Getting To Know: Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront 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 Clark Sinclair 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
The Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course has been rated by readers of Golfweek Magazine among the best courses in the Southeast. Its signature hole, the dramatic par-five 10th, offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and is widely considered one of the most spectacular holes in the United States. One of only two oceanfront holes on Hilton Head Island, the course's legendary 10th delights golfers of every skill level. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program, has designated the course a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" for its commitment to providing a sanctuary for wildlife.

An extensive renovation of the Jones Oceanfront Course involved reshaping and restructuring tees, greens and bunkers. Workers also elevated and reshaped the fairways, and improved natural drainage with the addition of part of the unique, 11-mile lagoon system that weaves its way through and around all three golf courses. Adding a set of junior or "short course" tees to the Jones Oceanfront Course's layout enabled the resort to launch the Palmetto Dunes Junior Golf Academy and underscored Greenwood's commitment to the next generation of golfers.

When renovation work was completed, the South Carolina Board of Directors of the National Golf Course Owners Association named the Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course the 2003 South Carolina Golf Course of the Year. The Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course plays 7,005 yards from the gold tees.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course?
The Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course is one of three championship golf courses at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. All three golf courses at Palmetto Dunes - each one distinctively different and uniquely appealing - have been rated an outstanding four stars or more by Fodor's Golf Digest Places to Play. Since the 1970s, Palmetto Dunes has been a prime example of what a longstanding commitment to quality and customer satisfaction can accomplish. Golf has always served as the heart and soul of the Palmetto Dunes experience.

What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course?
Ocean breezes along the Jones course as it winds its way next to the Atlantic Ocean tends to make rounds a little more difficult. With wider fairways, beware of lurking water hazards.

Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course?
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program, has designated the course a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" for its commitment to providing a sanctuary for wildlife.

South Carolina "2003 Course of the Year", ranked 4 stars by Fodor's Golf Digest

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole?
Its signature hole, the dramatic par-five 10th, offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and is widely considered one of the most spectacular holes in the United States and one of only two oceanfront holes on Hilton Head Island.

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It?
#10 is a beautiful hole and will really leave you breathless as your approach the green overlooking the Atlantic. You play in to the breeze on this hole.

Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole?
After your round, Big Jim's at the Jones clubhouse serves up delicious BBQ, Burgers and Pizza. The BBQ sandwich and sweet potato fries will satisfy any appetite. Wash it all down with a round of our seasonal beers on tap.


Back Tee Stats
Par: 72
Yardage: 7000
Slope: 137
Rating: 74.7

More Information
Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course
7 Trent Jones Lane
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29928
843-686-9137
www.palmettodunes.com