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Wouldn’t you rather have your own golf clubs with you? (*Photo by Greg D’Andrea*)

I have never rented golf clubs. As a matter of fact, I’ve never rented anything golf-related except a cart. I guess I’ve just never had any reason to rent clubs. And since I never have, it kind of makes me wonder who does rent clubs, and why?

Just to show that I have actually put some thought into this, I’ve considered four separate scenarios for playing golf and if there would be any chance that I would need to rent clubs.

#1. A regular round of golf – By regular round, I mean my buddies and I have planned a round of golf for a weekend. This one is pretty simple. Why would I ever need to rent clubs for this, unless I was a complete idiot and forgot my clubs at home. In that case, I don’t deserve to even play that day. It’s like going camping and forgetting your tent.

#2. An unscheduled round of golf – For instance, I’m at work. Another stinky golfer calls and says he has a tee time for 5:30 to play nine before it’s too dark. OK, I can see how someone wouldn’t have their clubs ready for this. But not me. During the golf season, I put my clubs in my trunk, and that is where they stay just in case a situation such as this arises. They will stay there for the entire season…maybe longer.

But even then, I mentioned nine holes. Is nine holes really important enough to rent clubs if I didn’t have them with me? I mean, the clubs may cost more than the round itself.

#3. A golf trip – Now, it’s a golf trip. Why on earth would I not have my clubs with me? Why would anyone go on a golf trip without their clubs? The only reason I can think of is people are worried about bag fees. I’ve seen bag fees range anywhere between $50-$100 round trip. But I’m sure they go higher. In a case like that, I guess I can understand to a point.

But when you consider that renting clubs can cost anywhere between $15-$50, if not more depending upon the course, wouldn’t you just rather bring your own clubs rather than use the rentals?

#4. A non-golf trip – OK, in this situation I can see how you could be stuck without your clubs. But all it takes is a little verification before the trip, and you can be prepared. For instance, this past summer, my wife booked us and another couple a trip to Key West. This was not a golf trip. However, I made sure to check ahead of time if the other guy is a golfer. Sure enough…even though this was not a golf trip, we managed to get a day in at the Key West Golf Club. Just a little preparation and I got to play a course I wouldn’t have had the chance to. And I did it without having to rent clubs.

So to anyone who has rented clubs before, what was the situation? Why did you choose to rent clubs rather than just use your own? Did I miss something above? Let me know. After all, I’m a stinky golfer and there’s a good chance that I just don’t get it.

Swing ’til you’re happy!

Some years ago, Stinky Golfer Greg and myself, along with two other golfing buddies, took a trip to Hilton Head Island for a golf getaway. We had a great hookup from one of my relatives who owned a condo on the island. This was the first real golf trip any of us had taken, and it was certainly one to remember.

I could get into the many details of the trip, but I can much more easily sum it up with one comment. While riding in a cart down one of the fairways of Palmetto Dunes, enjoying the beautiful views of the Atlantic, Greg turns to me and says simply…”Thank you. Seriously…thank you. This is awesome.” He was right. It was awesome.

Recognize that picture? Of course you do. It’s the famous Harbour Town Lighthouse at Sea Pines. We’ve all seen it. But have you ever had the chance to see it in person? Well thanks to a new website launched by The Golf Channel, here’s your chance. If you’ve been there before, then here’s your chance to do it again. For a great golf getaway, take a peek at http://www.hiltonheadgolf.com/.

For any golfers who haven’t yet found their way to Hilton Head, my friends, you are truly missing out on a great golf experience. Now I’ve never been to Myrtle Beach, but as it’s been described to me, Hilton Head is Myrtle Beach with better golf and without the touristy feel. I can attest to both of those points.

As for the golf, during a short trip, we managed to squeeze in two rounds of 18, one round at Palmetto Dunes and the other at Shipyard. Those two rounds being not quite enough, on the morning of our final day, we squeezed in another 9 holes at Sea Pines (home of Harbour Town) on the Ocean Course. Each round was an experience like no other. Be it the stunning ocean views, gators walking past the greens as you’re putting or the beautiful, lush courses themselves…it’s tough to beat the variety of courses you’ll find on Hilton Head. Even if you can’t make it to Harbour Town, you’re sure to do fine with any of the courses The Golf Channel has featured for you here.

Let’s not forget though, there’s much more to a golf trip than just golf. What about food? As far as I’m concerned, food is a close second to the golf itself. Luckily, the good people at The Golf Channel have similar feelings as they’ve provided a dining guide on the site as well. Oh, and I can personally vouch for a number of restaurants on that list including Antonio’s, The Crazy Crab and Harbourside Burgers & Brews at Sea Pines just to name a few.

Since my last visit to Hilton Head, I’ve always wanted to make a return trip. Now that The Golf Channel has made it so easy, I have almost no excuse. The courses, food, places to stay and even packages…it’s all right there at your fingertips.

For those golfers who have yet to visit Hilton Head….you don’t know what you’re missing. After visiting twice (once for golf and once for relaxation…and, no…they’re not the same thing), I’m still looking forward to going again. If nice weather, great golf and a laid back, relaxing environment are what you’re looking for, then http://www.hiltonheadgolf.com/ is a great place to start.

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