South Carolina & Georgia, USA

Americas

15 Mar

Written By Simon Campbell

Take in the charms of Charleston before a Lowcountry road trip to the golfing nirvanas of Kiawah Island and Hilton Head.

Horse-drawn carriages, cobbled alleyways, farmers markets, basket weavers and gas-lantern-lit streets; it’s easy to see why visitors to Charleston, South Carolina feel like they’ve travelled back in time. More than 90 historically preserved blocks have ensured the weatherboard pastel-coloured houses and wood-panelled mansions stay in-keeping with the city’s unique feel. Families here often have links to the city dating back to its origins in the 1600s, when it was settled by the English, and it would be the entry point for three out of four slaves coming to America. Influences of West Africa, Europe and the Caribbean, today blend not only in the people, but the art, architecture and cuisine, which goes from shrimp and grits, slow-cooking and one pots, to modern gastronomy worthy of the highest accolades.

It’s also the starting point for a truly special American golf road trip. Follow the coast south and soon you find Kiawah Island, home to, among others, the iconic 1991 Ryder Cup venue, Pete Dye’s Ocean Course; then to Hilton Head with its famed lighthouse and no fewer than 23 Championship courses. A golfing road trip unlike any other, this is authentic America on one of its most naturally beautiful stretches of coastline, with a seemingly endless array of golfing opportunities, including two stops on the PGA Tour and a legendary Ryder Cup venue.