In the heart of Hilton Head Island just off of Hwy. 278, at Mile Marker 8.5, “X” marks the spot.
It’s a treasured retreat that winds through a seaside village, a tidal lagoon and a cave, all amid lush tropical landscaping and rushing waterfalls. Here, shade is abundant, adventure is in the air, the music is maritime and around every corner…pirates! It’s called Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf, and it’s been a staple of family fun on Hilton Head for more than 30 years.
Just ask the Internet, “so many people come here after seeing us on TripAdvisor,” confirms Manager Harold Mason. This is not surprising, as Pirate’s Island earned a 2021 “Traveler’s Choice” badge, has amassed over 900 “Excellent” reviews and is ranked #2 on the list of “Fun & Games” on Hilton Head! Top marks go to the “meticulously” maintained course and the “extremely friendly and genuinely excited” staff, with the dynamic duo of Harold and Cindy frequently recognized by guests.
Also making a splash is a fun new web-based app in place of the traditional scorecard.
It allows players to save and send scores and provides additional pirate lore. Harold smiles. “We put a lot of effort into improvements, adding props, signage, new carpet, widening sidewalks for wheelchair and stroller accessibility — and people notice! Our guests return each year and comment that Pirate’s Island keeps getting better with each visit.”
It’s not just annual visitors coming back. Though, many guests return multiple times during a single visit to Hilton Head! Pirate’s Island’s two courses. One is kid-friendly and the other more challenging. This makes it easy to justify coming back to play all 36 holes. With gorgeous koi to feed in the fish pond, pirate hats, flags for the kiddos and a free round of golf per group, it’s the kind of absorbing experience that makes the best kind of vacation memories.
Perhaps most endearing is that Pirate’s Island really works at its stated mission to “make the world a better place.”
Thirty-three Adventure Golf courses, Pirate’s Islands, Pirate’s Coves and JungleGolf of Fort Myers combine to coordinate two annual charity events. Labor Day’s Putting for Progress and Memorial Day’s Putting for Patriots have raised over $1,000,000 for charities. On Hilton Head, Pirate’s Island also takes their portable golf hole to local fall and winter festivals, school and church events and special occasions at Shelter Cove Park. Arrr you ready, mateys? Set your course for Pirate’s Island!
By Dani Ray
Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf
8 Marina Side Drive
(843) 686-4001
www.piratesislandgolf.com
