In terms of location, course quality and culture, Hilton Head National Golf Club is hard to beat. The rich history, high yearly ratings by local and national publications and the excellent staff make for a unique and wonderful golf experience. If you’re looking for a world class course that offers adjacent lodging options for short and long term stays, the club is a phenomenal opportunity.
Location
The Hilton Head Island bridge connects to the mainland just one mile from the course. Located in Bluffton, South Carolina, the National Golf Club essentially sets the stage and greets visitors arriving at Hilton Head Island. It’s an incredible public course with fast greens and a reputation as being among the best layouts in the entire region. Getting here is easy but leaving paradise is always far more difficult. The course design is addicting, and every hole can be played a number of different ways.
The 18-hole course is renowned, but the club also offers driving range and putting greens. Tee times are available, and the course is open year round. Take advantage of the full rental shop if needed and the onsite pro for any lessons. Situated on 300 acres of beautiful low country land, the course is known for having natural beauty that is uninterrupted. No houses, condos or developments obscure the views and interrupt play which is rare on any course. Players who want a wild feeling and plenty of privacy will enjoy the elbow room here.
Course Design – The Hall of Famer Difference
The exceptional design is largely attributed to renowned course architect Bobby Weed and hall of fame golfer Gary Player. Every hole is unique and overall, the course is challenging but also not designed to “punish” players. It uses elements that push players to develop skills while also offering a smooth layout with great transitions through the holes.
The signature 6th hole is especially interesting with a lagoon bordering the fairway and various bunkers throughout the stretch. Players can go big and risk landing in trouble or play it safe in an attempt to make the par 4. The fourth hole is also an interesting par 3 with a waste bunker occupying the prime real estate on the green. Players have the option to drive hard past the bunker but falling short will leave you in the sand.
You can really describe a good number of the holes on the front nine as risk/reward situations with some short holes. Play conservative and get through or push past hazards to lower your score substantially. Miss however, and those hazards can throw off your entire game. This design concept allows players to work through different strategies while testing their skills on any given day. It makes for some serious fun.
The back nine continues with plenty of risk options but the holes are longer. The first three are par-4’s with the third having water down the full length of the left side. The strategic layout of bunkers, water, mounds and other hazards requires a well-planned approach for every single hole on the back nine. The final hole is bordered by a long marsh on the right side and a narrow fairway that requires precision off the tee. It’s a great way to end a game, leaving opportunities for comebacks if the leading player drops into the marsh.
Easy Accommodations for Serious Golfers
The Hilton Head National RV Resort is adjacent to the course and it offers the perfect option for travelers and long or short term guests. The resort is open to fifth wheel, Class B and Class A campers and the grounds are pristine with plenty of amenities. Many of the guests visit specifically to stay and play through the 18-hole public course with regularity while having the option to make convenient side trips to other courses on Hilton Head Island. It’s really the ideal situation for golfers wanting to play every day. While the course is not cluttered with houses and developments, the RV Resort location remains walking distance for the ultimate golf course experience.
