Getting To Know: Palmetto Hall Golf Club - Arthur Hills Course and Robert Cupp Course

Whether you have played a course 20+ times a year or looking to play the course for the first time, insights from an insider can help enhance your golf experience. Below is an interview with Emily Bryant who shares some valuable tidbits about the course, memorable holes and must eats and treats at the 19th.

Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property
Arthur Hills - Opened in 1991, this Arthur Hills course was instantly named a classic by Golf Digest Magazine, which rated it among America's Top 10 New Courses. The course has since received a 4 star rating and is listed as one of 2008-09's "Best Places to Play."

Heavily wooded with towering pines and moss-draped oaks, the lush fairways roll past crystalline lakes. Protected greens, edged with bunkers provide golfers with challenges, while the signature par-4 18th hole offers a daunting finish to a spectacular game and was named one of 2008-09's top 18 holes in the Low Country by WTOC News.

Robert Cupp - Unique. Innovative. Eminently playable. The Robert Cupp course is a stunningly original design that tests the better player, but accommodates higher handicappers as well. Cupp, Golf World's former Architect of the Year, opened his signature course at Palmetto Hall in 1993, and the course continues to draw high praise for its flexibility, sound shot values and impeccable year-round conditioning.

Palmetto Hall Plantation Club is recognized as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for its commitment to environmental quality by meeting required standards for protecting the environment, conserving natural resources, and providing wildlife habitats.

Palmetto Hall also works with the Island Golf School to provide instruction both on and off the golf course to those that are visiting Hilton Head Island. Lesson packages are available with individual or group lessons.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course?
Palmetto Hall offers two distinct golf courses. There are no similarities between the Arthur Hills Course and the Robert Cupp Course aside from the fact they both have tees, fairways, rough, and greens.

Both courses offer a challenge to any golfer, especially if you have never seen either course. Both courses are set back off the main road on Hilton Head Island, hidden within the beautiful Palmetto Hall Plantation.

We are proud of our natural beauty at Palmetto Hall. During the later fall months and winter we are home to a pair of American Bald Eagles that have nested here for the past 3 years. Our Alligators are always a sight to see. Many guests come in after their round excited about seeing the gators sunning themselves on the banks.

What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course?
The Arthur Hills Course is a traditional layout with rolling doglegs and mounds. The greens do have some hidden breaks that will surprise you from time to time. However, do not let the length of the course fool you. On Hills #12 you may want to think about leaving your driver in the bag as this short dogleg right par 4 has a large tree guarding the corner on one side and bunkers guarded the left side. You can try to cut over the tree on the right to leave yourself a short pitch shot onto the green but be careful, too far right you are out of bounds and if you hit the tree you have not helped yourself any.

The Robert Cupp course is one that if you have not played it before you may want to carefully consider what tees you play from. Many golfers think they have the distance to play from the back tees but are surprised by how much carry is left on their second shots. Be conservative the first time you play the Cupp Course then you can challenge yourself the next time.

Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course?
Palmetto Hall has had the privilege to host the eGolf Professional Tour for the past 3 years. In February professionals from around the country and the world come to Palmetto Hall for the 4 day event. They play on the Hills and Cupp Course for the first two days and then finish on the Cupp Course only after making a cut. The members are very active with this event. Not only do they volunteer on the course as markers, shuttle drivers, and scorers but they will also open their homes to the players that need a place to stay during the event.

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole?
Arthur Hills Course - #18 - The finishing hole at the Arthur Hills Course at Palmetto Hall is a true test of the golfer's skill, it is both challenging and picturesque. The drive is the most important shot of the hole. If a golfer pulls their shot left they will have a long carry over water and if they are too far right they will have to deal with the bunkers that guard the green. This hole can be compared to many of the great finishing holes in golf and walking away with par will put a perfect ending to a round of golf.

Robert Cupp Course - #6 - If you look up the Robert Cupp Course at Palmetto Hall on the internet this is most likely the photo you will see. This par 5 is a true testament to Robert Cupp's design with pyramid mounds on the right side of the fairway and the small closely guarded geometric green. Let it fly off the tee to a spacious landing area but from there precision is a must. Placement is key on your second shot as trees on the left and pyramid mounds on the right tighten down on the fairway. Your approach will need to be on target as the small green is guarded closely by water both short and left. Be careful of shying away from the water as you may find yourself amongst the cordgrass which covers a large mound right of the green or with a traitorous bunker shot back towards the water. Par is a great score to card on this tough par 5.

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It?
I like Cupp #5. This hole offers a wide open landing area for your drive, so go for it. You can opt to shorten the hole by placing your drive over the water that guards the left side of the fairway or take the safe route and place it on the right side, just do not go too far right or you will have to deal with a large tree that guards the green.

As challenging as the 18th hole on the Hills Course can be it is my favorite. It is a fantastic finishing hole. Place your drive in the right spot and you have a great chance for a birdie.

Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole?
The Grilled Chicken Wrap is a favorite among members and guests. Our most popular salad is the "Elvis" Fried Chicken Salad.

If you would like to quick bite in the morning before your round we offer delicious Egg and Cheese Croissants with your choice of bacon, sausage or ham.

Who Holds Course Record and What Was Their Score?
During the 2012 eGolf Tournament one participant shot a 63 from the Blue tees (6522 yards) on the Cupp Course.

During our annual Men's Golf Association 3-Club Tournament, Steven Baldwin, shot a 73 from the white tees on the Hills Course using only a 3-wood, 8-iron and putter.

Back Tee Stats
Par: Arthur Hills - 72 / Robert Cupp - 72
Yardage: Arthur Hills - Gold Tees - 6918 / Robert Cupp - Gold Tees - 7079
Slope: Arthur Hills - Gold Tees - 136 / Robert Cupp - Gold Tees - 149
Rating: Arthur Hills - Gold Tees - 73.7 / Robert Cupp - Gold Tees - 75.6

More Information
Palmetto Hall Golf Club - Arthur Hills Course and Robert Cupp Course
108 Fort Howell Drive
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29926 843-689-9205
www.hiltonheadgolf.net