Conventional wisdom says a golf course needs to stretch out to a bruising 7,600 yards to test the pros on the PGA Tour. Harbour Town debunks that idea. In perfect conditions last April, Australian Peter Lonard posted a comparatively meek 7-under-par total to win the

The closing hole at Harbour Town plays along Calibogue Sound. Verizon Heritage here. Players will pursue the tartan jacket over this 6,973-yard track for the 38th time April 13-16. Designed by Pete Dye, Harbour Town is death by a thousand cuts for those hitting it off line. The first 16 holes feature narrow fairways and tiny greens hemmed in by lagoons, live oaks, pines and palmettos. The final two holes play alongside Calibogue Sound, with No. 18 backed by the famous candy cane-striped lighthouse. Harbour Town welcomes public play.

The peak season rate -- from mid-March through mid-May -- is $270. Reduced fees are available for guests of the Sea Pines Resort, where you can stay in a private rental home, villa or at the Inn at Harbour Town. Rooms at the Inn start at $225 per night in April. The Sea Pines Resort Tartan Tee Off Package includes two nights' accommodations at the inn and two rounds of golf, one at Harbour Town and a second at either of the resort's other two courses, Sea Marsh or Ocean.
888-807-6873, seapines.com