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p. 8 Golfer’s Guide Local Edition Hilton Head Island/Lowcountry April 2012

F E A T U R E S 8 Through the Eyes of the Shark Cover story: An exclusive interview with Greg Norman

38 Inside the Mind of Kyle Stanley The Berkeley Hall pro on his recent PGA win, goals and more

33 Walking the Fairway with John Farrell Harbour Town head pro on the importance of community

40 Welcome Back, Champ Q&A with 2011 RBC Heritage winner Brandt Snedeker

34 A Word with Jim Nantz The CBS sports commentator on his Heritage experiences and more

46 Local Knowledge A round-up of players with local ties

D E P A R T M E N T S 3 News & Events

Glenn Klepchick | President & COO

42 Instruction Andrew Rice tells you how to get the most out of your driver, today.

16 Lowcountry Golf Map 18 Golf Course Features

Golfer’s Guide, Inc. PO Box 5926 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 Phone: (843) 842-7878 Fax: (843) 842-9387 HiltonHead.GolfersGuide.com

48 What’s Hot & What’s Not

From the

Tips

t’s another year for the RBC Heritage, and another important moment for Hilton Head Island and our golfing legacy. This year’s tournament is the 25th that I’ve experienced personally, and each year seems to set a new standard. My viewing perspective has certainly changed through the years. Memories from earlier years have begun to fade, and now, as a family man with young children, I see new meaning in the RBC Heritage. Now it is all about building memories with my son, daughter and wife. Golf has been at the center of my life since I was 7 years old, and I can honestly say that the sport has been associated with everything positive that has happened to me, from securing my education to finding my first job to meeting my wife. I can’t think of another game that has such power to shape a lifestyle. Take my advice: Play more golf, live the life, and savor the moments. While you’re at it, enjoy this issue of Golfer’s Guide. It is a celebration of golf, the sport of a lifetime. — Glenn Klepchick

In Memoriam Ed Cherry (1950-2012) With thanks for his many years of dedicated service Questions? Comments? E-mail feedback@golfersguide.com. Copyright ©2012 Golfer’s Guide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Golf course rates are subject to change at any time. Golfer’s Guide is not responsible or liable for any errors, omissions or changes in rates or information.

About the Cover

GOLFER’SGUIDE The Great White GreatWhite Shark talks RBC Shark

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Heritage, Oldfield, Hilton Head Island and more.

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GREG NORMAN

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Jim Nantz p. 34

Kyle Stanley p. 38

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Local Happenings Big wins, upcoming tournaments and events, achievements and honors, and more

News & Events

Tournaments

USC Welcomes Competitors at Inaugural Intercollegiate

Suzie Lee, Amanda Sträng, Justine Dreher, Katie Burnett PHOTO BY WILLIE J. RICE PHOTOGRAPHY

Long Cove Club hosted the inaugural Darius Rucker Intercollegiate, a partnership between Darius Rucker, USC and Long Cove, on March 3-4. Despite rains that halted play on Saturday and Sunday and resulted in the cancellation of the third round, the University of Alabama women’s golf team was able to secure the team title. Crimson Tide sophomore Stephanie Meadow, a native of Northern Ireland whose parents own a home on Hilton Head, also earned her fifth career medal at the tournament, First FCA Golf breaking a record for the UA team.

eGolf Tour Opens Third Season on Hilton Head PHOTO COURTESY EGOLF PROFESSIONAL TOUR

The eGolf Professional Tour opened its season with back-to-back tournaments in February: The Palmetto Hall Championship Presented by Westin Hilton Head Island, Feb. 15-18, and the Oldfield Open, Feb. 22-25, co-hosted by Oldfield Country Club and Chechessee Creek Club. The events marked the third year in a row that the eGolf Tour has opened its season on Hilton Head Island. Greenville’s Brent Delahoussaye finished Chris Epperson first at the Palmetto Hall Championship and tied with Bluffton resident Nathan Stamey for 25th at Oldfield. Stamey tied for 14th at Palmetto Hall. USC Beaufort’s Jonathan Pannone was 49th at Palmetto Hall but missed the cut at Oldfield. Local favorite Chris Epperson of Hilton Head tied for 10th at Palmetto Hall and for 12th at Oldfield. Chris Naegel was the overall winner at Oldfield. The Palmetto Hall Championship and the Oldfield Open were the first and second of 24 events on the eGolf Tour schedule. HiltonHead.GolfersGuide.com

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Champions Tour Pro-Am

Champions Tour golfers Andy Bean, Fred Funk, Larry Mize, Larry Nelson, Loren Roberts and Scott Simpson, among others, will play in the first Fellowship of Christian Athletes Golf Champions Tour Pro-Am, April 22-23 at Wexford Plantation. The tournament’s timing takes advantage of the golfers’ presence in the area, as it comes on the heels of the Liberty Mutual Insurance Legends of Golf in Savannah, which concludes on April 22. Proceeds benefit the FCA Golf Ministry and the South Coastal FCA organization. 3

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Golfer’s Guide News & Events, continued

2012 Legends of Golf Tournament Marks a Decade in Savannah

Junior Golf Dongjin Park

New Discovery Tour for Kids 8-12

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE JUNIOR SPORTS CORPORATION

The Hilton Head Island-based International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) and Junior Sports Corporation recently announced the creation of the Discovery Tour, a competitive circuit meant to give golfers ages 8-12 some tournament experience. The 9-hole, one-day events will be held in conjunction with the IJGT, making it convenient for families with golfers on both tours. The inaugural season runs through May 19, with five events in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Courses will average 2,2002,500 yards, and players are encouraged to have caddies, who can carry the players’ bags, assist with rules and offer advice. There will be a 10-stroke limit for each hole, and rulings resulting in disqualifications on other tours will be enforced only with stroke penalties. Discovery Tour membership costs $25, and the spring 2012 events are priced between $35 and $40 each. 4

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SEA PINES JUNIOR HERITAGE/PAUL ROUILLARD 2012

When the RBC Heritage ends on April 15, pack up your folding chair and head to Savannah for the 35th year of the Champions Tour Liberty Mutual Insurance Legends of Golf, April 16-22, at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. This year marks the event’s 10th year on the par-72 championship course designed by Robert Cupp and Sam Snead. The event announced this year that it will stay in Savannah through 2013—good news for the city’s businesses and residents, of course, but also for local charitable organizations, which have benefited from the tournament to the tune of about $1.5 million. With a $2.7 million purse this year, the tournament has a unique team format with three division competitions during the week and a 54-hole better-ball competition starting on April 20. This year’s event will also feature an interactive Troon Family Golf Zone, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and a Military Appreciation Ceremony on Saturday at 5 p.m. The tournament will be broadcast on the Golf Channel on Friday and on CBS on Saturday and Sunday.

Chase Koepka and Ashlan Ramsey

Plenty of Excitement at the Sea Pines Junior Heritage The Sea Pines Junior Heritage, held at Sea Pines’ Heron Point and Harbour Town Golf Links in early February, provided plenty of excitement this year, with a three-way playoff on the men’s side and 12 golfers within 10 strokes of the leader on the ladies’ side. Chase Koepka won the men’s title, and Ashlan Ramsey won the ladies’. The two-day, 36-hole event featured 45 boys and 33 girls from around the world. The Sea Pines Junior Heritage is widely considered one of the top junior events in the nation.

JPGA Students Win in Florida Two Junior Players Golf Academy students won their age groups in February’s Hurricane Junior Golf Tour event in Fleming, Florida. Ewen Ferguson of Glasgow, Scotland, won the boys’ 15-18 division, and Anita Uwadia won the girls’ 11-14 division. The JPGA, located on Hilton Head Island, offers junior golf schools and camps for all skill levels.

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Other News

Hole-in-Ones

Awards and Recognitions • • • •

Mike Murphy received the Charles Drawdy Distinguished Service Award from the S.C. Golf Association. The Harbour Town Golf Links Golf Shop was named one of the “100 Best Golf Shops” for 2012 by Golf World magazine. Hilton Head Island resident Bill Sampson, director of golf at Old Tabby Links on Spring Island, was named the Carolinas PGA Golf Professional of the Year. Doug Weaver, director of golf instruction at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, was named one of U.S. Kids Golf ’s Top 50 Kids Teachers in the nation.

The following golfers made hole-in-ones at these local courses in January, February and March: Fatin Amin, 13th hole, Hilton Head National Golf Club, Jan. 6 Mike Anzivino, 5th hole, Moss Creek’s North Course, Jan. 6 Phil Dansdill, 8th hole, Palmetto Dunes’ Robert Trent Jones Course, Feb. 15 Bernie DiPasquale, 4th hole, Sanctuary Golf Club, Jan. 8

Keeping Golf Green Did you know that 67 percent of the average 150-acre, 18-hole golf course is maintained turf, and of that, 51 percent is the rough, which needs the least maintenance? Or that most courses on Hilton Head Island use effluent water, rather than potable water, for irrigation? These are just a couple of the lessons learned at Experience Green’s “RBC Greening Golf” workshop held March 19-20 in Bluffton and Hilton Head. Greg Lyman, environmental programs director for the Environmental Institute for Golf was the guest speaker, and Jim Cregan, Sea Pines Resort’s superintendent, provided a tour of one of its Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Certified courses in conjunction with the workshops.

Larry Green, 16th hole, Heron Point, Jan. 29 Randall Hershey, 8th hole, Bear Creek Golf Club, Jan. 24 Brigitte James, 3rd hole, Palmetto Hall Golf Club’s Arthur Hills Course, Feb. 6 Gene Kay, 14th hole, Bear Creek Golf Club, Jan. 8 Larry Lentz, 13th and 17th holes, Old Tabby Links, Jan. 19 George Oprita, 8th hole, Sun City’s Okatie Course, March 13

Course Updates • •

Pat Piercy, 17th hole, Moss Creek’s North Course, Jan. 15

Colleton River Plantation Club has named Derrick Garrou as the Dye Course’s head professional. Garrou’s predecessor, Matt Stewart, is now head professional at the Nicklaus Course. Spring Island’s Old Tabby Links will be closed for renovations until November while the Arnold Palmer Design Company and MacCurrach Golf Construction update the course with a new irrigation system, regrassed and (in some cases) repositioned greens, and rebuilt and repositioned bunkers.

Bonnie Sargent, 15th hole, Hilton Head National Golf Club, Jan. 29 Herb Sawyer, 17th hole, Moss Creek’s North Course, Jan. 13 Bob Schaller, 17th hole, Hidden Cypress Golf Club, Jan. 15 Dee Shannon, 4th hole, Sanctuary Golf Club, Jan. 6

“First in Golf” License Plate

Jack Stradwick, 15th hole, Moss Creek’s South Course, Feb. 18 PHOTO COURTESY OF SCDMV

Time for a new license plate? The S.C. Junior Golf Foundation is promoting South Carolina’s new “First in Golf” plate. The cost is $70 plus registration, and $40 of that goes to the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism’s fund for junior golf. Visit www.scdmvonline.com or your nearest S.C. Dept. of Motor Vehicles branch for details.

Dwayne Smith, 15th hole, Hilton Head National Golf Club, Feb. 27

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Art Thomasson, 12th hole, Hidden Cypress Golf Club, Jan. 31 Did we miss yours? Email us at feedback@golfersguide.com with the details!

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Golferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide News & Events, continued

Calendar

April 9-15: RBC Heritage, Harbour Town Golf Links. Pros converge on the Island for South Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only PGA Tour event. www.rbcheritage.com

April 20: iReign Leaders & Legends Golf Tournament, Palmetto Hall Golf & Country Club. Play with a celebrity player, who might be a community leader or a pro sports legend. Registration: $250 per player. Shotgun start, 8:30 a.m. www.startreigning.org April 23-27: Healing Heroes Golf Week. Callawassie Island Club, April 23; The Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes, April 24; Sanctuary Golf Course at Cat Island, April 26; Fripp Island Ocean Point Links, April 27. Help raise money to provide a severely injured veteran with a ParaMobile â&#x20AC;&#x153;stand up and playâ&#x20AC;? device. On-course registration, 10:30 a.m. daily; shotgun start, noon daily. www.healingheroesgolfweek.com

April 28-29: The KENTWOOL Socks Open at Oyster Reef. Come out and watch upcoming talent at this International Junior Golf Tournament event. First round begins April 28, 8:30 a.m. http://bluegolf.ijgt.com/bluegolf/ijgt12/event/ijgt1232/course/ oysterreefgc/index.htm April 30: Savannah Music Festival Golf Tournament, Berkeley Hall. Proceeds benefit the festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free music education events in Chatham, Effingham, Bryan, Beaufort and Jasper counties. Tee times at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Registration: $300 individual, $1,200 team; deadline is April 20. For more information or to register, contact Emily Rich, (912) 234-3378, Ext. 106, or emily@savannahmusicfestival.org. May 5-6: IJGT Sanctuary Shootout, Sanctuary Golf Club at Cat Island. First round begins at 9 a.m. on May 5. http://bluegolf.ijgt.com/bluegolf/ijgt12/event/ijgt1245/index.htm Aug. 31-Sept. 3: Hilton Head Island Celebrity Golf Tournament. Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes, Aug. 31; Pete Dye Course at Colleton River, Sept. 1; Harbour Town Golf Links at Sea Pines Resort, Sept. 2. Shotgun start, 9 a.m. daily. Benefits local childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charities. Registration: $2,500 individual, $10,000 (4-person) team for golf only; $3,750 individual, $15,000 team for all-inclusive package. www.hhcelebritygolf.com

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PHOTO BY JOHN LOOMIS PHOTOGRAPHY

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Eyes of the

Through the

Shark by Brad King

G O L F E R â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S

G U I D E

E X C L U S I V E

I N T E R V I E W

Greg Norman shares his perspective on Hilton Head Island, wins and losses, golf course design and more. HiltonHead.GolfersGuide.com

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Golfer’s Guide Exclusive Interview by Brad King

Brad King: As a player, you captured one of the to its longtime position on the PGA Tour calendar most popular Heritage victories ever in 1988. As the week after the Masters? a golf course architect, you designed not only GN: I think it’s extremely important from a player’s perspecOldfield, one of the most enjoyable and respected tive. Hilton Head is very highly regarded by the players on the golf courses in the Hilton Head area, but also PGA Tour. We typically enter golf tournaments that we love nearby Savannah Quarters and The Reserve Golf to play, and Hilton Head has always been a testament to that. Club in Litchfield. What are some of your fondest Just look at the quality of the leaders and the winners that the memories from coming to Hilton Head and the Heritage has produced over the years. It’s a true testament to Lowcountry all these years? the greatness of the event. And now it’s fitting that they are Greg Norman: Well, I first got to know Hilton Head as a player, securing their former date with this new sponsorship deal. and from the very beginning I could tell it was a great destination, You need to have a set date for certain tournaments, and now No. 1 because of the atmosphere. You knew you could get one of the Heritage goes back to its rightful position after Augusta, those townhomes by the golf course, and you never had to put a where it had always been. key in the ignition. You went to the golf course; you went back to the townhome. You cooked yourself a dinner. It was just easy BK: One thing many golf fans remember about 1988 and relaxing, like the Lowcountry should be. Obviously, it was was that, through the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the week right after Augusta. I loved driving from Augusta to you befriended a young fan named Jamie Hutton, Hilton Head and just enjoying the relaxing drive. And of course, who had spent years fighting Crohn’s disease and the tournament gave us an opportunity to relax a bit more than was then diagnosed with leukemia. Jamie came the Masters because the atmosphere was totally different, and to Hilton Head, walked inside the ropes with you, it was a totally different golf course. I’ve always loved Harbour and you won and gave the trophy to Jamie. Was Town. It is, and always has been, one of my favorite golf courses that one of the more special moments of your anywhere. Not only the aessporting career? thetic beauty, but from GN: I think it was more a a strategic standpoint, reflection of what we do what Pete Dye did there as players on the PGA I worked very hard to envision the was pure genius. Pete was Tour—giving back from golf course at Oldfield before we able to design the course a charitable aspect, or and really position the just giving back in geneven started building it, and at the trees like hazards, requireral, in whatever capacity ing the golfer to absoyou can. I will never forend of the day it turned out to be lutely work on every tee get receiving the phone everything we expected it to be, shot, and every iron shot call from the Make-athat you play. I also really Wish Foundation. I said and probably even a little bit more. enjoyed the times when I I would be happy to went to play at Harbour have Jamie come down Town and was able to stay and be with me for that out there on my boat. I enjoyed the unique opportunity to do week. I was all for it. I understood the circumstances of what that. You can’t do that at every tournament. I think I was one he was going through with Crohn’s disease and his debilitaof the first golfers to do that by bringing my boat up there. And tion. He had never been to that part of the world, he had never then over a period of time Curtis [Strange] brought his boat, seen the ocean, and he had never seen palm trees, coming and Davis Love brought his boat. from Wisconsin. Obviously, Jamie and I got along extremely well. He was a very likable, personable, enjoyable kid to have BK: As a past Heritage champion, how important is around, not just playing golf, but even afterward, after the it for you that RBC and Boeing are now sponsoring round and introducing him to the players, giving him the feel the Heritage, and that the tournament is returning of what golf on the PGA Tour is all about—and then having 10

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dinner with him as well. So at the end of the day, as the tournament went by—you get into your own business mode of performing out there as best you can, and that’s your goal anyway, to go win. Was there a great stimulant in the back of my mind to perform well for Jamie? Maybe there was. I don’t really know if I can answer that 100 percent. I do know one thing: When I was standing there at the presentation, and I saw the look in Jamie’s eyes, I thought, “You know, there’s no greater moment to give back than this, and I gave him my trophy.” It was just spontaneous. The guy deserved it. He had a tough battle with his health issues. It just felt like the right thing for me to do at the time. BK: How do you reconcile a special win like that one with a tough loss like the one you suffered to Nick Faldo at the 1996 Masters? GN: I’m very philosophical like that. I think life has a way of evening itself out. It doesn’t mean it’s going to even itself out on the golf course—it evens itself out in a lot of other ways. You could look at life and say, “Boy, I got lucky here, but boy, I got unlucky there.” And the two may be unrelated. I’m very accepting of that. To me, looking at the balance of what golf has given me has been phenomenal, but looking at what golf has given me in my life has been even more phenomenal.

the masters only had a horse-drawn plow. They didn’t have bulldozers to push dirt around, so their approach sometimes seems minimalist when we consider it today. But I love their philosophy, and I continue to put it into practice today. Historically, this approach has resulted in a course that blends seamlessly with its surroundings and appears as if it has been part of the landscape for generations. Practical least-disturbance design also helps to make the golf course more sustainable over time for the owners. I’m very proud of the fact we have about 38 jobs under contract right now, even in this tough economic environment. Not all of them are under construction, but we continue to sign jobs. It’s a very, very tough environment, but for us to be able to say that we have almost a dozen golf courses under construction right now is fantastic in this environment. That’s what I like. Your credentials speak for themselves.

BK: Greg Norman Golf Course Design has been in business a quarter of a century now. You’ve designed more than 70 golf courses on six continents that have won numerous prestigious awards for design, and many of the projects bearing your name have garnered awards for environmental stewardship. Norman-designed golf courses have hosted sanctioned events on the PGA, Nationwide, European and Australasian tours. What is your general design philosophy? Is there a particular legacy you like to leave behind with every golf course you design? GN: I am chairman of the advisory council for the Environmental Institute for Golf, and I have always taken a leastdisturbance approach to golf course design. I am a firm believer in using what Mother Nature has given me on a particular site. I try to move the least amount of dirt, not only to keep costs down, but also to keep the course as natural and as visually pleasing as possible. In the old days, the architects whom we now consider

BK: Your design here at Oldﬁeld celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. What do you remember about that design process? What is it about Oldﬁeld that makes it so special? GN: When I walked the virgin site that became Oldfield, I knew this place was special. It was also very important to me to get this one right, as it was my first golf course design in the Lowcountry. The property, which sits on the banks of the Okatie River, just oozed Southern charm. It’s not every day that you get a property this good to design a golf course on. This property had it all: canopies of moss-draped live oaks, broad savannahs and soaring pines, all adjacent to the majestic Okatie River. And when you saw the wetland area you just said, “Oh wow. This is so incredible.” The transition from the entrance up the road to where you get down to the water’s edge, there is just such a diverse contrast from one piece of the property to the next. I thought it wouldn’t be hard at all to design and build a really great golf course on such a beautiful piece of property.

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Golfer’s Guide Exclusive Interview by Brad King

BK: Sounds like you were pleased with the ﬁnished product? GN: Ten years later, I would say that Oldfield certainly turned out to be everything that I expected. My philosophy is always to start at the beginning with the end in mind, and I worked very hard to envision the golf course at Oldfield before we even started building it, and at the end of the day it turned out to be everything we expected it to be, and probably even a little bit more. It’s one of those courses where you just love to go back and tee it up time and time again because of all the different scenery this beautiful piece of property, with its Southern charm, has to offer.

the environmental standpoint, but also just for the cost of construction. The less you disturb, the more natural it remains from an environmental standpoint, but also it looks mature the day you walk out on it for the first tee shot.

BK: During your playing career, you maintained an active membership in the U.S., European and Australasian tours, and your businesses—clothing, golf course design, wine sales, clothing, etc.—take you all over the world. Clearly you are as closely tied to international golf as anyone. What are some trends in golf around the rest of the world that people in the United States need to know about? Is the game of golf growing? Is BK: Your name was on the ﬁnal list of eight there a next, great emerging destination? architects being considered to design the 2016 GN: Where I love seeing the growth, honestly, is in countries Olympic golf course in Rio de Janeiro, a job that like South America and in China, even though the Chinese eventually was awarded to a relative unknown, have got this moratorium on building golf courses that’s still in Gil Hanse. What did you think of that selection, place. I think there’s going be a tremendous opportunity there and what advice would you give Hanse? in the future. But then you look at Eastern Europe, and look GN: Look, any one of the eight of us, there is no question, can what’s happening in Turkey. I’m proud of a project we’ve got design and build a great golf course for the Olympics. That was going in Jordan, just a magnificent project we have going there. not a concern that I had. What I thought was the most imporSo then you look at India, and I look at my homeland, which is tant part was the legacy mode. We’ve got to remember that golf still churning out golf courses. And the Pacific Rim, Southeast is only in the Olympics for 2016, so it’s important that we keep Asia. You’ve got to understand the market and where the margolf in the Olympics in 2020 and beyond. To me, part of the ket is. There is a bit of a shift toward the Third World parts of responsibility in designing the golf course was to make sure that the globe right now. The Vietnamese government has been very you were out there promoting and pushing the game of golf in emphatic in saying they would like to see 70 more golf courses the Olympics for the next four years until 2016. Beyond that, I in their country, because would hate to see golf just they think golf is great disappear after one time for their country, maybe in the Olympics, because because it brings tourI think life has a way of evening itself I think if it does, it’s going ism and real estate develto be another 100 years out. It doesn’t mean it’s going to opment, because for the before you see it reapChinese it’s easier to get pear in the Olympics, even itself out on the golf course—it down there to play in the and that would be a crywarmer climates during ing shame. So to me there evens itself out in a lot of other ways. the winter. was a lot more criteria as Everything is cyclifar as I was concerned cal. You only have to go to the responsibilities of back 20 or 30 years to see what happened in Japan, when golf getting the design job, because like I said, any of the eight of boomed in Japan in the ’80s. And the development of golf was us could have designed a great golf course for the Olympics. extremely expensive, but the Japanese golfers went out there and Gil uses the word “minimalistic.” Well, my design mantra for they just love the sport, and the game of golf just took off. And my entire design life has been “least-disturbance approach.” over time, the cycle switched. Golf came into America. We saw I’ve been saying that on every project I do. So that’s part of the the boom where we were building 400 golf courses a year, for responsibility of creating sustainable golf courses, not just for 12

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PHOTO COURTESY OF OLDFIELD CLUB/HAMPTON GOLF CLUBS

year after year. The striking difference between now and what you saw in those days is that today, people use the word “sustainable” in a much more emphatic way than before, where you wonder, “Are we building sustainable golf courses that can weather the storm?” I think we made that mistake, especially here in the United States in the ’80s, when they spent with unlimited budgets and they exceeded unlimited budgets. You had golf courses where the maintenance costs to look after the golf courses on an annual basis are extraordinarily high, and the costs got handed down to the members. The member has to absorb the cost of maintaining this expensive golf course, so it doesn’t become sustainable. One of the things that’s happened: Other countries have noticed what’s happening in the United States, when you start closing down golf courses at a rate of 160, 162 per year, like what happened last year in the United States. So you’ve got basically a 562-course turnaround from the mid-’80s until now in 2012. That is a huge number. A number you cannot turn away from. So these other countries, where we go, they have observed that, and they are aware of that. The word “sustainability” is very much in the forefront of everyone’s mind as they go forward and build golf courses. So you don’t just go down there and blast away and have an unlimited budget and just exceed budgets. People are much more financially and fiscally responsible. Now, and I say this in all honesty, shame on our architects and designers in the ’80s for doing what they did to create this. And now we, as designers, have to change our philosophy— and I have always been that way, because I wasn’t designing golf courses back in those days—to where we do make sure that this great game of golf continues to grow on a regular basis and on a fiscally sustainable basis as well.

BK: You were the player who most dominated world golf between the eras of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods—the No. 1 ranked player for 331 consecutive weeks. You won two British Opens, 20 PGA Tour events and 70 more on various international tours. Now you’ve turned 57 and have had several surgeries recently. Is there a set plan for your playing career during the next ﬁve years or so? GN: I plan on playing some golf this year. How much, I do not know. But I will plan to probably play six or eight golf tournaments, probably, something like that. I am back healthy again, and my body is allowing me to practice again. I don’t like practicing on the range 10 hours a day, but I will be out on the golf course for sure. BK: Finally, considering your immense breadth of business interests, do you ever plan on slowing down, or do you plan to continue working as hard as ever? GN: I just love doing what I’m doing. I think I’ve had a lot to do in my life, my business life. I enjoy doing what I’m doing. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity of building my enterprise to where it is today. I think the opportunity to grow my brand on a global basis is really in its infancy, and I think there are huge opportunities for my brand outside the United States as well. So I see a really good future for us, I really do. We’ve weathered the bad storm. We’ve adjusted our business model, like I said. It was painful at times, because it’s the first time I’ve ever laid off people in my life, and it hurt a lot of people. But at the same time, you’ve got to adapt to it, and we adapted extremely well. We survived it, and now we see the adjustments we made are going to be very beneficial toward the growth and development of the company.

HiltonHead.GolfersGuide.com

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EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIPS 1NFğGNF %NWD QHHGTU C 5KIPCVWTG )TGI 0QTOCP FGUKIPGF IQNH EQWTUG C 5RQTVU %NWD HGCVWTKPI KPFQQT CPF QWVFQQT RQQNU UVCVG QH VJG CTV ğVPGUU EGPVGT UKZ NKIJVGF *CT 6TW VGPPKU EQWTVU CPF QVJGT URC NWZWTKGU #NUQ KPUKFG VJG ICVGU QH 1NFğGNF UKVU VJG 1WVğVVGTU %GPVGT CP QWVFQQT JCXGP HGCVWTKPI HWNN[ UVQEMGF ğUJKPI RQPFU UWPUGV TKXGT ETWKUGU KPUJQTG CPF QHHUJQTG UCNV YCVGT ğUJKPI EJCTVGTU

FOR MEMBERHIP INFORMATION, CONTACT JENNIFER HENDERSON AT 843 6454624

Okatie, South Carolina Oldfield_HHIVisitor_12.1.indd 14

4/5/12 3:00:28 PM

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FOR EVENT INFORMATION, CONTACT DANA CHASTAIN AT 843 6454622

www.Oldfield1732.com Oldfield_HHIVisitor_12.1.indd 15

TO INQUIRE ABOUT OLDFIELD CLUB’S CURRENT

4/5/12 3:00:51 PM

Golfer’s Guide Lowcountry Golf Map

204

144

278

144

170

278

204

144

170

Sun16City 95 41 17 Hilton Head 204

144

170

Eagle’s Pointe eaglespointegolf.com, (843) 757-5900 Record: Roger Rowland, 65

Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort frippislandresort.com, (888) 741-8974

Golden Bear at Indigo Run clubcorp.com/Clubs/Golden-Bear-GolfClub-at-Indigo-Run, (843) 689-2200 Record: Brian Agee, 64

Island 204 West

Hilton Head National golfhiltonheadnational.com, (843) 842-5900 Island West islandwestgolf.net, (843) 815-6660

Palmetto Dunes – Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course palmettodunes.com, (843) 785-1138 Record: Joe Jasper, 67

10 Oyster Reef

palmettodunes.com, (843) 785-1138 Record: Bryce Molder, 60

Map_HHIVisitor_12.1.indd 16

Pinecrest pinecrestsc.com, (843) 757-8960 Record: J.D. Hoft, 62 Port Royal Golf Club hiltonheadgolf.net, (843) 681-1700

Rose Hill Golf Club golfrosehill.com, (843) 757-9030

Sanctuary at Cat Island www.sanctuarygolfcatisland.com, (843) 524-0300 Record: Robb Simmons, 67

19 20

hiltonheadgolf.net, (843) 681-1764 Record: Eric Roudabush, 66

11 Palmetto Dunes – Arthur Hills Course

Palmetto Hall Golf Club hiltonheadgolf.net, (843) 342-2582 Records: Cupp Course – Charles Howe, 64; Hills Course – Billy Palmer & Chris Peters, 67

Old Carolina (843) 757-8311 Old South Golf Links oldsouthgolf.com, (843) 785-5353 Record: Rick Stallings & P.J. Cowan, 62

P R I V A T E

Palmetto Dunes – George Fazio Course palmettodunes.com, (843) 785-1138 Record: Mike Bright, 63

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C O U R S E S

Crescent Pointe crescentpointegolf.com, (843) 706-2600 Record: Billy Palmer, 65

Belfair

278

170

144

These overview maps are designed to give general locations of the region’s public courses (represented as ) and private clubs (represented as ). For more specific directions, call the phone numbers listed or use your GPS.

Country Club of Hilton Head hiltonheadclub.com, (843) 681-4653 Record: Matt Presnell, 63

Berkeley Hall

204

278

P U B L I C

278

GOLF MAP 144

LOWCOUNTRY 17

HARDEEVILLE

170

Shipyard Golf Club hiltonheadgolf.net, (843) 686-8802 Sea Pines – Harbour Town Golf Links seapines.com, (843) 363-8385 Record: David Frost, 61 Sea Pines – Ocean Course seapines.com, (843) 842-1477 Record: Eric Kennedy, 65

15 Pinecrest

204

C O U R S E S

22 Bear Creek Golf Club

34 Hilton Head Lakes

23 Belfair

35 Long Cove

bearcreekgolfclub.org, (843) 681-2667 Record: Jeff DeVincentis, 67 belfair1811.com, (843) 757-0700 Records: East – Mark Anderson, 60; West – Rickie Fowler, 64

24 Berkeley Hall

berkeleyhallclub.com, (843) 815-8494

25 Brays Island

braysisland.org, (843) 846-3170

26 Callawassie

callawassieisland.com, (843) 987-2125

27 Chechessee Creek Club

chechesseecreekclub.com, (843) 987-7000 Record: Todd Berringer, 63

28 Colleton River

colletonriverclub.com, (843) 836-4400

29 Dataw Island Golf

dataw.org, (843) 838-8250

30 Dolphin Head

dolphinheadgc.com, (843) 681-5550

31 Golf Club at Indigo Run

clubcorp.com/clubs/The-Golf-Club-atIndigo-Run, (843) 689-3500

hiltonheadlakes.com, (843) 208-5353 Record: Jordan Pomeranz, 67

17 144

Ch Bur u nt

204

278

OKATIE

Buc kw Pkw alter y.

longcoveclub.org, (843) 686-1020 Record: Blake Trimble, 65

36 Moss Creek

mosscreek-hiltonhead.com, (843) 837-2231 Records: Devil’s Elbow South – Ron Cerrudo, Mike Harmon, Ron Frisch & Eric Hogge, 66; Devil’s Elbow North – Terry Florence & Vic Lipscomb, 63

37 Oldfield

oldfield1732.com, (843) 379-5051 Record: Kyle Dobbs, 64

38 Sea Pines Country Club

seapinescountryclub.com, (843) 671-2345

39 Spanish Wells Golf Club

spanishwellsclub.com, (843) 681-2819

40 Old Tabby Links/Spring Island springisland.com, (843) 987-2200

41 Sun City

(843) 705-4999

42 Wexford

wexfordplantation.com, (843) 686-8810

32 Haig Point

haigpoint.com, (843) 341-8155

33 Hampton Hall

Dau Is 32

hamptonhallsc.com, (843) 815-8720

HiltonHead.GolfersGuide.com

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278

46 204144 46 170 144

170

204

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16 204

95 25

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21 170

204

95 46

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Cat 16

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946

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Fripp Island

A R E A 30 1 10

Moss Creek

144

Island 17 95

Spring Island

Colleton River

170

B E A U F O R T

278

Ch Bur urc nt hR d.

144

Dataw Island

OKATIE 26

BLUFFTON

BEAUFORT

204 16

204

fair

278

Hilton Head Plantation

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170

Palmetto Hall

ity C

. Rd

ch a Port Royal Be Plantation

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Indigo Run

Spanish Wells 16 Long 95

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Cove 35

204

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20 H Th

24 Th Ch

Shipyard e.

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H I L T O N

H E A D

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Palmetto Dunes

Wexford

Daufuskie Island

8 P Ex

Sea Pines

I S L A N D

A R E A

4/5/12 3:02:40 PM

Arthur Hills Course at Palmetto Dunes Resort

Palmetto Dunes (866) 400-7875 (843) 785-1138 www.palmettodunes.com

Watch for cross breezes on this deceptively simple par-3 at number eight.

STATISTICS Tee Back Middle

Par 72 72

Yards 6651 6122

Slope 136 125

Rating 72.9 70.4

he Arthur Hills Course at Palmetto Hall is the latest addition to The Heritage Collection of courses on Hilton Head Island, immersed in Southern elegance and natural beauty, and a must-play for every golfer. The course showcases Hills’ trademark undulating fairways, gracefully flowing across the naturally rolling contours of the Lowcountry, winding through deep thickets of moss-draped oaks and towering pines, with protected greens, many edged with bunkers and strategic water hazards. Twenty-thousand square feet were added to the putting surfaces in a 2005 renovation of this Golf Digest 4½ star gem, restoring the large greens to Hills’ original design. Most memorable is the large lake bordering the difficult dogleg-left finishing hole, a fabulous par-4. Four different tee positions comfortably accommodate any golfer and offer four distinct, yet always challenging, golfing experiences.

estled within the quiet enclave of Leamington at Palmetto Dunes, the Arthur Hills Course is one of the most distinctive layouts on the island. On a site blessed with continuous lines of dunes and thick stands of palmettos, Hills took full advantage of the natural features to create a rolling layout with a unique seaside character. The scenic setting of this mature course is a favorite with golfers and the local wildlife—you’re likely to see dozens of species of birds along with alligators and the occasional deer. The Hills Course isn’t just beautiful scenery, though; off-balance lies and ocean breezes are a constant challenge, and lagoons come into play on 10 holes, although fairway bunkers are notably absent. Challenging and fun, this course is a shot-maker’s favorite, with the emphasis on hitting your target rather than distance. The course has a well-earned reputation as one the island’s best golf experiences. Add to this the country club atmosphere, and you’ll leave feeling like a welcome guest, ready to visit again.

Tee Senior Forward

Par 72 72

Yards 5227 4999

Slope 113 119

G a

S g

Rating 69.4 69.2

Arthur Hills Course at Palmetto Hall

Palmetto Hall (800) 2-FIND-18 (843) 681-1750 www.hiltonheadgolf.net

The signature hole of Palmetto Hall’s Hills Course is the tough 434-yard, par-4 18th.

STATISTICS Tee Championship Blue

Par 72 72

Yards 6918 6582

Slope 136 131

Rating 73.7 72.3

George Cobb’s strategically located water and sand hazards place a premium on accuracy at Barony.

GCF_HHIVisitor_12.1.indd 18

Yards 6543 6223

Slope 139 126

Yards 6257 4956

Slope 127 123

Rating 71.0 70.6

ossibly the most player-friendly of Port Royal’s trio of courses at just under 6,000 yards from the regular tees, Barony’s fairways are generous, but the risk-reward approaches to the greens bring some serious challenge to this par-72 George Cobb layout. Small greens that are protected by deep bunkers and surrounded by Bermuda rough demand a skillful touch with the medium and short irons. The key to this course is accuracy and not length. Barony Course at Port Royal Golf Club even has its own “Amen Corner.” The long, dogleg-right, par-4 12th forces golfers to thread their approach shots between water left and right of the green. The shorter par-4 13th doglegs left with water on both sides of the fairway. Then, just before the reachable par-5 15th, the par-3 14th demands a carry over the watery home of an attendant alligator. New at Port Royal is a 15,000-square-foot clubhouse under a canopy of oaks and magnolias that brings a modern Southern plantation feel to your golf experience, as you relax outside on its 6,800-square-foot wraparound veranda.

Palmetto Hall (800) 2-FIND-18 (843) 681-1750 www.hiltonheadgolf.net

Par 72 72

Barony Course at Port Royal Golf Club

STATISTICS Tee Championship Back

Tee White Forward

Rating 71.6 70.1

Tee Middle Forward

Par 72 72

Yards 5964 5183

Slope 122 115

Rating 69.0 65.2

HiltonHead.GolfersGuide.com

4/5/12 3:05:03 PM

Th H

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George Fazio Course at Palmetto Dunes Resort

Palmetto Dunes (866) 400-7875 (843) 785-1138 www.palmettodunes.com

Strategically placed bunkers and lagoons keep golfers striving for their best on every shot. STATISTICS Tee Championship Back

Par 70 70

Yards 6873 6534

Slope 135 132

Rating 73.9 71.8

f strategy and finesse are what attract you to the game, if you’re given to a competitive streak, or if you simply enjoy an easygoing round in a beautiful landscape of woodlands, water and sand, test your skills at Golden Bear at Indigo Run. The ideal combination of all of the above, Golden Bear is a must-play course among islanders and visitors alike. You’ll find no bone-shattering holes on Golden Bear, but you’ll earn every par you make. As it winds masterfully throughout the pristinely elegant Indigo Run community, each hole of this Nicklaus Design 7,014-yard course has a character all its own, but the common denominator is that each requires more thought than muscle. Golden Bear offers a state-of-the-art ParView GPS Electronic Caddy System on every cart, which aids the golfer with full color features such as overviews of each hole, pro tips on how to best play the hole, live scoring for groups, and more! Named one of America’s Top 100 Courses by Travel + Leisure magazine, and conveniently located inside Indigo Run Plantation on the north end of Hilton Head Island. STATISTICS Tee Black Blue Gold

Par 72 72 72

Yards 7014 6643 6184

Slope 132 128 122

Rating 73.7 72.0 70.1

Harbour Town Golf Links The Sea Pines Resort (843) 842-8484 (800) 955-8337 www.seapines.com

The 18th hole and the lighthouse at Harbour Town are world-famous landmarks. STATISTICS Tee Heritage Championship

Par 71 71

Yards 6973 6603

Slope 146 139

Rating 75.2 72.9

ne of the youngest courses to ever appear on Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 best, the par-70 George Fazio continues to offer a stimulating challenge to golfers of every ability. With only two par-5 holes, the heart of the course lies in a series of long par-4s, beginning with the 432-yard first hole and ending with the 462-yard 18th. The treelined fairways are open and roll gently on the front nine, while the back nine becomes tighter and more severe, demanding good position off the tee. The greens are fairly small and provide quite a test with their severe undulations. But don’t get the idea that this course is for pros only. From the back tees it’s all the big hitters can handle, but with four tee positions you can choose the best course for your game. You’ll especially enjoy the challenge of the Fabulous Finishing Four, three well-bunkered par-4s and the great par-3 17th over water with out-of-bounds creeping in from the left. The Fazio Course at Palmetto Dunes is an exhilarating layout, long regarded as the island’s truest championship challenge. From beginners to advanced golfers, the “Fazio Challenge” is a great golf experience.

Tee Middle Forward

Par 70 70

Slope 126 127

Rating 70.2 70.8

Golden Bear at Indigo Run

Indigo Run (843) 689-2200 www.goldenbear-indigorun.com

Indigo Run’s Golden Bear course is challenging yet enjoyable.

Tee White White (L) Red

Par 72 72 72

Yards 5259 5259 4974

Slope 115 124 115

Rating 66.4 71.8 68.9

ome of the prestigious PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage each April, Harbour Town Golf Links is perennially ranked among the top golf courses in the world, and has been since the first Heritage back in 1969, won by Arnold Palmer. Design consultant Jack Nicklaus also counts Harbour Town among his victories, and Hall of Famers Tom Watson, Payne Stewart, Johnny Miller, Hubert Green and Hale Irwin have multiple wins here, as do Fuzzy Zoeller, Stewart Cink and five-time Heritage champion Davis Love III. A course that puts a premium on imagination, finesse and shot-making rather than power, Harbour Town’s set of par-3s ranks among the finest in the world (and toughest on the Tour), and its par-4 18th hole is one of the most feared in all of golf, particularly when the wind is blowing off Calibogue Sound. Yet the course is also extremely playable for mid- and higher handicappers. One of Dye’s crowning achievements as a course designer, Harbour Town is an innovative masterpiece and a favorite among PGA Tour professionals.

Tee White Green

HiltonHead.GolfersGuide.com

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Yards 6239 5273

Par 71 71

Yards 6040 5208

Slope 130 124

Rating 69.9 70.7

4/5/12 3:05:29 PM

ete Dye has done it again! The designer of the famed Harbour Town Golf Links returned to The Sea Pines Resort in 2007 to do a complete transformation within the old Sea Marsh course corridors, creating Heron Point by Pete Dye, a course that’s nothing short of a modern masterpiece. Dye reshaped the old fairways into dramatic angles and shifting elevations, and yes, there are blind uphill approaches to a few of the greens. Featuring seven sets of tees—including a special set of permanent tees for family enjoyment—Heron Point also has a set of sharp teeth, with rolling fairways, undulating greens, extensive bunkering and relocated lagoons to catch the errant shot. You’ll also notice how much the course has been opened up, with more greens in the sunshine and more amazing views of the forests and marshlands that make up The Sea Pines Resort. Dye has created a new legend among Hilton Head Island golf courses and a perfect complement to Harbour Town. Play them both and see for yourself. STATISTICS Tee Special Heritage Dye Sea Pines

Par 71 71 71 71

Yards 7103 7007 6625 6168

Slope 143 142 135 127

Rating 75.4 74.8 72.3 70.4

The reachable 298-yard 6th hole on the Weed nine is guarded on the entire right side by water. Just a friendly little par-4.

Yards 6730 6160

Slope 130.5 125

Heron Point has been designated as a Certiﬁed Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

Tee Carolina Palmetto Family

Par 71 71 71

Yards 5802 5261 3743

Rating 72.7 69.7

Tee White Red

Par 71 71

Yards 5628 4682

STATISTICS Tee Blue White

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Rating 68.9 66.4 n/a

Slope 119 108

Rating 67.4 66

Island West Golf Club

ot your typical Lowcountry layout, Island West Golf Club provides an exciting and challenging test designed by PGA Tour legend Fuzzy Zoeller and award-winning architect Clyde Johnston. This traditionally (843) 689-6660 styled par-72 championship course stretches to 6,800 yards from the back tees, but is only 4,900 yards from the front, making it a delightful experience for golfers www.islandwestgolf.net of all abilities in a scenic neighborhood with many carefully preserved natural marsh areas and live oak forests. “Playability” is the password at Island West. The course is very tight from the championship tees, but a bit more generous as you move up. All players have the chance to make risk-reward choices with a wide variety of wetland carries and tight approaches, yet safe routes for the cautious and many generous landing areas. You’ll always find the course in mint condition, and it is located in a scenic neighborhood with many carefully preserved natural marsh areas and live oak forests. Under new management, Island West has a “down home” feel, from its spacious clubhouse and grill to the friendly and helpful staff throughout. Island West is truly the course that offers “Pure Fun, Pure Golf and Pure Value.”

Slope 123 112 n/a

idely regarded as one of the best golf courses on or off the island, the only thing that surrounds the 27-hole Hilton Head National championship course is “nature golf ” as it was meant to be played! With no homes, no traffic noise and no construction you’ll enjoy a quiet, peaceful round of golf at fair prices. Truly Lowcountry golf at its finest. This award-winning layout has established itself as one of Hilton Head’s best—a superbly conditioned and diversified layout that is family-friendly from the forward tees and a real test of your golfing mettle from the tips. Designed by golf legend Gary Player and renowned golf architect Bobby Weed, and owned and managed by the highly respected Scratch Golf, LLC, Hilton Head National is a “must-play” for locals and visitors alike. This public, daily-fee golf facility is located just one minute from the bridge to Hilton Head and features superb conditions and first-class service. Multiround packages are available, and a two-course package with Old South Golf Links—currently $129 per player—is a true “foursome favorite.” Come play Hilton Head National today!

(843) 842-5900 www.golfhiltonheadnational.com

Par 71 71

The Sea Pines Resort (843) 842-8484 (800) 955-8337 www.seapines.com

Hilton Head National

STATISTICS Tee Black Blue

Heron Point by Pete Dye

Par 72 72

Yards 6803 6208

Slope 140 127

Rating 73.3 70.1

Tee Red Silver

Par 72 72

Yards 4938 5454

Island West tests your shot-making ability with several risk-reward scenarios.

Slope 123 108

Rating 69.5 67.2

HiltonHead.GolfersGuide.com

4/5/12 3:05:56 PM

O a

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t Old South Golf Links you’ll enjoy what every golfer comes to Hilton Head to find: fairways that meander through maritime forests and greens shining in the sun surrounded by beautiful Lowcountry marshes. Designed by award-winning architect Clyde Johnston, Old South is a true championship course and a Golf Digest 4-star Places to Play award winner. Six holes feature spectacular views across the marshes lining the Intracoastal Waterway, giving way to one of the most thrilling rounds of golf in the area. There is a complete clubhouse facility with a full-service restaurant open seven days a week, outstanding practice and instructional facilities, and true Southern hospitality. No wonder Old South is considered by many vacationers as one of the premier golf experiences on Hilton Head Island. The Old South Golf School offers half-day classes, daily clinics and private instruction, and new golfers are always welcome!

STATISTICS Tee Championship Back

Par 72 72

Yards 6772 6354

Slope 141 130

Rating 73.3 70.4

Oyster Reef at Hilton Head Plantation

Hilton Head Plantation (800) 2-FIND-18 www.hiltonheadgolf.net

Rees Jones created a spectacular waterfront setting at Oyster Reef’s 160-yard par-3 6th. STATISTICS Tee Gold Blue

Par 72 72

Yards 7018 6440

Slope 137 124

Rating 74.7 72.6

he newest and arguably toughest of Port Royal’s trio, the Planter’s Row design of Willard Byrd hosted the Champions Tour’s Hilton Head Seniors International in 1985. Byrd’s 18 is narrower, with larger, more undulating greens than either of the other two Port Royal courses. It also offers a different look from its sister courses, presenting rolling, tree-lined fairways in a park-like setting. Golfers need to stay focused as water comes into play on several holes, especially a short but treacherous stretch of the front nine. The 164-yard, par-3 fourth requires carry over water; the short, par-5 fifth actually forces players to cross the water twice; and the 160-yard, better-get-it-there par-3 sixth is also a great challenge. Go 3-5-3 through that stretch and you’re off to a round to remember. Another excellent example of the requirement of keeping the ball in play on this par-72, 6,625-yard course is the 480-yard, par-5 18th. The second shot must find a narrow landing area flanked by woods to the left and water to the right, setting up a short pitch to an elevated, well-bunkered green. STATISTICS Tee Championship Back

Par 72 72

Yards 6625 6284

Slope 139 133

Rating 72.1 70.4

Old South Golf Links (800) 257-8997 (843) 785-5353 www.oldsouthgolf.com

Old South’s 7th and 8th holes offer dramatic settings.

Tee Middle Ladies

Yards 5779 4776

Slope 120 123

Rating 69.3 69.6

pened in 1982 and immediately recognized as one of the Top 25 New Courses in the United States and a Hilton Head Island favorite, the championship Oyster Reef design features 66 bunkers, which are strategically located off the elevated tees and guard undulating twoand three-tiered greens. Numerous dogleg fairways, accented by strategically located mounds and fairway bunkers, call for well-planned and well-placed tee shots. The greens vary in size, and their well-defined tiers place a premium on precise approach shots. The par-3 sixth is recognized as one of the most spectacular holes on Hilton Head and has been pictured on the cover of numerous golf magazines. From the 6,000-plus-yard white tees, Oyster Reef is also a lot of fun… if you bring your short game. But the challenge of the finishing five holes —four great doglegs and a full-water-carry par-3—might be what brings you back again and again. Call (800) 955-8337 for current rates. Sea Pines Resort guests receive reduced rates. Carts included in rates.

Tee White Ladies

Par 72 72

Yards 6071 5288

Slope 121 120

Rating 71.0 71.1

Planter’s Row Port Royal Golf Club Port Royal Plantation (800) 2-FIND-18 www.hiltonheadgolf.net

Willard Byrd’s parkland-style layout at Planter’s Row is unique on Hilton Head Island.

Tee Middle Forward

HiltonHead.GolfersGuide.com

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Par 72 71

Par 72 72

Yards 5920 5119

Slope 129 118

Rating 68.7 64.6

4/5/12 3:06:24 PM

Robber’s Row at Port Royal Golf Club

edesigned by world-famous golf course architect Pete Dye in 1994, Robber’s Row at Port Royal Golf Club is cut through beautiful stands of magnolias and live oaks, and might be the most scenic course of the Port Royal threesome. This 6,657-yard par-72 track is an excellent course for intermediate golfers despite water hazards on several holes. Overall, the real test on this course is the medium-sized, extremely undulating and well-bunkered greens that require accuracy in the approach and a fine touch with the putter. Robber’s Row at Port Royal Golf Club is highlighted by a challenging quartet of excellent par-3 holes and a stout finish that begins with a short, sharp dogleg-left par-4, followed by two sharp doglegs to the right, a 425yard par-4 and the 513-yard finishing par-5 with water and sand guarding the entrance to the green. You’ll also get a history lesson as you traverse the grounds of Robber’s Row. The course sits upon Fort Walker, a Union outpost during the Civil War, with historical markers noting several interesting events of another era on Hilton Head Island.

Port Royal Plantation (800) 2-FIND-18 www.hiltonheadgolf.net

Pete Dye’s redesign has made Robber’s Row one of the most challenging tests on the island. STATISTICS Tee Championship Back

Par 72 72

Yards 6657 6311

Slope 134 129

Rating 73.3 71.6

long with its sister course Arthur Hills at Palmetto Hall, the Robert Cupp Course at Palmetto Hall is the latest addition to The Heritage Collection of courses on Hilton Head Island, immersed in Southern elegance and natural beauty, and a must-play for every golfer. This venue redefined conventional golf course architecture, thanks to the boldly original concept of its designer, former GolfWorld Architect of the Year Robert Cupp, who plotted the original design on computer, with the finished product characterized by straight lines, sharp angles and unusual shapes. That design was restored in 2005 when the greens were renovated on this Golf Digest 4-Star classic. Still, the Cupp Course is extremely flexible with sound strategic values. A strong challenge from the tips, it is eminently playable from the forward tees. A truly unique experience, the Cupp course is, from a player’s standpoint, refreshingly new and great fun to play for all skill levels. An added bonus: Walking is permitted at all times. STATISTICS Tee Championship Back

Par 72 72

Yards 7079 6522

Slope 144 136

Rating 75.2 72.3

Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes Resort Palmetto Dunes (866) 400-7875 (843) 785-1138 www.palmettodunes.com

Jones course, signature par-5, hole No. 10. STATISTICS Tee Gold Blue

GCF_HHIVisitor_12.1.indd 22

Par 72 72

Yards 7005 6570

Slope 138 131

Rating 74.3 71.6

Tee Middle Forward

Par 72 72

Yards 6011 4882

Slope 116 116

Rating 70.3 63.9

Robert Cupp Course at Palmetto Hall Palmetto Hall (800) 2-FIND-18 www.hiltonheadgolf.net

The angular lines in the design of the bunkers, greens and mounding is the signature of the Robert Cupp Course at Palmetto Hall Plantation.

Tee Middle Forward

Par 72 72

Yards 6042 5220

Slope 125 126

Rating 69.2 71.1

amed South Carolina’s Golf Course of the Year for 2003 after a $3-million renovation by Jones protege Roger Rulewich, the Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course still follows the Jones mantra of “hard par, easy bogey,” with its wide fairways, expansive greens and subtle elevation changes. Those greens have been completely resurfaced, with a new lake and bunkers reshaped and restored to RTJ’s original design. The most wide-open of the three Palmetto Dunes courses, Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront is also the most affected by the sea breezes, making each hole play differently every time the winds change. The oft-photographed par-5 10th is one of the most recognizable holes in golf, and is the unofficial signature hole for the entire Palmetto Dunes Resort. RTJ is also one of the first courses on the island to offer “short course” tees specifically designed for juniors. The Jones Golf Shop merchandise operation won 2006 top honors from the Carolinas PGA Section.

Tee White Green Black

Par 72 72

Yards 6122 5035 2625

Slope 122 109

Rating 69.1 64.6

HiltonHead.GolfersGuide.com

4/5/12 3:06:52 PM

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ilton Head’s first golf course, the Ocean Course at The Sea Pines Resort, was exquisitely redesigned in 1995 by former PGA Tour professional and past Players champion Mark McCumber. The course exemplifies McCumber’s emphasis on traditional and classic principles of course design. He has built interest, challenge and strategy into the course—a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary—while preserving the natural beauty of Sea Pines. The varying sets of tees and the strategic placement of lagoons and bunkers ensure the course will be challenging but playable for golfers of every skill level. Unlike many resort courses, the homes and villas are set back into the moss-draped oaks and pines, leaving you to bask in the natural surroundings while you walk (always encouraged on this course) or use the carts. Says McCumber, “Playability and strategy are basic to how we design our courses,” says McCumber. “The challenge is to match these considerations with aesthetics and the natural environment.” He’s done that, delightfully, at the Ocean Course at The Sea Pines Resort. STATISTICS Tee McCumber Championship

Par 72 72

Yards 6906 6493

Slope 142 135

Rating 73.4 71.5

Shipyard, once home to the Seniors International, was rated one of the ﬁnest layouts on the Champions Tour.

Yards 5127 5859

Slope 118 119

Rating 70.5 68.9

Golf Digest Best Places to Play three-and-a-half-star property, the IX @ Old Carolina Golf Club caters to upscale golfers who demand perfection from the courses that they play. Formerly the site of a privately owned horse farm, Old Carolina displays all the charm of the location’s past. From the moment you drive down the oak-lined driveway toward the original horse barn, you realize you are in one of the area’s most interesting and unique golf settings. The modern, nine-hole par-36 links-style design uses dramatic mounding to sharply define fairways and, in architect Clyde Johnston’s words, “create a visual sense of movement.” The 15,000-square-foot horse barn is now home to an award-winning Golf Shop, and the Pub at Old Carolina offers a full menu for both lunch and dinner. A great place for a quick day of arrival or day of departure round, this course is a great value and a family-friendly favorite.

STATISTICS Tee Blue White Red

GCF_HHIVisitor_12.1.indd 24

The picturesque par-3 15th is one of only two Hilton Head holes with an ocean view.

Tee White Green

Par 72 72

Yards 6172 5325

Slope 123 124

Rating 70.4 71.1

s a result of a comprehensive 2008 renovation project, Shipyard Golf Club is now better than ever. The makeover included spectacular new white-sand bunkers and the installation of Diamond Zoysia greens, which drastically improve year-round playing conditions. The Shipyard clubhouse also was revamped, with new furniture and granite counter tops in the restaurant, new doors and lighting fixtures throughout, and new flat screen TVs for the patio area. Lagoons and ponds are prevalent throughout, and there are plenty of risk-reward situations allowing optimal scoring opportunities. Accurate tee shots and well-measured approaches are a must: The greens are large and well-bunkered, and their undulating surfaces demand a delicate, yet determined touch. Course designers George Cobb and Willard Byrd interconnected two of the three nine-hole courses for a unique and challenging experience. The original Clipper and Galleon courses create an exciting combination of long fairways and perilous hazards, while the Brigantine course winds its way around lagoons and breathtaking terrain.

(800) 2-FIND-18 www.hiltonheadgolf.net

Par 72 72

The Sea Pines Resort (843) 842-8484 (800) 955-8337 www.seapines.com

Shipyard Golf Club

STATISTICS Tee Forward Middle

Sea Pines Ocean Course

Par 36/35 36/35 36/35

Tee Championship Back

Par 72 72

Yards 6735 6200

Slope 133 123

Rating 72.7 70.1

The IX @ Old Carolina Golf Club Old Carolina (888) 785-7274 (843) 757-8311

Yards 6805 3075 2290

Slope 138 126 131

Rating 36.3 35.1 36.2

HiltonHead.GolfersGuide.com

4/5/12 3:07:18 PM

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EdwinWatts_HHIVisitors_12.1.indd 28

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f. PING i20 | irons #30755

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f. DUO

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PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

Golfer’s Guide Exclusive Interview by Glenn Klepchick

Walking the Fairway with

John Farrell

Head pro at Harbour Town Golf Links, a true island asset and a friend to the entire golﬁng community Glenn Klepchick: This marks your 22nd Heritage. Were you ever concerned that your run was coming to an end? John Farrell: There was certainly nervousness when surrounded with the uncertainty of whether the tournament would continue, but I always felt that there was no chance it would come to an end. GK: What pulled you though that stressful time? JF: My faith in Steve Wilmot and the Heritage Classic Foundation to secure the tournament’s future.

RBC HERITAGE AT A GLANCE 2012 Dates

April 9-15

2012 Purse

$5.7 million

GK: You’ve worked with many title sponsors in the past. What makes RBC and Boeing so unique? JF: It is truly exciting to have title and presenting sponsors that have a genuine affinity for our local market. We have that in RBC and Boeing, and we as a market and a tournament are blessed to have them.

2012 Winner’s Share

$1,028,000

Annual Economic Impact to South Carolina

$82 million

Annual Economic Impact to Hilton Head Island

$72 million

GK: Blessed—as islanders, that is truly the case. You have raised an amazing family here and are beloved. I am sure you have had other opportunities that could have lured you away. What has kept you so solidly committed to our lovely little island? JF: You nailed it. We are blessed. Almost daily I am congratulated to still have the tournament and that the future is secured, but actually I should be congratulating the island, the residents and the loyal fans. The tournament benefits so many people, businesses and, above all, charities. We are all blessed in so many ways, and the reasons I have never considered pursuing other opportunities are many. The memories of watching my children grow into adulthood in such an amazing location, the wonderful friendships I have built over the years, the tournament memories, the opening ceremonies, watching friends and children return year after year, and being able to do all this in such a beautiful spot is simply icing on the cake. In our case, it is the golf ball on top of the tee!

Attendance

135,000

Average Spectator Age

Spectators with Income >$100,000/Year

55%

First Year of Heritage

1969

Oldest Winner

Hale Irwin, at age 48, 1994

Youngest Winner

Davis Love III, at age 23, 1987

Highest Winning Score

283, by Arnold Palmer, 1969

Lowest Winning Score

264, by Brian Gay, 2009

For more information on the RBC Heritage, please visit www.rbcheritage.com. For more information on the Heritage Classic Foundation, including its charities, scholars, volunteers and tournaments, please visit www.heritageclassicfoundation.com.

HiltonHead.GolfersGuide.com

RBC_HHIVisitor_12.1.indd 33

4/5/12 3:24:42 PM

PHOTO COURTESY OF DON HILL/THE METHODIST HOSPITAL SYSTEM

Golfer’s Guide Exclusive Interview by Brad King

A Word with

Jim Nantz

CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz has covered more sports events than you can shake a golf club at. He talks with Golfer’s Guide about his Heritage experiences and more.

Nantz Interview_HHIVisitor_12.1.indd 34

Brad King: How important was it to you, personally, for RBC and Boeing to step in at the ninth hour and sponsor the Heritage, and how important do you consider it to have been for Hilton Head Island and the PGA Tour? Jim Nantz: Anyone who wants to know how important Hilton Head is to all of us at CBS Sports just has to pop in the tape from last year’s broadcast. I’ve never been part of a presentation like that. We tried our best to express how unique Hilton Head Island is and equally how special this tournament is to the community. We love the Heritage, we respect it, and it is important to the CBS golf team.

a couple of years later you have her strapped into one of those little baby seats on the back of your bike. Then a few years later you have the double bike, where your little child thinks they are actually maneuvering and pedaling the bike around the paths of Hilton Head. Then, one day you show up and they don’t want to ride the double bike anymore, they want their own bike. Some of my favorite lifetime memories with my daughter have taken place right there on Hilton Head.

BK: You once told me that coming to Hilton Head from your home in Connecticut with your daughter, Caroline, was her favorite annual trip. Does she still join you regularly, or has she gotten too busy doing other things? JN: Caroline was born in April 1994 just two weeks after the tournament. She has never missed a year since she was a baby. She is now a senior in high school. For us, Harbour Town is one of those places where you can measure the passing of time. You go from having this precious little baby in your arms, coming to Hilton Head Island for the first time two weeks shy of her first birthday and pushing her around in a baby carriage. To

BK: Tell us about your typical routine during your week on the island. What do you like to do during whatever downtime you might have? Ever make it out of Sea Pines? JN: I really know the area quite well. First off, we try to walk in the sand at the Sea Pines Beach Club every day. Then of course, we have our favorite restaurants as well as some serious miniature golf competitions! We really do pack a lot in during our week there—and by the way, we are there to broadcast a very important golf tournament too. Coming off the NCAA tournament and the Masters—I’ve had 27 years of that back-to-back combination—Hilton Head comes at a wonderful time every year.

HiltonHead.GolfersGuide.com

4/5/12 3:25:49 PM

Belfair

Bluffton, South Carolina

At Belfair, you are never just a visitor. We pride ourselves on providing our members with a seamless first class

experience, whether its playing our Fazio designed championship courses, dining in our superb restaurant, staying in our charming cottages, enjoying a private golf clinic or luxuriating at our spa and fitness center. We make it our precedence that all of your expectations are exceeded from the moment you arrive. We cordially invite you to Discover Belfair.

Discovery Package

2 night stay in one of our cottage junior suites, 2 rounds of golf on each of our championship courses, lunch for 2 at our Clubhouse and access to our world class golf learning center and fitness center. $550/couple

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 843.757.0700 OR VISIT WWW.BELFAIR1811.COM

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4/5/12 3:26:49 PM

Golfer’s Guide Exclusive Interview, continued by Brad King

Nantz’s book, Always by My Side, is a tribute to his father, who suffered from Alzheimer’s.

BK: Tell us about your friendship with Gregg and Lindy Russell, and your work with their outstanding organization, Hilton Head Heroes, which provides resort vacations to the families of children with lifethreatening illnesses. JN: I first met Gregg Russell, really, because I was a fan of Gregg’s, and I remain a fan to this day. I am a fan of who he is, what he does and what he stands for. And through time I got to know Lindy, and I feel the exact same way about her. They are a special family, and I hope Sea Pines values them as a true asset. As a parent, I had the great pleasure of having my daughter sit under the big oak tree on the harbor and listen to Gregg entertain everyone and create this warm, family feeling around the golf tournament. One year, I walked up to him holding my daughter’s hand, and told him I wanted to make an introduction and tell him how much we appreciate him, because he does an exceptional job being an ambassador for Sea Pines and for the tournament. I just thanked him, as a parent and as someone who is on the road all the time, for creating this warm and loving environment for all of us to come down and tap into once a year. The friendship evolved and evolved. It’s been years and years now. Gregg and Lindy first told us about Hilton Head Heroes well over 10 years ago, and when I found out how important it was to them, it became important to me. I think it typifies the spirit of the people of Hilton Head, and it is such a perfect fit because the Island is about families. BK: In 2008 you wrote your ﬁrst book, Always by My Side, which I read and thought was truly exceptional. I gave it to my father, and he loved it as well. What was that experience like for you? JN: Always by My Side has been such a gift in my life. I met with the publisher in 2007, two days after the Masters, and I was not really sure what direction we were going and what the interest level would be

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in the book. The book went through this transition from being a sports diary, day-by-day look at my life on the road to being a tribute book about my father. It was a cathartic experience for me, being able to write it with my friend, Eli Spielman. When I say we wrote it, I mean we worked on it together every day for nine months. We really didn’t miss a day without exchanging ideas, writing paragraphs, and trying to advance the book page by page. And when it came out in 2008, the next spring, I didn’t know what to expect. To this day, people will bring their book to the events I broadcast and ask me to sign it. They come up to me timidly at first, as if they hate to bother me—but what they don’t understand, they really are giving me this pause in my life, a moment of reflection, an opportunity to talk about my father and my family. I get to hear their stories about how the book affected them and often how Alzheimer’s afflicted their families more than I could have ever imagined. I never thought I would write a sequel, but now I’m thinking that someday I will for I am so overwhelmed by how it touched so many lives. BK: I also understand that writing the book led to something much more important in your life. Tell us about your work toward ﬁnding a cure for Alzheimer’s. JN: After I realized the book had in some measure rallied the Alzheimer’s community larger than I could have ever dreamt, I knew there had to be something else that I could do. The book resulted in—on January 19, 2011—our family opening the Nantz National Alzheimer Center at The Texas Medical Center in Houston [www.nantzfriends.org]. It is one of the greatest research centers in the world for neurological studies, and it is named for my father. The Nantz name on there is a tribute to my dad. Really, we wouldn’t have gotten there if it had not been for the book. It was not only for the Alzheimer’s community, but the entire neurology community, all the people who have seen their loved ones struggle. They needed a voice. Please visit hiltonhead.golfersguide.com to read the full inverview.

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4/5/12 3:26:11 PM

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4/5/12 3:27:48 PM

Inside the Mind of

PHOTO COURTESY OF STARLETDARLENE/DREAMSTIME.COM

Golfer’s Guide Exclusive Interview by Karen Rhodes

Kyle Stanley

PGA pro Kyle Stanley—the Berkeley Hall pro who is now a household name well beyond the local area— shares his thoughts with Golfer’s Guide Guide. Karen Rhodes: The beginning of this year got off to a bit of a rocky start, but then you had a big win that catapulted your popularity. What did you learn in that loss that helped you secure the big win? Kyle Stanley: I would characterize the start of my year as exciting, but certainly not rocky by any means. I started playing well in Hawaii and continued that good play into San Diego. While I didn’t win the event, I probably gained much more from what happened versus if I had actually won. I think that a lot more people came to know who I was, and those that do follow golf got a better understanding of who I am and my personality. During that stretch of losing in the playoff at Torrey Pines and coming back to win the following week at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, I learned a lot about myself, and all of those experiences have made me not only a better player but a better person. I was pretty devastated Sunday night after San Diego, but I am not sure I would go back and change a thing. KR: What kind of impact did that win have on your scheduling and your time commitments, both professionally and personally? KS: My life has certainly gotten busier as a result of winning in Phoenix and finishing as a runner-up in San Diego. From a time standpoint, I have had a huge increase in media requests, and I am doing my best to honor as many as I can while trying to keep my routines the same so I can continue to improve and play well. Winning has many perks, some of which are getting into bigger events like the Masters and the World Golf Championships. As a result, I am able to set my schedule farther in advance and plan better. Having success certainly increases the demands on your time, so learning to be efficient and disciplined is definitely a priority of mine. KR: Who, if anyone, provided any advice after that loss that you took to heart and that has helped you learn from the experience? How do you expect to use that advice to help advance your growth in the game? KS: I don’t know if there was any one thing that was said to me or by a particular person. I had an outpouring of support 38

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from fans, and that made me feel great, to know so many people were out there pulling for me. I also have great family support and a terrific team that was by my side the entire time. They all provided great perspective that maybe wasn’t that clear to me at the time because my emotions were so raw. I played great golf in San Diego. What I chose to do and was encouraged to do was focus on all the good things I did that week, and that is absolutely something I did that allowed me to move on and carry a lot of confidence into Phoenix the following week. KR: Who is your idol? Which player have you shaped your career after, if any? KS: I don’t think there is anyone I have idolized per se. I mean, I certainly respect a lot of people and there are others who I would consider role models, but no one I really have considered an idol. Personally, I have always looked up to and respected my father, who instilled in me some very solid principles about hard work and passion for what you do. I have also always been a huge fan of Vijay Singh for how hard he works and the dedication he has on the practice range. KR: What are your plans and goals for this year? KS: My main goals are always process-related, as I see that as the best road to improvement. I also set more specific goals. At the beginning of the year I had as goals to make the Accenture World Golf Matchplay (the top 64 players in the world rankings qualify), win my first PGA Tour event, qualify for the Masters and make the Ryder Cup team. I have achieved three out of four so far, so I am very pleased to say the least. As I reach certain goals, I add others. But again, the main goal is to be processContinued on p. 48 driven and improve each year.

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BERKELEY

HALL

mun lub Com e Golf C A Privat

THE

ity

discovery

PA C K A

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4/5/12 3:30:42 PM

Golfer’s Guide Exclusive Interview

Welcome Back,

Champ

The 2011 winner of a tartan jacket opens up about life, the RBC Heritage and his burgeoning reputation for come-from-behind victories. Brandt Snedeker embodies the everyman character that is starting to define modern golfers. With his strawberry blond hair curling from underneath a Bridgestone golf visor and a grin that never seems to falter, Snedeker seems more like the guy down at the caddyshack everyone pals around with than one of the most promising golfers of his generation. In fact, he’s both. He’s as approachable as he is talented, as friendly off the course as he is dangerous on it. And with one tartan jacket in his closet, he’s returned to Harbour Town to claim a second. So by way of a welcome back, Golfer’s Guide asked the defending RBC Heritage champion for his thoughts on the tournament, the course, his game and life in general. Golfer’s Guide: Happy birthday to your baby girl (it was the day after our interview). How’s fatherhood treating you? Brandt Snedeker: Fatherhood is better than I ever thought. I can’t wait to get home each day or week to see Lily. GG: How long before Lily is out on the course with her own set of clubs? BS: I started very young with my dad and brother, I would imagine or I would hope that it would be the same with Lily. GG: When you’re in town, what do you like to do besides golf? BS: I love going down to the Quarterdeck. GG: You own a home on Sea Island along with a score of other PGA stars. You guys ever have friendly games around the neighborhood? BS: It has been great down on Sea Island, the quality of players here is unparalleled. We regularly have games at Seaside, and on any given day there are at least seven or eight Nationwide or PGA Tour players to have a game with. GG: You beat Kyle Stanley in sudden death at the Farmers Insurance Open. Any qualms about 40

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playing just up the road from where he’s a teaching pro? BS: Nobody was cheering harder for Kyle the next Sunday than me. I was very glad to see him win. If he hadn’t have won, yes it may been hard but since he won it’s not an issue. GG: During your Rookie of the Year season in 2007, the Heritage sat in the middle of the slowest point of the season before you returned to form at Stanford St. Jude. In winning the RBC Heritage last year, do you feel a sense of vindication? BS: Absolutely, in the years past I have loved the Hilton Head golf course, just never scored well, and last year did feel like a bit of vindication. GG: How did it feel last year thinking you might be the last golfer to earn the tartan jacket? BS: I have been asked that many times, it didn’t really sink in at that time but when I saw the cover the following week with “Uncertain Future of the Heritage,” it sunk in. Everybody loves Steve Wilmot and the tournament staff and the Heritage Classic Foundation. GG: What about when the announcement came that RBC and Boeing were to sponsor the tourney? Do you remember what your thoughts were? BS: Again, we all love Steve Wilmot and the staff. We were very happy that it was put back in the original place behind the Masters on the PGA Tour schedule. It is such a great venue to relax and unwind after a stressful week at the Masters.

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GG: Obviously we’re biased, but where do you think Harbour Town ranks as far as tour destinations? BS: It definitely ranks in my top five, and the RBC Heritage will always be on my schedule. GG: What’s your favorite hole on the course? BS: No. 18, just because of the lighthouse and the strong tradition of the RBC Heritage, and it doesn’t hurt that I birdied it to beat Luke Donald in the playoff. GG: You’ve mentioned in the past that Harbour Town acts as an equalizer between the longer drivers and strategy players like yourself. Can you elaborate on that? BS: Harbour Town demands precision off the tee combined with links depending on the wind direction. It is a golf course that makes you hit every shot in the bag. GG: Your goal is to defend your title, of course. But aside from that, is there anyone in particular you’d like to defeat? Do you have any personal, good-natured rivalries with anyone on the tour? BS: Boo Weekley and I are really good friends, and he has had great success there with two victories, and it would be a lot of fun coming down the stretch competing against him or one of my other good friends. GG: What player do you most hope will sign on, who hasn’t signed on as of press time? BS: I would love to see Tiger Woods play there, it would be great to compete against him at Hilton Head. GG: Your come-from-behind victories at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines and at last year’s RBC Heritage were called surprises, and in each case, the media focused pretty heavily on your opponent’s last-day downfall–— but you had great performances in each tournament, especially on the ﬁnal days. Are those wins as satisfying as they would have been had your opponents not stumbled? BS: Does it diminish the victorious feeling at all if the win is partly due to an opponent’s rough day, or is that just how the golf ball rolls? As I said in my interview after the tournament, I still had to make a birdie on the first playoff hole, and still had to make an eight-foot putt on 16 to win over Kyle. So with that

said, I feel very good about the way I finished and put myself in a position to win. GG: Do you think there’s anything in particular about the way you play, versus the way your opponents have played, that keeps you stronger at the end of the game? BS: I work very hard with Randy Myers at Sea Island, and I feel like I am in the best shape of my career. GG: You’ve switched up your clubs slightly since last year’s RBC Heritage, upgrading your driver to a Superfast 2.0 and irons to a Bridgestone J40 Cavity Back. Are you noticing any difference in your game? BS: The J40 irons have made me much more consistent with my distance control, and I am hitting my driver longer and straighter than I ever have. GG: Do you have a goal in mind for the number of PGA titles you’d like to win this year? BS: Obviously I would like to win as many times as possible, but on a year-to-year basis it is hard to predict. But in my career I would love to achieve what my good friend Davis Love III has done with 20 PGA Tour wins. GG: Which of your stats are you most pleased with, and what areas, if any, would you really like to improve? BS: My putting stats are what I am most proud of. Although I have improved upon my driving accuracy, that is what I want to keep improving on. GG: Same thing with your putting distance—it’s much higher at 20-25 feet than it is at any other distance. What do you attribute this to? BS: My distance control is very good, I seem to make a lot of putts at 20-25 feet because of that. GG: What’s the toughest shot for you, not just at the RBC Heritage, but in general? BS: I think that it would be hitting a drive with a strong left-toright wind with trouble on the right. GG: Which player is your biggest role model? BS: Payne Stewart was when I was growing up. I loved his flair and his emotion on the golf course. I liked the way he interacted with the galleries, and I have tried to pattern my career after his.

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4/5/12 3:32:11 PM

Golfer’s Guide Instruction by Andrew Rice

Today

Get the Most Out of Your Driver

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ANDREW RICE

ou know the out-of-shape guy or little old lady you play with all the time, who airmails the driver 20 yards by you off every tee box? Or the golfer with the antique driver from 1981 who routinely takes aerial shots of your tee balls? Keep reading, because you’re finally going to learn how they are getting the job done. We would all like to hit the ball longer. Straighter is nice, but longer is better. When it comes to more yards off the tee, golfers always seem to focus on new technology or on strength and fitness, but the greatest gains can be made in how the club head is delivered to the ball. There is a good chance you can gain 15 yards or more with the club head speed you have, simply by learning how to deliver the club head to the golf ball correctly. If you’ve watched enough golf on television, you may have heard a term called attack angle.

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Attack angle refers to the angle of approach the club head takes, relative to the ground, as it impacts the ball. It essentially measures whether the club head travels toward or away from the ground as it strikes the ball. When it comes to distance, attack angle is even more important than club head speed, and as it relates almost completely to your golf swing, it is something you, the golfer, can change. The second term we’re going to focus on is club path. This term refers to the direction the club head is travelling relative to the target—either to the right or left at impact. My experience shows that most golfers prefer a draw, and for that reason we will also work toward generating a slightly in-to-out club path. Research has shown that the most efficient way to smash the driver is to strike the ball with an upward/ascending hit, with the club head traveling away from the ground. This movement encourages a higher launch, and with a well-fitted club leads to more roll once Here, I have a broad the ball comes back to earth. Ever heard base with the ball teed of high launch, low spin? Using TrackMan high and just inside the technology, scientists have been able to lead heel. I am set up determine that a golfer swinging at 90 to hit up, and I can rip miles per hour—slightly faster than the it from here. average male—with an attack angle of +5 degrees (up) will carry the ball almost 30 yards longer than the exact same golfer with an attack angle of -5 degrees (down). Now that’s a tangible difference. If you gain 30 yards off each tee shot, you will have made every golf course you play more than 400 yards shorter. The vast majority of us will benefit greatly from an upward strike with the big stick. As you can see, almost all the changes take place at address. Tee the ball high, and make sure it is not too far forward in your stance, as the farther forward it goes, the more we encourage an out-to-in or over-the-top club path. At address, you should have a sense that you are behind the ball and are preparing to swing

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b e d s s s t s ft s k

t h d t a e d n o 0 e 5 t e s e. u y t n

s h, d t n u d g

uphill. In order to encourage an in-to-out strike, adjust your stance by moving the back foot, hip and shoulder inside the target line. In the swing, you will need to feel that you are staying behind the ball with your upper body as you aggressively drive the hips and weight over onto the front foot. This is where the “uphill” sense comes from—as the hips drive, the head stays back, and you create the body motion that allows for the club head to move up into the golf ball. Believe it or not, when you deliver the club head to the ball 5 degrees from the inside with a 5-degree upward attack angle, the club head is traveling straight for the target at impact (assuming you’re aligned correctly). This is a fantastic recipe for long and efficient tee shots. If you cannot seem to get the sense or feel for hitting up on the ball, it could well be that you are working your body incorrectly through impact. It is very common for golfers with tight hips or general flexibility problems to overuse the upper body and try to muscle the hit with their arms. This practice will always result in a downward, and thus inefficient, strike on the ball. Our goal is simply to get out what we are putting in. We’re looking to be efficient, but remember: It can be overdone. We want the club head to be moving a few degrees from the inside and a few degrees up, so take it easy and go slowly. I have had startling results getting golfers to execute these two simple keys with the driver. One golfer actually gained more than 50 yards. I know we could all benefit from a few extra yards, not to mention 50. Andrew Rice is the director of instruction at Berkeley Hall in Bluffton. He runs www.andrewricegolf.com and has written a book titled, It’s All About Impact. For information concerning lessons, he can be reached at (843) 247-4688 or andrew@andrewricegolf.com.

In this photo, the target line is indicated by the string on the ground. Notice how my right foot, hip and shoulder are “quietly” moved inside their left-side counterparts. This positioning creates additional space inside the ball, and I can crush it from the inside here.

Here you can see how I am working toward staying behind the ball with my upper body, yet allowing the middle and lower body to drive aggressively to the target.

To see the video that goes along with this article, please visit http://youtu.be/JFW2Zw67L1U.

HiltonHead.GolfersGuide.com

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4/5/12 3:33:49 PM

S P E C I A L

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Greenkeeping

on the Course and Beyond

by Karen Rhodes

The Hilton Head Island–Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and RBC are committed to caring for the environment and sustaining the Island’s green appeal.

olf and crowds aren’t always associated with environmental sensitivity. But this year’s RBC Heritage will help put that stereotype to rest, showcasing the many ways that the sport and its fans can “go green.” RBC’s corporate commitment to sustainability is taking the shape of many environmentally conscious measures at this year’s tournament, in partnership with the Heritage Classic Foundation and The Sea Pines Resort and in conjunction with several event suppliers. For starters, say goodbye to Styrofoam and single-use ketchup and mustard packages. Concessions will be served in recyclable or biodegradable packaging, and condiments will be served from bulk dispensers. Coca-Cola is making it easy for spectators to dispose of soda cans and other recyclables by placing more than 100 recycling bins along the course. Palmetto Electric Cooperative is purchasing approximately 150 megawatt hours of “green power”—enough to cover what is used by the Harbour Town Clubhouse, hospitality areas, scoreboards, skyboxes and broadcasting towers during tournament week. And the tournament is making it easy for

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spectators to use pedal power to get to the event. (See sidebar.) Andrew Craig, senior manager of environmental initiatives for RBC, attended the International Ecotourism and Sustainability Conference that the Hilton Head Island–Bluffton Chamber of Commerce brought to the island last fall, and is excited about the golf world’s green potential. “It is important for the golf industry to understand the business opportunities associated with environmental sustainability,” said Craig. “Newly emerging course design and maintenance techniques are helping golf courses reduce operating costs, provide habitats for wildlife, serve as natural filtration systems for water, and

raise awareness about the importance of protecting our natural resources—benefits that can help make your golf course more competitive. RBC has a longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability and is pleased to support efforts with this focus in the Lowcountry golf community.” The Chamber couldn’t be happier about RBC’s commitment to sustainability. It falls right in line with the Chamber’s own efforts to promote the “triple bottom line” of sustainability—making sure that new initiatives benefit people, places and profits. A few examples of the Chamber’s sustainability work: • Co-hosting and co-sponsoring sustain-

The Business Case for Sustainability workshop in February engaged a number of local professionals, including (from left to right) Robert Stenhammer of Hilton Head Accommodations; Kathy Winings, David Zunker and Susan Thomas of the Hilton Head Island–Bluffton Chamber of Commerce; Anushka Frey of Frey Media; and Mark Baker of Wood & Partners.

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4/5/12 3:34:54 PM

s p e c i a l

ability workshops for local businesses, such as Experience Green’s recent “Business Case for Sustainability” and “RBC Greening Golf ” workshops. • Working with Audubon International to help local golf courses meet the requirements of its Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification program. • Holding an internal sustainability workshop for Chamber staff, and establishing a Chamber Green Team to develop best practices and programs for staff. • Working to ensure that travel and culinary media outlets like Bon Appétit are aware of—and feature—the Certified SC Grown campaign’s “Fresh on the Menu” restaurants. • Developing a new sustainability certification and recognition program for local businesses, to launch later this year. Tournament organizers expect that spectators and the greater community will welcome the new initiatives, which will be implemented by the Heritage Classic Foundation. “Hilton Head Island is a beautiful community, and we want to do our part to keep it that way,” said Steve Wilmot, tournament director for the RBC Heritage. “I think the community appreciates what we do and are more than willing to do their part to make sure our programs work well.”

a d v e r t i s e m e n t

Pedal Power This year, try something new: Journey to the tourney via bike. Your bicycle is one of the greenest modes of transportation, no matter what color it’s painted. This year, Sea Pines, the RBC Heritage and the Hilton Head Island Bicycle Friendly Advisory Committee want to make sure that it’s also one of the easiest. Just show your RBC Heritage ticket or badge at the gate during the hours of play, and then follow the signs on the bike path to

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the designated bicycle parking area near the main tournament entrance. Hilton Head Island is a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community, according to the League of American Bicyclists, and the island is known for its bikefriendly beaches and scenic bike paths. It’s the perfect opportunity to take in some of the island’s best offerings—natural beauty, a family-friendly vibe and amazing golf—and to help protect the environment while you’re at it.

4/5/12 3:35:18 PM

Golfer’s Guide Local Round-Up

Local

Knowledge The Hilton Head Island area is a natural habitat for pro golfers. Here’s a round-up of pro players with local ties:

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PGA TOUR (MEN) AND LPGA (WOMEN) All rankings are as of press time.

Kyle Stanley

Local Connection: Bluffton resident; golf pro at Berkeley Hall Golf Club, Bluffton Birthdate: Nov. 19, 1987 Official World Golf Ranking: 49 2012 PGA Tour Live Projected Money List Ranking: 1 Victories: 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open Scoring Average: 69.43 (PGA Tour) On the Web: www.pgatour.com/golfers/030110/kyle-stanley and www.twitter.com/kylestanleygolf

Mark Anderson

Local Connection: Beaufort resident; golf pro at Secession Golf Club, Beaufort Birthdate: Feb. 14, 1986 2012 PGA Tour Live Projected Money List Ranking: 140 Scoring Averages: 71 (PGA Tour), 72.25 (Nationwide Tour) Charities: The LeVeen-Roach Scholarship Fund On the Web: www.pgatour.com/golfers/033120/mark-anderson and www.twitter.com/mark_andersonsc

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Kris Blanks

Local Connection: Former Bluffton resident; wife, Tami, was golf pro at Sea Pines Country Club Birthdate: Nov. 3, 1972 Official World Golf Ranking: 195 2012 PGA Tour Live Projected Money List Ranking: 171 Victories: 2008 Bank of America Open Scoring Average: 71.06 (PGA Tour) Charities: Golf Pros Beating Cancer, Inc. On the Web: www.pgatour.com/golfers/028087/kris-blanks and www.twitter.com/krisblanks

Brian Harman

Local Connection: Born in Savannah; graduate of Savannah Christian Prepatory School; St. Simons Island, Ga., resident; golf pro at Sea Island Golf Club, Sea Island, Ga. Birthdate: Jan. 19, 1987 Official World Golf Ranking: 607 2012 PGA Tour Live Projected Money List Ranking: 80 Scoring Average: 70 (PGA Tour) On the Web: www.pgatour.com/golfers/027644/brian-harman and www.twitter.com/harmanbrian

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D.J. Trahan

Local Connection: Former Hilton Head Island resident; attended Hilton Head Island High School Birthdate: Dec. 18, 1980 Official World Golf Ranking: 192 2012 PGA Tour Live Projected Money List Ranking: 60 Victories: 2008 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic; 2006 Southern Farm Bureau Classic; 2004 Miccosukee Championship Scoring Average: 71 (PGA Tour) On the Web: www.pgatour.com/golfers/023788/dj-trahan and www.facebook.com/DJTrahanGolf

Chris Epperson

Local Connection: Hilton Head Island resident; born in Savannah; graduate of Savannah Christian Preparatory School and attended Armstrong Atlantic State University Birthdate: Oct. 27, 1982 Scoring Average: 73.42 (PGA Tour, 2011), 70.96 (Nationwide Tour, 2011) Charities: March of Dimes On the Web: www.pgatour.com/golfers/035086/ chris-epperson

Shanshan Feng

Local Connection: Hilton Head Island resident; former Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy student Birthdate: Aug. 5, 1989 LPGA Official Money List Ranking: 6 Rolex Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Golf Ranking: 12 Victories: 2012 World Ladies Championship; 2011 Meiji Chocolate Cup Scoring Average: 69.5

Let the experts at Lancaster help you find the golf community which fits your game. Former PGA professionals who know the Low Country, our gated Communities and golf memberships.

Reilley Rankin

Local Connection: Hilton Head Island resident; born and raised on Hilton Head; graduate of Hilton Head Island High School Birthdate: April 17, 1979 Rolex Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Golf Ranking: 239 Victories: 2003 Northwest Indiana FUTURES Golf Classic; 2003 Betty Puskar FUTURES Golf Classic Scoring Average: 73.16 (2011) Charities: Golf Fore Africa On the Web: www.reilleyrankin.com, www.facebook.com/reilleyrankin and www.twitter.com/reilleyrankin

Call John McMahon Broker

843.785.9500

www.hiltonheadhomes.com 1032 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head

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47 3/19/12 5:06:07 PM

4/5/12 3:46:49 PM

Golfer’s Guide Trends

Continued from p. 38

KR: What strengths will help you get there? What challenges do you foresee? KS: Well, I think my passion to be the best I can be, my work ethic and my desire to keep getting better are truly my strengths as a golfer. I just need to stay focused, disciplined and keeping working hard, and we will see what happens. This game has many ups and downs, and it can take you to the greatest heights and the lowest depths. Maintaining a great attitude regardless of what the game brings you is probably the greatest challenge.

What’s Johnson Wagner’s moustache Bright colors ECCO Golf Street Premier Shoe Smartphone GPS Irish travel White drivers Pinning Orchid Paulmeier ZipLine Hilton Head Station 300 The new Harris “Taj Ma-Teeter” 6 lanes on Hwy. 278 Dunkin’ Donuts Magnetic balance belts RBC Bank E-books on tablet Bluffton’s Olive Garden

The visor wig Jean shorts Matching shoes to accessories Rangefinder Cruises to the Bahamas Belly putters Winning Paula Deen Kiteboarding Wii bowling Food Lion closing 4 lanes at the Hilton Head Island bridge Flamingo’s Doughnut Cafe Magnetic balance bracelets Bank of America Bookshelves Pasta Garden ruins on Hwy. 278

What’s 48

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KR: Your proﬁle on the PGA Tour website says you would like to play Pine Valley in New Jersey. Have you gotten to play there yet? Do you have plans to play it anytime soon? KS: No, I haven’t played Pine Valley and have no immediate plans to play. Someday I will get up there and play, and I am sure it will a great experience. KR: We know you’d like to win all four majors, but does one of them stand out to you as the most desirable win? KS: You’re right, I’d like to win them all, but would be satisfied with winning any one of them. But if I had to choose one, it would be the Masters. There is such an unbelievable tradition, aura and history about the Masters, Augusta National and all of the great champions that have worn the Green Jacket. I remember every year how excited I would be when the TV ads started running, promoting the Masters, and I remember always sitting glued to the TV set watching every round with my dad. To win at Augusta and wear the Green Jacket would be a dream come true, for sure. KR: What brought you here? Do you have a tight circle of friends here? How does the Hilton Head/Bluffton area support your development as a golfer? KS: Going to school at Clemson brought me to the Southeast, and Hilton Head is a place we used to vacation when my grandparents lived here. During college, I would spend many weekends on the island visiting. When I turned professional, living down here was an easy choice. I was comfortable with the area, the weather is great, and I have grown to develop many close friendships. Playing out of Berkeley Hall has been fantastic because they have wonderful golf courses and a great practice facility that allows me to prepare my best for the challenges of the PGA TOUR. In addition, the support I get from the members of Berkeley Hall, and for that matter the rest of the community, has been great. It is really a special place. KR: What are your hobbies when you’re not on the course? KS: I am a pretty hard worker and very focused on my profession. When I have an off week, I don’t like to do a lot, honestly. I catch up on missed sleep and generally just hang out and recharge until I leave for the next tournament. KR: What other sports and teams do you follow? Tell us about your connection to Gonzaga University. Are you a huge basketball fan? KS: I am a big Clemson fan obviously, and because of growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I am a huge Gonzaga basketball fan. Ever since I can remember, I have been a Zags fan and have watched them religiously since I was a small kid. Doesn’t mean I have any less love for Clemson!

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