Getting To Know: The Barony Course at Port Royal Golf Club

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 Jeremy Cadorette 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
Barony is one of Hilton Head's first golf courses. This George W. Cobb designed golf course, built in the early 1960's, continues to be admired by many top golf publications. The course layout presents golfers with a fairly level tree lined terrain which boasts generous greens that are shielded by thick rough and unforgiving bunkers.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course?
The golf course has a great tempo, alternating tough holes with easier ones, long ones next to short ones. It rewards all types of players and shots and punishes only miscues. Players will score well if they hit straight shots off the tee and seek placement, not distance. At the green, the course favors both short-iron players and those who prefer running the ball up, because nearly all the greens have access in the front for a ground game.

What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course?
The front nine is a little easier than the back, so get your game going early. This is a left-hander's dream course. Accuracy is better than length.

Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course?
Barony has been around since the early 1960's, the George W. Cobb course is a classic, featuring doglegs, strategically placed bunkers and plenty of risk-reward.

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole?
The hole you'll always remember is No. 13, one of the toughest holes out there, but it looks easy on the scorecard. This sharp dogleg left requires a short drive that lands precisely where planned, but that alone isn't enough to score well on this hole. It's just sets up a wicked shot to a small green with a dense tree canopy and a mine field of huge bunkers in front of the green. Don't be deceived thinking the bunkers are right at the green, because they aren't. You will be also challenged by the prevailing nearby ocean winds. Par is good on this hole.

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It?
My favorite is Hole is #15. This par 5, especially when playing downwind, can be reached in two. Favor the right side from the tee to avoid being blocked out by the large pine tree in the center of the fairway. The well-bunkered green slopes severely from back to front.

Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole?
Our Chef always has some great daily specials. Some other great menu items are the Elvis Fried Chicken Salad, Heritage Burger and the Grilled Asparagus Sandwich.

Back Tee Stats
Par: 72
Yardage: 6543
Slope: 138
Rating: 71.8

More Information
Barony
10 Clubhouse Drive
Hilton Head, SC, 29928
843-681-1750
www.hiltonheadgolf.net