Spring Hath Sprung around the Carolinas

Golf fans traveling to Augusta and Hilton Head Island during the next few weeks can hone their games on numerous world-class links around the Carolinas

(RELEASE) — For golf fans, the beginning of spring truly marks the beginning of the golf season as well. Kicked off by the granddaddy of them all, the Masters at Augusta National; then continuing southeast to the coast and Hilton Head Island, S.C., for the player- and fan-favorite alike, the Heritage of Golf.

Savvy golfers interested in not only watching the professionals, but also playing will find themselves in one of the game’s Shangri-La’s. In a recent LINKS Magazine poll, South Carolina ranked as America’s No. 5 “Best Golf State,” while North Carolina checked in at No. 13 — the combined Carolinas forces making this stretch along Interstates 26, 77, 85 and 95 among the world's best for premium golf.

Just south of Charlotte, the Olde English District — or “The OED” as it is popularly referred — is a place where the famed golfing Sandhills to the north meet the Lowcountry to the south and east. It is a place where small towns, medium prices and big-name golf course architects blend together.

This Palmetto State region has become renowned as a wonderfully surprising and affordable golf destination. Most of the golf in the area is situated along the stretch of I-77 from Rock Hill to Columbia, S.C. With 18 golf courses in this region alone and many others in the near surrounding area, it is an ideal place to settle in for two days, three days or even a week.

But that’s not nearly all there is to see and do around the OED. There are local bands to be heard and sumptuous fare to be enjoyed. Along the way, you’ll learn plenty of rich Revolutionary War history and experience Civil War intrigue. For 2015 golf package information, including 5 rounds and 5 nights for under $500 per golfer, please visit OldeEnglishGolf.com and www.GolfPackagesofSC.com/olde-english.asp.

Speaking of enjoyable golf at an immensely affordable price, Santee, S.C., has long been renowned as “America’s Value Golf Destination.” For more than a half-century, traveling enthusiasts making their way through South Carolina along I-95 have taken advantage of Santee’s excellent golf, superb fishing, affordable accommodations, and outstanding food and entertainment.

Upscale premium green fees are nowhere to be found and dollars definitely do go further in Santee. For about $60 per day during the off-season guests can play golf with a cart, enjoy accommodations and a hearty breakfast. Santee offers — all in one I-95 exit — three lakeside golf courses with an additional 14 layouts within a half-hour drive. Find more info at www.SanteeTourism.com. Specific golf packages are available at www.GolfSantee.com and www.SanteeCooperGolf.com.

One of the most positive stories in the Carolinas and beyond during the past 10 years has been the emergence of McConnell Golf, which — with the recent additions of Brook Valley CC (Greenville, N.C.) and the Country Club of Asheville (N.C.) — now owns ten 18-hole, private golf courses plus one nine-hole course around the Carolinas. McConnell Golf’s stable of clubs in North and South Carolina includes Sedgefield Country Club Ross Course and Dye Course in Greensboro, N.C., TPC at Wakefield Plantation in Raleigh, N.C., Old North State Club in New London, N.C., Raleigh Country Club in Raleigh, N.C., Treyburn Country Club in Durham, N.C., The Reserve Golf Club in Pawleys Island, S.C., and Musgrove Mill Golf Club. McConnell Golf also manages the prestigious Grande Dunes Members Course and Ocean Club in Myrtle Beach for LStar Development.

McConnell said he has always envisioned Musgrove Mill in Clinton S.C., as a tribute to pure golf and a great day-trip for any golfer wanting to tackle one of golf’s finest tests — a sanctuary for golfers to eat and rest their heads after their rounds. "Musgrove Mill is a phenomenal golfing venue," said McConnell. "It’s a true golfer’s golf club."

Skillfully designed within the surrounding countryside by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, the highly decorated Musgrove Mill is indeed off the beaten path — a special getaway reminiscent of Pine Valley in Clementon, N.J. “The Mill” features cottages for overnight accommodations, a first-rate practice facility, full-service clubhouse with a private chef, and historic significance as a former Revolutionary War battle site. Boasting a small, select membership, no tee times, and a secluded, natural course layout, The Mill is the ideal destination for the accomplished golfer.

Speaking of LINKS Magazine, the popular international golf and travel publication was conceived and has resided for more than 20 years on Hilton Head Island, making it only slightly younger than the island’s popular PGA Tour event, The Heritage of Golf.

Both were predated on Hilton Head Island by the famed Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, where college stars such as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson demonstrated their early prowess during the resort’s longtime intercollegiate golf tournament played over two of its three outstanding courses by a trio of legends in golf course architecture: the renowned Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course, the Arthur Hills Course and the Fazio course, designed by George Fazio and his nephew, famed architect Tom Fazio.

Last year — when the Fazio Course was awarded the 2014 South Carolina “Golf Course of the Year” — the honor ensured that all three Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort courses has now captured the state’s Course of the Year honor and have been at least finalists as the national “Golf Course of the Year.”

For short-term and long-term accommodations, Palmetto Dunes offers the island’s premier selection of vacation rental properties from oceanfront hotel rooms to spacious villas overlooking the harbour, lagoon, fairways or beach. Its Monthly Stay & Sports Membership features accommodations plus unlimited golf, along with bikes, kayaks, tennis and more. For more information about Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and its many golf packages, call 877-567-6513 or visit www.PalmettoDunes.com.