Tag: harbor town

Destination: Hilton Head Island

When it comes to golf getaways, Hilton Head still holds its own with any golf destination in North America. More than $200 million has been invested in upgrading “Golf Island’s” hotels, resorts and golf courses over the past decade.

There are more than 30 courses clustered within the island’s 70 square-miles and sprinkled around neighboring Bluffton and Beaufort, so the next round of golf is never more than a few minutes away. And with the spring forward to daylight savings time, the Hilton Head area sets up perfectly for a 36-hole-a-day golf binge.

Here’s a lineup of premier on- and off-island courses, as well as the inside scoop on accommodations, dining and transportation.

Top Tier

Harbour Town Golf Links at The Sea Pines Resort is the long-time home of the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage, a fan and player favorite. This Pete Dye/ Jack Nicklaus collaboration epitomizes Lowcountry course design replete with live oak-lined corridors, diminutive greens and Dye’s trademark bulkheads lining languid lagoons.

Walking off the 16^th green and toward the tee box on the par-3 17^th, the Calibogue Sound comes into view with shrimp and sailboats passing by. Harbour Town concludes with one of America’s most famous finishing holes, the par-4 18^th playing into the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse.

Just a smooth 3-wood away from Harbour Town, Sea Pines Resort’s Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III is a masterful overhaul of the resort’s historic Ocean Course, the island’s first course. Completely reinvented by Love Golf Design, native seaside grasses and coquina shells meld with pines and oaks to create a calming coastal ambiance that puts golfers at ease.

The Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is widely considered one of the most scenic and challenging courses in the state. Having opened in 1967 just two years before Harbour Town, the two courses’ histories are forever linked by two World Golf Hall of Fame architects.

Jones’ former protégé Roger Rulewich updated the course in 2002, elevating the fairway on the signature par-5 10^th hole for even better views of the Atlantic Ocean. Credited with designing the majority of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Rulewich spent considerable time reworking every tee box and green.

George Fazio’s Palmetto Dunes – #16

Solid Seconds

While it’s technically in Bluffton just off the island, Old South Golf Links is the area’s most underrated layout. Designed by local golf course architect Clyde Johnston, Old South is the only area public course playing along the Intracoastal Waterway.

The front and back nine views, with MacKay Creek and the Calibogue Sound in the distance, are among the best in the region and are a great way to welcome your golf group to the Lowcountry. The variety of indigenous terrain is also surreal – oak forest, pastures and tidal marshes are all on display, and in play.

Back at The Sea Pines Resort, Heron Point by Pete Dye (formerly the Sea Marsh course) was a labor of love for the renowned golf course architect, who returned several times to tweak its putting surfaces and greens surrounds. From its 7,035-yard tips and with a slope of 140, it gives Harbour Town a run for its money as the resort’s toughest track.

Playing to more than 7,000 yards with a 139-slope rating from the tips on the island’s north end, Oyster Reef continues to challenge low handicap golfers while appealing to players of all skill levels with its spectacular setting. Jones returned in 2018 to lead a full-scale bunker renovation project, restoring the course to its circa 1982 splendor.

At Palmetto Dunes, George Fazio Course is Hilton Head Island’s only par-70, and with a slope of 144 from the 6,873-yard back tees, it’s considered by many to be the most difficult resort course on the island. With just two par 5s and a series of meaty par 4s, proper tee selection is paramount.

Preferred Private

It’s a well-established pattern: a week-long visit to Hilton Head Island one year turns into a month-long stay the following year. Eventually golfers fall in love with Golf Island and relocate to enjoy its laid-back lifestyle year-round. And when they do, Sea Pines Country Club is often the private golf venue of choice.

The only private club located inside the gates of the Sea Pines community – a 5,000-acre masterplan including the resort, Beach Club, shops, dining and more – Sea Pines Country Club’s Arnold Palmer-Clyde Johnston-designed layout is a pure Lowcountry offering replete with live oaks draped in Spanish moss, languid lagoons and native grasses.

While not as widely known as the 18^th hole on Harbor Town, the finishing hole at the club, set along one of the island’s largest tidal marshes, is an absolute stunner. Post round, members enjoy their favorite beverages and a variety of eats at the Blue Heron Pub and Grille or relax by the club’s expansive resort-style pool.

Where to Stay

For sheer convenience during a multi-day golf trip, it’s hard to top a rental home or villa at The Sea Pines Resort or Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. These vacation residences are fully-appointed with all the amenities of home, including flat screen TVs, washers and dryers, wireless internet and fully-equipped kitchens.

Dining and Nightlife

There are more than 250 restaurants on Hilton Head Island ranging from celebrity chef-driven restaurants to locally owned seafood joints. For a true taste of Lowcountry waterfront dining, check out Skull Creek Boathouse or Skull Creek Dockside.

Replenish calories burned from a long day on the links with a full Italian meal at Frankie Bones or a dry aged steak from WiseGuys. And whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, do not miss the chance to visit Java Burrito for the region’s best “Fresh Mex” and espresso.

For those who prefer to grab a bite at or near the golf course, options abound. At Palmetto Dunes, Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers, Pizza at the Robert Trent Jones Course clubhouse is open seven days a week serving three meals a day. Links, an American Grill, in the stunning new Harbour Town Clubhouse, serves up signature filet, strip and porterhouse steaks. The LagerHead Tavern at Oyster Reef showcases Southern comfort food with a twist.

Getting Here

Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) on the island’s north end offers non-stop and one-stop service from multiple hub cities and connections via American Airlines. Seasonal Saturday flights to/from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) are offered as of April 10, 2021

The new route complements year-round service from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and seasonal service from Washington Reagan Airport (DCA), Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) and Philadelphia (PHL). Book your flight to Hilton Head Island at www.AA.com.

Delta Air Lines Airlines also offers nonstop and one-stop service to HHI via its Atlanta (ATL) hub with connections from 200+ cities worldwide.

Golfers can also utilize Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), with direct flights from numerous East Coast, Midwest and Texas airports. Southwest Airlines service began in March with six flights from five markets.

Hilton Head Golf Island expert golf vacation planners are available to help you design your ideal Hilton Head Golf Island golf trip. Click here to complete a brief form and to receive a custom quote.

April 13, 2021
7 Reasons to Visit Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island has long been one of the most popular and beloved vacation destinations in the United States, but have you visited the island lately? They are upping their game and ready to impress. Some say Hilton Head Island is too expensive, but if you think that you simply aren’t looking hard enough. While Hilton Head Golf Island offers plenty of upscale, premium golf experiences, there are also some fantastic deals available without having to skimp on quality.

#10 Jones Course, Palmetto Dunes

“Spring is the peak season for golfers to visit Hilton Head Island to experience our world-class golf courses, stunning Lowcountry scenery and amazing culinary offerings,” says Cary Corbitt, President of the Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association and Vice President of Sports and Operations at Sea Pines Resort. “Many resorts have made significant upgrades and improvements – totaling more than $200 million – to both their golf courses and accommodations to make everyone’s golf experience here truly memorable.”

If you are searching for a great value for a buddies golf trip or even a family getaway, you need to take a serious look at Hilton Head Island. Below are just seven reasons why you should visit the Carolina Low Country this spring.

#16 Fazio Course – Palmetto Dunes

7 Reasons to Visit Hilton Head Island This Spring
1. Hilton Head Golf Island’s territory includes over 30 golf courses on and around the island, including championship designs from legendary golf course architects like Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio and Pete Dye.
2. Hilton Head Golf Island’s courses and resorts have earned top 10 rankings in seven categories by Golf Digest, including “Best Buddies Trip Destination,” “Best Accommodations,” “Best Couples Trip,” “Best Courses,” “Best Food and Drink,” “Best Weather” and “Best Value.” Hilton Head Island also was named the International Association of Golf Tour Operators’ Golf Destination of the Year for North America for 2016.
3. The PGA Tour stops by Hilton Head Island every spring to play the RBC Heritage at Harbor Town Golf Links. The PGA Tour pros love spending a week on Hilton Head Island. It’s always ranked one of their favorite tournament stops every year.
4. Hilton head Island is easy to get to. It’s less than an 8 hour drive up or down I95 for millions of people, and Savanah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is very convenient for those traveling by air. SAV has daily non-stop flights on JetBlue from Boston and New York City, and Allegiant Air flies non-stop from Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and others. 14 other locales offer non-stop service to SAV from Chicago, Detroit, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.
5. There’s much more to do than just golf! To start, Hilton Head Island is home to 8 of the world’s top 100 tennis resorts and boasts over 500 public and private tennis courts. Then there’s world class inshore and offshore fishing and boating and kayaking, miles and miles of beaches, bike trails, nature walks and bird watching, plenty of art galleries, shopping and dining.
6. The weather is fantastic. You’ll be at the very southern tip of South Carolina, near the Georgia border. With an average low of 57° and an average high of 75°, you are more likely than not to get great weather when you visit. March, April & May are the best months, with average temps in the low 60s to mid 70s.
7. It’s not as expensive as you think. In fact, it’s pretty cheap! Take Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort’s “Birdies and Beer Getaway” package for example – Guests enjoy four days/three nights in a two-bedroom villa at the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, and three rounds of golf on the resort’s three championship courses: Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront, Arthur Hills and George Fazio. Starting at $180 per golfer/per night, the promotion features breakfast and beers via a resort gift card. Also offered: two hours of court time per day per villa at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center, range balls, dining and pro shop discounts, and preferred rates and priority access to all resort activities and amenities. $180 per night at a high quality resort like Palmetto Dunes is hard to beat!
#16 Hills Course – Palmetto Dunes

For additional information about rates, restrictions and other package inclusions, or to receive a quote, visit: www.hiltonheadgolfisland.com or call (800) 523-3373
March 1, 2016
Sea Pines Resort & Harbour Town Golf Links
Click to enlarge

When listing some of the premier golf destinations in the United States, The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is always near the top of the list. The flagship golf course at Sea Pines is the legendary Harbour Town Golf Links. Designed by Pete Dye in 1969, it remains one of the most beloved and admired courses in the US. It is a favorite of PGA TOUR professionals also, who come to Hilton Head Island to play in the prestigious Heritage Tournament every year. The iconic finishing hole, bordered by the Calibogue Sound and framed by the famous Harbour Town Lighthouse, is one of the most recognizable holes in golf. Heralded by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the “World’s Best Places to Stay”, I decided to see for myself what the Sea Pines Resort is all about.

My first observation of the Sea Pines Resort was how vast it is. Occupying the southern third of Hilton head Island, the resort is located along 5000 acres of oceanfront property that stretches across the island to Calibogue sound on the north side. Because the resort area is so large, you never get the feeling of being cramped or rushed. Sea Pines really has an old southern feel and pace to it. My only concern was having enough time to explore the entire resort! One thing is for sure – This isn’t simply a golf resort. It’s much more than just golf.

Visitors have several choices for accommodations when booking a stay at Sea Pines. The villas and homes are perfect for small groups and families, and there are four distinct areas to choose from for your stay. The Oceanside villas are just as the name implies – a short walk to the beach or directly on the beach itself. Many are also a short distance to the Sea Pines Beach Club as well as the Heron Point and Ocean golf courses. Harbour Town’s villas and homes allow quick access to the famous Harbour Town Lighthouse, boutiques, galleries, waterview restaurants , cafes, lounges and more. Here guests can also enjoy the nightlife and dinner cruises after spending a day on the water with jet skis, parasailing and fishing charters. At the center of the resort, the Plantation villas and homes offer something for nature buffs. Set among huge oaks and miles of nature trails, guests can enjoy bike rides, cook outs by the pool or just watch the world go by.

For those looking for a more upscale, full service experience at Sea Pines Resort, there is the Inn at Harbour Town. This AAA Four Diamond European style boutique hotel sits adjacent to the Harbour Town Golf Links, the Sea Pines Resort Racquet Club and the Harbour Town Conference Center, and is also walking distance to Harbour Town’s shops, restaurants and marina. The Inn offers luxurious suites and rooms, private butler and concierge service, imported bed linens and soaking tubs, among other luxuries. The service is second to none, and the all British staff gives the Inn a distinct European charm. Our room on the third floor overlooked the first tee and putting green of the golf course. I thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet while sitting on the balcony in the early morning watching the sun rise over the inn, drenching the clubhouse and golf course with its warm rays. The Inn at Harbour Town is the perfect place to stay in my opinion. It is close to everything, wonderfully staffed and comfortable enough to stay in your room all day if you so choose. The overall feel is intimate and uncrowded, and because there are only 60 guest rooms I imagine it will always feel this way.

Harbor Town Golf Links – Sea Pines Resort

Click to enlarge

With the golf courses that await visitors at Sea Pines, you won’t want to stay in your room very long. While there is certainly lots to do here, golf remains the focal point of the resort for good reason. Famed course architect Pete Dye (With input from Jack Nicklaus) created the Harbour Town Golf Links in 1969 and it has played host to the best golfers in the world ever since. Not a long course by today’s standards at 7101 yards (The course was lengthened by the addition of several new tee boxes since the PGA TOUR played it last April), it remains a stern test of golf, sporting a slope rating of 147. Pete Dye utilized large waste areas, railroad ties, water hazards and huge oaks draped with Spanish moss to create a modern golf masterpiece. The resort has taken steps to ensure the course remains in fantastic shape, and as such motorized golf carts are relegated to cart paths only. You’ll want to leave the heavy staff bag at home however, because the combination of a classic design and strong caddie program makes this a perfect course to walk. Studying the design, there seems to be a pattern for how to attack each hole that alternates with an uncanny rhythm. For example – The first hole must be approached from the right side, the second from the left side, and the third from the right again. The same pattern emerges again on the back nine on holes 12 through 15. (Left, right, left, right)

As I just alluded to with regards to the design, most of the holes move in one direction or the other and golfers must approach the green from a specific side of the fairway to get at the pin. A perfect example of this is the par 4 eighth hole. As if measuring 473 yards from the back tees wasn’t enough, you must hit your tee shot to the right side of the fairway to even have a chance to go for the green. After a 280 yard tee shot that split the fairway, I was still left with a shot of some 200 yards that I had to draw 15 yards from right to left around the towering oaks on the corner of the dogleg. I was pretty happy to leave that hole with a five. Not only does a player have to think about which side to approach the greens from, but some holes require you to decide how far away you should be to approach the green. Hitting a tee shot too far on the 9th or 16th holes could leave you with an impossible shot around or over trees, or in the case of the 16th hole, a tree. There is a sole palm tree in the middle of the fairway that can reek havoc on a poorly placed tee shot. On the 15t hole, should your lay-up shot not go up the right side, far enough past the corner of the trees, you’ll be left with no shot to the green. Every hole at Harbour Town requires thought and a sound strategy. The reward for a well played hole is relatively small and flat putting surfaces and a chance for birdie. With only four feet of elevation change, the course is very flat, but you won’t even notice. That is just part of the genius of this design.

While I didn't play my best, I was very happy with a solid 76 from the Heritage tees, given that the course rating is 75.6 and I actually played a longer course than the PGA TOUR guys did (until the 2012 Heritage at least). My round was highlighted by a wedge shot from 83 yards on the second hole that spun back into the hole for eagle, and a closing birdie on 18 after a crushed tee shot and solid 8 iron approach as the sun was setting over Calibogue Sound. The new tee box on the 18th hole stretches it to 472 yards, up from 444. Just aim at the lighthouse and swing hard! I'm proud that I managed to make par on all four of the par three holes at Harbour Town. As I discovered first hand, Harbour Town's par 3s are among the finest collection of short holes in the world. In fact, the 14th hole (which measures 192 yards and is protected by a small green with water all the way up the right side) is consistently ranked as one of the toughest par 3s on the PGA TOUR. We finished the day with our own ceremonial tee shots into Calibogue sound, minus the cannon of course. Our second day at Sea Pines Resort included a round of golf at Heron Point, another Pete Dye design. On its own, Heron Point would probably be the highlight of any golf trip at most other resorts, but in the presence of Harbour Town Golf Links, it is forced to play second fiddle at Sea Pines. Compared to Harbour Town, the landing areas at Heron Point are more generous and undulating. To compensate, Dye made the greens more undulating as well and surrounded them with deep sand bunkers, water hazards lined with railroad ties and his signature mounding. A complete reconstruction in 2007 gave this course new life. Some who have played it may call it "Harbour Town lite", but Heron Point is no easy track as evidenced by the almost identical yardage, rating and slope as its big brother on the other side of the property. Joining us at Heron Point that morning was Josh, our caddie from the previous day at Harbour Town, and Adam who also works at the resort. I really had to be on my game, as Josh was a member of the 2011 division III collegiate golf national championship team. We had a great time trash talking each other all day, and since Josh and Adam had to work the bag drop after our round I took the opportunity to avail myself of their services, rudely barking out orders for fun. In all seriousness, Josh was a good sport, great caddie and an ideal playing partner. He knows the courses at Sea Pines intimately and his yardages were always spot on. His ability to learn his player's game and provide club selection is a trait that separates very good caddies from all the others. [caption id="attachment_3664" align="alignleft" width="300"] Click to enlarge[/caption] The third course at Sea Pines Resort is the Ocean Course. It is the original golf course built on Hilton Head Island back in 1960 by George Cobb, and was rebuilt in 1995 by Mark McCumber. It is the most friendly of the three courses and a favorite of casual golfers and beginners, measuring 6906 yards from the longest tees with a slope of 142 and a 73.4 rating. Despite its name, there is only one actual oceanfront hole - the 210 yard, par 3 15th. This doesn't detract from the overall experience however. The Ocean course shares a clubhouse with the Heron Point course on the east end of the resort, and is a short walk away from the beach club. I didn't get to play the Ocean course during my stay on Hilton Head Island, but I hope to return and see it for myself one day soon! While golf may be the focal point at Sea Pines Resort, it is also just the beginning. To me, a perfect compliment to a great golf resort is a world class tennis club, and that's what you get at the Sea Pines Resort Racquet Club. Under the direction of former Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion Stan Smith, the racquet club has been consistently ranked as one of America's top tennis resorts by TENNIS magazine. It boasts 23 green clay courts and a wealth of instructional programs led by the staff of USPTA-certified professionals. All guests get two hours per day of complimentary tennis, and more time can always be booked if you are in the mood. Being a former tennis professional myself, I can really appreciate a facility like this. Walking out of the front entrance of the Inn at Harbour Town puts you within a stone's throw of the tennis club, and I took the opportunity to watch as several nationally-ranked young players went through their paces with the pros in fast paced practice sessions. To review thus far, if you love golf and tennis you'll fall in love with the Sea Pines Resort. Compared to most other resorts of this caliber it would more than hold its own with 3 world class golf courses and a top notch tennis club, but there is much more! Being on the ocean, it goes without saying that beach access is a primary attraction. Guests have five miles of pristine shoreline to explore for swimming, sunning and relaxation. There is also fishing, kayaking, charter boat tours, sailing, paddle boarding, water skiing and even jet ski rentals. Visitors can also enjoy a bike ride through a 605 acre forest preserve that is home to over 130 species of birds. In fact, a bicycle may just be the best way to get around the grounds, with 15 miles of trails that interconnect every area of the resort. The resort's bicycle shop offers a wide selection of bikes for everyone. If you prefer to let someone (or something) else do the work for you, head over to Lawton Stables and take a horseback ride instead. Lawton Stables is a full service equestrian center offering trail rides, pony rides for kids and a petting farm. On top of all that, guests can also take alligator boat tours, forest preserve hayrides, use the fitness center for a work out, get a spa treatment at Le Spa and enjoy some shopping at the Harbour Town Shops. Whew! I know what you are thinking - after doing all that, you are going to be hungry! Fortunately you have many dining options at Sea Pines Resort. Every corner of the resort is covered, and guests can leave the cash at home and simply charge the meal to their rooms. Be careful though, it adds up pretty fast! Not only are the restaurants at the resort very good, but Hilton Head Island has a large number of dining options too if you feel like something different. You aren't tied down to the resort area here. [caption id="attachment_3665" align="alignright" width="300"] Click to enlarge[/caption] My time spent at Sea Pines Resort was far too short to see and do everything. Even a full week packed with activities would not be enough to explore all the activities, dining options and locations of this 5000 acre destination. To further augment the already impressive list of things to do, the resort guide lists special seasonal events and activities that are far too numerous to list here. The sheer size of the resort area, world class accommodations, superb golf & tennis, incredible array of activities and a knowledgeable staff combine to make Sea Pines Resort a must visit. Before playing Harbour Town Golf Links I would not have placed it in my top 10 favorite courses, but after playing it twice, it has taken its rightful place in my personal top three. Golfweek Magazine recently ranked Harbour Town at #12 on its list of the best resort courses. Considering the company it is in (Pebble Beach, Pacific Dunes, Whistling Straits, Pinehurst and TPC Sawgrass to name a few) Harbour Town deserves to be on everyone's must-play list, but perhaps the greatest endorsement I can give is this: I could have spent an entire week at Sea Pines Resort without playing a single round of golf and still been very satisfied with my stay. But common, that's crazy talk! Spending a week on Hilton Head Island without playing golf? That should be a felony. INSIDER TIPS: If you are planning a stay at Sea Pines, here are a few tips to make your stay a little more enjoyable.
- Stay an extra day or two. With so many things to do, you'll have more time to explore or just relax.
- Play Heron Point by Pete Dye and the Ocean Course first, or you may suffer a bit of a letdown after playing the Harbour Town Golf Links first.
- At Harbor Town, make your tee time about four and a half to five hours before sunset. That way you'll arrive on 17 and 18 just as the sun is going down for an unforgettable experience.
- Bring your carry bag and walk Harbor Town with a caddie.
- Go up the lighthouse at sunset, and bring your camera!
- Take a lesson. Golf or Tennis, the pros on staff here are among the best anywhere.
- Check the calendar for seasonal events and plan ahead so you don't miss anything.
- When dining off resort, check with the locals for recommendations. My favorite was China Bistro, just a few minutes from the main gate.
- Bring your friends! Everything is more fun in a group, and you get discounts.
For more information about the Sea Pines Resort and to book your stay, visit http://www.seapines.com
Traveling to Europe this summer? Check out these fabulous Algarve golf hotels!

Subscribe to our email updates! You'll get the latest fresh news, reviews and stories delivered right to your inbox or RSS reader, and automatically be entered in our latest contests and giveaways! We are 100% SPAM FREE! Also, don't forget to check in with our Facebook fan page for exclusive content and get involved by leaving us comments on what you think!
December 27, 2011
Brian Davis Shows Class In Loss To Jim Furyk At Harbor Town

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Growing up, I was taught that Golf is a gentleman’s game, meaning that it is a game where the players are expected to call rules violations on themselves, and where sportsmanship is the rule, not the exception. Golfers are taught etiquette and proper on-course behavior. While some people certainly don’t always adhere to it, the majority of people who play and respect the game of golf carry on this tradition to others and set the standard for the next generation to play the game.

More and more these days when I turn on Sportscenter I see events in other sports of brutal violence and disrespect. You see fights in Basketball games, people being pushed head first into the boards in Hockey, batters being hit intentionally by 90MPH fastballs and Football players deliberately going for the knees of opposing players. While golf isn’t a contact sport and many people think watching golf on TV is boring, we seldom see any acts that disrespect the game or the players.

Before Tiger’s private life was made public last year, we watched him throw his driver into the crowd in Australia, and before that there were many other incidents of poor behavior on the course. Tiger has since stated that he plans to change and he promised to behave better on the course going forward. I have long thought that one’s behavior on the golf course mirrors that of life. Playing golf with someone can allow you a rare glimpse into someone’s mind. How a person deals with adversity, self-doubt and even success can tell you a lot about them. This is perhaps why so many business deals are made and broken on the golf course!

Every now and then there is a moment in golf that reveals the true character of a player. This weekend Brian Davis showed us all what the game is about. Having just drained a long putt on the final hole of regulation to force a playoff with Jim Furyk at the Verizon Heritage, Davis found his ball in the hazard left of the 18th green on the first playoff hole. Electing to play from the hazard, he noticed that his club may have brushed against some vegetation during his backswing, so he called over PGA Tour rules official Slugger White to confirm on the TV replay. The replay showed that he did indeed brush something on his backswing, which is a two stroke penalty, and immediately ended his hopes of winning his first PGA Tour tournament. "It was one of those things I thought I saw movement out of the corner of my eye," Davis said. "And I thought we’d check on TV, and indeed there was movement." Sometimes the rules of golf seem unfair and harsh, and perhaps this is one of those times. On television we couldn't tell anything wrong had happened. Only upon review in slow motion was the infraction noticeable. "To have the tournament come down that way is definitely not the way I wanted to win," Furyk said. "It’s obviously a tough loss for him and I respect and admire what he did." Calling the rules violation on himself cost Davis almost $400,000, but he gained the respect of many. The Public Relations department at Cleveland Golf/Srixon was flooded on Monday by emails from fans applauding Brian Davis' actions. Both Davis and Furyk are part of Cleveland Golf/Srixon's PGA tour staff. Below are just a few of the many messages regarding the events at Harbor Town Golf Links. Dear Mr. Davis, I am a 38 year old single father of a 15 year old son and have just starting playing golf 3 weeks ago. I wanted to write you and let you know that I was watching my second golf tournament (The Verizon Heritage) today with my son and your performance in sudden death compelled me to write you. I have never seen such honor and sportsmanship from any player in any sport. It was wonderful to be able to have my son see how a true man and sportsman acts during competition when most of what the media shows us is other more well known golfers acting poorly. I have become a very huge fan and will not only be following you and your future endeavors but am going to be supporting your sponsors exclusively. Thanks again for the motivation you have given me to continue to play golf and also the opportunity to educate my son on how to display honor and sportsmanship. Good luck in your future tournaments, [Name Withheld] Hello Brian: Congratulations on your outstanding performance at the Verizon Heritage tournament this weekend. We are dreadfully sorry you did not win, especially under the circumstances, but want you to know how much we admire and respect you for your honesty. You are a giant, Brian, a great role model and you should stand tall and be very proud of yourself. Well done! You are truly the champion of the day and we sincerely hope that you know that is how you are seen! In the words of the great Sir Edmund Hillary: "It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves." Today, Brian, you conquered in spectacular fashion! Kudos to you!!! Peterborough, Ontario, Canada Dear Mr. Davis, My husband and I were watching golf today like we do on most Sunday afternoons. Before we started our family four years ago, we loved to play golf together. While watching, I'm not much for just sitting there, I'm usually doing chores around the house or playing with our two children. I'll be honest, I hadn't seen much of you before on television, I'm sure only because I wasn't playing close attention :0). I know that golfers pride themselves on honesty, but what I saw today with you calling that penalty on yourself was probably one of the greatest examples of integrity that I have EVER seen! We will never know but probably nobody would have even noticed that infraction and you could have won that tournament. You are truly a wonderful role model and I will mention you to my children when I am looking for modern day people who have been courageous. I think we can both agree that we need more people like that for our children. You have a beautiful family and I'm praying for their good health. Thank you Mr. Davis for what you did today! Blessings to you!! Pleasanton, Texas, USA Brian, I wanted to commend you on the CHARACTER you showed at the Heritage Classic. With all the news surrounding the golf world over the last several months, it was a breath of fresh air. I know losing was disappointing but all the wins in the world doesn’t make up for character and honoring one’s self, family, friends and the game of golf. Congratulations on your top finish. I wish you well moving forward. Good Luck, [Name Withheld] We too want to congratulate Brian Davis and Jim Furyk for a great week. Furyk earns his second victory of the year, and Davis earns a big check, respect, many new fans and made his sponsors proud.
Want to win free stuff? Subscribe to our email updates! You'll get the latest fresh news, reviews and stories delivered right to your inbox or RSS reader, and automatically be entered in our latest contests and giveaways! Also, don't forget to check in with our Facebook fan page for exclusive content and get involved by leaving us comments on what you think!

April 19, 2010