Golfing in Hilton Head Island

From casual resort play to PGA Tour-caliber challenges, the island offers a range of options that cater to golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re planning a golf getaway with friends or simply want to sneak in a round while vacationing with family, Hilton Head’s diverse and beautifully maintained courses deliver the perfect setting.

Set against the backdrop of Calibogue Sound and framed by centuries-old oaks and salt marshes, Harbour Town is as visually stunning as it is technically demanding. Don’t be fooled by its modest yardage compared to modern courses — this layout rewards strategic thinking, precise shot placement, and short-game finesse over raw power.

Harbour Town Golf Links – A PGA Tour Favorite

Arguably the crown jewel of Hilton Head’s golf offerings is Harbour Town Golf Links, located in the iconic Sea Pines Resort. Designed by legendary architect Pete Dye with input from golf great Jack Nicklaus, this world-renowned course has hosted the RBC Heritage — a PGA Tour event — every spring since 1969.

The course’s final hole, the famous par-4 18th, plays directly toward the red-and-white-striped Harbour Town Lighthouse. It’s one of the most photographed finishing holes in golf, and standing on that tee box is a rite of passage for many golfers.

More Must-Play Courses on Hilton Head Island While Harbour Town may be the headline act, Hilton Head’s depth of high-quality courses is truly impressive. Here are just a few other standout options:

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort

With three championship courses — designed by Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio, and Arthur Hills — Palmetto Dunes offers variety, challenge, and beauty. The Robert Trent Jones course, in particular, features a breathtaking oceanfront par-5 10th hole and is a favorite for its wide fairways and expansive greens.

Heron Point by Pete Dye (Sea Pines Resort)

Another Pete Dye masterpiece, Heron Point was redesigned to balance modern risk-reward play with traditional Lowcountry scenery. Dye’s signature touches — dramatic bunkering, subtle elevation changes, and undulating greens — provide a dynamic, engaging round of golf.

Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III (Sea Pines Resort)

The newest of the Sea Pines trio, Atlantic Dunes is a complete transformation of the island’s first course. Davis Love III reimagined this layout with a coastal feel, incorporating native grasses, dunes, and ocean breezes to create a true seaside experience. It’s both beautiful and playable — a great option for mid-handicappers and vacationing players.

Hilton Head National Golf Club

Just minutes off the island bridge in Bluffton, Hilton Head National is often called a hidden gem. Co-designed by Gary Player and Bobby Weed, this semi-private course blends wide fairways, strategic water hazards, and immaculate conditions. It’s a favorite among locals for its pace of play and affordability.

Golden Bear Golf Club (Indigo Run)

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Golden Bear offers a fair but demanding layout with a classic parkland feel. Water hazards and bunkers are well-placed to challenge shot accuracy and course management.

Why Hilton Head Island is a Golf Destination Like No Other

What sets Hilton Head apart isn’t just the quantity of courses — it’s the overall golfing experience. The island’s temperate climate means year-round play is possible, with the spring and fall months being especially ideal. Many courses are integrated into gated communities and resorts, providing a tranquil, private atmosphere. After your round, world-class dining, beaches, and nature trails await — all part of Hilton Head’s charm.

Golfers also appreciate the island’s commitment to sustainability. Many courses are Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries, ensuring that wildlife and wetlands are protected while maintaining the highest standards of course conditioning.

Planning Your Hilton Head Golf Trip

If you’re organizing a golf-focused trip, it’s wise to book tee times in advance, especially during peak seasons. Many resorts, like Sea Pines and Palmetto Dunes, offer stay-and-play packages, bundling luxury accommodations with discounted rounds. Group packages, instruction clinics, and junior golf programs are also widely available, making Hilton Head a destination for all ages and skill levels.

For those who want to play multiple courses, consider exploring multi-day passes or golf passports, which offer access to various island layouts at bundled rates. You’ll get to sample the best of Hilton Head without breaking the bank.

Golf Course Listing Hilton Head Island & Bluffton, SC

Here is a comprehensive table of golf courses in Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, SC, including course name, designer (where known), number of holes, public/private access, and key notes. This list includes resort, public, and semi-private options. Click on the Golf Course name to be taken to their website.

Golf Course	Location	Designer	Holes	Access	Notes
Harbour Town Golf Links	Hilton Head Island	Pete Dye / Jack Nicklaus	18	Resort	PGA Tour course, iconic lighthouse finish
Heron Point by Pete Dye	Hilton Head Island	Pete Dye	18	Resort	Part of Sea Pines Resort
Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III	Hilton Head Island	Davis Love III	18	Resort	Coastal-style, newest Sea Pines course
Robert Trent Jones Course	Hilton Head Island	Robert Trent Jones	18	Resort	Oceanfront hole, part of Palmetto Dunes
Arthur Hills Course	Hilton Head Island	Arthur Hills	18	Resort	Known for water views and rolling terrain
George Fazio Course	Hilton Head Island	George Fazio	18	Resort	Tight fairways, part of Palmetto Dunes
Shipyard Golf Club	Hilton Head Island	George Cobb / Willard Byrd	27 (3×9)	Resort	Three 9-hole combinations
Port Royal Barony	Hilton Head Island	George Cobb	18	Resort	Traditional Lowcountry layout
Port Royal Robber’s Row	Hilton Head Island	George Cobb / Pete Dye	18	Resort	Set on a former Civil War site
Hilton Head National Golf Club	Bluffton	Gary Player / Bobby Weed	18	Public	Top-rated public course near the bridge
Golden Bear Golf Club	Hilton Head Island	Jack Nicklaus	18	Semi-private	Located in Indigo Run community
Country Club of Hilton Head	Hilton Head Island	Rees Jones	18	Private	Challenging layout, excellent practice facilities
Sea Pines Country Club	Hilton Head Island	Arnold Palmer / Clyde Johnston	18	Private	Exclusive members-only course
Long Cove Club	Hilton Head Island	Pete Dye	18	Private	Nationally ranked private course
Wexford Golf Club	Hilton Head Island	Arnold Palmer	18	Private	Includes boating amenities and luxury lifestyle
Moss Creek Golf Club (North & South)	Bluffton	Tom Fazio	36 (2×18)	Private	Two championship layouts
Belfair Golf Club (East & West)	Bluffton	Tom Fazio	36 (2×18)	Private	Host of many national amateur events
Berkeley Hall Club (North & South)	Bluffton	Tom Fazio	36 (2×18)	Private	Golf-centered luxury community
Hampton Hall Golf Club	Bluffton	Pete Dye	18	Private	Links-style, wide fairways
Colleton River Club (Nicklaus & Dye)	Bluffton	Jack Nicklaus / Pete Dye	36 (2×18)	Private	Stunning river and marshland views
Old South Golf Links	Bluffton	Clyde Johnston	18	Public	Panoramic marsh views, affordable and scenic
Eagle’s Pointe Golf Club	Bluffton	Davis Love III	18	Semi-private	Friendly layout with strategic bunkering
Island West Golf Club	Bluffton	Clyde Johnston / Fuzzy Zoeller	18	Public	Rolling terrain and large greens
Pinecrest Golf Club	Bluffton	Rocky Roquemore	18	Public	Affordable and fun layout
Crescent Pointe Golf Club	Bluffton	Arnold Palmer	18	Public	Known for elevated tees and marsh views
Rose Hill Golf Club	Bluffton	Gene Hamm	18	Public	Budget-friendly option, parkland layout