Island West Golf Club

Value is a concept. We appreciate value, and we value those who value us. Not something for nothing, but something worthwhile for our time and treasure. Welcome to Island West Golf Club, the only Fuzzy Zoeller design in the Lowcountry. As you might epect with anything Fuzzy, the accent is on “fun”

One of the most affordable courses in the Hilton Head area is still quite a challenge, particularly from the 6,800 yard back tees, with a stout rating and slope of 73.2/140. But its varied layout, recently renovated bunkers and new gray tees that measure about 5,454 yards make it a fun test for low, middle and higher handicappers.

Island West offers many different looks as you navigate its fairways. The first couple of holes feel more like the pastureland that is still visible across the road. But then you turn back into the forest of tall pines and live oaks.

The next five holes play tightly between the tree lines, with numerous ponds and wetlands bordering your approaches. After the par-3 eighth, with the unique double-green it shares with the par-3 17th, the ninth is a straightaway par-4 that penalizes anything hit too far into the trees left, or the water right. The back nine is a bit more open, but with its quirks as well. There’s a wetlands carry on the approach at the 10th, a great risk-reward dogleg around water at #13 and another fabulous finish to the nine with the narrow fairway between trees and water at 18, with bunkers fronting the green.

The 19th hole might be an even better finish than the 18th! A Southern-style clubhouse boasts of a friendly atmosphere; breakfast, lunch and a renowned Happy Hour in the Grille; and a well-stocked pro shop.

A real value play at Island West is its great instructional programs under the direction of Teaching Pro David Ohrn. Among David’s packages is what he calls the “Golf Fitness Club”, an all-inclusive “coaching” program where participants can drop by anytime he’s there for a “tune-up” to their game, before or after a round. The Tour pros have access to coaching whenever they need it, why not you?

With many visitors moving to the Lowcountry seasonally, or even permanently, Island West now has a thriving membership with affordable annual plans that give full and part-time residents a place to call their golf “home”. And their Web site www.islandwestgolf.net has new specials updated frequently.

Whether you’re on vacation or play a couple of rounds every week, Island West offers variety and value. And you’ll know from your first visit that you’re “valued” at Island West. For more information, visit online at www.islandwestgolf.net or call (843) 689-6660.