aced4x131

I have always wanted to play Harbortown during my many visits to HILTON HEAD. I have play many cheaper courses as a single knowing that it is pot luck as to who I play with. Seldom have had a bad experience. Today was different. Harbortown is a bucket list course with all of its history and PGA tournament. I ask the starter who I am paired with and he points to three guys at the 1st tee. We introduce ourselves and proceed to teeoff. The required fore caddie provides helpful instructions. Then things go terribly bad. The first time player, nice young man, polite, knows nothing about golf swing or cart sharing promptly hacks two balls in the pond. I say to myself, OK everyone has a bad start some days. This goes on for the rest of the round. I am cart partner and have to walk back the retrieve it numerous times because he does not know the away rule. Finally On the 18th tee, he tops three drives and the forecaddie Mike has done very little to remedy the situation all day so why start now. This should have been a special experience regardless of my score but it was not. Management should require proof of USGA handicap and pair accordingly. I would have gladly played later in another group.

Had not played Pinecrest before on several stays in Hilton Head, but am glad I found it. This course has an extensive practice facility and the course itself is in very good shape. Greens put smooth, bunkers are maintained and fairways are overseeded. While tee to green is very challenging, the greens are generous in size providing a cushion for slight errant shots. Putting skill is a must.

This course is well maintained. Pace of play would have been faster if a member foursome would have waived us through. Waited every shot for 18 holes. No marshals.

The greens were in the best shape I have ever seen. Smooth and lightening fast. I know it is still early in the season for Bermuda fairways, but there is quite a bit of winter kill and bare spots everywhere. It was difficult to get a decent lie even with "winter rules". They do not overseed the tees or fairways and really need to start. Hopefully the Bermuda grass will start to pop soon.

Tees, fairways and bunkers are well maintained. Greens continue to improve and roll smoothly. Great value for the money. Staff very friendly and Jeff the starter is great.

Great public course lay-out, but owner does not invest enough money to bring conditions up to standard. Several greens still have rough patchy areas from last years burnout, but most have come back and are puttable. Good value for the money if you can get a Hot Deal.