If you’re a golfer, Hilton Head Island should be high on your list of places to play. This South Carolina destination combines championship golf with beautiful beaches, Lowcountry scenery, and plenty of ways to relax after your round. With a variety of courses across the island, golfers can find layouts for nearly every skill level and playing style. Hilton Head golf resorts continue to attract golfers looking for memorable courses and a relaxing coastal getaway. Whether you want to play along the water, challenge yourself on a Pete Dye design, or enjoy a more traditional Lowcountry layout, you’ll find plenty of options here.
The Best Golf Courses in Hilton Head
If you’re planning a beach vacation on the East Coast, Hilton Head Island offers plenty to do beyond the beach. The island is known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, restaurants, and, of course, golf.
If you have a golf enthusiast in your group, make time for one of Hilton Head’s standout courses. From Palmetto Dunes to Sea Pines, these courses combine challenging play with the scenery that makes the island special.
Palmetto Dunes Golf
With three distinctive championship courses, Palmetto Dunes remains one of the top places to play golf on Hilton Head Island. The Robert Trent Jones Course, George Fazio Course, and Arthur Hills Course each offer a different experience while showcasing the island’s coastal landscape.
The Robert Trent Jones Course offers a scenic coastal round, highlighted by Atlantic Ocean views from the par-5 10th hole. A lagoon winds through more than half of the holes, while the par-5 10th provides one of the course’s most memorable ocean views. The course also features a Toptracer-powered practice range, adding a modern touch to the golf experience.
The George Fazio Course provides a more challenging test. It is the only par-70 public golf course on Hilton Head Island and features a series of long par 4s. The course balances difficulty with a fair design, making it appealing to experienced golfers and players looking to challenge themselves.
The Arthur Hills Course takes advantage of Hilton Head’s natural landscape with rolling terrain, water, dunes, and mature vegetation. Ten holes play alongside the water, and the course offers a mix of scenic views and strategic challenges. The historic Hilton Head Island Lighthouse also adds a memorable backdrop to the experience.
For a convenient place to stay, consider The Village at Palmetto Dunes. The resort sits next to the Robert Trent Jones Course and Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center. The beach is also about 200 yards away via a scenic footpath.
The Village offers studios and one- to three-bedroom accommodations, along with a pool, hot tub, playground, and picnic areas. Its location makes it easy to combine golf with a classic Hilton Head beach vacation.
Bear Creek Golf Club
Bear Creek Golf Club offers a classic Lowcountry golf experience in Hilton Head Plantation. The Rees Jones-designed Par 72 championship course stretches more than 6,800 yards and features five sets of tees. That variety makes the course approachable for golfers with different skill levels.
Tall pines, winding fairways, natural areas, and water hazards shape the course. Rees Jones also returned to oversee renovations and improvements. The course has hosted events such as the Hilton Head Amateur and Hilton Head Open.
Bear Creek also offers a driving range and practice facilities, so you can warm up before your round or spend some extra time working on your game. The club is open throughout the year, with seasonal hours and scheduled maintenance closures.
For convenient accommodations nearby, consider the Bluewater Resort and Marina. Located along the Intracoastal Waterway, this resort provides a relaxing home base for exploring Hilton Head’s golf courses and other attractions.
Sea Pines Resort Golf Courses
The Sea Pines Resort offers three championship golf courses, including the legendary Harbour Town Golf Links. Together, the courses provide some of the most recognizable golf experiences on Hilton Head Island.
Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III is a modern coastal course with a long history. The course completely reconstructed the historic Ocean Course, Hilton Head Island’s first golf course. Davis Love III’s redesign added modern playing features while preserving the Lowcountry character of the property. Coquina shells, seaside grasses, and scenic corridors now complement the updated layout.
Heron Point by Pete Dye offers a different kind of challenge. The course uses risk-reward holes, water hazards, mounding, and swales to create a strategic round. Its design rewards thoughtful shot selection and accuracy rather than simply relying on distance.
Last, but certainly not least, is Harbour Town Golf Links. Pete Dye designed the course with help from Jack Nicklaus, and it remains one of the most recognizable courses in the sport. Harbour Town hosts the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage and is known for its emphasis on precision, creativity, and shot-making.
The famous par-4 18th hole provides a memorable finish, with the Harbour Town Lighthouse and Calibogue Sound creating an iconic backdrop. At 7,131 yards from the championship tees, the course offers a demanding but rewarding round.
If you’re looking for an upscale place to stay during your golf getaway, consider Marriott’s Heritage Club at Harbour Town. Its location puts you close to the golf and attractions around Harbour Town, making it a great option for a golf-focused Hilton Head vacation.
Play a Round at the Best Hilton Head Golf Resorts
Golf adds something special to a Hilton Head Island vacation. You can spend the morning on the course, enjoy the beach in the afternoon, and explore the island’s restaurants and attractions in the evening.
From the coastal courses at Palmetto Dunes to the legendary layouts at Sea Pines, Hilton Head offers plenty of ways to plan a memorable golf getaway. You can also choose from courses throughout the island, including Bear Creek for a quieter Lowcountry experience.
Ready to make Hilton Head your next golf destination? A timeshare can give you a convenient home base for returning to the island year after year. Explore available options and find a resort that fits your vacation style.
