Golfing history on Hilton Head Island is dated to 1957. The first course opened in Sea Pines in 1961, igniting a spark, and the game caught on here like wildfire. At last count there are now twenty golf courses with almost an even dozen just over the bridge and in the surrounding area. In addition to the abundance of courses, it is in their undeniable quality in design and condition that makes Hilton Head shine in the constellation of golfing destinations. Four courses - Harbour Town, Colleton River, Haig Point and Long Cove - are ranked among the top 100 in the nation and others have been acclaimed by various industry publications, bestowed with numerous top awards, many cited among the best in the South.

The lengthy roster of coursee-creators reads as an impressive who's who in the golfing industry: It includes, among others, Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Arthur Hills , Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones, Gary Player and Robert Trent Jones. Along with their talent for design, they are blessed with a canvas of windswept Lowcountry landscape on which to create their visions.

Many of these same names are seen engraved on the winner's plaque for the prestigious PGA-sponsored MCI Classic (formerly known as the Heritage Classic). Held each April, the tournament is executed on the world-famous Harbour Town Golf Links in Sea Pines and seen live by several thousand spectators and by hundreds of thousands on television.

Hilton Head hosts other notable contests throughout the year as well, such as the Celebrity Golf Tournament and the Wendy's 3 -Tour Challenge.

Courtesy of Hilton Head's invitingly warm climate, golf is truly a year-round choice for recreation. Some consider the fall and spring to be the most delightful seasons to take to the tees, but value can be found both in the winter and summer months. For visitors, inclusive resort packages offering attractive rates are worth investigating. Refer to the following golfing guide for information about area courses.