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Jon Claydon

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Hilton Head - Atlantic Dunes
« on: November 10, 2020, 05:26:03 PM »
Hi all,


couldn't find much about the recent work by Davis Love III in the archives here. 


have many folks played it? 


interested in any thoughts as I plan a few rounds in HH over the winter break.


Regards,
Jon Claydon

Brian Finn

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Re: Hilton Head - Atlantic Dunes
« Reply #1 on: November 10, 2020, 05:52:35 PM »
Had you played the previous iteration (The Ocean Course)?  It is not dramatically different, due to the fact that they had to work with the same corridors.  A few holes were changed, including pushing the green on the one par 3 near the ocean a bit deeper toward the beach, and flipping an awkward, short, dogleg right followed by a par 3 into a good par 3 followed by a fun, short (drivable for some) par 4.  It's fun, above average for courses on the island.  A few not so great holes, dictated by surrounding properties and ponds/lagoons, but good for vacation golf with a bit of architectural interest. 

I prefer Heron Point (Pete Dye) by a pretty good margin (7-3 in the 10 round test).  It's very playable, and has some pretty solid green complexes, and a bit more variety from hole to hole.  The bonus there is that it typically gets less play (I guess I am in the minority with my preference), and may even be priced a few bucks below Atlantic Dunes.  If you do play Heron Point, keep an eye out on the fifth tee for a big, fat gator.  I've seen him lounging on the middle tee box there more than once over the last several years.
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Mike_Trenham

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Re: Hilton Head - Atlantic Dunes
« Reply #2 on: November 10, 2020, 06:04:22 PM »
Put me in the underwhelmed camp, I expected to like it more than I did.  Also agree that Heron Point is preferable 7/3 except I viscerally hate it’s 18th hole.


Herron Point shines on what I like best about Pete Dye courses. And that is his random contouring of a flat site tee to green in a way that all ties together so that it plays harder and drains well.
Proud member of a Doak 3.

A.G._Crockett

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Re: Hilton Head - Atlantic Dunes
« Reply #3 on: November 10, 2020, 06:31:39 PM »
Played it back in the spring of last year; it was by far my least favorite of the three golf courses there, though being on a site with Heron Point and Harbour Town is a VERY high bar.


 I had not played it before the work done by the Love folks, and I have been told that it is far, far better now.  But were I to go back there, I'd skip it completely, I think.  To be fair, that may be more a compliment to Heron Point and Harbour Town than a knock on Atlantic Dunes. 
"Golf...is usually played with the outward appearance of great dignity.  It is, nevertheless, a game of considerable passion, either of the explosive type, or that which burns inwardly and sears the soul."      Bobby Jones

Mark_Fine

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Re: Hilton Head - Atlantic Dunes
« Reply #4 on: November 10, 2020, 06:53:47 PM »
I thought the Love team did a great job with Atlantic Dunes.  Huge improvement over the old Ocean Course.  It is definitely worth playing.  I also like Heron Point.  It was brutally tough when it first opened but significantly softened once they realized it was a few shots harder than Harbour Town and most of their guests couldn't handle it.  It still is a challenging golf course with a nice variety of golf holes and retains many of the classic Pete Dye trademark features.  I haven't been on their website lately but I would think there will be lots of photos of both courses.


If I were you, I would see if you can get on Wexford (though no guest play till at least January).  It is a sleeper and if your are into architecture, you will enjoy all the classic design features that the Palmer team added in their redo.  It is fun to play. 

Ronald Montesano

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Re: Hilton Head - Atlantic Dunes
« Reply #5 on: November 13, 2020, 06:51:14 PM »
Coming in 2024
~Elmira Country Club
~Soaring Eagles
~Bonavista
~Indian Hills
~Maybe some more!!