The imposing English Manor-styled clubhouse sets the tone at the Country Club of Hilton Head. It has all the appearance of a luxury private club, which in part it is. The club has an active membership and permits just a handful of tee times per day for resort guests visiting the island. The Rees Jones-designed golf course is also top-notch. Meandering through the Lowcountry vistas of sturdy oaks, pine forests and pristine wetlands, the course Jones marked out is always challenging, yet always a delight to play. The par-four 5th, for instance, is just 358 yards, but the lurking dangers all around contribute to its toughest-hole ranking. The drive must thread a narrow needle between trees and sand and the approach shot has to carry a dark lagoon. There are either ponds of marshy wetlands guarding all the course’s par-three holes as well. Back at that clubhouse, the membership enjoys the benefits of a full health club with workout rooms and facilities; while visitors will simply enjoy both formal and informal dining facilities and its well-stocked bar.