Palmetto Hall Robert Cupp Course

The Robert Cupp Course at Palmetto Hall opened in 1993, the year after Cupp was named Golf World’s Architect of the Year. Unlike almost every other course on Hilton Head Island, it was laid out entirely by computer — the result is bold, angular fairways and unusually shaped greens unlike anything else in the area. It’s one of two courses at Palmetto Hall, alongside the Arthur Hills Course. For the island’s other courses, see the full Hilton Head golf courses directory.

A Computer-Designed Course, Straight Lines and All

Robert Cupp came to Palmetto Hall fresh off being named Golf World’s 1992 Architect of the Year, and plotted the course’s entire routing on computer rather than by hand — a first for the area at the time. The result shows: straight lines, sharp angles, and unusual green shapes replace the more naturalistic curves most Hilton Head courses use, giving the course a distinct, almost geometric character that sets it apart from its neighbor, the Arthur Hills Course, next door.

Palmetto Hall’s two courses share one clubhouse and address, so “Palmetto Hall golf” alone doesn’t distinguish between them. This course is the Robert Cupp design specifically.

Palmetto Hall Plantation Robert Cupp Course

The Robert Cupp Course is on Fort Howell Drive inside Palmetto Hall Plantation, on the north end of Hilton Head Island near the airport. The club is semi-private, with public tee times available alongside member play.