Hilton Head National – a cut above
Every few years I highlight some of the great golf courses in Bluffton. We are very fortunate to have these great designs that you can play. This is the second of my series.
Hilton Head National (National) was opened in 1989 with Scratch Golf Management and they remain the only management group for the National course. This stability has made National the premier public course in Bluffton. Sterlyn Mitchell, golf professional, has been with National since 2008. The course has been rated by local magazines and golf apps as one of the best courses in South Carolina.
According to Mitchell, “service is their number one priority. The course is extremely popular with tourists and a majority of our play comes from visitors to the low country. Locals enjoy playing the course because we treat them like a member.” Mitchell also stated “[that the] absence of houses, roads and traffic noise make them different from most other public golf courses. We want the golfer to feel like they are having a country club experience.”
There have been a number of renovations the past couple of years. They recently had a bunker renovation making the bunkers perfectly manicured and consistent. They are strategically located where you can run up shots to many of the greens instead of the forced carries that you have at many of the golf courses in the lowcountry.
The sixth hole is the most picturesque and is their “signature hole” This hole is very narrow with water all along the right side and bunkers well placed. The shot to the elevated green is challenging and well bunkered with water coming into play if you use the wrong club into the green.
A recent renovation to the number one handicap hole, 16th hole, was a widening of the fairway to the right to give the golfer a larger landing area. This helps the golfer have an easier shot to the smallest green on the course.
The restaurant has new furniture and features a full menu after 11:00 with daily specials, and a full bar for an enjoyable 19th hole experience.
One of the unique aspects of the National is their golf carts. They have a GPS system that shows the hole design and distance. It can also show you how far it is to bunkers and water hazards. The pro shop can see every hole and whether a group is keeping up with the group in front. They can also make a hole “cart path only” where your cart won’t be able to leave the path.
It is easy to make a starting time online 24 hours a day. There are local resident rates throughout the year. For a great golfing experience, I recommend you play Hilton Head National.
Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local golf courses. jean.golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean.com.
