Friday, March 26, 2021

New Flights to Hilton Head, Free Golf at Pinehurst, Bald Mountain Reopens


News and notes from around the Carolinas golf scene:

Hilton Head Golf Island Ramps Up Air Service

Have you ever wondered if you could fly directly in to Hilton Head Island? I mean, it’s only five miles wide and 12 miles long, right? Well, as a matter of fact you can via several major carriers and numerous direct flights. Touch-down to tee-off can take place in under 30 minutes … light work.

And in 2021, air service to Hilton Head Island is really taking off (sorry, had to do it); feel free to click here for an overview of new seasonal American Airlines routes for Hilton Head Island Airport and year-round Southwest routes for Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport.

A few quick facts about “Golf Island” to ponder:

-Hilton Head Golf Island is a collection of 26 premier resort and daily fee courses located on-island and off-island in the surrounding areas of Bluffton, Beaufort, Parris Island and Fripp Island.    

-The concentration of courses on the island, which is only 70 square-miles, is one of the highest in the U.S., making it one of the best setups for 36 holes a day.

-Located along South Carolina’s southern tip, temperatures are five to 10 degrees warmer than other parts of the state in the winter, spring and fall, making for a true year-round golf environment. In the summer, well, it’s just plain hot. But wow, does that heat ever feel good on the back.


Pinehurst Resort Announces Availability of Popular ‘Summer Tee Package’ 

I’ve mentioned it before, but there’s value to be had at The Cradle of American Golf in the shoulder seasons. One example, year-after-year, is Pinehurst Resort’s Summer Tee Package. This popular stay-and-play offers a third night and fourth round of golf, free, with a two-night stay in any of its three hotels, on-site luxury villas or spacious condos.

Starting at $1,335 per person and running from May 27 through June 26, the Summer Tee Package features lodging at the historic Carolina Hotel, Holly Inn, the Manor, Carolina Villas and Condos at Pinehurst, as well as a selection of nine championship caliber layouts including Donald Ross’ famed No. 2, Gil Hanse’s reimagined No. 4, and Tom Fazio’s Centennial, No. 8.

Between rounds, golfers can relax with a drink in hand while enjoying the Hanse-designed Cradle Short Course, with nine-holes compactly sited on 10 acres adjacent to the resort clubhouse. Situated next to The Cradle is the 75,000 square-foot 18-hole putting course, Thistle Dhu, calling to mind the legendary Himalayas Course at The Old Course at St. Andrews.

Chock-full of value, the Summer Tee Package also includes Pinehurst’s famous Southern breakfast and three-course dinner, daily, cart fees, club storage and unlimited use of the world-class practice facilities, complimentary shuttle service. The resort offers a variety of unique dining experiences, including casual fare at The Deuce overlooking the 18th hole of No. 2 and fine dining at the 1895 Grille in the historic Holly.

For more info, visit www.pinehurst.com


Bald Mountain Reopens After Enhancements

It’s official … bald is beautiful and Bald Mountain is back.  

The original W.B. Lewis-designed mountain-style golf course, will open April 1st after undergoing a series of enhancements in January and February to beautify its surrounds, increase overall playability and restore original shot values.

Throughout the 6,300-yard par-72 layout, tree canopy coverage was reduced, allowing for more sunlight to penetrate areas around tee boxes and green complexes. On several dogleg holes, tree lines were restored to their original borders, providing golfers more options on approach shots into greens. New turf was installed on several tee boxes and in fairways running up to green complexes.

As part of an ongoing investment in the property and golf physical plant, new signage has been installed on both Bald Mountain and Apple Valley and throughout the entire 3,000-acre Blue Ridge Mountain retreat. Both courses also feature new E-Z-GO cart fleets, bag drop areas and water coolers, and both practice ranges have brand-new performance-engineered mats and spacious hitting bays.

As the peak spring golf season gets underway, Rumbling Bald recently rolled out its 2021 golf packages. Starting at $345 per person, the “Hole-in-One” package features a two-night stay, two rounds of golf on Apple Valley and Bald Mountain, breakfast both days and complimentary, unlimited range balls. Lodging options abound, including the recently updated Apple Valley Studios and two- and four-bedroom Fairway Villas.

Paying homage to the 2021 Ryder Cup at Destination Kohler’s famed Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, Rumbling Bald is offering a limited availability “Ryder Cup Package.” Expert golf vacation planners are available to design an exciting, Ryder Cup team formatted event for golf groups in search of an unforgettable experience.

The Ryder Cup Package starts at $589 per person and includes: three nights lodging; three rounds of golf scored and handicapped; complimentary replays on either course; a team shirt and hat; private, one-hour opening reception with wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres and unlimited use of the practice facilities.

For groups of 12 or more, Rumbling Bald offers gratis golf for group leaders upon booking their first trip to the property. The “12+ Comp” is ideal for PGA Professional-member trips, tournaments, or large golf buddy trips.

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