A Side of Retail Therapy

While you’re dining at Big Jim’s, be sure to stop in the adjacent golf pro shop—the largest on Hilton Head Island. You’ll find an expansive selection of men’s and women’s golf attire and accessories as well as a colorful selection of resort wear and gift options for the non-golfer.

Don’t miss the new Palmetto Dunes-branded merchandise, a custom pattern in pastel colors—skirts, tops, dresses, and accessories—perfect for looking and feeling cool both on and off the golf course.

Southern Burger, dressed up with fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese.

Leading the way in the kitchen is Chef Patrick Blankenship, long-time island resident, and former Italian restaurant owner—thus his famous New York style pizzas with hand-tossed crusts and fresh sauces made in-house daily. “People come in here and say it’s the best pizza they’ve ever had,” Blankenship said. “I like to do simple food that tastes great—nothing too fancy, nothing too extravagant, but it’s a little more upscale than what people are expecting.”

What you may not know or understand is that Big Jim’s is accessible to all. “This is not just for golfers. We’re a three-meal, seven-day-a week restaurant. This is open to locals and all visitors—no gate pass required,” Rowland said. “Anybody can come here.”

If you are a golfer, you’ll find all the sustenance you need before, during, and after your round of golf—full breakfast or a breakfast sandwich to go, box lunches for takeout, and, of course, full-service at the restaurant.

Stick around for happy hour (weekdays 4-6 p.m.) and enjoy nightly drink specials and weekend beer bucket specials. Beer lovers will want to try a cold PDR. (That’s not a typo but a play on the famous brand with a different middle initial.) Palmetto Dunes Resort has partnered with Shellring Ale Works, a Port Royal, S.C.-based brewery, to produce its own signature beer. “It’s been super popular,” Rowland said. “They’re even selling it at Kroger now.”

If you are just finishing your round of golf, don’t miss your 15 minutes of fame on the big screen at the “nineteenth hole”—aka Big Jim’s. A webcam captures all the live action on the eighteenth; it only plays once before the next group comes through, so make your way in before it disappears.

Golfers warming up for their game or groups who don’t wish to play the full course will enjoy Toptracer Range (a 15bay high-tech golf driving range adjacent to the Robert Trent Jones course). The same food provided at Big Jim’s is also

Here’s what people are saying:

“Always Great Food! Surprisingly Good! Anytime we’ve come, the food has been excellent! Nice treat! Check out Big Jim’s.”

“Great food and service! Toni and Wendy were awesome bartenders and helped me order the best food. Fried pickles are made on site and the best I’ve had. Southern Burger was amazing.”

“We just moved to Palmetto Dunes this past year and have absolutely loved it. Big Jim’s pizza is now our favorite! My husband and I love the thin crust, and the wait staff are so kind and attentive. Definitely recommend if you are staying in the area and want quality food and service!”

“We are locals with family visiting from out of town. Had a group of nine, and Big Jim’s was a convenient spot for dinner. The staff quickly accommodated our group. We ordered drinks and dinner and were busy catching up with each other. When a few drinks needed refilling, Wendy (the bartender) noticed that we had empty drinks and helped expedite refills. We appreciated the service. Our food was delicious— some of us had special instructions for our food—and everything came out just as we ordered it. Highly recommend Big Jim’s.”

“We had a very nice dinner at Big Jim’s. My son and I had bacon cheeseburgers, and my wife had a shrimp Po’Boy. The food was great. Our server provided outstanding service. And, the atmosphere is very nice, with a terrific view of the golf course.” available there. “You can come down with the family and have a golf experience for a couple of hours and have pizza, nachos, hot wings, chicken fingers—all the kid favorites and family favorites. There’s also a full-service bar there, and you can even rent the bays for parties,” Rowland explained.

Whether you’re looking for a casual breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or planning a corporate event, wedding reception, or party, Big Jim’s is at your service. Stop by today and discover all the delicious food you’ve been craving in a relaxing setting overlooking the gorgeous fairway and eighteenth green of the Robert Trent Jones golf course. Your taste buds will thank you!

Big Jim’s is located at 7 Trent Jones Lane, inside Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course Clubhouse and is open daily from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. for take-out, indoor, and outdoor dining. To see the full menu and find out about upcoming specials and events, visit bigjimsbbqcatering.com or call (866) 420-4478.

Article by Barry Kaufman Photography by M.Kat