Near Hilton Head Island, Bluffton has must-play courses of its own

• Lisa Allen
• Aug 18, 2011 3:04 PM ET

BLUFFTON, S.C. -- Just a short drive west from Hilton Head Island, Bluffton is more accessible and has many of its own golf courses worth sampling. 

Yes, golf can be had on the mainland before you even cross the Intracoastal Waterway onto Hilton Head.

Old South Golf Links

Old South Golf Links (pictured) is a Clyde Johnston design that is easily the marshiest around Hilton Head. Memorable holes are packed into the course, including three island greens. You'll need to employ lots of water avoidance. There isn't a lot of development on the course, so you'll be able to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Additionally, the staff dreams up a lot of creative ways to entertain you, such as a tiny floating green near the clubhouse on which you can wager your results. 

One-two punch: Crescent and Eagle's Pointe

Try the sister courses, Crescent Pointe and Eagle's Pointe, both well managed by the Sequoia group.

Crescent Pointe Golf Club is the only public Arnold Palmer course in the area. It's a delight, with lots of strategy required but not a lot of hit-out-of-your-shoes distances.

It incorporates the terrain whenever it can, including the par-3 ninth hole that is punched deep into the marsh. There isn't much "just bomb it down the fairway" on this golf course. Palmer keeps you in check with backstops (often water) for those who go for too much distance off the tee or into the green.

Crescent Pointe G.C. also offers an alluring incentive to score well: The price of your first drink after your round is determined by your score. Shoot an 80, your draft beer is 80 cents. The course is in great shape, and the staff is attentive and friendly.

Just west of Crescent Point, Eagle's Pointe Golf Club is a Davis Love III course on which every hole is different. Some feature sand assaults, while others put water right against the fairway. Love seems to like moving dirt, pushing up mounds in the fairways, along them and on the greens. What that means is a lot of fun while you try to guess where, and how, your ball will end up.

Each putt will be an adventure. Eagle's Pointe provides an interesting course with a lot of variety. 

Hilton Head National Golf Club

Hilton Head National Golf Club has absolutely no development around it, a rarity right on U.S. 278, the main thoroughfare to Hilton Head Island. Service at Hilton Head National is outstanding, from bag drop to starter. If you need anything, the staff will get it for you.

Take advantage of the solitude, great service and an interesting combination course. The front was designed by Bobby Weed, known for his love of bulldozers and undulating fairways. The back is the work of Gary Player, who relies on doglegs and trees to keep you on your toes.

Island West Golf Club

Island West Golf Club is very visible, located right on well-traveled U.S. 278 leading to Hilton Head Island. This course packs a lot of golf into a very reasonable price and only two holes are located near the highway. 

The Fuzzy Zoeller/Clyde Johnston course rewards strategy over length, although there is plenty of chances to let it rip. There are plenty of doglegs if you want to try a little corner-cutting, but choose wisely. 

(Photo credit: Old South Golf Links by Holger M.E. Obenaus Photography)