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Five-Day Golf Itinerary

By Hilton Head Insider

Like most golfers, you’ve probably imagined your ultimate golf getaway. Choosing the right destination involves many considerations, including climate, course difficulty, layout, and the history of the courses. 

America's Favorite Island® has it all. With 23 of the world’s top golf courses, this is the place to play on championship-level greens all year round, thanks to our ideal weather. Designed by legendary players and architects, our courses have hosted some of the most acclaimed golf tournaments in the world.

Spend five days playing on these iconic courses, surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and enjoying fresh, local cuisine. It’s the ideal blend of golf, relaxation, and adventure—all in one place.

Day One: Your Golf Escape Begins

Begin your Lowcountry adventure with a stop at Hilton Head Social Bakery, LLC for breakfast before heading to the course. Enjoy fresh-brewed coffee and choose from a tempting selection of house-made pastries and baked goods. While it might be hard to pick just one, it’s an easy way to fuel up for a day on the greens! 

A quick five-minute drive from the bakery takes you to the Arthur Hills course at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. This 18-hole course is known for being one of the island’s most exciting golf experiences. Designed by Arthur Hills, the layout is challenging yet enjoyable, guiding you through the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island. Golfers love the course so much that Trip Advisor awarded it the 2024 Travelers’ Choice award. It’s the perfect way to kick off your golf getaway.

Day Two: Test Your Skills

For day two, why not head back to Palmetto Dunes Resort and play a round on the George Fazio course? Designed by George Fazio himself, this course has one of the most challenging layouts on the island as the back nine holes become tighter and more demanding with narrower fairways and added obstacles. As the only par-70 public course on Hilton Head Island, it will test your skills. Although a true challenge, players of all skill levels will still enjoy navigating the greens. 

After a day full of putting and swinging, recharge at Alexander’s Restaurant, conveniently located on the resort grounds. This upscale local favorite is famous for its seafood dishes and locally sourced ingredients. If you want to be impressed, don’t miss the Shrimp and Grits or Wiener Schnitzel—both crowd favorites. Then, head back to your accommodation to relax and rest up for day three.

If you stay at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, your accommodations are just steps from the course. After your round, take a moment to unwind. Go for a swim, enjoy a peaceful walk around the resort, or simply relax on the beach—whatever feels right after a great day on the greens.

Plus, if you stay at Palmetto Dunes, they offer a fully customizable Golf Stay and Play Package—an offer that’s hard to pass up.

golf course

Day Three: Tee Off With a View

For day three, how about a course that offers more than just a game? The Golden Bear Golf Club, tucked away among deep forests, rolling hills, and calm lagoons, makes for a peaceful and enjoyable round. Stretching over 7,000 yards, this Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course is a must-play on Hilton Head Island. 

If you want to ease into things, the course has a driving range and practice greens to help you warm up. When you’re ready to tee off, you’ll take on a course designed to test your skill and strategy. With bunkers, water hazards, and various terrains, every hole requires careful consideration for success.

If you’re feeling inspired by the landscapes of the course after your round, Hilton Head Island has even more beauty to explore. Cycle along over 70 miles of green pathways and trails and explore the island at your own pace. Unwind and spend the afternoon at one of the pristine white-sand beaches. Or experience the island’s many other outdoor activities and sights like a kayak tour, fishing experience, or check out a nature reserve.

golfer

Day Four: A Round to Remember

Another day on Hilton Head Island, another day of golf! For day four, head to Oyster Reef Golf Club, a favorite among locals and visitors. The 18-hole championship course has earned numerous awards, such as one of the Top 75 U.S. Golf Resorts by Golf Digest and Favorite Course of Hilton Head Island Golfers by The Island Packet—and it’s easy to see why. With its layout weaving through lagoons, strategically placed bunkers, and beautiful island views, the Oyster Reef is challenging yet scenic.

Oyster Reef is a true gem in the golf community. It’s recognized for its friendly staff, the signature par-three sixth hole, and an onsite concierge ready to assist with anything you need. It’s no surprise that Oyster Reef remains a favorite among golfers year after year.

Once you put away the golf clubs, why not head to a nearby restaurant for a relaxing evening on the water? Hudson's Seafood House On The Docks is a 10-minute drive away, serves up fresh local seafood, and has some of the best views of the Intracoastal Waterway.  Another nearby waterfront favorite is Skull Creek Dockside, where you can catch stunning sunsets, enjoy a recreation area, and dive into an overflowing appetizer menu. Either way, you can’t go wrong with these two island favorites.

hudsons

Day 5: A Legendary Farewell

For your last round on Hilton Head Island, Harbour Town Golf Links at The Sea Pines Resort is the perfect place to wrap up your trip. This iconic course, home to the RBC Heritage tournament, delivers an elaborate yet exciting experience you’ll want to check off your bucket list. 

Harbour Town is one of those courses that feels special as soon as you step on it. With its narrow fairways and strategic bunkers, the course forces you to think carefully about each shot, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. And, of course, no visit would be complete without seeing the notable Harbour Town Lighthouse, which stands as the backdrop during your round. 

End your trip with a cold beer on the deck overlooking the water, and you’ll already be looking forward to your next Hilton Head Island golf adventure.

aerial view of golf course with water and lighthouse in the background

Let the Golf Getaway Planning Begin

Does this sound like your ultimate golf getaway? It’s time to start planning your golf trip to Hilton Head Island today. And with the Hilton Head Vacation Planner, you can easily map out each detail and make sure your golf trip is everything you’ve imagined. We can’t wait to see you on America's Favorite Island®!

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