COASTAL SOUTH CAROLINA, USA PRESENTS A GUIDE TO THE AREA…
Welcome to
South Carolina FEATURING THREE OF THE AMERICAN SOUTH’S PREMIERE DESTINATIONS MYRTLE BEACH, HISTORIC CHARLESTON, AND HILTON HEAD ISLAND
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Welcome to
The island of adventure Coastal South Carolina
and the holiday of a lifetime SOUTHERN CHARM AND GRACIOUS HOSPITALITY AWAITS THE VISITOR TO CHARLESTON, MYRTLE BEACH & HILTON HEAD – NOT TO MENTION WORLD-CLASS GOLF AND AWARD-WINNING CUISINE Situated on the sub-tropical of Atlantic shoreline of the American South, Coastal South Carolina is one the quintessential golf experiences for travellers from around the world. Warmed by the winds blowing across the Gulfstream waters of the South Atlantic, the entire region offers respite and relaxation for golfers looking to keep their game in shape while the weather at home might keep you indoors. Not only will visitors enjoy some of the best golf that America has to offer, holiday makers will be equally impressed by a cuisine boasting the freshest seafood, brought in daily from an active fishing industry. Restaurants along the entire coast of South Carolina take advantage of the seafood and fresh vegetables, by offering these traditional Carolina staples in virtually every language from French to Thai. It’s a safe bet that the food will not disappoint. The region’s climate lures to the outdoor throughout the year. Whether boating on its pristine rivers, walking its 200 miles of coastline, dining, or touring the historic plantations that will take you directly to a gentler, it is an area that demands to be enjoyed outdoor. The South Carolina natives are a relaxed and welcoming people that make excellent service flow with an ease that will put an exclamation point on the holiday experience. In addition to the world class dining and golf, the shopping bargains, typical in America, are offered with abundance in South Carolina. It is truly a value waiting to be discovered – Coastal South Carolina. Let’s take a closer look at the region.
SEASONS The South Carolina coast is blessed with a sub-tropical climate that’s ideal for outdoor activity year-round. There’s just enough change in temperature to give each season its own special flavour. Spring is long and lovely, blanketing the Lowcountry in a sea of colourful blooms. Summer brings warm sunny days and lush foliage. The mild, clear days of fall reach deep into December. And winter’s brief sweater weather (averaging 60 degrees) is perfect for an exhilarating day on the links. Whatever season you choose, the climate’s always right to tee it up. Month
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Avg. Max Temp. F˚/C˚
59/15
61/16
67/19
76/24
82/28
86/29
89/32
89/32
84/29
77/25
69/21
61/16
Avg. Ocean Temp. F˚/C˚
52/11
54/12
59/15
67/19
75/24
82/28
84/29 84/29
80/27
73/23
63/17
54/12
Avg. Precip. Inches
3.1
3.5
4.2
2.7
4.2
5.3
7.0
5.3
2.8
2.0
2.4
6.9
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TRAVEL COASTAL SOUTH CAROLINA
Historic Charleston
and it’s resort islands
IT IS INDEED A FACT. CHARLESTON IS ONE OF America’s great historic treasures. Charleston was settled in 1670 deeded from King Charles II, and at nearly every turn along the narrow cobblestone streets you get a sense of America’s past and its British influence. It is fitting that a city named for King Charles II would be nicknamed the Holy City for its acceptance of all faiths. Though he yielded to the Claredon Code established by his Parliament, Charles never favoured the anti-Puritan thought the Code prescribed but practised the thought of tolerance toward all religions. While British influence is evident in both attitude and architecture, it is a less known fact that Charleston has a rich history in golf as well. The first Golf Club in America, Harleston Green, was established as a nine-hole course in the 1700s but is not in existence today. It is also thought that the first golf clubs brought to the ‘New World’ were actually imported through Charleston harbour. But perhaps the piece of Charleston history more vividly etched in the memory of the golfing world is the 1991 Ryder Cup – the ‘War on the Shore’ – held at nearby Kiawah Island. Travellers to the region still enjoy recounting that event at the Pete Dye-designed Ocean Course of Kiawah Island Golf Resort. But 4 GOLFINTERNATIONALMAG.COM JUNE/JULY 2009
THE CHARLESTON AREA OFFERS UP A TRUE FEAST FOR THE SENSES,WITH ITS COLOURFUL HISTORY SERVING AS THE MAIN COURSE. AND THEN THERE’S THE SMALL MATTER OF THAT RYDER CUP AT KIAWAH ISLAND, NOT TO MENTION ALL OF THE OTHER CHALLENGING COURSES ALONG THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY... what many may not realise is that Kiawah Island itself offers much more than a landmark golf course. Kiawah Island Resort is a thoughtfully developed barrier island with more than ten miles of uninterrupted white sandy beaches and boasts an award-winning Inn and luxury villa accommodations. And there is not just one course. There are actually five championship courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Fazio. The resort’s array of accommodation is first class. There are massive oceanfront villas and luxury self cater apartments. But the newest to Kiawah’s option is The Sanctuary, a Mobile 5 Star Hotel. Showcasing timeless architectural quality, grand yet graceful inte-
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riors and breathtaking ocean views, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island combines the area’s indigenous environment to offer a premier resort experience for those seeking a luxury vacation. And The Sanctuary Spa elicits the feel of a grand southern porch and garden through a rich tableau of Charleston brick, trickling water, indigenous plants, garden-style light fixtures and the use of chaise loungers in the relaxation area. The treatments are inspired by a combination of the balancing properties of the ocean, maritime forest and South Carolina’s botanical gardens. With your sense restored, what better way to round off the day than with a delightful evening in the Michelin worthy signature restaurant, The Ocean Room. New to Kiawah Island Golf Resort is enjoying the game the way it was meant to played – walking, with a caddy taking care of the heavy lifting. Walking is, in fact, compulsory at The Ocean Course for most morning tee times. Walking through the dunes you can almost sense the atmosphere in the cauldron of those historic Ryder Cup matches – and the world of tournament golf will be here once again when Kiawah stages the 2012 PGA Championship – the fourth and final major of the year. Who knows? Maybe that’s when Tiger will finally catch – or indeed pass – Jack’s major-winning record. On the opposite side of Charleston, and located on the quaint Isles of Palms, is Wild Dunes. This resort, only 10 miles from the historic city, is another fabulous oceanfront golfing playground. Two Fazio courses grace the property, originally named the Isles of Palms Beach and Racquet Club. But when Wild Dunes Links Course opened to such acclaim in the early 1980’s, the resort actually changed its name to be more deservedly aligned with its famous golf course which has steadily grown in notoriety to become ranked among the very top courses in America. Wild Dunes’ Links Course is best known for its 17th and 18th – two majestic holes played out hard alongside the Atlantic’s shoreline, but the entire course is a true Tom Fazio test. The resort also boasts quality accommodation at the boutique Boardwalk Inn as well as the luxurious – but lively – Village at Wild Dunes. The Village offers refined accommodation for discerning travellers, such as The Boardwalk Inn, but it also offers 2, 3, and 4 bedroom options. All of this great golf – so close to one of America’s hidden treasures, Historic Charleston. The old city still stands proudly as one America’s great walking cities. Line with beautifully preserved colonial architecture and streets made from cobblestones used as ballast of ships, Charleston is indeed a wonderful American city. From both of these classic resorts, Wild Dunes and Kiawah, it is only a short drive to the charm and epicurean delights of quaint bistros that line the streets of this grand old lady – The Holy City. King Charles II would be pleased.
Website: CoastalSouthCarolina.net Leading Tour Operators featuring Charleston: EagleGolfTours.com 01273 419111 • GolfBreaks.com 0800 279 7988
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TRAVEL COASTAL SOUTH CAROLINA
Hilton Head Island SITUATED ON THE SOUTHERNMOST POINT of South Carolina’s 200 miles of coastal terrain, Hilton Head Island has been long known as one of the America’s most pristine environments in a visitor-friendly setting. Accessible from the mainland only by bridge, Hilton Head Island is a holiday oasis bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west. While Hilton Head Island is famous for its 12mile stretch of glistening sands, the island is also well known for its sports activities as well as its varied arts features and cultural events. Hilton Head is distinctly divided into a series of exclusive resort plantations each with golf courses and luxury accommodation. The first course on Hilton Head Island, Harbour Town Golf Links on Sea Pines Resort, was built in 1961 and is best known for its landmark finishing hole with Calibogue Sound running along its left 8 GOLFINTERNATIONALMAG.COM JUNE/JULY 2009
THE WEEK AFTER THE MASTERS TOURNAMENT EACHYEAR,THE PGA TOUR MOVES TO HARBOUR TOWN FOR THE HERITAGE CLASSIC – ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR STOPS OF THE GOLFING SEASON. FOR LOTS & LOTS OF REASONS
side and the Harbour Town Lighthouse as a backdrop. Harbour Town Golf Links is the first stop on the USPGA tour each year after the Masters and is a perennial favourite of tour players from around the world. Sea Pines Resort has two other championship courses, luxury villas and condominiums,
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as well as a sparkling new Inn at Harbour Town. It has been built in the tradition of a Scottish luxury country hotel complete with tartan clad butlers on each floor. With 60 elegantly appointed rooms, the inn offers a boutique escape with a high level of personal service and is uniquely situated with the amenities of one the world’s top resorts its doorstep. Palmetto Dunes is yet another Hilton Head Island classic. Along with three classic courses named for its architects – Jones, Fazio and Hills – Palmetto Dunes Resort also offers a wide range of accommodation from seven-bedroom oceanfront villas to the luxurious rooms at the Marriott Golf and Beach Resort Hotel and The Hilton Resort. Palmetto Dunes Resort, like neighboring Sea Pines, is a comprehensive resort offer beach activities, world class tennis facilities, a wide array of dining options, and full service marina built in a Mediterranean tradition. The region’s best kept secret, however, might just be Daufuskie Island Resort, a short boat ride from Hilton Head Island. Daufuskie Resort boasts a traditional full-service inn and spa as well as two demanding tests of golf. In addition to the golf, there is an equestrian centre in a remote environment where your only mode of transport is a golf cart. Even if only for a day trip, Daufuskie is worth a visit while on Hilton Head Island. The delightful sunset boat ride from Daufuskie Island back to Hilton Head is a perfect end to a day of golf or spa retreat. Yet another resort is Port Royal Plantation, boasting three American classic course designs and ultra-luxurious Westin Hilton Head Isand Resort and Spa. It is renowned as the top oceanfront hotel on Hilton Head Island, offering all of the services discerning travelers require. And, don’t forget, plan a little time and budget for shopping. Value here will not disappoint. The Outlet Shoppes off the Island offer everything – quality high street products at bargain-basement prices. Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Nike, Adidas to name a few. The cornerstone of the American travel experience is hospitality and service. And on Hilton Head Island, service is taken to a new level. Whether at one of the region’s 22 golf courses, a marina-side bistro, or out for exciting nightlife, this little oasis off the mainland of South Carolina’s subtropical coast offers a quality experience matched by no golf destination in Europe. There may never be a better time to enjoy both luxury and value in the same golf holiday. On Hilton Head Island, the living is easy!
How to get there: The Savannah/Hilton Head Island Airport has convenient connections from London, Manchester and Bristol on Continental Airlines and Delta Airlines. Website: CoastalSouthCarolina.net Leading Tour Operators featuring Hilton Head Island: EagleGolfTours.com 01273 419111• GolfBreaks.com 0800 279 7988
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TRAVEL COASTAL SOUTH CAROLINA
Myrtle Beach
IT’S TIMEYOU DISCOVERED WHY IT IS CALLED THE ‘GRAND STRAND’.... LOCATED ON THE NORTHERN MOST PORTION OF the South Carolina’s beautiful subtropical coastline, Myrtle Beach has become, in recent years, one of the world’s premiere golf destinations. With more than 100 golf courses within a 60 mile stretch of white sandy beaches, this area – popularly dubbed the ‘Grand Strand’ – has something to offer every golf traveller. After all, it hosts nearly a million golfers every year who play over 4 million rounds of golf. And while those numbers are pretty impressive, the most compelling reasons for seriously considering a Myrtle Beach golf vacation can be summed up in three simple words: QUALITY, VARIETY & VALUE. There are many golf destinations across America boasting fabulous courses. Unfortunately, most of the good omnes are reserved for members or are wildly expensive. One of the unique characteristics of the Myrtle Beach experience is the refreshing accessibility of all of the great courses. All offer public access to
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anyone who wants to play! And the quality is beyond belief: in Myrtle Beach, you’ll enjoy golf by the designer labels – Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Tom Fazio, Greg Norman, Pete Dye, Davis Love, and many others. In fact, nearly a third of all Myrtle Beach area courses have recently received four stars or higher in Golf Digest’s “Places to Play,” and no fewer than seven of those are ranked among the “Top 100 Public Access Courses in America.” The sub-tropical climate, versatile terrain and proximity to the ocean and tidal rivers has made for a variety of course designs, from wind-swept links fairways to parkland courses carved through pristine Carolina forest. It is traditional here for golf courses to offer up to five flights of tees, so golfers of all abilities can look forward to an enjoyable round. The climate also allows a variety of premium grasses on the putting greens – about half of the courses offer bent greens and the others feature various strands of
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Bermuda, so you’ll feel like a tour pro. The accommodation in Myrtle Beach is varied to suit each budget and taste. Kingston Plantation, featuring The Hilton Resort and Embassy Suite, is situated directly on white sands by The Atlantic Ocean. The plantation also offers 2-4 bedroom luxury apartments, a fitness centre, pools, and tennis courts. The newest addition to Myrtle Beach is the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes Resort, a refined luxury resort offering a new experience to Myrtle Beach visitors. The variety also extends beyond the courses and resorts, to the many other activities to round out your visit. No visit is complete without a little shopping, and the Myrtle Beach area is a shopper’s paradise, with hundreds of factory outlet stores and specialty shops. The area offers over 1,600 restaurants with practically every cuisine imaginable. Fresh seafood is always a favourite fare! Evening entertainment options range from comedy to country music to classical, and, well, just about everything in between. Theatres, nightclubs and sports bars are scattered up and down the Grand Strand, along with professional baseball, football and auto racing. Its name sits up there with all of the top golf holiday destinations worldwide. Golf in Myrtle Beach is a lifestyle. It’s not just bar talk. It’s more than pleasant dinner conversation. It is woven intricately into the fabric of the entire community. And there is, perhaps, no golf holiday that you’ll ever experience that seems focused on you, the golfer. From the moment you walk out of the hotel in the morning and hear a kindly “hit em straight!” to the smile that greets you as you order that first beer after a round, golfer can experience no greater hospitality. And value. There is probably no greater value for money holiday than Myrtle Beach. It’s not all about price, of course, but also about quality and service. As they say in these parts: “Golf hospitality was not invented here, but is has been refined.” Where to Stay: Kingston Plantation, Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, Avista Resort, Myrtle wood Villas, Grande Shores Resort , Litchfield Golf and Beach Resort, Crown Reef Resort, Long Bay Resort, Breaks Resort Hotel. For Further information: CoastalSC.com Tour Operators: Golfbreaks.com; Eaglegolftours.com
Website: CoastalSouthCarolina.net Tour Operators featuring Charleston: EagleGolfTours.com • GolfBreaks.com
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Accommodation
MYRTLE BEACH:
Avista Resort www.avistaresort.com Breakers Resort www.breakers.com
Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation www.kingstonplantation.com Fairfield Inn by Marriott Broadway at the Beach www.marriott.com Grande Shores Ocean Resort www.grandeshores.com
Hilton at Kingston Plantation www.kingstonplantation.com Kingston Plantation www.kingstonplantation.com
Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort www.litchfieldbeach.com
Marina Inn at Grande Dunes www.marinainnatgrandedunes.com
Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes www.myrtlebeachmarriottresort.com Myrtlewood Villas www.myrtlewoodvillas.com
Ocean Reef Resort www.oceanreefmb.com
Royale Palms Condominiums at Kingston Plantation www.kingstonplantation.com
CHARLESTON:
Kiawah Island Golf Resort www.kiawahresort.com Mills House www.millshouse.com
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort www.kiawahresort.com
The Village at Wild Dunes Resort www.wilddunes.com Wild Dunes Boardwalk Inn www.wilddunes.com The Woodlands Resort www.woodlandsinn.com
HILTON HEAD ISLAND:
Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa www.hiltonheadmarriott.com Palmetto Dunes Resort www.palmettodunes.com The Inn at Harbour Town www.seapines.com Sea Pines Resort www.seapines.com
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa www.starwoodhotels.com
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