Golf's April Border Crossing

Golf aficionados traveling from Augusta, Ga., to Hilton Head Island, S.C., can fine-tune their games and enjoy countless other amenities at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort.

For golf fans, the dawn of spring marks the beginning of the golf season.

The ball gets teed up with the granddaddy of them all, The Masters at Augusta National; then continues southeast to the coast and Hilton Head Island, S.C., for the player- and fan-favorite RBC Heritage. The world's best golfers rave not only about the comparisons between the tournaments and their venues, but also the contrasts between the two settings: The formal "tradition like no other" of Augusta National versus the more relaxed, family feel of Hilton Head Island.

During Heritage week, savvy golfers interested in not only watching the professionals, but also playing outstanding courses are surrounded by one of the game's most golf-rich regions. The South Carolina Lowcountry offers numerous memorable golfing experiences.

Located in the heart of Hilton Head Island, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is 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 designed 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, Tom Fazio.

All three Palmetto Dunes layouts have been named South Carolina's "Golf Course of the Year." They are each distinctively different yet uniquely appealing - the Jones is the longest but also most wide-open; the Fazio features lagoons running through the course and Donald Ross-style elevated greens; and the Hills is arguably the most challenging of the trio.

Always on the cusp of golf technology, Palmetto Dunes upgraded its Robert Trent Jones practice range and learning center, becoming the southeast's first resort to introduce Toptracer technology in a covered driving range that allows guests to compete against friends, play virtual courses and receive instant shot feedback.

Embracing the state-of-the-art technology used during televised PGA Tour events to track the shots of the game's best players, while also providing ways for all types of golfers to have fun and improve, the Toptracer Range at Palmetto Dunes became an instant game-changer. High-speed cameras with sophisticated computer algorithms providing instantaneous information once considered exclusive is now accessible and enjoyable for all.

The addition of Toptracer Range continued Palmetto Dunes' already robust programming aimed at growing the sport, improving golfers' games, and attracting and developing new participants. Guests hit balls from underneath a sun- and rain-blocking awning in the Toptracer Range's 14 hitting bays while enjoying food and beverage service - and there is a VIP area for larger groups from eight to 10 players. The Toptracer Range quickly became so popular that Palmetto Dunes added lights so guests could continue to play golf and have fun after dark (seasonal hours).

But your trip from Augusta to Hilton Head doesn't have to be entirely about golf. With 2,000-acres of activities along three miles of Atlantic Ocean beach on one side and an Intracoastal Waterway marina on the other, little wonder why Palmetto Dunes has been named by Condé Nast as one of the "Top Resorts in the South."

For the racquet-sport enthusiasts, there is no more complete destination for anyone looking to play, practice, or improve their game than Palmetto Dunes - Hilton Head's premier tennis and pickleball resort. There are 17 clay tennis courts, four of which are lighted for night play. Our tennis center provides a vibrant schedule of activities and instructional programs all year, hosted by a full complement of professional instructors and players. Tennis doesn't get any better than at Palmetto Dunes.

For pickleball lovers, Palmetto Dunes is the perfect place to experience the fastest growing sport in America, Lowcountry style. The Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center features 24 dedicated pickleball courts, eight lighted for night play via the timer system, and one of the most comprehensive instructional programs on the east coast. It is a fun and simple game to pick up at any age, but can take a lifetime to master. Palmetto Dunes offers a variety of clinics and lessons for adults and juniors and is the only island tennis & pickleball center to serve up daily round robins.

Located inside Palmetto Dunes on the banks of the lagoon, Hilton Head Outfitters is a full-service sporting emporium that serves as a popular headquarters for adventure. Outfitters boasts the largest rental bike and electric bike fleet on the island - while strollers, tag-a-longs, kiddie carts, bikes with baby seats, adult three-wheelers, tandem bikes and beach joggers are also available - and delivers bikes for free for resort guests.

Directly across the street from Palmetto Dunes, Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina now features brand new luxury pontoon boat rentals. These top-quality Aloha Pontoon boats operating out of Shelter Cove Marina offers the perfect way for you to get out on the water with family and friends for an enjoyable day cruising the vast waterways of Hilton Head Island.

The official boat rental company at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, Shelter Cove Marina Boat Rentals, is highlighted by its brand-new, luxury pontoon boats. The spacious Aloha Pontoon allows up to 12 people and features a 9-foot Sunbrella Bimini, Garmin GPS & depth finder for easy navigation, brand-new outboard Yamaha 150HP engine and Bluetooth speakers that have superior sound quality, determine your precise location and allow you to view pre-saved locations on your GPS.

The Sunbrella Bimini offers shade, sun deflection and - thanks to no sidewalls - constant airflow. Aloha Pontoons also provide high quality seating with cup holders, backrests and the soft padding will make you feel like you are floating across the water. Anchor down at Harbour Town's 18th hole to watch the RBC Heritage.

Everything you need to know about renting boats at Shelter Cove Marina can be found on the resort's FAQs page here. For any inquiries, questions or reservations, please call: 866-922-6567 or visit here.

Locals and visitors alike can enjoy Thursday nights this spring with Music & Taste on the Harbour - a Hilton Head Island seasonal tradition - at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. The evening features favorite local bands, tasty food and drinks, and all the dancing under the stars you can do.

The exciting live-music attraction returns this spring on Thursdays from 6 - 9 p.m., at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina's iconic Neptune Statue. Now in its 17th season, this pet-friendly outdoor concert series is headlined by a variety of popular local music performers every Thursday night.

Featured Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina restaurants will be set up around Neptune offering a variety of specially-priced light appetizers, wine and beer. Limited seating is provided, so guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

The event is free and open to the public, but please bring a canned good donation for the Deep Well Project, helping neighbors in need for 50 years. All events are weather permitting. Please visit Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina's Facebook page for event updates. Visit ShelterCoveHiltonHead.com/music-and-taste for more information.

For short-term and long-term accommodations, Palmetto Dunes offers the island's premier selection of vacation rentals from spacious homes and villas overlooking the harbour, lagoon, fairways or beach to oceanfront hotel rooms. At Palmetto Dunes, you can make yourself at home in your choice of vacation rental accommodations just steps from the golf course, the beach or the courts. For information about activities or reservations, please call 877-567-6513 or visit www.palmettodunes.com.