What Are the Best Golf Courses on Hilton Head Island?

What Are the Best Golf Courses on Hilton Head Island?

Hilton Head Island is widely regarded as one of the top golf destinations in the United States, boasting an impressive array of world-class courses nestled amidst the island’s stunning natural beauty. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Hilton Head offers a variety of courses that cater to all skill levels, each providing a unique experience that combines challenging play with breathtaking views. Here’s a look at some of the best golf courses on the island.

1. Harbour Town Golf Links

Harbour Town Golf Links, located within the Sea Pines Resort, is arguably the most famous golf course on Hilton Head Island and one of the most iconic in the world. Known for hosting the RBC Heritage, a PGA Tour event, this course offers golfers an unforgettable experience.

Designed by Pete Dye with input from Jack Nicklaus, Harbour Town features a challenging layout with narrow fairways, strategically placed water hazards, and elevated greens. The course is famous for its scenic beauty, particularly the iconic 18th hole, which is framed by a lighthouse and the Calibogue Sound.

Golfers will find themselves immersed in a championship-quality experience that has been enjoyed by some of the best players in the game. The course is beautifully maintained and provides a true test of skill.

Best For: Serious golfers, fans of the PGA Tour, scenic views, challenging play.

Location: Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island, SC

2. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort – Robert Trent Jones Course

The Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is one of Hilton Head’s most renowned courses. It offers a perfect blend of challenge and scenic beauty, featuring stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean on several holes.

Designed by the legendary architect Robert Trent Jones, this course is known for its long, winding fairways, tricky water hazards, and undulating greens. The 10th hole is particularly famous for its breathtaking oceanfront setting, providing one of the most beautiful views on the island. The course is well-suited for players of all levels, with various tee boxes that accommodate both beginners and experienced golfers.

Palmetto Dunes also offers an array of amenities, including practice areas, a clubhouse, and excellent dining options, making it a great place to spend the day.

Best For: Ocean views, challenging course layout, golfers of all levels.

Location: Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, Hilton Head Island, SC

3. Plantation Course at Sea Pines Resort

Another outstanding option at Sea Pines Resort is the Plantation Course, which is a favorite for golfers seeking a challenge while still enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere. The course has hosted several PGA Tour events and is known for its beautiful setting and variety of obstacles.

Designed by Willard Byrd, the course features expansive fairways, large greens, and a series of tricky water hazards and bunkers. It’s a wonderful course for golfers of all abilities, and its combination of length and strategic design makes it both fun and demanding. The Plantation Course is also known for its beautiful landscaping and stunning vistas of the Lowcountry.

Best For: Golfers who want a challenging yet enjoyable course, beautiful landscapes.

Location: Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island, SC

4. Ocean Course at Palmetto Dunes

For those looking for a truly unique experience, the Ocean Course at Palmetto Dunes offers a spectacular layout with some of the best ocean views in Hilton Head. The course was designed by George Fazio and is known for its wide fairways, scenic vistas, and challenging par 3 holes.

One of the standout features of the Ocean Course is the stunning 18th hole, which offers a dramatic finish with the Atlantic Ocean serving as a backdrop. The course provides a great mix of playability and difficulty, making it a favorite for both seasoned golfers and beginners looking for an enjoyable round with plenty of challenge.

Best For: Ocean views, scenic beauty, golfers looking for a mix of challenge and playability.

Location: Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, Hilton Head Island, SC

5. Long Cove Club

Long Cove Club is one of the most exclusive golf courses on Hilton Head Island, known for its privacy, luxury, and outstanding course design. The course was designed by Pete Dye and features a challenging, well-balanced layout that will test golfers of all abilities.

The course is famous for its natural beauty, with holes framed by tall trees and dramatic water features. The par-3 17th hole is particularly notable, as it requires a challenging carry over water. The Long Cove Club offers a more intimate, members-only atmosphere, which adds to its appeal for those looking for a quiet and exclusive golfing experience.

Best For: Private golfing, luxury experience, scenic beauty, challenging play.

Location: Long Cove Club, Hilton Head Island, SC

6. Shipyard Plantation Golf Club

Shipyard Plantation Golf Club is a popular choice for golfers looking for a fun and challenging course that’s accessible to all skill levels. The course features a beautiful mix of natural landscapes, including tall pines, marshes, and scenic lagoons. Shipyard is well-known for its well-maintained fairways and greens, as well as its variety of holes that will keep golfers engaged throughout the round.

The signature hole, the par-3 17th, is a short but tricky hole that requires a precise tee shot over a lagoon to a small green. The course is also home to excellent practice facilities and a welcoming clubhouse, making it a great spot to spend an afternoon on the links.

Best For: Accessible to all skill levels, beautiful landscaping, variety of holes.

Location: Shipyard Plantation, Hilton Head Island, SC

7. Indigo Run Golf Club

Located in the heart of Hilton Head Island, Indigo Run Golf Club offers golfers a challenging, yet enjoyable round of golf. The course is known for its carefully designed layout, which includes both open and wooded holes, providing a balance of challenge and playability.

The course is particularly well-regarded for its elevated greens, strategically placed water hazards, and bunkers that require accuracy and precision. Indigo Run is a great option for golfers looking for a course that’s a bit off the beaten path but still offers a memorable experience.

Best For: Challenging play, variety, secluded atmosphere.

Location: Indigo Run, Hilton Head Island, SC

8. Hilton Head National Golf Club

Hilton Head National Golf Club offers two beautiful courses designed by Gary Player and Greg Norman. Known for their scenic beauty and challenging designs, both courses are ideal for golfers looking for a more traditional golfing experience with a mix of difficulty and fun.

The Robber’s Row Course, designed by Player, features wide fairways, deep bunkers, and water hazards that require a bit of strategy. The Barony Course, designed by Norman, features lush greenery and an impressive array of doglegs and elevation changes. Hilton Head National Golf Club is a great place for golfers of all levels to enjoy a day on the course.

Best For: Traditional course design, scenic beauty, golfers of all levels.

Location: Hilton Head National Golf Club, Hilton Head Island, SC

Conclusion: The Best Golf Courses on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a golfer’s paradise, offering a variety of world-class courses that appeal to golfers of all abilities. From the iconic Harbour Town Golf Links to the exclusive Long Cove Club, each course provides a unique challenge and a memorable golfing experience. Whether you’re a PGA Tour enthusiast or a beginner looking to improve your game, Hilton Head’s golf courses offer the perfect combination of beauty, challenge, and accessibility.

For a complete golfing experience, don’t miss out on the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, Shipyard Plantation Golf Club, or Indigo Run Golf Club. And for those looking for a private, high-end experience, Long Cove Club offers the ultimate in exclusivity and luxury. Whatever course you choose, Hilton Head Island’s golf scene is sure to impress.

Key Takeaways

• Harbour Town Golf Links is the island’s most iconic course, known for its challenging layout and stunning views.
• Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort offers multiple fantastic courses with breathtaking oceanfront views.
• Long Cove Club provides a private, luxury experience for golfers looking for exclusivity and exceptional design.
• Courses like Shipyard Plantation and Hilton Head National Golf Club offer a perfect balance of challenge and playability for all golfers.

Hilton Head Island is a must-visit for any golf enthusiast, with its wide array of courses and unrivaled beauty making it one of the best golfing destinations in the country.