A Family Tradition at Palmetto Dunes: The Myers Brothers and Bird Island Golf Course

Brothers Andrew and Colin Myers of Indianapolis, IN have been visiting Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort for 20+ years.  Their grandfather, Jim McGrath, introduced them to golf on the George Fazio course during their first vacation, and they have made sure to play it every year since with Grandpa Jim. 

The George Fazio Course, renowned as Hilton Head Island’s only public par-70 layout, presents a formidable challenge to even the most seasoned golfers. Its series of long par 4’s, guarded by strategic bunkers and water hazards, has earned it the reputation as one of Hilton Head Island’s true championship courses. For the Myers family, however, it is known by another name: “Bird Island Golf Course”.

As young children, Andrew and Colin were mesmerized by the dead tree and the abundance of birds around the greens at holes #11 and 16. This led them to nickname the course "Bird Island Golf Course," a name that has been used within the family ever since.

After their most recent round on “Bird Island”, Andrew and Colin considered purchasing one of the few remaining course flags with the old logo (the Fazio course now sports a new logo) but initially decided against buying it.

Two days later nostalgia got the better of them. The brothers hopped on their bicycles and rode from their Palmetto Dunes rental to the pro shop. With the help of Golf Assistant Terry Gill, they considered various memorabilia before deciding that the logo, memories, and love for the course needed to be shared among their family. They purchased the last six flags and three logo balls with the old emblem to share with Grandpa Jim and other family members.

"This place is special to our family," Andrew and Colin explained as they left the pro shop.

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort isn’t just a vacation spot for the Myers family; it's a place where traditions are born, memories are cherished, and the love for golf is passed down through generations. Here’s to many more rounds on George Fazio (aka, Bird Island) and countless more family memories at Palmetto Dunes!