Best Golf Courses in Hilton Head: Guide

A golf club and a golf ball

Hilton Head Island, a renowned haven for golf enthusiasts, boasts some of the world’s most exceptional golf courses. From legendary architects to breathtaking landscapes, these courses offer a diverse range of experiences for golfers of all levels. Whether you seek a test of skill or a chance to bask in natural beauty, Hilton Head has the perfect course for you.

1. Harbour Town Golf Links – Sea Pines Resort

Historical Significance and Coastal Elegance

Distinguished for its historical importance, Harbour Town Golf Links is a prime destination for avid golfers. Nestled against the backdrop of the iconic Harbour Town lighthouse, this course’s challenging layout features small greens, water hazards, and strategic bunkers. The proximity of Calibogue Sound adds a unique dimension to the course, making it an unparalleled experience.

Address: 11 Lighthouse Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

2. Atlantic Dunes – The Sea Pines Resort

Renovated Beauty by the Sea

Atlantic Dunes, skillfully rejuvenated by Davis Love III and his team in 2016, is a masterpiece that combines the serenity of the beach with a challenging course layout. With larger greens, captivating water hazards, and a refreshing sea breeze, this course offers both visual delight and an exhilarating golfing adventure.

Address: 100 N Sea Pines Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

3. Robert Trent Jones Course – Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort

Scenic Challenges and Ocean Views

Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is a testament to exceptional design. With picturesque lagoons accompanying 11 of its 18 holes, this course provides stunning views and challenging shots. The signature par-5 10th hole, with its elevated green overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is a visual and strategic marvel.

Address: 7 Trent Jones Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

4. Arthur Hills – Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort

Ingenious Design and Natural Beauty

The Arthur Hills Golf Course stands out with its ingenious layout, featuring ten holes with water hazards that challenge players’ skills. This course exemplifies how masterful design harmonizes with natural beauty. From sandy bunkers to strategic water placements, it offers an all-encompassing golfing experience.

Address: 4 Queens Folly Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States

5. George Fazio Course – Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort

Challenging and Rewarding

The George Fazio Course, recently awarded ‘South Carolina Golf Course of the Year,’ offers a challenging yet rewarding golfing adventure. This course, with its well-designed layout and scenic beauty, remains a stern test for golfers of all skill levels.

Address: 7 Carnoustie Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

6. Crescent Pointe Golf Club

Arnold Palmer’s Legacy

Designed by Arnold Palmer, Crescent Pointe offers a distinctive golfing experience. The standout par-3 ninth hole and breathtaking river views enhance the challenge and enjoyment of the course.

Address: 1 Cres Point Dr, Bluffton, SC 29910, USA

7. May River Golf Club

Exclusive Elegance

May River Golf Club is known for its exclusivity and meticulous maintenance. With mandatory caddies and access limited to Montage Palmetto Bluff guests, this course offers a premium golfing experience surrounded by natural beauty.

Address: 350 Mt Pelia Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910, USA

8. Old South Golf Links

Nature and Clyde Johnston’s Design

Old South Golf Links, designed by Clyde Johnston, features a blend of inland and marsh-side holes. Its serene surroundings and challenging design make for a unique golfing escapade.

Address: 50 Buckingham Plantation Dr, Bluffton, SC 29910, USA

9. Hilton Head National Golf Club

Affordable Excellence

Hilton Head National Golf Club offers a well-maintained course with no homes overlooking it, allowing players to connect with the natural environment and wildlife while enjoying a challenging round of golf.

Address: 60 Hilton Head National Dr, Bluffton, SC 29910, USA

10. Heron Point – The Sea Pines Resort

Challenge and Beauty Unite

Heron Point, designed by Pete Dye, offers a challenging course with elevated fairways and water hazards. Its lush surroundings, sandy bunkers, and varying tee options make it a perfect choice for golfers seeking a memorable experience.

Address: 100 N Sea Pines Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

11. Barony Course – Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club

Historical Charm and Risk-Reward

The Barony Course by George W. Cobb boasts a risk-reward layout that challenges golfers to navigate through marshlands and small greens. Its historical significance and unique design make for a captivating round of golf.

Address: 10 Clubhouse Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

12. Robber’s Row – Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club

Civil War History and Strategic Play

Robber’s Row, situated on former Civil War grounds, offers an educational and thrilling golfing experience. The course’s small greens, thick roughs, and strategic hazards demand precise shot placement.

Address: 10 Clubhouse Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

13. Oyster Reef Golf Club

Lush Beauty and Golfing Excellence

Oyster Reef Golf Club’s lush landscape and challenging layout have earned it a spot among the Top 25 Courses in America. Its stunning visuals and meticulously designed holes create an unforgettable golf adventure.

Address: 155 High Bluff Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA

14. Haig Point – Signature Course

Island Golfing Excellence

Although not on Hilton Head Island itself, Haig Point’s Signature Course on Daufuskie Island is a short boat trip away. Designed by Rees Jones, this course offers a unique blend of challenge and history, making it a must-play.

Address: 10 Haig Point Ct, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA

15. Nicklaus Course – Colleton River Plantation

Lowcountry Beauty and Golfing Splendor

The Nicklaus Course at Colleton River Plantation offers a balance of challenge and beauty. Its wooded and swampy holes, alongside water hazards, create a stunning golfing experience in the Lowcountry.

Address: 60 Colleton River Dr, Bluffton, SC 29910, USA

People playing golf

Comparison Table: Best Golf Courses in Hilton Head

Golf CourseDesignersUnique FeaturesAddress
Harbour Town Golf LinksSmall greens, water hazards, iconic lighthouse view11 Lighthouse Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC
Atlantic DunesDavis Love IIISea breeze, larger greens, coastal layout100 N Sea Pines Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC
Robert Trent Jones CourseRobert Trent JonesLagoon views, elevated green, stunning ocean vistas7 Trent Jones Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC
Arthur HillsArthur HillsIngenious layout, water hazards, scenic beauty4 Queens Folly Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC
George Fazio CourseGeorge FazioChallenging layout, recent award winner7 Carnoustie Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC
Crescent Pointe Golf ClubArnold PalmerPar-3 ninth hole, riverbank holes1 Cres Point Dr, Bluffton, SC
May River Golf ClubExclusive access, premium experience350 Mt Pelia Rd, Bluffton, SC
Old South Golf LinksClyde JohnstonBlend of inland and marsh-side holes, serene surroundings50 Buckingham Plantation Dr, Bluffton, SC
Hilton Head National Golf ClubNatural beauty, no homes overlooking course60 Hilton Head National Dr, Bluffton, SC
Heron PointPete DyeElevated fairways, water hazards, multiple tee options100 N Sea Pines Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC
Barony CourseGeorge W. CobbMarshland play, historical significance10 Clubhouse Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC
Robber’s RowGeorge W. CobbFormer Civil War grounds, strategic hazards10 Clubhouse Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC
Oyster Reef Golf ClubLush landscape, Top 25 Courses recognition155 High Bluff Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC
Haig Point – Signature CourseRees JonesIsland experience, 20 holes, Golf Digest recognition10 Haig Point Ct, Hilton Head Island, SC
Nicklaus Course – Colleton RiverWooded and swampy holes, Lowcountry beauty60 Colleton River Dr, Bluffton, SC

Video Guide

To give you an even more detailed understanding of this topic, we have prepared a special video for you. Enjoy watching it. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hilton Head Island is a golfer’s paradise, featuring an array of exceptional courses that cater to golfers of varying skill levels. Whether you’re seeking historical significance, stunning scenery, or challenging fairways, Hilton Head offers an unforgettable golfing journey. Explore these courses and immerse yourself in the world of golfing excellence.

FAQ

1. Which golf course is known for its historical significance on Hilton Head Island?

Harbour Town Golf Links is renowned for its historical importance and iconic Harbour Town lighthouse view. 

2. What unique feature does Atlantic Dunes offer?

Atlantic Dunes boasts a refreshing sea breeze, larger greens, and a coastal layout, providing a unique golfing experience.

3. Which course has holes with views of lagoons and the Atlantic Ocean?

Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort offers stunning views of lagoons and the Atlantic Ocean.

4. What makes Arthur Hills Golf Course distinctive?

Arthur Hills Golf Course is known for its ingenious layout with water hazards and captivating scenic beauty.

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