Nice front 9 with 1 & 2 greens on the state highway. Other than that, it’s all private. Greens were well maintained. But the back 9 was dicey with some holes mostly dead grass and back side greens being aerated lined & sand added. Glad I okayed, but not looking at going again. Good luck with fixing the back 9.

Played course on October 7th, 2023. The course is okay. From my understanding the course just opened back up after being closed for a while. I will say that the course is headed in the right direction, but just not there yet. The greens and bunkers are ok but consistent. The course overall is pretty dry and sometimes hard to hit on. From tee boxes to the fairways. The course is very narrow and requires great accuracy with the driver or you will be taking a lot of drops. Another addition this course needs is drinking water on the course. There is absolutely none and the golf shop closes at 5, made the round somewhat miserable. The gentleman at the pro shop was very helpful along with the gentleman outside helping with the carts. He told me what to expect and was very attentive. I will be back to this course in a few months to see the improvements I know it will make. Worth the price in the area, check it out.

As a player on the PGA Tour, Fuzzy Zoeller always seemed to have a smile on his face. Whether he was in the lead or missing the cut he was always having fun. So, it makes sense that in creating a golf course, a Fuzzy Zoeller design is going to be fun to play. That’s what you get at Island West Golf Club in Bluffton, SC, a fun yet challenging golf course that plays 6,803 yards from the back tees. Back here, the course rating is 73.2 with a slope rating of 140 and a par of 72. The White Tees (6,208/70.3/128) offer the majority of golfers a good challenge. Ladies will enjoy the course from 4,856 yards (67.8/123). Clyde Johnson, who has done many courses in the Lowcountry area, co-designed Island West For a Lowcountry golf course, the fairways at Island West have a lot of roll and undulation to them. The course winds its way through naturally preserved marshlands and strands of live oak trees, creating a beautiful setting. Water comes in to play in one form or another on 10 holes, creating many risk-reward opportunities. Bunkers have been strategically placed along the edges of the fairways and all around the greens. The two par 5s on the front nine are quite challenging, especially when one of them is your first hole of the day. Number 1 is a 477-yard (White Tees) par 5 that has plenty of room off the tee, so bomb away. Just be sure to avoid the fairway bunker on the left. A good drive will leave you with a decision to go for the green or not. Just know that, because of the large bunker in front, you’ll need to fly it onto the green, which is wider than it is deep. There’s more sand behind the green in case you go too deep. Before your round, be sure to take full advantage of the practice facility. There’s a full-length driving range where you can hit every club in the bag, a short game area and practice putting green. If your game’s not up to par, or way over par, talk to one of the PGA professionals at Island West and schedule a lesson. Or better yet, become a member and lessons are free. I’ll explain more in a bit. While you’re in the pro shop, browse around at all of the latest golf equipment and logoed golf apparel from the game’s top designers. Island West is a challenging course that makes you think and requires accuracy in order to score well, especially on the narrow, tree-lined holes. It’s a course where new golfers won’t be overwhelmed and skilled players will be challenged. Island West is exactly what Fuzzy Zoeller wanted it to be: fun! Islands West also has the service part down. Upon arrival, an attendant will meet you at the bag drop, load your clubs onto a cart and then take it back to a “staging” area. After your round, they will clean up your sticks, hop on the back of the cart, and follow you out to your car. The staff is always smiling and willing to answer any questions you might have about the course or facility. Brown Golf Management is offering a great membership program that includes unlimited golf at all 7 of their Bluffton/Hilton Head area courses, unlimited use of the practice facility and range balls, discounts for guests’ greens fees and in the pro shop and something that makes the whole package worthwhile: free, unlimited golf lessons.

Course is now reopened. The cart paths are redone to address flooding concerns that recent rains served to lush up the greens and fairways with pop! With real changes to certain bunkers on this great community owned course and other surprises, it is a fun course again with a stunning natural beauty. Located within the quaint Island West neighborhood, new golf carts are a great addition help you around. Great value golfing in a natural environment. I am including by picture some pricing and contact info. This used to be a hunt club back in the day. I have seen gator, deer, fox and Wild turkey. You have to check out the natural beauty yourself. Gators are really fast by the way. Public $70 for 18, $45 for 9. Reserve ahead Enjoy!

I really like this course and played it 3 times this week. Some of the fairways, tee boxes, and greens need more water and attention. Others were in great shape. Signage could be improved, and a few of the tees are difficult to find. Only one Porta potty and it needed attention. The layout is fun. Staff is friendly.