Palmetto Dunes Director of Golf Instruction Doug Weaver discusses approach on Signature Hole #16
In a pairing of videos, we join Palmetto Dunes Director of Golf Instruction Doug Weaver as he describes “the stretch of the most difficult holes on Hilton Head Island” — George Fazio, Hole 16, 17 and 18. (Watch above or click here to watch each video on Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort YouTube Channel.)
On the tee box of the signature 16th hole along the 11-mile lagoon, Doug discusses his strategy for the hole before he hits his drive, emphasizing why the left bunker is a good target to land near amongst the staggering bunkers.
Doug states, “That’s what good architects do, they stagger the bunkers, so you don’t know there staggered, but it opens up one side of the fairway.”
Favoring the left side, Doug’s drive ends up the fairway of the 16th where he wanted and. now with a clear path to the green, he proceeds to play 180 yards out using a 5 iron.
“I love being on the Fazio golf course, look at the beautiful birds,” he says taking in all the island wildlife and scenery.
Doug approaches the new state-of-the-art Diamond Zoysia greens, determines his line and encourages you to, “set it and forget it.” From there, focus on feel, speed and finish strong with a par on one of the toughest holes.
A “Must Play Hole” on Hilton Head: George Fazio Hole #17 at Palmetto Dunes
Next, Doug takes us to the 17th hole on the Fazio Course, one of the finest par-3 holes on Hilton Head Island. (Watch above or click here to watch each video on Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort YouTube Channel.)
Doug approaches the gold tees at 230 yards and points out how the pin from there is framed by two Palmetto trees, giving him a great target to aim toward. Over water he’d rather be long, so he drives with his 3 wood and his shot soars right over the water. Doug states, “You don’t have to play it from 230 yards, you can play it from 125, 150, 180. Anybody can play this hole.”
Doug studies the design on the other side of the lagoon from the forward tee at 129 yards out. The hole shows a bunker in front and plateau putting green. Doug takes his shot at 129 using a 9 iron.
Doug embraces the beautiful views over the bridge and as he approaches, he explains two different putting strategies of putting based off his lies. He says, “For a longer putt, focus on more on the back swing and letting the putter swing the way it’s supposed to like a pendulum.”
Finish your Hilton Head Golf Round Strong: Doug Weaver’s Guide through George Fazio Hole #18 at Palmetto Dunes
The 18th hole on the George Fazio Golf Course is one of Hilton Head Island’s most distinctive and challenging layouts. Doug tells us, “The sand trap frames the fairway, and Palmetto Dunes has also added two Palmetto trees over the years for you to aim through like a field goal.”
The bunkers look intimidating, but Doug Weaver reminds you that you’ll be able to hit it over. Once you’re over, you’ll be in the wide-open fairway. The average golfer might need to play this in two shots, one shot over the second large bunker and a wedge onto the green.
As Doug approaches his putt, he emphasizes the tip from the last video: bigger back swing. He continues to walk on and check the lowest point from the green before taking his final putt on the 18th hole of the George Fazio Golf Course on Hilton Head Island.
Doug ends on a high note, “We’ve all been humbled by golf. I have a love, and our staff has a love for helping you play better golf and score lower.”
You can now book a golf lesson online with Doug or his stable of experienced instructors at the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy or call (866) 455-6890. Explore a variety of golf tips Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort YouTube Channel and subscribe for new content throughout the year.
