The Barony Course at Port Royal Golf and Racquet Club, designed by George W. Cobb in the early 1960s, stands as one of the original courses on Hilton Head Island, marking the beginning of the island's reputation as a golf destination. Known for its strategic design, the course offers a mix of doglegs, well-placed bunkers, and risk-reward opportunities that challenge golfers of all skill levels.
At first glance, many holes seem open and straightforward from the tee, but as players approach the greens, the true difficulty of the course emerges. The newly resurfaced Bermuda greens are generous in size but are guarded by thick rough and unforgiving bunkers, demanding precision with mid- to short-range iron shots. The course places a premium on accuracy rather than length, rewarding those who can hit straight, well-placed shots off the tee.
The Barony Course offers a balanced mix of challenging and more forgiving holes, as well as a variety of long and short holes. Players who focus on precision and placement rather than distance will find themselves scoring well. The greens are designed to accommodate both short-iron players and those who prefer to run the ball up, with nearly all greens accessible from the front, making a ground game a viable option. The front nine is slightly easier than the back, so getting into a rhythm early can set the stage for a successful round.
Signature Holes:
Hole 3: This dogleg left requires an accurate tee shot to avoid the trees lining the left side of the fairway. The approach shot is equally demanding, with the green protected by bunkers and a narrow entrance.
Hole 5: A picturesque par 3 that plays over a pond to a well-bunkered green. Club selection is crucial, as the wind can make this hole play longer or shorter than it appears. The green is large but undulating, adding to the difficulty.
Hole 9: A challenging par 5 that demands three well-executed shots to reach the green in regulation. The fairway is lined with trees, and a large bunker guards the right side of the green, making the approach shot particularly tricky.
Hole 12: A short but challenging par 4 with a sharp dogleg right. The tee shot must be well-placed to avoid the trees on the corner, setting up a short iron into a green guarded by bunkers on both sides. The green slopes from back to front placing a premium on staying below the hole.
Hole 18: The finishing hole is a demanding par 4 that requires accuracy off the tee and a precise approach shot. The fairway narrows as it approaches the green, which is protected by bunkers and thick rough. The green itself is large but undulating, making it a difficult finish to the round.
