Harbour Town Golf Links

The first tee sets the tone at Harbour Town Golf Links. From the Heritage tee, the 414 yard opening par four funnels your drive through a tree corridor just 30 yards wide, before the fairway gives you a little more room. Pete Dye’s 7,131 yard par 71, developed with Jack Nicklaus as design consultant, keeps asking for that kind of judgement. The 467 yard 8th bends around water and trees, making position from the tee far more useful than brute force. At the 326 yard 9th, a tempting par four, sand guards both the front and rear of its heart-shaped green. The 18th brings Calibogue Sound into play beneath the red and white lighthouse, with a final approach demanding a composed finish. Harbour Town has been the annual home of the RBC Heritage since 1969.

There is good reason to allow time for more than one round at Sea Pines. Heron Point is another Pete Dye course, while Davis Love III is responsible for Atlantic Dunes, giving the resort three distinct championship layouts. Individual coaching, golf schools and daily clinics are available, alongside mental game sessions and dedicated women’s and junior programmes. Back at the Harbour Town Clubhouse, golfers have use of a 4,000 square foot professional locker room, while the Pete Dye Room provides a museum style look at the architect’s work. The Links, an American Grill overlooks the course and serves grilled favourites alongside a Wine Spectator recognised wine list.

The Inn & Club at Harbour Town has 60 rooms, each measuring 480 square feet and finished in a coastal colour scheme. For a stay close to the course, the Fairway Suite has a covered terrace overlooking the 1st and 9th fairways, plus a lounge and kitchenette, with the option to connect one or two king rooms. A serenity pool and fitness centre make the quieter hours easy, and resort transport runs to its other venues. Sea Pines Beach Club offers a change from the fairways, with seasonal beach concierge service available for guests.