South Carolina - Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head
Home to 400 tracks, including the famous Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, this sunny state has beaches, mountains and blue crab to die for.
Words: Stephen Roe
GETTING THERE
Fly from London to Charleston with US Airways (www.usairways.com), Delta (www.delta.com) and United Airlines (www.unitedairlines.co.uk).
WHERE TO PLAY
There are nearly 400 courses in South Carolina. These range from challenging links, such as the Ocean Course on Kiawah Island, the venue for the infamous 1991 Ryder Cup, to lush parkland and resort courses created by some of the game?s all-time legends, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Greg Norman.
Set in a sub-tropical climate, the fairways team with exotic birdlife. Sleepy alligators bask in and around the water hazards, keeping a wary eye open. Most courses are open year round, but it can get pretty hot and humid during July and August.
Bargain green fees and buzzing nightlife are in abundance in the Myrtle Beach area, making it one of the most popular golfing destinations in America.
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The new Barefoot Resort features courses designed by Greg Norman, Tom Fazio, Pete Dye and Davis Love III.
The Hilton Head Island area is geared for families and well-heeled golfers. There are around 20 layouts here, including luxury resort courses at Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Marriott Hilton Head and Daufuskie Island.
Kiawah Island is an upscale nature conservation area, featuring South Carolina?s most exclusive public and private courses. Multi-million dollar homes, discreetly overlooking the fairways, are complemented by the recent opening of a five-star beach resort ? The Sanctuary.
WHERE TO STAY
Shop around for golf packages. Myrtle Beach offers hotels and self-catering condos with sea views. Green fees are included at a wide range of local courses. On Hilton Head Island, Sea Pines offers a round at Harbour Town Golf Links with its room rates.
OFF COURSE
Historic Charleston has become one of America?s top visitor attractions with narrow streets, horse-drawn carriages, ancestral homes and excellent shopping.
Contacts Book
MARRIOTT HILTON HEAD
www:hiltonheadmarriott.com
THE SEA PINES RESORT
www.seapines.com
MYRTLE BEACH GOLF TRIPS
www.myrtlebeachgolftrips.com
BAREFOOT RESORT
www.barefootgolf.com
FURTHER INFORMATION
www.coastalsc.com
www.kiawah.com
www.hiltonheadisland.org