I would like to highlight the remarkable developments that have occurred at Harbour Town Golf Links (Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) over the last six months.
Two key enhancements have been implemented:
- Major restoration completed:
- The work included rebuilding all greens, bunkers, and bulkheads.
- While the original turf types remain (TifEagle on the greens; Celebration Bermuda on fairways, tees, rough), the infrastructure (drainage, maintenance access, bunkers, etc.) has been upgraded.
- Design integrity maintained:
- The restoration team — led by Davis Love III (5-time winner of the RBC Heritage) — emphasised keeping the original strategic design of the course by Pete Dye (with assistance from Jack Nicklaus).
- Some hole shapes, bunker positions, etc., were restored to their original size/shape rather than radically changed — so the “look and feel” remains familiar.
What does this mean for players/conditions?
- Expect improved agronomics and maintenance: the infrastructure upgrades mean that greens and fairways should perform at a higher level (in terms of firmness, drainage, and consistency) compared to previous years.
- Although the layout remains essentially the same, you may notice slightly different contours or restored edges on greens, renewed bunkers, and cleaner bulkhead work.
- Because of the recent restoration (being finished just now), early rounds after reopening may feel exceptionally “pristine” — but also may have subtle differences compared to previous years, especially in bunker sand or fresh turf edges.
- For accompanying tournaments (e.g., the RBC Heritage), the course is tasked with delivering championship-level conditions, so playing before/after these events may yield very different experiences.
- The play conditions may still be “settling in” (especially bunkers and greens) – it may take several months for the turf to mature fully and for all bunkers to have ideal sand. Although the course reopened, check for any maintenance limitations or local “new turf” conditions if you play very soon after reopening.
