Billff1

Hopefully, the airmen should play this course for free. That would be fair value.

From Bailey, the starter, to Mike, in the Pro Shop, to the Golf Superintendent, who can't wait for spring turkey season, the staff expresses how glad we came to play in the middle of 'no-where'.
Course is wonderful, minus the thin grass. Very hard to chip and putt true.
Now, the pace of play needs attention. We played in 5 1/2 hours, finishing at dusk. One more group finished after we did. Then, lights out. No rangers in site. The "Billy Bunkers" workers were no problem. Soon, the traps will be GRAND too.

Course was wet after rain deluge. Pick the right tee and you will have a wonderful time. Holes were not similar to other Nicklaus courses. Cut out of wilderness, Desoto National Forest. No houses, plenty trees and elevatation changes. Amazing design. PLAY THE GRAND BEAR!

Needs capital improvement. Range, range balls, cart paths, tee boxes, pro shop and grill all need help. Greens ok. Value is there for $27. Could be a better experience.
Snobby statement: get the blue jeans off the course.

From the bag staff, to Krystal in the Pro Shop, to starter ol' Charles, weather too, it was a magnificent Saturday. I've played around Amelia Island and this is the best of GolfNow. Pete Dye always bring a tough course, which I enjoy. Play the right tees and you will be thrilled with the layout. Course was generous off the tee, narrowed to the green. Then, a good short game was needed. Greens, today, were fast, true, with some grain. The asst pro warned me about shifting grain. But I sunk the 20 footer on 18, so all was good. Couple from VA and Irish fellow from Boston were a treat to play with.

Enjoyed the winding lay-out. Through neighborhoods, but not excessive nor close. Some very interesting closing holes 15-18. These greens were the FASTEST I have ever played, certainly in the winter. Once we found the speed, we all made great putts. Greens were amazingly true. The various birds were a pleasure to see. The starter told us to keep moving so the turkey buzzards would leave us alone. Speaking of the starter, he came over to the distant range twice to insure I would be taken care of by moving me up with a wonderful local retired Navy couple. She turned out to be more consistent than he was, even though he started with four pars. Very enjoyable day, good pace. Truly a Country Club feel. Thanx GolfNow for a great price for a great course.

Mr Palmer designed a masterpiece. Although, I didn't know he designed some diabolical greens. A few greens really surprised me with several layers, contours from every direction. There were lots of large traps, certainly on the dogleg corners. The course is very playable, like Arnie always insured.
I just wish the Club would pave the cart paths. Sandy paths everywhere don't get it for me. Yes, boku bucks. But, it would bring me back sooner.
Starter was inabsentia.

I play a Nicklaus course at home. I was disappointed with this one. I didn't recognize any of the holes, like I do at his others. I look for Nicklaus courses. Anyway, out of three Hilton Head courses I played on this trip, the 'Golden' came in last. The 18th was a treat. We were the only few on the whole course. Here's a positive - the home architecture was exceptional - lots of Windows, which I like. One of us must have hit one. But no breakage. The owner was a Patriot fan, so no worries on our part.

We saw 5 alligators, 100s turkey buzzards, tens Ospreys, Hawks, a zillion grasshoppers on one tee. You must look for all these animals.
Oh, the golf was great. Wide fairways, then jungle. Don't go in! You hear a bunch of critters-snakes, boars, panthers! Just kidding, or not. Didn't see any.
Take 1-2 extra clubs to stay on all elevated greens. Hit it high!
Every green was 30yds X 30yds. Meaning 3 putts galore, but true and perfectly groomed.
If you want to shoot your handicap, play it forward, or stay home.
This was perfect for me: wonderful golf, scenery and raptors galore! Yes, I shot my handicap from the combo tees.
Thanks GolfNow for price! What a value!!

We were warned to watch downhill putts, up hill putts, and side hill putts. Greens are fast with some grain. The other guys were complaining. I enjoyed the greens, because I'm a good putter. I also enjoyed the putting green. Many times the practice green does not match the course greens. Not here! Both were a Bear, and true. The new, assistant pro told me to stay below the hole, which I did. I had a good round and met three, kool, guys from NJ and Boston. Pro shop needs a re-work.

Paired with some new friends. They were competitive and we played ready golf. Finished in 3:55.
Course has 3 different nines, so always a challenge. Greens, fairways and traps are well cared for.
Pro shop and bag men were helpful. Free aqua range balls are another plus.

Immediately we felt welcomed. Regulars were friendly, staff was helpful. The course needs some weed-be-gone. Tees and greens were in great shape for February. Crossing the Creek twelve times was trying, being the first time there. Didn't see the crossing a few times, so lost some balls. Only negative is the Creek needs cleaning up by staff or volunteer members. Can easily see the course and surroundings were a special place years ago. This will be a gem in a few seasons. Randy, the bartender, makes a standout special. He's a great ambassador for the place. In fact, I asked him if he was an owner. He wasn't!

Good pace of play. Some interesting holes. Specially, 15 and 18. Par 3s on the back were quite bland. Greens were speedy for March. Will go back.
Funny, wildlife showed up just as soon as the firing range was silent. Saw osprey, alligator, deer, lots of birds.

...on the Indian ghetto. Fairways were better than the greens, which were terrible. Only good thing was Golfnow wanted $20, and course wanted $15. Nobody was there. I wonder why!

Very friendly place, and pace was great! Not many memorable holes, except Biloxi 9th. Met 2 new friends, especially Charles. It will be beautiful in the spring. Will be back.

Snakes, Alligators, Bogeys, Oh My!
Bag man needs a friendship lesson. Even made the starter mad.
No rough: Trees, swamps, lakes border all fairways. Enjoyed the back side more than "lost-ball front". No rangers, therefore play was slow - 5 hours.

Pro was surly. Rangers and bag boys were none-existent. Course was average for FL. They have been improving the areas out of play, but still needed help.

Reminds me of Oakland Hills in MI.The fairways were fair, and the greens are when the real game begins. No rangers though, and pace was brutal.