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Golf on Hilton Head Island: A Closer Look

By Hilton Head Insider

Hilton Head Island is a golf-lover’s paradise. With 23 incredible courses on the island, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to challenge yourself and improve your game. Whether you're a seasoned pro seeking a challenging day on the green or a newcomer eager to hone your swing amidst stunning coastal scenery, Hilton Head Island offers an unrivaled experience to delight every golfer. If you’re planning a golf getaway on America’s Favorite Island®, we’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to all things golf on Hilton Head Island.

Courses For Everyone

With a host of championship-level courses, it’s no easy feat to decide which courses to play when planning your Hilton Head Island golf itinerary. Here are a few that are popular with guests and locals alike. 

Harbour Town Golf Links is the course that put Hilton Head Island on the golfing map. Over 40 years after opening, it remains a revered course here on the island and across the globe. As the proud home of the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, South Carolina’s only PGA TOUR event, this prestigious course demands finesse, imagination, and precise shot-making over sheer power.

Test your skills on its par threes, considered among the best in the world, and face the iconic par four 18th hole, one of golf’s most recognized scenes. Designed by the legendary Pete Dye, Harbour Town Golf Links is a must-play for any golf enthusiast visiting Hilton Head Island.

When Oyster Reef Golf Club opened on Hilton Head Island in 1982, it was immediately celebrated as one of America's Top 25 New Courses. Years later, it's still celebrated as one of the finest golf experiences on the island.

Designed by Rees Jones, the course boasts a clever layout highlighted by well-placed bunkers, numerous dogleg fairways, and strategically positioned mounds. Of particular interest are the memorable par-three sixth hole and the challenging final five holes, making Oyster Reef a must-play destination if you’re in search of a premier golfing experience.

Another must-play course is Bear Creek Golf Club’s Par 72 Championship Course. This course spans over 6,800 yards and offers five sets of tees to accommodate all skill levels. The meticulously maintained greens feature state-of-the-art Super Dwarf TifEagle Bermuda grass, specially developed for Lowcountry weather and water conditions. 

The greens have earned a reputation as some of the finest on Hilton Head Island, and the course layout is thoughtfully designed for both walking and golf cart use. With vast natural areas fostering wildlife diversity and earning the prestigious "Audubon Certification," a round at Bear Creek is an unforgettable experience.

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Unique Holes

Hole 17 at the George Fazio Course in Palmetto Dunes Resort offers a thrilling challenge. This picturesque yet daunting hole ranges from 100 to 240 yards and requires a shot over water onto a sloping, two-tier green. With its scenic beauty and demanding play, 17 is a must-see for any golfer visiting Hilton Head Island.

The sixth hole at Oyster Reef Golf Club is perfect for golfers who prefer strategy over sheer power. Immediately, you must decide whether to aim left or right of the front bunker. Or, if you’re feeling confident, opt for a high shot that will land softly with a touch of backspin. Once you arrive at the green, you’ll face an additional challenge — a slope on the right side that has guided its fair share of golf balls into a nearby lake teeming with fish. Beautiful, complex, and topped off with stunning views of Port Royal Sound, this hole is one you’ll play over and over again in your mind long after the round is done.

As you step onto the tee box of the par-three 17th hole at Harbour Town Golf Links, you're greeted by one of Hilton Head Island’s most iconic views. The Calibogue Sound stretches out before you, with yachts and sailboats passing leisurely by, creating a picturesque backdrop for your shot. This Dye/Nicklaus collaboration epitomizes Lowcountry course design, featuring live oak-lined corridors, diminutive greens, and Dye’s trademark bulkheads lining languid lagoons. 

Lessons & Practice

Are you new to the sport of golf and hoping to brush up on your game while on vacation? You’re in luck! Hilton Head Island is home to several golf schools, learning clinics, and driving ranges.

The Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy is known as one of the most respected golf schools globally. It offers a range of programs, including lessons, clinics, and personalized one-on-one instruction from former PGA Tour professionals and expert instructors. Catering to all ages and skill levels, the Academy provides an exceptional learning experience to help you elevate your game.

Palmetto Dunes has also embraced the latest technology to offer a fun and engaging way to improve your golf game by partnering with Toptracer Range. Practice under sun- and rain-blocking awnings, enjoy music, and watch in-bay televisions broadcasting the day's top sporting events, making every visit both enjoyable and productive.

At the Golf Learning Center at Sea Pines Resort, golf instruction is tailored to each individual. The team of golf experts employs the latest technology to create personalized improvement plans. Whether it's enhancing your full swing, refining your short game, or boosting your overall golf performance on and off the course, the Golf Learning Center offers a comprehensive and customized approach to help you succeed.

19th Hole Options

There are plenty of clubhouse options on Hilton Head Island where you can find an ice-cold drink and delicious meal to refuel after a great day on the greens. 

After a round at Harbour Town Golf Links, head to the clubhouse, where you'll find Links, an American Grill with a luxury vibe that matches the elegance of the course. From its second-floor vantage point, guests can enjoy stunning views of the first tee, ninth green, and practice range. The grill provides full dining and bar services, featuring local craft beers on tap, making it the perfect spot to unwind.

Part of the Heritage Golf Collection, The Brickyard Pub is the ideal spot to savor your favorite pub fare after your golf game. For those who enjoy dining al fresco, the covered patio offers a delightful setting for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

If you’re after authentic Southern hospitality, look no further than Robber’s Row Grille. Located in the Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club Clubhouse, the seasonal menu highlights the freshest local ingredients, bringing the distinctive flavors of the Lowcountry to your table. The main dining room seamlessly extends to a charming veranda, offering both indoor and outdoor seating.

Start Planning Your Hilton Head Island Golf Getaway

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back year after year, there’s always more to discover when it comes to golf on Hilton Head Island. Start planning your getaway today and find out for yourself why America’s Favorite Island® is considered a world-class golf destination.

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