Thoughts on Palmetto Dunes in Hilton Head

Hey all, fortunate to be making a trip to Augusta for the Par 3 tournament and practice rounds so we're going to head over to Hilton Head prior to and play a couple rounds. We're renting a villa in Fiddler's Cove and our group decided on playing 2 courses at Palmetto Dunes (Trent Jones and Hills). Got any thoughts or recommendations? Trying to keep the budget $250 or under as I've got a Maui trip in October to worry about. Seems like Palmetto offered some nice options for more reasonable cost (Sea Pines seemed outrageous).

Kind of a bummer to only have 3 days to play with so many course options on the island.

I have yet to play them but the people I know that have love the two courses you mentioned.  If budget is a concern, also look at Hilton Head National and Old South just off the island.  HH National is my favorite course and is 100% natural; Old South has houses on only 3 holes and is otherwise a natural setting.

FYI, actually playing the Robert Trent Jones course on Monday.  I'll post back with my thoughts and maybe a few pictures...

Played the Jones course today.  It is a really nice course, definitely on the tougher side.  Some of the fairways are narrow and the entire course is littered with bunkers in prime positioning to catch your ball.  The clubhouse is not all that impressive (old, little run down--needs to be renovated).  Overall, definitely worth playing.

Handful of pictures.  All but the last picture shows the 10th hole (signature hole with an oceanfront green). The last is a par 3, cannot recall which hole...maybe 6th?

I really like the RTJ at Palmetto Dunes.  Starts off more "resort-y" with some easier holes, but as mentioned above, quickly gets pretty difficult.  Water everywhere, esp on the back nine.  It also has the only ocean view hole (the 10th) on the Island besides Harbour Town.

I haven't played the Arthur Hills.  I have played the Fazio course there several times--not as much of a fan, as I found it brutally hard with some huge forced carries etc...

And btw, if this is your first Hilton Head trip, finding restaurants and such on the island isn't always that easy, as architecturally many retail/restaurant areas are set pretty far back behind trees from the main drag, and you could drive right by not even knowing you passed them.  It took me about 3 trips before I started to feel like I "knew" the island.  I'd recommend Marley's (near the Sea Pines entrance), fun atmosphere with pseudo-Caribbean food; and closer to Fiddler's Cove is Frankie Bone's, more of a steak/American place--neither are overly expensive.  Plenty of mediocre seafood is everywhere, but I can't say that one is much better than any other (we usually end up at Steamers in Coligny Plaza--it's been fairly reliable--mostly because afterward you can walk to the Rita's stand and grab some frozen custard or water ice).  There's some finer dining on the island as well, but I haven't gone as I usually am there with my kids in tow!

One thing about Hilton Head is that our restaurants are very overrated.  Generally mediocre and overpriced, which is why after 10+ years of living here I typically eat at only a half dozen restaurants.  While I am not much of a seafood person, I think Hudson's is one of the only seafood places worth eating at, mostly because almost all of their fish is local that they have caught using their own boats.  Really only the crab and lobster are "imported" whereas the typical seafood joint here imports from say, Asia, to maximize their margin.

Lovely! Would love to go there soon :D

Palmetto Dunes courses are nice but I would recommend a few others. I live Part time on the island so I have pretty much played everywhere. If I was to suggest a few. First, Sea pines is a tourist trap...and not all that great. As far as the Palemetto Dunes courses go, my father in law has been a member at all three for the last 7 years so I have played them all countless times. BUT, they are also in the tourist area...right by the major hotels. If I had to reccomend one of the three it would be Trent Jones....Arthur Hills is a lot of fun. Fazio is kinda boring in my opinion...and they have a few mirror image holes which is just lazy. Don't let the holes that you see as you are pulling into plantation fool you...the rest of the course isn't as pretty. Trent Jones has always been one of my favs on the island but gets kinda packed sometimes so be prepared for a potential slow round. Arthur hills is a wild course...over water and then abck over it again...lots of gators too!!! and bring balls...lot of trouble to get into...#11 is my nemesis so give it the finger for me if you play it. The only negative with Arthur Hills is that the condition has been up and down over the years...not sure why...maybe too much traffic. here is a list of some others outside of palmetto dunes plantation that I would recommend. #1 Oyster Reef in Hilton Head Plantation...It is a rees Jones design with everything you want in a course....quality bunkering, doglegs in both directions, nice greens and tee boxes. You will not be disappointed! #2 Country Club of Hilton Head Plantation...rees Jones design. Its private but they will get you on at a reasonable price. They just spent $3 million redoing all the greens and did a bunch of other stuff to improve the course. The greens were as pristine as I have ever seen when I played there in January. And its definitely a challenge...deep bunkers and there isn't a straight hole on the course. Don't listen to the reviews you might read...they went through some tough times a few years back but have brought in new management and have turned the place around and then some. #3 Golden Bear in Indigo Run Plantation: Nicklaus Design. They always have good deals running and it is always in good shape. Greens are always running smooth. Aside from the Palmetto Dunes Courses where my father in law is a member, I probably play here more than anywhere else because of the good deals. #4 Palmetto Hall Plantation: Robert Cupp and an Arthur Hills. Both courses are a blast...and normally in good shape. Prices are decent as well. Lastly, stay away from Port Royal....overplayed and they have had some major problems over the last year. and they haven't adjusted their prices to make up for it. Last time I played there, I almost walked off the course it was that bad. Tee boxes were destroyed, greens were dead and so on. Shipyard isn't that great either. Sorry for the novel....I just love Hilton Head and don't want you to have a bad time. If you are looking for some quality eats, go to Ela's Blue Water Grille in Shelter Cove....its right across from Palmetto Dunes Plantation. I'm biased because My father in law owns the place...quality surf and turf. If you go tell them John sent you. Looking for a good burger...go to Harold's dinner? Its a crappy little place but delicious! Okay...I'm done! ha ha. have fun!

Ever beeen to Ela's? Its where Ocean Grille used to be in Shelter Cove. If not, try it out! I am biased because my father in law owns it, but it really is a good place. Just stop in for an appetizecrab crab cakes and the Calamari are unbelievable. Tell em John sent you! I am in the process of moving down, so who knows...I may be sitting at the bar. ha ha

I love the Arthur Hills course at Palmetto Dunes, and the RTJ is my second favorite.  Used to live in Savannah and would go out there about once a month for a full day of golf; would usually play two courses, and always included the Hills course in the outing.  All the courses are hard for various reasons; I actually thought the Hills was more difficult at times due to the angles and tiny greens.  I think the short par-4 #2 at Hills is one of the best holes on the island.

But John certainly sounds like he knows what he's talking about.

Hills is definitely the most difficult for sure...damn you #11!!!!!!:-D

And yes, #2 is one hell of a hole.  If you don't hit that drive down past that big tree on the left, the green is blocked.  Green has water covering it from front left all the way around the right side.  I If you don't hit it passed that tree, you will have a long carry over water..  But if you hit it too far that downslope in the fairway will bounce your ball down into the water.  The sweet house to the left with the pool has definitely collected a few of my balls....actually banked a few off the side of the house.  oops!   GREAT HOLE!!!

I was in Hilton Head last week and played Hilton Head National, Arthur Hills, and RTJ. All were in similar solid condition although the greens were very sandy at National. I think I enjoyed the Hills layout the most, followed by RTJ then National. While RTJ has the Ocean Hole you also have several highway holes that run parallel to a very busy road that kind of takes away from the ambiance on the front side. It also has several holes on the front and back that run in the same direction, one after another. I think I could see 3-4 flags one behind another from the 12th/13th tee. Still a very solid course, I just liked the variety at Hills better.

We found some great food spots that I figured I'd share:

Lowcountry Backyard - great comfort food (fried green tomatoes, potato chip crusted meatloaf) and catch of the day specials

One Hot Mama's - I think the owner is/was on the Food Network recently; some of the best wings I've had anywhere (try Hot Asian and Mustard BBQ) and a great bar

Sea Shack - long line any time of day (30min - 1hr) but worth at least one visit for some great fresh seafood and sides

jhwmusic...You have good taste in golf courses. :)

I've played pretty much every course on and just off the island.

Country Club of Hilton Head, Oyster Reef and Golden Bear are my 3 favorites.

Arthur Hills at Palmetto Dunes, Harbour Town, Heron Point, Hilton Head National, and Eagle's Point (sister course Crescent Point staff was horrendous or I would include it on the list) are good as well.

I agree Port Royal is a complete waste of time.  I haven't played the Cupp Course, but the Arthur Hills course Palmetto Hall was real windy when I played it.  Even with a five handicap I struggled big time on that course.  I think I lost 5 or 6 balls. :)