BLUFFTON, S.C. -- After just a round, one understands why "The Legend of Bagger Vance" was filmed on the Dye course at Colleton River Plantation.
The Dye course, completed in 1997, is an instant, seemingly been-here-forever classic. The clubhouse, which serves as a focal point from several spots on the golf course, looks marvelous from every angle. From its veranda, you can gaze out at the Atlantic Ocean or admire Dye's work right below.
The course hosts qualifiers each year for both the U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur. Stop at the back tees and you'll see why. The course unfolds to a whopping 7,365 yards.
The golf course begins in stunning fashion and builds from there. The scenery is breathtaking, with views of the Atlantic Ocean on 11 holes and centuries old live oaks standing sentry. The golf is something else, too, pitting golfer against an array of bunkers, encroaching live oaks and the erratic element of wind. The private course, should you be lucky enough to play it, is one you won't forget. You might consider his course at Colleton River Plantation one of Dye's best works.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: The golf courses at Colleton River Plantation Club are private, offering reciprocity with select private clubs in the Hilton Head Island area during the summer.]
Dye course at Colleton River Plantation - No. 2
Bunkers and trees make the left side a bit tricky on the par-5 second hole on the Dye course at Colleton River Plantation.
Lisa Allen/TravelGolf
Dye course at Colleton River Plantation - No. 4
The par-4 fourth hole on the Dye course at Colleton River Plantation veers right just past a waste bunker.
Lisa Allen/TravelGolf
Dye golf course at Colleton River Plantation - No. 5
A waste bunker and arching trees make it rough sledding from the left on the fifth hole of the Dye course at Colleton River Plantation.
Lisa Allen/TravelGolf
Dye course at Colleton River Plantation - No. 5 green
Live oaks serve as backdrops for the fifth green on the Dye course at Colleton River Plantation.
Lisa Allen/TravelGolf
Dye course at Colleton River Plantation - No. 6
The landscape is stark between tee and green on the par-3 sixth hole on the Dye course at Colleton River Plantation.
Lisa Allen/TravelGolf
Dye course at Colleton River Plantation - No. 7 green
Bunkers are raised and lowered near the green on No. 7 on the Dye course at Colleton River Plantation.
Lisa Allen/TravelGolf
Dye course at Colleton River Plantation - No. 8
The only way to see the pin on No. 8 on the Dye course at Colleton River Plantation is from the left.
Lisa Allen/TravelGolf
Dye course at Colleton River Plantation - 9th hole
It's a bit of a hike to the tips on No. 9 on the Dye course at Colleton River Plantation.
Lisa Allen/TravelGolf
Dye course at Colleton River Plantation - No. 9
The No. 9 tips on the Dye golf course at Colleton River Plantation are pushed 80 feet into the marsh.
Lisa Allen/TravelGolf
Dye course at Colleton River Plantation - No. 9 from back tees
It's a bit of a haul to the fairway from the back tees on the 480-yard, par-4 ninth hole on the Dye course at Colleton River Plantation.
Lisa Allen/TravelGolf
Dye GC at Colleton River Plantation - No. 9 green
The offset ninth green on the Dye golf course at Colleton River Plantation pulls large bunkers into play.
Lisa Allen/TravelGolf
Dye course at Colleton River Plantation - No. 12
There's plenty of room off the tee on No. 12 on the Dye course at Colleton River Plantation, but going too long could hurt you.
Lisa Allen/TravelGolf
Dye course at Colleton River Plantation - No. 12 green
An infernal pot bunker and a marsh carry make getting to the green on No. 12 tough on the Dye course at Colleton River Plantation.
Lisa Allen/TravelGolf
Dye course at Colleton River Plantation - No. 13
The par-3 13th hole on the Dye course at Colleton River Plantation backs right up to the marsh, with the ocean beyond.
Lisa Allen/TravelGolf
Dye course at Colleton River Plantation - No. 15 from the tips
It's a bit of a carry to get to the fairway from the tips on the par-4 15th hole on the Dye course at Colleton River Plantation.
Lisa Allen/TravelGolf
Dye course at Colleton River Plantation - No. 17
The par-3 17th hole on the Dye course at Colleton River Plantation pretty much rejects anythng short.
Lisa Allen/TravelGolf
Dye course at Colleton River Plantation - No. 18
Finding a place to put your drive is a little daunting, especially if there is a lot of wind, on the 18th hole on the Dye course at Colleton River Plantation.
Lisa Allen/TravelGolf
Dye course at Colleton River Plantation - No. 18 green
The 18th green on the Dye course at Colleton River Plantation is ringed with sand and water.
Lisa Allen/TravelGolf
Colleton River Club - Dye