DJTheoret - 6/9/23
Over the years, Shipyard Golf Club has hosted several premier events and is the former home of the Hilton Head Senior International (1982 to 1984). At the time Shipyard was recognized as one of the finest layouts on the CHAMPIONS TOUR. Shipyard has 27 holes, creating three distinctly different 18-hole layouts. Each course offers four sets of tees and can be played by any level of player. Not too long ago, all 27 greens were resurfaced with Diamond Zosia, a grass that stands up well to the Carolina weather. Several holes offer excellent risk/reward opportunities, but you’ll need accuracy off the tee and a good command of your short game to score well here.

The Clipper and Galleon course at Shipyard Golf Club were the first two courses and opened in 1970; nines the Brigantine Course followed in 1982. The George W. Cobb-designed Clipper Course may be the most difficult of the three nines. Most holes have A combination of long fairways lined with towering oak trees and perilous hazards such as sand bunkers and water hazards to keep you on your toes. All three nines require a good long game and soft touch around the greens.

Three holes stand out in my mind at the Shipyard. The 2nd hole on the Galleon Course is a short, 440-yard par 5 that doglegs to the left. To reach the green in two, you’ll need to pound your tee shot over the fairway bunker on the left side at the corner of the dogleg. As you turn the corner, you’ll find water all down the left side. Your 2nd shot plays uphill and is at least an extra club if not two. The elevated green sits behind a pond and is guarded by bunkers on either side.

The Clipper Course is the longest and provides the toughest test. Number 6 on the Clipper course is a challenging par 4 that plays 400 yards from the White Tees. It’s a dogleg right with a fairway bunker at the corner. Playing your tee shot slightly left of center will provide the best angle into the green which slopes back left to front right. The bunkers on either side of the green add to the challenge.

Brigantine is the shortest to the three nines, playing 2,885 from the White tees. The second hole on the Brigantine Course is the layout’s #1 handicapped hole and is the mirror image of the 2nd hole on the Galleon nine. It plays 359 yards from the White Tees and with water all down the right side and in front of the green, you’ll need both accuracy and length off the tee. Playing your drive out to the left may force a longer approach shot, but it’s beer than putting it in the water. Your approach shot will be over water into a very large green. depending on pin placement and prevailing winds it can be a two or three-club difference. Bunkers in front of the green and behind only add to the difficulty of this challenging golf hole.

Shipyard has excellent practice facilities including a full-length driving range, short game area, and practice green. The staff of PGA Professionals at any of these courses can help you get the most out of your game. They offer private lessons, group lessons, camps, and clinics for golfers of all skill levels. There’s no excuse not to play your best when you step up to the first tee.

Heritage Golf Group has partnered with two local resorts: The Westin Resort & Spa and The Sonesta Resort. To get to the Sonesta Resort, you drive right by the Shipyard’s clubhouse, making it easy to get in an extra nine holes in the evening.

The Sonesta Resort is a AAA Four Diamond family-friendly beach resort that recently underwent a $30 million renovation. The renovation included a spectacular new swimming pool complex with a shaded lap pool and Jacuzzi, a zero-entry heated lagoon swimming pool, and a children’s area. The 340 spacious guest rooms and suites offer views of the Shipyard Plantation grounds, lush tropical gardens, swimming pools, and the Atlantic Ocean. The resort offers indoor and al fresco dining at Bayley’s Lobby Bar & Terrace, Seacrest Restaurant and Terrace, and Sweet Cane restaurants.

At the Westin Resort & Spa, coastal splendor meets southern hospitality. The resort sits nestled amid natural dunes and Hilton Head Island’s pristine white sands, The Westin Resort & Spa offers its guests oceanfront resort views from most guest rooms, the Heavenly Spa by Westin, and three outdoor pools. All of Westin’s bright, open rooms include WiFi, a flat-screen cable TV, a small refrigerator, and coffee-making facilities. There’s family-friendly dining in the Carolina Room, poolside dining at Splash, with additional dining at View 32 and Ingredients.

Any or all of these courses can be packaged together through The Heritage Golf Collection with a single phone call

  rbrim1 - 12/8/21
Played Clipper-Brigantine at Shipyard on a very breezy and cool day. The course was in good shape and the greens were receptive although not terribly fast. Scenery was enjoyable and varied with the 2 courses. I'll return to play again. Excellent value and scenery.

  m.grubich@hotmail.com - 10/21/13
Just played there in our GolfWeek National Championship. Was in horrible shape. The greens had dead spots that were not marked off and the first cut around the greens and just off the fairways was absolutely terrible. I would not recommend this course at all with all of the other options you have in Hilton Head. Just in terrible shape.

  Prosecutorgolfer - 11/11/12
Stayed at timeshare with golf priveledges. Thought cart fee was high for \"free golf\". Course nice but not great. Certainly no destination golf place. Nice couples course.

  cinnamon190 - 2/1/12
This is a great value for the money. Centrally located in HHI. It's target golf, if you know what I mean. Pretty course, especially Brigantine. Water, yes, but you can play around it. Houses along the course but they really don't come into play. It's an excellent challenge from beginner to advanced player. You'll find men bring their wives. Yes it slows play a bit, but it allows the men to play. And everyone is very accommodating. I'd recommend this to anyone coming Hilton Head.

  Bill Gregg - 2/23/14

  pitt panther - 9/17/13

  jeffwkatz - 8/22/13

  jsharpe - 4/29/13

  btroha - 2/16/13