Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Golf Guide
Over 20 courses, one PGA Tour stop, and some of the most scenic fairways in the country. Here's everything you need to plan your golf trip.
Why Hilton Head Is One of America's Top Golf Destinations
Hilton Head Island has been a premier golf destination since the 1960s, when Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines Resort and commissioned Pete Dye to design what would become Harbour Town Golf Links. Today, the island is home to more than 20 courses — a remarkable concentration for an island of its size — ranging from world-class resort layouts to excellent value public courses.
The island's golf identity is defined by its Lowcountry setting: courses wind through maritime forest, along salt marshes, and beside tidal lagoons, with the natural landscape serving as both hazard and backdrop. The design philosophy here prioritizes scenery and playability over pure difficulty, making Hilton Head's courses accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of handicaps.
Every April, the island hosts the RBC Heritage PGA Tour event at Harbour Town Golf Links — one of the most beloved stops on the tour, known for its intimate atmosphere and challenging Pete Dye design. If your travel dates are flexible, planning around Heritage Week is an experience worth the effort.
Best Golf Courses on Hilton Head
Ranked by overall experience and reputation.
Harbour Town Golf Links
Home of the RBC Heritage PGA Tour Event
Consistently ranked among the top 100 courses in the United States, Harbour Town Golf Links is Hilton Head's most iconic course. Designed by Pete Dye with input from Jack Nicklaus, the course winds through Sea Pines Resort with the famous red-and-white striped lighthouse as a backdrop on the 18th hole. The RBC Heritage PGA Tour event is held here every April.
Heron Point by Pete Dye
Sea Pines' Hidden Gem
Also within Sea Pines Resort, Heron Point was redesigned by Pete Dye in 2007 and offers a more forgiving layout than Harbour Town while still delivering stunning Lowcountry scenery. A great option for mid-handicap players who want the Sea Pines experience without the difficulty of Harbour Town.
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort — Arthur Hills Course
Oceanfront Golf at Its Best
One of three courses at Palmetto Dunes, the Arthur Hills Course is widely considered the best of the three. Carved through maritime forest with lagoon views throughout, it offers a classic Hilton Head resort golf experience. The resort's Robert Trent Jones and George Fazio courses are also excellent options.
Shipyard Golf Club
27 Holes in a Tranquil Forest Setting
Shipyard Golf Club offers 27 holes across three nine-hole courses (Clipper, Galleon, and Brigantine), allowing players to mix and match for an 18-hole round. The course winds through a canopy of live oaks and pines, offering a peaceful, unhurried round. One of the most affordable public options on the island.
Hilton Head National Golf Club
Best Value Public Course on the Island
Hilton Head National is consistently cited as the best value public course on the island. The Gary Player Signature Course offers a challenging, well-maintained round at a fraction of the price of the resort courses. An excellent choice for budget-conscious golfers who don't want to sacrifice quality.
Insider Tips for Your Golf Trip
Book tee times at least 2 weeks in advance in peak season
The most popular courses — especially Harbour Town — fill up weeks in advance during spring and summer. Book as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
Resort guests get priority tee times
If you're staying at Sea Pines or Palmetto Dunes, you'll have access to preferred tee times on their courses. Factor this into your accommodation decision if golf is a priority.
Play early to beat the heat
Summer rounds starting after 11am can be brutal in the South Carolina heat. Book the earliest available tee time and you'll finish before the day gets uncomfortable.
Rent clubs on-island if you're flying
All major courses offer club rentals, and the quality is generally excellent. Checking a bag of clubs on a flight adds cost and hassle — renting locally is often the smarter choice.
The RBC Heritage week (April) is worth planning around
The PGA Tour event at Harbour Town in April draws the world's best players and creates a festival atmosphere on the island. Tee times at other courses are easier to get that week, and the town is electric.