Short Takes:
Golfing in South Carolina
In this balmy southern state, one of the world's premier golf destinations, you'll find some of the best golfing anywhere. There's plenty for the non-golfers in your group to do too, from strolling on the beach to fine shopping to touring Colonial plantations.
South Carolina is famous for its popular beach resorts strung like jewels along the Atlantic Ocean. These resorts are home to more than 70 golf courses, some of which have been designed by famous course architects: Arnold Palmer, Willard Byrd, Robert Trent Jones, Tom Jackson, and Jack Nicklaus.
The results are spectacular water views, well-manicured greens, beautiful tree-lined fairways, and some of the most challenging rounds of golf found anywhere.
In a region from Myrtle Beach south to Georgetown, golfers will find more than 66 courses and 75 hotels all within a very short distance of one another.
This area is known as the Grand Strand, where daytime temperatures range from 65 to 80 degrees ... ideal golf weather.
Most resorts here offer packages for golfers that include accommodations, some meals, greens fees, club storage, and more. There are also packages that let half of a couple golf while the other half enjoys the beach, spa, and shopping.
Farther south along the coast is Charleston, the cradle of golf in America. It was here, in 1786 that wealthy merchants formed the South Carolina Golf Club at a private park called Charleston Green.
Today, the city's semi-tropic climate and nearly two dozen courses beckon golfers year round.
Charleston's beach resorts are renowned for their chic accommodations, beautiful beaches, outstanding recreational facilities ... and world-class golf.
Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palm, about 15 miles away from the city, has two championship courses, Wild Dunes Links and Wild Dunes Harbor.
Kiawah Island, just 21 miles south of Charleston, has four exciting courses. At Seabrook Island Resort, golfers can test their skills on Crooked Oaks or Ocean Winds, both challenging 18-hole layouts by Robert Trent Jones and Willard Byrd.
Nearby Fairfield Ocean Ridge on Edisto Island offers yet another thrilling 18 holes.
A visit to Charleston's historic district is an enticement away from golf. Here are beautiful streets lined with elegant old homes, antiques and specialty shops, and fabulous restaurants. You can take a walking tour and visit historic houses, or ride in a horse drawn carriage.
At the southernmost end of South Carolina is a region known as the low country, where Spanish moss-covered trees, marshes, mild temperatures, and the ocean breeze create a hauntingly beautiful ambience.
About a half-dozen challenging golf courses are available in the city of Beaufort, which maintains the charm of its former days as a home for the aristocracy. (Walking tours and carriage tours are available in the downtown area, a National Historic Landmark.)
One of the low country's premier golf destinations is Hilton Head Island. More than 20 championship courses are set in this verdant paradise, including the famed Harbour Town Golf Links at Sea Pines Plantation, home of the nationally televised Heritage Golf Classic.
The Island also is home to a number of other professional and amateur events that annually draw golf legends like Tom Kite, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, and Ray Floyd.
Hilton Head was developed as a resort that kept intact the island's natural beauty and wildlife sanctuaries. Accommodations include luxury villas, resort hotels, motels and condominiums with a wide range of rates. Off-season rates and affordable packages make Hilton Head Island that once-in-a-lifetime golf vacation.
Point Golf Links also offers 18 challenging holes in a beautiful resort setting.
Hilton Head Island is serviced by commuter flights from Charlotte and Raleigh/Durham, and is about a 45-minute drive from the Savannah International Airport.
Be sure to check out Golf Cruise and Tee Off in Bermuda, and talk with your Carlson Wagonlit Travel agent for any additional information you may need.