Your Local Insider Guide to Golf in Hilton Head — A Course for Every Type of Trip
Whether it’s a weekend with friends or your annual golf getaway, Hilton Head Island is a golfer’s dream vacation destination. With its oceanfront location, favorable year-round weather, and more than 26 championship courses in the area designed by renowned architects like Robert Trent Jones Sr., Pete Dye, and Jack Nicklaus, it’s no wonder Hilton Head is a bucket-list golf location.
With so many courses to choose from, there’s something for everyone — from first-time visitors to serious golfers and everything in between. In this guide, we’ll break down where to stay, which world-class courses to book, and what else to do during your visit.
Quick Picks: Best Golf Courses by Travel Style
Looking for a quick snapshot before diving in? Here are our top picks for golf on Hilton Head, based on the kind of trip you have in mind.
Sea Pines
Want the quintessential Hilton Head experience? Choose Sea Pines. With waterfront dining, shops, tons of activities, and the famous red-and-white lighthouse, it’s the perfect spot for first-timers — not to mention the bucket-list golf at Harbour Town Golf Links, home of the RBC Heritage.
Palmetto Dunes
If you want variety and convenience, Palmetto Dunes is easily accessible and central to Hilton Head. You’ll have three different golf courses to choose from, with plenty for non-golfers to enjoy.
Port Royal
Offering a quieter, less crowded golf experience, you’ll enjoy scenic, traditional courses. This area offers a quieter escape with more space and tranquility.
Hilton Head Plantation or Indigo Run
Private and residential, these communities are low-key and more tucked away, offering a more local experience.
Bluffton
The courses just off-island in Bluffton offer excellent value, easier tee times, and scenic surroundings. Mix in Bluffton rounds while staying on Hilton Head for the full island experience.
From iconic resorts to hidden gems, here’s how each Hilton Head golf community compares — so you can choose the one that fits your trip best.
Sea Pines
If you’re picturing a classic Hilton Head golf trip, you’re probably picturing Sea Pines. This is the island’s most iconic golf destination — home to the famed Harbour Town Golf Links, the RBC Heritage PGA Tour event, and some of the most recognizable scenery in the Lowcountry. On the south end of the island, you’ll golf amidst towering live oaks, peaceful marsh views, and, of course, the signature red-and-white Harbour Town Lighthouse watching over the 18th green.
Harbour Town Golf Links
Play where the pros play! Designed by Pete Dye, Harbour Town Golf Links is one of the most famous golf courses in the country. Home to the RBC Heritage, it’s known for its tight fairways, tournament-level prestige, and need for precision. The finishing hole along Calibogue Sound, framed by the Harbour Town Lighthouse, is one of the most photographed in golf. Because it’s so well-known, tee times for this course book up well in advance.
Best for: Serious golfers, bucket-list trips, fans of tournament play
Heron Point
Also designed by renowned golf course architect Pete Dye, Heron Point is a wonderful complement to Harbour Town. With its scenic marshland views and risk-reward long and short holes, it’s challenging without being punishing.
Best for: Experienced players looking for variety and strong course design
Atlantic Dunes
A complete redesign of the former Ocean Course, Hilton Head’s first golf course, Atlantic Dunes is a modern seaside course framed by sea grass and coquina shells. It’s playable, polished, and incredibly scenic.
Best for: Mixed-skill groups, couples, and golfers who want a scenic, enjoyable round
What It Feels Like to Stay & Play in Sea Pines
In Sea Pines, morning tee times blend into afternoons biking shaded paths and relaxing on sandy beaches. Spanning 5,000 acres, the island’s most expansive and amenity-rich resort offers everything in one place — from championship golf and a full-service marina to the Sea Pines Forest Preserve and miles of coastline. At its heart is Harbour Town, the lively social hub with boutique shopping, dining, and waterfront activities set beneath the iconic red-and-white lighthouse, while nearby South Beach offers a more casual, coastal atmosphere. With miles of bike paths and walkable access to it all, Sea Pines makes it easy to settle into a laid-back, immersive island experience.
Who Sea Pines Is Best For
• First-time visitors who want the quintessential Hilton Head experience
• Golfers planning a bucket-list trip centered around Harbour Town
• Couples or families who want a mix of golf, beach time, and walkable amenities
Things to Consider
Sea Pines is one of the most popular areas on the island, which means tee times (especially Harbour Town) fill quickly, accommodations book early in peak season, and you can expect a higher price point — but it’s worth it.
Palmetto Dunes
Located mid-island, Palmetto Dunes is the place to be for variety. With three distinct courses in one location, there is something for every golfer in your group. And not only that, but this oceanfront community is minutes from the beach, dining, and everything else that makes Hilton Head Island a premier vacation destination.
Robert Trent Jones
The most well-known course in Palmetto Dunes, Robert Trent Jones features a stunning oceanfront 10th hole. With wide fairways and strategic water features, the layout is classic and approachable for a variety of golfers.
Best for: First-time visitors, mixed-skill groups, and golfers looking for a scenic course
Arthur Hills
One of South Carolina’s most unique layouts, Arthur Hills features a rolling terrain with changes in elevation amidst scenic marshes and an extensive network of lagoons. This challenging course favors accuracy over distance, making it a favorite for precision play.
Best for: Golfers who enjoy variety, strategy, and a unique layout
George Fazio
The most challenging of the three courses in Palmetto Dunes, the Fazio Course is a favorite for experienced golfers. With fewer homes lining the fairways, this course is quieter and more secluded.
Best for: Experienced golfers and those looking for a quieter setting
What It Feels Like to Stay & Play in Palmetto Dunes
Staying in Palmetto Dunes, you’ll love the convenience of its central location, allowing you to easily experience the best of Hilton Head when you’re not out on the course. With direct beach access just minutes from the courses, a picturesque lagoon system to explore by kayak or paddleboard, and the dining, shopping, and marina views of Shelter Cove, Palmetto Dunes is one of the easiest places to build a full itinerary without having to go far. That said, you can easily explore the rest of the island from here.
Who Palmetto Dunes Is Best For
• Groups with golfers of mixed skill levels or who want easy access to multiple courses
• Families or couples balancing golf with beach time and activities
• Travelers who prefer a central location with easy access to everything
Things to Consider
Because of its popularity, tee times can book up quickly during peak seasons. It’s also good to know that Palmetto Dunes is an active community with a resort-style feel, so it’s a bit less secluded. If you’re planning multiple rounds or traveling with a mix of golfers and non-golfers, Palmetto Dunes offers something for everyone.
Shipyard
If you’re looking for a hidden gem, Shipyard Plantation is it. Tucked within the south end of Hilton Head Island, it offers a quieter, residential feel and a more laid-back golf experience. It’s perfect for travelers who want easy access to great golf, the beach, and dining, all at a great value. The courses here are playable and approachable in an idyllic setting.
Shipyard Golf Club
Shipyard Golf Club features a unique 27-hole layout spread across three separate courses — Brigantine, Clipper, and Galleon. Players can enjoy different combinations of the three courses for an ever-changing experience, especially if you’re looking to play multiple rounds. Each playable for a wide range of skill levels, the fairways meander through large oaks and tall pines with plenty of water hazards (and sunning alligators) to keep things interesting.
Best for: Casual golfers and anyone looking for a relaxed round and less pressure
What It Feels Like to Stay & Play in Shipyard
Shipyard is a diverse community with a prime location and a residential feel. Homes wrap around the golf course, the beach is close by, and amenities like pools and tennis courts are par for the course. Located near Coligny Beach and Shelter Cove, you’ll enjoy easy access to shops, dining, bike paths, and family-friendly activities. With its convenient central location, it’s easy to get around and explore the rest of Hilton Head from Shipyard.
Who Shipyard Is Best For
• Casual golfers looking for a relaxed atmosphere
• Couples or small groups looking for a quieter stay
• Families who want proximity to Coligny Beach without resort-style pricing
Things to Consider
Shipyard is more understated than its neighbors — it doesn’t have the name recognition or prestige of Sea Pines, and the amenities are more low-key than some of the other resorts. But that’s a large part of its appeal — fewer crowds, less pressure, and a laid-back Hilton Head experience.
Port Royal
For traditional coastal golf with scenic beauty and a quieter pace, try Port Royal Plantation. On the northern end of Hilton Head Island, Port Royal overflows with natural Lowcountry beauty. Being a bit removed from the bigger communities, it feels calmer and more residential. Looking to avoid the crowds? Port Royal may be for you.
Barony Course
Winding through lagoons, marshland, and mature landscaping, Barony is approachable yet still complex. With generous greens protected by thick rough and unforgiving bunkers, this course rewards players who focus on accuracy rather than distance.
Best for: Mixed-skill groups, casual rounds, and golfers who enjoy classic courses
Robber’s Row
Robber’s Row is a historic course that sits atop Civil War grounds with historic markers throughout, adding a bit of history to your golf outing. Redesigned by architect Pete Dye, this course winds through scenic marshland with beautiful stretches of magnolias and live oak.
Best for: Golfers who appreciate scenic beauty and rich history
What It Feels Like to Stay & Play in Port Royal
Tucked away on the north end of the island, Port Royal has a quieter residential feel with a slower pace. Fewer crowds, less traffic — but still close to everything you need. Spend the day at Folly Field or Islanders Beach, enjoy nearby dining and shopping along the north end, and take a short drive to the rest of Hilton Head when you’re in the mood to explore.
Who Port Royal Is Best For
• Golfers who enjoy traditional course layouts and scenic surroundings
• Couples or repeat visitors who want to explore a different side of the island
• Travelers looking for a quieter, less crowded experience
Things to Consider
In Port Royal, the peaceful, unhurried pace makes for an easy, relaxed vacation. If you don’t mind less walkable nightlife or concentrated dining areas and are looking for a low-key place to stay, you’ll love Port Royal.
Hilton Head Plantation
Another favorite on the north end of Hilton Head is the gated waterfront community of Hilton Head Plantation. Known for its tree-lined streets and scenic natural beauty, this area appeals to visitors who value a sense of calm, removed from the crowds. With four golf courses, two miles of walking beach, and ten miles of trails, Hilton Head Plantation is an escape in its own right.
Dolphin Head
Designed by Gary Player, Dolphin Head welcomes both members and non-members to enjoy its tour-style greens interspersed with strategic bunkers and water features. The tree-lined fairways reward precision over power.
Best for: Players looking for a strategic course open to the public
Bear Creek
Bear Creek is a membership-oriented club that also offers seasonal membership options, making it especially appealing for longer stays. Catering to every type of golfer, this course is playable yet challenging, with calming surroundings of extensive natural areas.
Best for: Snowbirds and longer-stay visitors looking for a club-style golf experience
Country Club of Hilton Head
Designed by Rees Jones, the championship course at the Country Club of Hilton Head has hosted U.S. Open Qualifiers. It offers a challenging but fair layout situated along historic Skull Creek, with beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The scenery includes a pine forest, marshes, and lagoons, along with incredible views from the highest point of elevation on HHI.
Best for: Experienced golf enthusiasts looking for a challenging course
What It Feels Like to Stay & Play in Hilton Head Plantation
Tucked away in a private gated community that spans 4,000 acres between the Intracoastal Waterway and Port Royal Sound, Hilton Head Plantation offers Lowcountry luxury living. Spend your days on the championship golf courses, strolling the two miles of walking beach, or exploring miles of pedestrian trails.
Who Hilton Head Plantation Is Best For
• Golfers who prefer uncrowded courses and a relaxed pace
• Longer stays or snowbirds wanting to live like a local
• Visitors looking for space, quiet, and a more local feel
Things to Consider
If you want a private feel, Hilton Head Plantation offers just that. It’s important to note that public access to some courses is limited, so always check to make sure non-members are invited.
Indigo Run
Within the exclusive gated community of Indigo Run, world-class golf courses, a competitive and social tennis scene, and resort-style amenities exist within 1,780 scenic acres.
The Golf Club at Indigo Run
Golfers who love a traditional course will enjoy The Golf Club at Indigo Run. Offering challenging yet rewarding gameplay, this private course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus II and opened in 1995. In 1996, Golf Digest named it one of its “Top 10 New Private Courses.” The layout features a mix of hazards, doglegs, and forgiving straightaway shots amidst beautiful Lowcountry scenery, natural lagoons, and tree-lined fairways.
Best for: Experienced players and those with member access
Golden Bear
An excellent public course option at Indigo Run is Golden Bear. Ideal for competitive golfers as well as casual players, this course was also designed by legendary architect Jack Nicklaus. With its gently rolling terrain, thick woodlands, and pristine lagoons, Golden Bear features a top-rated layout that rewards strategy and finesse.
Best for: Visitors seeking flexible access to a Nicklaus-designed course
What It Feels Like to Stay & Play in Indigo Run
Private and exclusive, this residential neighborhood features tree-lined roads, golf course views, lagoons, and natural Lowcountry landscape. Quiet, spacious, and centrally located, it’s easier to reach just about anywhere on Hilton Head from Indigo Run. While this community isn’t oceanfront, it’s a short drive to beaches, shops, dining, and entertainment across the island. If you value a slower rhythm and sense of privacy while still enjoying access to all Hilton Head has to offer, you’ll love Indigo Run.
Who Indigo Run Is Best For
• Serious golfers seeking a private, club-style experience
• Travelers who value quiet, space, and a central location
• Longer stays or repeat visitors who want to explore beyond the more popular communities
Things to Consider
Indigo Run is a more relaxed and uncrowded home base with easy access to everything. However, it’s worth noting that there is no direct beach access within the community, it lacks a walkable village feel, and access to The Golf Club at Indigo Run may be limited. Don’t worry, though — it’s a quick drive to many other courses, beaches, and more.
Nearby Bluffton
Just over the bridge from Hilton Head Island, Bluffton is the heart of the Lowcountry. Bluffton offers a different kind of golf experience with more accessibility, better tee time availability, and often a better value. Stunning Lowcountry scenery abounds, with moss-draped oaks, marshes, and wildlife. When you’re not golfing, Bluffton’s quaint tree-lined streets are brimming with Southern charm, inviting you to explore local markets and shops, immerse yourself in arts and culture, and fill your days with fun and enriching activities.
Old South Golf Links
Designed by renowned architect Clyde Johnston, Old South Golf Links is an award-winning public course loved for its convenient location just a short drive from Hilton Head and its stunning scenery of live oaks, rolling terrain, and intracoastal marshes. The course winds along McKay’s Creek, with elevated tees, island greens, and frequent wildlife sightings. The thoughtful layout balances challenge with playability for golfers of all levels, and the course itself is GEO certified, priding itself on eco-friendly and sustainable golf.
Best for: Golfers of all skill levels who want classic Lowcountry scenery and a playable layout
Crescent Pointe
Bordering the Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve, this signature Arnold Palmer-designed course offers a first-class layout surrounded by scenic natural beauty. The only public-access Arnold Palmer design in the area, Crescent Pointe offers generous fairways, challenging approach shots, and elevated, undulating greens.
Best for: Golfers who want a strategic, challenging round
Hilton Head National
Highly regarded for its challenging yet enjoyable layout, Hilton Head National offers a private club experience that’s open to the public. With strategic risk-reward challenges, impeccably maintained greens, and beautiful surroundings with nary a home in sight, this Gary Player and Bobby Weed-designed course is a favorite in Bluffton.
Best for: Mixed skill level groups looking for a public course with a private feel
Eagle’s Pointe
Whether you’re an expert golfer or a casual player, Eagle’s Pointe Golf Club offers a great option minutes from Hilton Head. The signature Davis Love III layout winds through mossy oaks, towering pines, and tranquil lagoons, offering risk-reward challenges for players of all levels.
Best for: Golfers who enjoy thoughtful course design and a balanced challenge
What It Feels Like to Stay & Play in Bluffton
Just a few minutes from Hilton Head, Bluffton offers the best of both worlds. Here, golf days consist of easy tee times, relaxed rounds, and a slower pace. Enjoy scenic drives through Lowcountry landscapes, a more laid-back and less tourist-heavy atmosphere, and plenty of Southern charm. In Bluffton, wander tree-lined streets, explore beautiful parks, peruse local markets and shops, and enjoy the small town feel. Then head over the bridge to Hilton Head for beach days and even more golf options.
Who Bluffton Is Best For
• Budget-conscious golfers looking for value
• Groups needing flexible tee times
• Buddy trips playing multiple rounds
Things to Consider
Bluffton offers added flexibility and value. However, a short drive is required to reach these off-island golf courses. The same goes if you decide to stay in Bluffton — you’ll need to drive over the bridge to reach Hilton Head activities. Most travelers playing Bluffton courses still choose to stay on Hilton Head for easy access to beaches, dining, and amenities.
How to Choose Where to Stay for Golf
With so many great courses across Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, the best choice often comes down to how you like to travel and how golf fits into your trip.
If you want prestige, choose Sea Pines. For variety, Palmetto Dunes is the star. If you’re looking for a quiet escape, look to Port Royal, Hilton Head Plantation, or Indigo Run. For the best value, Shipyard and Bluffton are excellent options.
No matter which community calls to you, when you’re in town for golf, you’ll want a vacation rental designed with you in mind. Look for homes with space to relax after rounds — a screened-in porch, a view of the fairway, a private pool. Or better yet — choose a villa directly on the course to stay in the game.
Local Tips for Golfing Hilton Head
A few tips from our local Hilton Head team to make your golf experience even better:
Book tee times early (especially Sea Pines, and especially during peak season).
Pack layers — morning tee times often start under a light breeze, and the wind can pick up on the later holes, especially on ocean-front courses.
Consider visiting during the RBC Heritage PGA Tour event held at Harbour Town Golf Links, and watch the pros from your private vacation rental directly on the fairway.
Plan Your Hilton Head Golf Getaway
Still not sure? We can help. Our local team knows these communities inside and out and can help you choose the right home based on your group, your schedule, and the courses you want to play.
Browse our collection of Hilton Head vacation rentals, and simply reach out if you have any questions. The ultimate golf getaway awaits!