In 1861, Hilton Head Island was temporarily named Port Royal, South Carolina.  The Port Royal Plantation community is the second plantation neighborhood developed on Hilton Head Island, after Sea Pines. Port Royal is the site of a few still-standing Civil War forts as well as the 1663 landing of Captain William Hilton for whom the island is currently named.  This single-family community opened in 1961 and got its name from the nearby Port Royal Sound (which was first named by Admiral Jean Ribault of France’s 1500s Huguenot party).  Port Royal’s 1,200 private acres include around 700 home sites with views of the ocean, golf courses, and woods.  Three miles of public beaches stretch from the Atlantic to the Sound, and in between guests can find almost any activity imaginable as well as a few historic landmarks.

   The Port Royal Plantation Club offers private memberships strictly to property owners.  Memberships include access to the three golf courses, the croquet club, tennis courts, and social events.  Four individual membership packages are available for interested residents.

   The Southern-style clubhouse complex, called the Overlook, has oceanfront swimming and recreation facilities with rental boats, boat cruises, picnic areas, fine dining, freshwater and saltwater fishing, swimming pools, bike and jogging paths, a playground, and the Westin Hotel.  For nature lovers, the Arboretum contains walking paths along which numerous species of plants and birds can be identified.   

   Port Royal Golf Club presents 54 holes, spread over three separate courses.  The scenic 1966 Robber’s Row course, recently renovated by Pete Dye, is one of the primary 18-hole courses.  Located on the island’s marsh side, historic Civil War grounds lay nearby as well as the historic Port Royal village.

   The 1969 player-friendly Barony Course, designed by George Cobb and Willard Byrd together, plays over 6,500 yards.  Concentrate on accuracy instead of shot length, because the 12th hole catches wind from the nearby Atlantic.

   Planter’s Row, Port Royal Plantation’s third course, once hosted the 1985 Hilton Head Seniors International Golf Tournament.  The tree-lined course has a few holes near water, making extremely focused shots a necessity.

   The five star Racquet Club contains 16 tennis courts.  Ten of the courts are Har-Tru clay with two lighted; Four are lighted Deco Turf II courts; and the last two are seasonal grass courts.  Members are allotted two hours per day on the courts, and the on-site pro shop is available for rates and reservation queries.