Golfer's Guide Hilton Head October

GOLFER’S GUIDE SUPPLEMENT OF HILTON HEAD MONTHLY

OCTOBER 2012 www.golfersguide.com/hilton-head-island

« 2011 winner BEN CRANE

Seaside «Retreat McGladrey Classic shines spotlight on Golden Isles of Georgia | p 126

Chechessee Hosting Honors Cup | p 128

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Dataw Unveils Renovated Morgan River Course | p 134

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MCGLADREY CLASSIC

PGA TOUR PLAYERS HAVE

GEORGIA VIEW TO A THRILL: The Seaside Course at Sea Island Golf Club consistently ranks among the best in the nation.

The layout is open to the public with greens fees ranging from $175 to $295.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCGLADREY CLASSIC

ON THEIR MINDS

by Lance Hanlin

DEFENDING CHAMP RETURNS TO MCGLADREY CLASSIC FOLLOWING IMPROBABLE WIN IN 2011

A

fter winning the McGladrey Classic last year at Sea Island Golf Club, Ben Crane asked a simple question in his post-tournament news conference.

“What the heck am I doing here?” Crane said.

His wife was scheduled to have their third child in Dallas the next day.

He nearly withdrew from the tournament three days before due to a sore hip.

On the final day, he was so far out of the lead, he didn’t even look at the scoreboard until the 16th hole.

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So what in the heck was Crane doing there, sitting next to the winner’s trophy after all the dust settled at sundown on the Georgia coast?

Following a disappointing 2011 regular season, he made the trip to Sea Island just to find his form.

On the final day, he made the turn at the Seaside Course down six strokes but came up with birdies on holes 9, 10 and 11. After two more birdies on 14 and 15, the Oregon native finally looked at the scoreboard and realized he had an outside shot.

It made him think of a line from one of his favorite movies.

“So you’re saying there’s a chance!” Crane joked, quoting Jim Carry from the 1994 film Dumb and Dumber.

He made a 20-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole and an 18-footer for birdie on No. 17, giving him eight birdies over his final 11 holes to tie Webb Simpson at 15-under for the lead.

After Simpson missed a three-foot par putt on the second playoff hole, Crane picked up the fourth PGA Tour victory of his career.

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“That’s as good as I can play,” Crane said.

The 36-year-old Baylor graduate will look for more of his best when the 2012 McGladrey Classic returns to the Seaside Course Oct. 18-21.

Heading into its third year, the PGA Tour Fall Series event has been nothing short of dramatic. Crane’s playoff victory was preceded by Heath Slocum’s onestroke victory over Bill Hass in the inaugural tournament in 2010.

In comparison to other fall series events, the McGladrey Classic has drawn an impressive field of professionals. Five of the top eight finishers in this year’s U.S. Open played in last year’s McGladrey Classic.

Several professionals live on St. Simons Island and train at the Sea Island Golf Learning Center, including Jonathan Byrd, Lucas Glover, Dustin Johnson, Zach Johnson, Stewart Cink, Matt Kuchar and Brandt Snedeker. The tournament host is Davis Love III. “We have a fantastic venue in Sea Island and you couldn’t ask for a better host than

DETAILS WHAT 2012 McGladrey Classic PGA Tour golf tournament (national event) WHEN/WHERE Oct. 18-21, Seaside Course, Sea Island Golf Club; St. Simons Island, Ga. TV SCHEDULE 2 p.m.-5 p.m., Oct. 18-21, Golf Channel TICKETS $30-$35 daily, $125 weekly MORE INFORMATION Go online to www.mcgladreyclassic.com

Davis Love III,” tournament director Scott Reid said. “He is so well-respected among his peers on the tour. I think a lot of players knew if he was going to be involved, it was going to be a first-class event. The word is getting out. I think the field is going to keep getting better each year.”

The Seaside Course was built by Tom Fazio and features several tidal creeks and salt marshes. Ancient oaks and cedars, white sandy dunes and native grass-

es add contrast to the perfectly manicured fairways and greens. The course consistently ranks among the best in the nation.

“It’s such a good golf course,” Reid said.

“It’s got a lot of character and it’s a straightforward golf course. There’s nothing tricky about it. I think that’s why the players really like it. It’s tough around the greens and if the wind blows, look out. We really haven’t had any of our normal wind the first two years.

We’re still waiting for that windy day to see how they do.”

McGladrey, the world’s fifth largest tax and consulting firm, signed a three-year extension with the tournament last year and will serve as title sponsor through 2015. The tournament will join the FedEx Cup schedule next year.

“It’s a very intimate event,” Reid said.

“We probably average six or seven thousand people a day so you get a chance to get up close to the players. Everybody is just relaxed, having a good time and the weather is perfect in October here. It’s just a great time of the year to be here.” G

DL3 HOPES MCGLADREY CLASSIC CAN DUPLICATE SUCCESS, FEEL OF HERITAGE

HOST WITH THE MOST: With five victories, McGladrey Classic host Davis Love III has won the Heritage more times than any golfer in history. Love hopes his tournament will build on the success and feel of the Heritage.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND has always been a special place for Davis Love III. The U.S. Ryder Cup team captain and PGA Tour legend earned his first significant amateur victory here in 1982, winning the Junior Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links.

Harbour Town was also the site of his first PGA Tour win — the 1987 MCI Heritage Classic.

The name of Hilton Head’s marquee sporting event has changed several times over the years but Love has remained a constant. He didn’t miss a Heritage from 1986 to 2011, winning a record five times while earning more than $2.6 million.

Love isn’t the only fan of the event.

Earlier this year, Harbour Town ranked No. 2 in a survey of professional players listing their top 10 courses on the PGA Tour.

Augusta National, home of the

Masters, placed first in the survey. The Heritage takes place the week after the Masters and has traditionally been a place for professional players to relax with their families after such a stressful week.

Justin Leonard summed it up best in 2008 when he compared the Masters to final exams and the Heritage to spring break.

With the stress of the FedEx Cup Playoffs and Ryder Cup now over, that’s the type of atmosphere Davis Love III wants for his hometown PGA Tour event – the McGladrey Classic on St. Simons Island, Ga. Love is the official host for the tournament, which takes place Oct. 18-21 at Sea Island Golf Club.

“The Heritage will always be special to my family and me,” Love said. “We are trying to build on the success and the feel of the Heritage and have another event that is a favorite of the

players and their families, and show that the Southeast coast from the Heritage to the Players (Championship) is a world-class golf destination.”

Love also hopes his tournament, heading into its third year, can continue to shine a spotlight on St. Simons Island the way the Heritage has done for Hilton Head Island over the years. All four rounds of this year’s tournament will be broadcast live on the Golf Channel.

“We always say all we have to do is get people to Sea Island and they are hooked,” Love said. “The event exposes and shows off the resort to more people than any other type of marketing. And it goes beyond just Sea Island. This event and the media exposure it brings showcases what is great about the entire Golden Isles of Georgia. Over time, we feel it will create an impact on the entire coastal region from Jacksonville to Savannah to Hilton Head.” G October 2012

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HONORS CUP

the

RIVALRY continues

HONORS CUP PITS AREA’S TOP AMATEURS AGAINST TOP PROFESSIONALS

ONE OF A KIND: The course at Chechessee Creek Club is the only Coore & Crenshaw design in the Lowcountry. The private course is a neutral setting for the area’s best amateur and professional golfers.

by Lance Hanlin

PHOTO COURTESY OF L.C. LAMBRECHT

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OB COLLAR IS A COMPETITIVE GUY. IF YOU’RE PLAYING MONOPOLY, HE’LL TRY TO KNOCK ONE OF YOUR HOTELS OFF THE BOARD. IF IT’S A GAME OF PICKUP BASKETBALL, EXPECT THE FULL-COURT PRESS FROM START TO FINISH.

That’s why the 2011 Honors Cup has been eating at him all year.

“We should have won it last year,” Collar said. “Let me tell you, there were almost tears out there.”

Collar is captain of the 12-person Hilton Head Island Amateur Golf Association Honors Cup team. Each year, his squad of amateur golfers challenges the top 12 professionals from the Hilton Head Island PGA Chapter in six four-ball matches and 12 singles matches.

The professionals won last year’s Honors Cup by ½ a point, ending a three-year winning streak by the amateurs. Collar’s squad will get a chance to reclaim the title Oct. 22 when the 2012 Honors Cup takes place at 128

Chechessee Creek Club.

Both teams are selected using a points system of various pre-determined tournaments. For the amateurs, automatic spots were awarded to match play champion Jordan Carpenter, four-ball team champions Collar and John Bartlett, HHIAGA amateur champion Rob Simmons and Hilton Head Open amateur division champion Jeff Wong.

The next five spots, based on points, were given to John Patterson, Benji Gecy, Gerry Pascale, Jamie Manning and Jim Ferguson.

Collar will use two captain’s picks to fill out the 12-man team.

“We take it very serious,” said Patterson, who works as director of marketing and sales at Chechessee Creek Club. “We’re all friends

at the end of the day, but when we get out there, you want to say you were the winner.”

For the professional team, the winners of the six HHIPGA tournaments automatically qualify.

David Rogers of Secession Golf Club won the Professionals Championship and the Assistants Championship. Doyle Ricks of Oldfield Golf Club was the Stableford Points champion and won the Pro-Scratch event. Stuart Carrihill of Dataw Island Club won the Hilton Head Open. The winner of the Individual Match Play event will also automatically qualify.

The rest of the professional team will be based on points earned in all of those tournaments.

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TIMELESS EXPERIENCE: The goal of Chechessee Creek Club is to create an experience of the way golf used to be played. From the warm architecture of its clubhouse to the layout of its course, Chechessee Creek is a step back in time.

Chechessee Creek Club will host the area's top professional and amateur golfers in the annual Honors Cup Oct. 22.

PHOTO COURTESY OF L.C. LAMBRECHT

“We’ve got some really good golf pros in this area that play some really good golf,” said Dolphin Head professional Matt Stewart, who is vice president of the Hilton Head Island PGA chapter and captain for the professional team. “I like our chances over at Chechessee.”

The professional team leads the series 24-4.

The amateurs won the inaugural Honors Cup back in 1984 only to see the professionals win the next 23 years in a row. The amateurs have had a strong resurgence, winning in 2008, 2009 and 2010 before last year’s close loss.

Stewart feels the close in the talent gap can be attributed to a change in the golf landscape.

“Those guys get to play as much or more golf than we do,” Stewart said. “There are some very good amateurs in this area and those guys are very competitive. Over the last few years, the golf business has changed a little bit. The golf pro maybe plays a little less golf and spends too much time behind a computer.”

Both teams have the option of staying in cottages provided by Chechessee Creek Club the night before the event. Other extras include shirts, hats, a free dinner with a surprise guest speaker, a free breakfast the morning of the event and a free lunch after the four-ball matches are completed.

Chechessee Creek Club is also providing caddies, adding to the atmosphere.

“It’s a good thing that we’re getting the caddies because we are going to need the info,” Collar said. “You’ve got to be familiar with that course and know where to hit it to give yourself the best shot coming into the green.”

The private course is unlike any in the area, almost like a northern course with treelined fairways, dense woods and numerous bunkers along the fairways. Golfers can utilize their distance off the tee, but at the same time, Chechessee Creek is very much a placement course. The green complexes are considered tough but fair. It is the only Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw design in the area.

“When they design their golf courses, they try to make them look real old and traditional,” Stewart said. “The fact that not many of us pros or amateurs get to play it an awful lot is going to make for an even playing field, for sure.”

At the end of the day, the Honors Cup is all about bragging rights. The professionals are out to prove their superiority in a sport they’ve dedicated their lives to while the amateurs view it as a chance to prove themselves against the authoritative figures they regularly comply to at all the area courses.

A Ryder Cup-like rivalry has developed.

“This year, we want it bad,” Collar said.

“When it gets down to those individual matches, it’s pressure-packed. That’s why we all play.” G

DETAILS WHAT 2012 Honors Cup (local event) WHEN/WHERE 7:30 a.m., Oct. 22, Chechesseee Creek Club THE SKINNY The top 12 amateur golfers from the HHIAGA take on the top 12 professionals from the HHIPGA in six four-ball matches and 12 singles matches MORE INFORMATION Go online to www.hhiaga.com or www.hhipga.com

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FISHER CUP

GOOD FRIENDS

GREAT TIMES CROSSING THE POND: Each year, more than 30 European golfers come to Hilton Head Island to take on a team of American players in a Ryder Cup-style event called the Fisher Cup. The series is tied 4-4.

GOLFERS FROM EUROPE, UNITED STATES GATHER EACH YEAR FOR RYDER CUP-STYLE EVENT

by Lance Hanlin

M

ore than 30 golfers from the United Kingdom and Ireland are coming to Hilton Head Island this month to take on a group of American players for the ninth annual Fisher Cup. The Ryder Cup-style event starts Oct. 5 and features four days of competition at four local courses: Arthur Hills (Palmetto Dunes), Robert Trent Jones (Palmetto Dunes), Harbour Town Golf Links (Sea Pines) and Oldfield (Bluffton).

Cash prizes will be awarded each day to the best team and in several closest-to-the-pin contests. The real prize comes at the end, though, with the winning team taking home the coveted Fisher Cup. “It is a fabulous time,” said Hilton Head Island resident Dave Fisher, who the event is named after.

“All the players enjoy Hilton Head and both teams look forward to seeing their buddies from across the pond. The people at Sea Pines tell us that we are their largest private golf outing.”

The seed for the Fisher Cup was planted 20 years ago when Fisher purchased a house in Sea Pines.

He started hosting up to eight friends each October for a long weekend of golf. While working at a 130

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company called 3dfx Interactive in the late 1990s, Fisher met Paul Davies and his business partner, Brendan Ryan. Both were manufacturing reps for 3dfx Interactive in the United Kingdom.

Fisher quickly became friends with the pair and began inviting them to the annual golf outing each October, which had grown to 24 golfers. After a few years, Ryan and Davies asked Fisher if they could bring a few more friends over from Europe. That bumped the size of the outing up to 32 golfers.

With so many European players, the group decided to institute the Fisher Cup in 2004. The competitive but friendly event is now capped at 72 players with nine standbys.

Competitors come from various backgrounds, ranging from roofers to the electronics field. Their handicaps are also on both ends of the spectrum, from a low of four to a high of 28.

The series is tied at four victories each heading into the ninth annual event. Team Europe has won the past two years.

“We have often thought about bringing the U.S. team over here or even somewhere like Spain, but to be honest, we love coming over every year so

much, that thought doesn’t stay long,” said Davies, who serves as team captain for Europe. “Sea Pines and Hilton Head have made us feel so welcome.

The courses are fantastic and the nightlife, though somewhat limited, is perfectly fine.”

Many European players stick around a few days after the event for work or relaxation. Favorite hangouts include The Crazy Crab, The Electric Piano, The Quarterdeck and Crane’s Tavern.

“Although winning the cup is important, the main emphasis is that everyone enjoys themselves,” Fisher said. G

DETAILS WHAT 2012 Fisher Cup (local event) WHEN/WHERE Oct. 5-8, Arthur Hills (Palmetto Dunes), Robert Trent Jones (Palmetto Dunes), Harbour Town Golf Links (Sea Pines), Oldfield (Bluffton) THE SKINNY A team of golfers from the United Kingdom and Ireland take on a team of United States players in a four-day, Ryder Cup-style event MORE INFORMATION Go online to www.fishercup.com

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NEWS & NOTES Palmetto Hall awards honorary membership to wounded warrior

WHAT’S

HOT WHAT’S

NOT THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY OF GOLF

| HOT |

| NOT |

Watching the Ryder Cup

Listening to Red Solo Cup

Hitting up the rich neighborhoods with a creative Halloween costume Humiliating your poor pet with a ridiculous Halloween costume Wilson D-100 irons

Golf brings Obama, Clinton together

Rising LPGA Tour star Sandra Gal voted hottest golfer in Golf Digest poll 132

Wilson

Palmetto Hall Plantation Club has awarded an honorary membership to Joe Caley, the club’s Wounded Warrior for 2012. The club is participating in the Adopt-A-Wounded Warrior Program.

Caley lives with his wife and seven year old daughter in Augusta, Ga., where he is receiving treatment at the Eisenhower Medical Center for combat injuries sustained in Iraq. “We are delighted to welcome Joe and his family to Palmetto Hall Plantation Club,” said Ray Dznowski, Director of Operations for the Heritage Collection on Hilton Head Island. “The honorary membership program is another great way that we can show appreciation for the sacrifices made by America’s service members.”

Habitat for Humanity tournament coming to Oldfield Oldfield Golf Club in Okatie will host the 15th annual Habitat for Humanity golf tournament at 11 a.m. on Oct. 1. The cost of the tournament is $125 per person and includes lunch, dinner and a gift bag. For more information, contact Rich Spiehs at 843-3428004 or e-mail Richard.spiehs@suntrust.com

Hampton Hall hosting ‘Be A Saint’ charity scramble Hampton Hall will host the 2012 “Be A Saint” charity scramble at 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 29. Proceeds will benefit the free prenatal services offered by the Pregnancy Center & Clinic of the Lowcountry.

The cost is $150 and includes breakfast, lunch, refreshments and snacks. For more information, call 843-689-2222 or e-mail hhislim@gmail.com.

Callawassie to host charity tournament The 12th annual Friends of Callawassie charity golf tournament will take place at 9 a.m. Nov. 5 on Callawassie Island. The cost of the two-person event is $135 per player and includes green fee, cart fee, prize merchandise and an awards luncheon. The field is limited to the first 60 team entries. Friends of Callawassie has raised more than $360,000 for more than 80 local charities. For more information, call 843-987-2161 or go online to www.callawassieisland.com.

HHIJGA announces fall class Clinton breaks 90 using “Billigans”

Male bracket winner Rickie Fowler pummeled by Gal in finals, 99.61% to 0.39%

The Hilton Head Island/Bluffton-based Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy recently announced its fall class represents 25 counties and 22 states. The new semester began Aug. 16 and features golfers from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Columbia, Ecuador, Estonia, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Mozambique, Panama, Serbia, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States and Venezuela. The full-time golf program consists of spending half a day on golf instruction. For the second half, students in grades five through 12 attend Heritage Academy to fulfill their academic requirements. Class work includes extensive offerings in college preparatory and honors courses.

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UPCOMING EVENTS Monday, Oct. 1 • Lowcountry Women’s Golf Association Tournament; Berkeley Hall, Bluffton; Time TBD • Habitat for Humanity Tournament; Oldfield Golf Club, Okatie; 11 a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 13 • South Carolina Golf Association 16th annual Mixed Team Championship; Hamton Hall Club, Pinecrest Golf Club, Bluffton; Time TBD • Women’s South Carolina Golf Association Mixed Team Championshp; Hampton Hall, Bluffton; Time TBD • International Junior Golf Tour tournament; Port Royal Planter’s Row, Hilton Head Island; Time TBD

Sea Pines announces new clubhouse for Heron Point, Ocean Course SEA PINES RESORT is building a new 16,000 square-foot clubhouse for its Heron Point and Ocean golf courses. The clubhouse will reside on the site of the current Plantation Club. Planned amenities include an expansive pro shop; a bar and grill; 2,000 square feet of meeting space; a new golf learning center and spacious locker rooms. Completion of the new clubhouse is slated for late 2013. Both Heron Point and the Ocean Course will remain open during construction.

Sunday, Oct. 14 • South Carolina Golf Association 16th annual Mixed Team Championship; Hamton Hall Club, Pinecrest Golf Club, Bluffton; Time TBD • Women’s South Carolina Golf Association Mixed Team Championship; Hampton Hall, Bluffton; Time TBD • International Junior Golf Tour tournament; Port Royal Planter’s Row, Hilton Head Island; Time TBD Monday, Oct. 15 • Lowcountry Women’s Golf Association Tournament; Pinecrest; Time TBD Saturday, Oct. 20 • International Junior Golf Tour tournament; Savannah Quarters, Pooler, Ga.; Time TBD

Sunday, Oct. 21 • International Junior Golf Tour tournament; Savannah Quarters, Pooler, Ga.; Time TBD Monday, Oct. 22 • Hilton Head Island Amateur Golf Association, Hilton Head Island Professional Golf Association Honors Cup; Chechessee Creek Club; 7:30 a.m.

• Hilton Head Island Professional Golf Association Pro-Assistant; TBD Monday, Oct. 29 • 2012 Hilton Head Island Amateur Golf Association and Hilton Head Island Professional Golf Association Pro-Am; Oldfield Golf Club, Okatie; Time TBD • ‘Be A Saint’ charity scramble; Hampton Hall Golf Club, Bluffton; 9:30 a.m.

Saturday, Nov. 3 • International Junior Golf Tour tournament; Oyster Reef Golf Club, Hilton Head Island Sunday, Nov. 4 • International Junior Golf Tour tournament; Oyster Reef Golf Club, Hilton Head Island; Time TBD Monday, Nov. 5 • Friends of Callawassie charity tournament; Callawassie Island Club; 9 a.m.

Monday, Nov. 12 • Lowcountry Women’s Golf Association Tournament; Wextford; Time TBD • Memory Matters Charity Tournament; Moss Creek Golf Club; 9 a.m.

October 2012

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Dataw Delight PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID WARREN

RENOVATED MORGAN RIVER COURSE UNVEILED

by Lance Hanlin

READY TO PLAY: New fairway grass was put down on hole No. 18 of the Morgan River course. It was one of the many changes recently unveiled following a $5.4 million renovation of Dataw Island’s two courses.

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fter two years and $5.4 million in renovations, Dataw Island residents now have access to two upgraded championship golf courses.

Improvements inside the 870acre gated community started with the acclaimed Cotton Dike course in 2010 and ended with the unveiling of the new Morgan River course last month.

Residents, club officials and select members of the media got their first chance to play the new Morgan River layout Sept. 12 in a grand reopening tournament.

“It was spectacular,” Dataw member Jim Foley said. “For a course that just got rebuilt, the greens and tees were magnificent.

These guys did a whale of a job.”

While renovations weren’t as dramatic as they were on the Cotton Dike track, many significant upgrades were made to Morgan River.

Irrigation was replaced, cart paths were repaired and straightened, bunkers were improved, new drainage was installed, lake banks were restored and several trees were pruned to allow more sunlight on the fairways and greens.

All greens were also re-grassed with Miniverde Ultradwarf Bermuda grass. Dataw member

Bernie Chalmers made the most of the improved surfaces, rolling in four clutch putts for his foursome in the tournament.

“I think the course is very playable,” Chalmers said. “The greens are true and the turf has grown in very consistently. The changes to the five or six holes are good, mainly because it turns it into a different golf course for us to play.

I’ve been playing this course for 15 years. This is a nice change.”

When designer Arthur Hills opened Morgan River in 1989, he described it as “delightful.”

Words such as relaxing, beautiful and unique also fit.

Unlike many private communities, some of the most valuable waterfront property at Dataw wasn’t sold for home sites, it was used for golf. The Morgan River, home to Megalodon and other types of fossil shark teeth, is very much a part of the course named after it.

Water comes into play on 10 of the 18 holes. It measures 6,646 from the longest tees and is the narrowest Dataw course, placing a premium on accuracy.

“The views are unbelievable,” assistant golf professional Stuart Carrihill said. “We have two very different golf courses that give you two unique experiences. If

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ht

you’re going to play golf like our members do, day in and day out, you want two completely different venues. That’s what they’ve got.”

The renovation project was handled by course designer and former Augusta National superintendent Billy Fuller. The goal of his design company was to bring course specifications up to par by incorporating modern golf design principals, in turn making the club competitive with the marketplace for the next 20 to 30 years.

Mission accomplished.

“I’m very pleased with both courses,” Dataw member Bob Hazelrigg said. “The Cotton Dike course has been just wonderful.

The greens hold well. I think every indication shows (the Morgan River greens) will as well in just a couple of months. I think both renovations are really great.” G

and

IMPROVED Both of Dataw Island’s championship golf courses got a recent facelift. Here is a look at both layouts.

COURSE Cotton Dike

COURSE Morgan River

YEAR BUILT 2008 (Tom Fazio)

YEAR BUILT 1989 (Arthur Hills)

RENOVATION 2010 (Billy Fuller)

RENOVATION 2012 (Billy Fuller)

PAR 72

PAR 72

RATING/SLOPE (WHITE) 68.7/124

RATING/SLOPE (WHITE) 68.5/121

WHAT'S NEW Seventeen of the greens were cored out and recontoured. All of the greens were re-grassed with MiniVerde Ultra Dwarf Bermudagrass. Fairways were converted to Celebration Bermuda, a grass better suited for shade and heat.

A new drainage system was installed.

Bunkers got new drainage and sand.

WHAT'S NEW All bunkers were redone, cart paths were repaired, lake banks were restored and several trees were pruned to allow more sunlight to the fairways. All greens were re-grassed with Miniverde Ultradwarf Bermuda. New fairway grass was put down for holes 1, 17 and 18. The irrigation was replaced.

DETAILS The course was originally created out of the marshes by a series of dikes originally used to generate more land for cotton fields during the plantation days. The course requires strategy and accuracy. Nearly half of the 18 holes lie along the pristine marsh waters of Jenkins Creek.

DETAILS The Morgan River course is narrower than the Cotton Dike and challenges every shot, demanding accuracy at all times. The beauty of the course is apparent as it winds through the scattered oak trees, framing water views of the Morgan River.

DL DU

HOST W five vic Classic won the than an

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C O U R S E S Y O U C A N P L AY Country Club of Hilton Head 70 Skull Creek Drive, Hilton Head Island hiltonheadclub.com 843-681-4653 Oct. 1 rates: Call clubhouse

Palmetto Dunes Arthur Hills Course 2 Leamington Lane, Hilton Head Island palmettodunes.com 843-785-1138 Oct. 1 rates: Call clubhouse

Crescent Pointe Golf Club 1 Crescent Pointe, Bluffton crescentpointegolf.com 843-706-2600 Oct. 1 rates: $69 morning; $59 afternoon; $49 after 3 p.m.

Palmetto Dunes George Fazio Course 2 Carnoustie, Hilton Head Island palmettodunes.com 843-785-1138 Oct. 1 rates: Call clubhouse

Eagle’s Point Golf Club 1 Eagle’s Pointe, Bluffton eaglespointegolf.com 843-757-5900 Oct. 1 rates: $69 morning; $59 afternoon; $49 after 3 p.m.

Golden Bear at Indigo Run 72 Golden Bear Way, Hilton Head Island 843-689-2200 Oct. 1 rates: $89 morning; $69 afternoon Hampton Hall 170 Hampton Hall Blvd., Bluffton hamptonhallsc.com 843-815-8720 Oct. 1 rates: $87 morning; $74 afternoon Harbour Town Golf Links 11 Lighthouse Lane, Hilton Head Island seapines.com 843-363-8385 Oct. 1 rates: $249 morning; $189 afternoon Heron Point By Pete Dye 32 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island seapines.com 843-842-1477 Oct. 1 rates: $124 morning; $89 afternoon Hilton Head Lakes 2005 Wiregrass Way, Hardeeville hiltonheadlakes.com 843-208-5353 Oct. 1 rates: $45 before 2 p.m., $25 after Hilton Head National Golf Club 60 Hilton Head National Drive, Hilton Head golfhiltonheadnational.com 843-842-5900 Oct. 1 rates: $90 morning; $77 after 11 a.m.; $64 after 1 p.m.; $46 after 3 p.m.

Island West Golf Club 40 Island West Drive, Bluffton islandwestgolf.net 843-815-6660 Oct. 1 rates: $45 morning; $35 afternoon Lady’s Island Country Club 139 Francis Marion Circle, Beaufort ladysislandcc.com 843-524-3635 Oct. 1 rates: $35 morning; $25 afternoon Old Carolina Golf Club (9 holes) 89 Old Carolina Road, Bluffton www.oldcarolinagc.com 843-757-8311 Oct. 1 rates: $15 before 9 a.m.; $24 after 9 a.m.; $15 after 4 p.m.

Old South Golf Links 50 Buckingham Plantation Drive, Bluffton oldsouthgolf.com 843-785-5353 Oct. 1 rates: $80 morning; $65 afternoon Oyster Reef Golf Club 155 High Bluff Road, Hilton Head Island oysterreefgolfclub.com 843-681-1764 Oct. 1 rates: $95 before 11 a.m., $75 before 2 p.m., $40 after 2 p.m.

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Palmetto Dunes Robert Trent Jones 7 Trent Jones Lane, Hilton Head Island palmettodunes.com 843-785-1138 Oct. 1 rates: Call clubhouse Palmetto Hall Plantation Arthur Hills and Robert Cupp courses 108 Fort Howell Drive, Hilton Head Island palmettohallgolf.com 843-342-2582 Oct. 1 rates: $95 before 11 a.m., $75 before 2 p.m., $40 after 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Golf Club 1 Pinecrest Way, Bluffton pinecrestsc.com 843-757-8960 Oct. 1 rates: $45 morning; $35 afternoon Pintail Creek Golf Club 261 Pin Tail Creek Drive, Hardeeville 843-784-2426 Oct. 1 rates: $26 morning; $22 after 2 p.m.

Port Royal Golf Club Planter’s Row, Robber’s Row and Barony courses 10 Clubhouse Drive, Hilton Head Island portroyalgolfclub.com 843-681-1700 Oct. 1 rates: $95 before 11 a.m., $75 before 2 p.m., $40 after 2 p.m.

Rose Hill Golf Club 4 Clubhouse Drive, Bluffton golfrosehill.com 843-757-9030 Oct. 1 rates: $40 Sanctuary at Cat Island 8 Waveland Avenue, Beaufort sanctuarygolfcatisland.com 843-524-0300 Oct. 1 rates: $60 morning; $40 after 1 p.m., $24 after 4 p.m.

Shipyard Golf Club Brigantine, Clipper and Galleon courses 45 Shipyard Drive, Hilton Head Island shipyardgolfclub.com 843-686-8802 Oct. 1 rates: $95 before 11 a.m., $75 before 2 p.m., $40 after 2 p.m.

Sea Pines Ocean Course 100 N. Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head Island seapines.com 843-842-1477 Oct. 1 rates: $114 morning; $104 afternoon Sun City - Argent Lakes 1291 Sergeant William Jasper Blvd.

843-645-0507 Oct. 1 rates: $39 morning; $33 afternoon Sun City - Hidden Cypress 672 Cypress Hills Drive, Bluffton 843-705-4999 Oct. 1 rates: $47 morning; $42 afternoon Sun City - Okatie Creek 60 Sun City Club Lane, Bluffton 843-705-4653 Oct. 1 rates: $47 morning; $32 afternoon

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P R I VAT E C O U R S E S Bear Creek Golf Club 237 Whooping Crane Way, Hilton Head bearcreekgolfclub.org 843-681-2667 Belfair Plantation East and West courses 200 Belfair Oaks Blvd., Bluffton belfair1811.com 843-757-0700 Berkeley Hall North and South courses 366 Good Hope Road, Bluffton berkeleyhallclub.com 843-815-8494

Golf Club at Indigo Run 101 Berwick Drive, Hilton Head Island clubcorp.com/Clubs/The-Golf-Club-atIndigo-Run 843-689-3500 Haig Point 10 Haig Point Circle, Hilton Head Island haigpoint.com 843-341-8155 Long Cove Club 44 Long Cove Drive, Hilton Head Island longcoveclub.org 843-686-1020

Brays Island Plantation 115 Brays Island Drive, Sheldon braysisland.com 843-846-3170

Moss Creek Golf Club Devil’s Elbow North and South courses 100 Devil’s Elbow Lane, Hilton Head Island Mosscrek-hiltonhead.com 843-837-2231

Callawassie Island Club 176 Callawassie Drive, Okatie callawassieisland.com 843-987-2125

Oldfield 136 Oldfield Way, Okatie Oldfield1732.com 843-379-5051

Chechessee Creek Club 18 Chechessee Creek Drive, Okatie chechesseecreekclub.com 843-987-7000

May River Club/Palmetto Bluff 1 Village Park Square, Bluffton palmettobluff.com 866-316-5262

Colleton River Dye and Nicklaus courses 60 Colleton River Drive, Bluffton colletonriverclub.com 843-836-4400

Sea Pines Country Club 30 Governors Road, Hilton Head Island Seapinescountryclub.com 843-671-2345

Dataw Island Club Cotton Dike and Morgan River courses 100 Dataw Club Road, St. Helena Island dataw.org 843-838-8250 Dolphin Head Golf Club 56 High Bluff Road, Hilton Head Island dolphinheadgc.com 843-681-5550 Fripp Island Resort Ocean Creek and Ocean Point courses 201 Tarpon Blvd., Fripp Island frippislandresort.com 888-741-8974

Spanish Wells Golf Club One Brams Point Road, Hilton Head Island spanishwellsclub.com 843-681-2819 Old Tabby Links/Spring Island 42 Mobley Oaks Lane, Okatie Springisland.com 843-987-2200 Wexford Plantation 111 Wexford Club Drive, Hilton Head Island wexfordplantation.com 843-686-8810 To add your club to our directory, e-mail lhanlin@golfersguide.com

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES GOLFERSGUIDE.COM Medinah

back in spotlight

Storied Medinah Country Club is the Chicago area’s best-know and most frequent major championship venue. The private club features three courses but is widely known for Course No. 3, site of three U.S. Opens and two PGA Championships.

Add the 2012 Ryder Cup to the list. Read about changes made to the legendary course at www.golfersguide.com. Beat

the dreaded yips

Wouldn’t it be great if the yips just want away like a bad cold? They can with a little positive thinking and practice. Take charge of that putter instead of the putter taking charge of you. Read PGA professional’s Rodney Bungartz’s tip online at www. golfersguide.com. Titleist

913 drivers coming in November

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for a golfer in your life? The anticipated Titleist 913 drivers hit store shelves in November. Designed and built for more speed and more distance, the new 913D2 and 913D3 would be a solid addition to any bag.

Read all about them at www.golfersguide.com.

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