Heron Point

Harbour Town was one of Pete Dye’s first designs that set him apart from his golf course architecture peers and it remains a challenging play for modern golfers, with its tight, tree-lined fairways and many water hazards. The Sea Pines Resort saw fit to lessen the demands for Heron Point, Dye’s less intense sequel to Harbour Town.

Although the original layout played in much the same style as its famous sibling, Dye returned during 2007 to make it easier for casual players. The course takes a very similar approach aesthetically, but with wider fairways to keep players out of the trees.

Those looking to score will still find similar challenges, including seashell-sand waste bunkers, ponds placed inconveniently near greens, and even a green propped up on railroad ties at No. 5. Don’t think Dye got too soft for Heron Point: The final hole is a classic Cape around water, which is a Dye challenge that didn’t even appear at Harbour Town.

Although the course stretches to 7,100 yards, seven sets of tees make the course playable for even junior golfers.