Every golfer I know either has been to Hilton Head (and raved about it) or wants to go to Hilton Head. It is America’s premier golf island, a lowcountry paradise with over 26 championship courses, framed by pristine beaches, live oaks draped in Spanish moss, marshes, lagoons, and endless Atlantic views. From iconic PGA TOUR hosts like Harbour Town to oceanfront gems and strategic parkland layouts, it’s year-round golf heaven with mild temps, Southern hospitality, fresh seafood, and that relaxed island vibe.

Quick Facts

  • Over 26 championship courses, designed by legends like Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Sr./Jr., Rees Jones, Davis Love III, and more
  • Lowcountry style: Tree-lined corridors, water hazards, marsh views, wind, and strategic shot-making
  • Year-round play: Mild winters (60s-70s F), warm summers; best in spring/fall for prime conditions and fewer crowds
  • Price variety: Greens fees $100-$400+ (peak season premium); stay-and-play packages offer big savings
  • Home to the RBC Heritage PGA TOUR event at Harbour Town Golf Links

Seriously, Hilton Head is one of the most popular golf destinations in the country, and it deserves to be. It offers something for everyone. Whether it’s a trip with the buds or a vacation for the family, Hilton Head won’t disappoint.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-course days (easy to hit 36 holes), post-round cocktails with ocean views, friendly bets on signature holes, and island nightlife or beach bonfires
  • Families: Resort beaches, pools, spas, kids’ programs; forgiving options and short courses; non-golfers enjoy biking, kayaking, or exploring the island

Top Standout Courses

Hilton Head golf course

Harbour Town Golf Links (Sea Pines Resort)

The icon! A Pete Dye masterpiece with Jack Nicklaus input, host of the RBC Heritage. Tight fairways, tiny greens, bulkheads, overhanging branches, and the famous red-and-white lighthouse on 18. Precision over power; pure strategy and history.

Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III (Sea Pines Resort)

Seaside stunner, rebuilt from the island’s original Ocean Course with coquina shells, native grasses, dunes, and Lowcountry charm. Beachfront par-3s, dramatic closing stretch; NGCOA National Course of the Year winner.

Heron Point by Pete Dye (Sea Pines Resort)

Risk-reward classic with mounding, swales, fairways shifting toward and away from hazards. Challenging yet fun with multiple tees; Audubon Sanctuary certified for natural beauty.

Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course (Palmetto Dunes)

Oceanfront drama with shifting winds and an elevated par-5 10th green right on the Atlantic. Memorable views, challenging yet rewarding; consistently top-ranked in South Carolina.

Arthur Hills Course (Palmetto Dunes)

Unique and strategic, with rolling terrain, water, and bunkers; one of South Carolina’s top public layouts with great conditions and variety.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • The Sea Pines Resort: Harbour Town, Atlantic Dunes, Heron Point; villas, Inn & Club luxury, beaches
  • Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort: RTJ, Arthur Hills, George Fazio courses; oceanfront villas, pools, tennis
  • Other highlights: Port Royal (Barony/Robber’s Row), Oyster Reef (Rees Jones), Hilton Head National

All Key Hilton Head Golf Courses at a Glance

  • Harbour Town Golf Links (Pete Dye, PGA TOUR host)
  • Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III (seaside Lowcountry gem)
  • Heron Point by Pete Dye (risk-reward beauty)
  • Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront (Palmetto Dunes, Atlantic views)
  • Arthur Hills (Palmetto Dunes, unique strategic test)
  • George Fazio (Palmetto Dunes, toughest par-70 on island)
  • Oyster Reef (Rees Jones, lagoon/marsh drama)
  • Plus off-island value like Old South Golf Links

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via resort sites (seapines.com, palmettodunes.com) or specialists like Golfbreaks; includes priority tees and multi-round deals
  • Fly into Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV), 45-minute drive
  • Pair golf with Hilton Head musts: fresh seafood, shrimp and grits, biking trails, beaches, or the RBC Heritage if timing aligns (April)
  • Play mornings to beat winds; use carts; forward tees for fun; caddies add strategy on Dye classics

If Hilton Head isn’t golf mecca, we don’t know what is. Head down to South Carolina and enjoy all it has to offer.

The Caddy Shanks Team