heritage Golf Collection with a single phone call

Played on March 3, 2014. Staff was friendly and professional. The pace of play was acceptable with slightly over four hours for the round.

Of the three nine hole course, I thought that the Clipper was the easiest of the three. There are some challenges but a well thought out and played shot is rewarded.

Like the Galleon, the course was in good shape for the first week of March and the greens surprised us by being in good condition.

The Galleon/Clipper combination is fun to play although the scenery is not an outstanding aspect. This end of the island is crowded and this course has a lot of condos in close proximity to the course.

Get a reduced rate coupon and this can be an enjoyable day.