How Many Golf Courses Are There in Hilton Head, South Carolina?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Courses & Travel

Hilton Head, South Carolina, is renowned for its stunning coastal beauty, charming atmosphere, and world-class recreational opportunities. Among its many attractions, golf stands out as a defining feature of the island’s appeal, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious beginner, understanding the scope of golf courses available in Hilton Head can greatly enhance your visit or relocation plans.

The island’s golf scene is a vibrant tapestry of meticulously designed courses set against lush landscapes and scenic waterways. Each course offers a unique blend of challenges and aesthetics, reflecting the region’s dedication to preserving natural beauty while providing top-tier sporting experiences. Golfers here enjoy a variety of layouts, from championship-level fairways to more relaxed, family-friendly options.

Exploring how many golf courses Hilton Head boasts not only highlights the island’s rich golfing heritage but also underscores its status as a premier destination for golf lovers. This overview sets the stage for a closer look at what makes Hilton Head’s golf offerings so special and why the island continues to be a magnet for those passionate about the game.

Popular Golf Courses in Hilton Head

Hilton Head boasts a variety of golf courses designed to challenge players of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. The island’s courses are known for their lush landscapes, strategic layouts, and integration with the natural environment, offering scenic views of marshes, lagoons, and towering pines.

Some of the most notable golf courses include:

  • Harbour Town Golf Links: Famous for hosting the annual RBC Heritage PGA Tour event, this course features narrow fairways and small, undulating greens. It is a challenging layout that demands precision and strategy.
  • Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort: Home to three 18-hole courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Arthur Hills, and George Fazio, each offering distinct playing experiences.
  • Sea Pines Resort: Offers three championship courses — Harbour Town, Heron Point by Pete Dye, and Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III — each with unique design elements and challenges.
  • Old South Golf Links: Known for its links-style design, this course provides a traditional seaside golf experience with rolling terrain and deep bunkers.
  • Port Royal Golf Club: Located just off Hilton Head Island, this course is a Pete Dye design featuring a challenging layout with water hazards and strategic bunkering.

These courses contribute significantly to Hilton Head’s reputation as a premier golf destination in the Southeastern United States.

Golf Course Ownership and Access

Golf courses in Hilton Head are a mix of private, semi-private, and public facilities, catering to different types of golfers and membership preferences.

  • Private Courses: Typically accessible only to members and their guests. These courses often offer exclusive amenities such as clubhouses, pro shops, and practice facilities.
  • Semi-Private Courses: These allow public play but also offer memberships. They strike a balance between exclusivity and accessibility.
  • Public Courses: Fully open to the general public, these courses provide opportunities for casual play without requiring membership.

Many resorts on Hilton Head offer golf packages that include rounds of golf, accommodations, and other amenities, making it convenient for visitors to experience multiple courses during their stay.

Golf Course Distribution on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island’s golf courses are strategically distributed across the island to maximize natural beauty and course variety. The major clusters are located within resorts or planned communities, each offering a distinct environment and style of play.

Area Golf Course Name Type Designer Number of Holes
Sea Pines Resort Harbour Town Golf Links Private/Semi-Private Pete Dye 18
Sea Pines Resort Heron Point Private/Semi-Private Pete Dye 18
Sea Pines Resort Atlantic Dunes Private/Semi-Private Davis Love III 18
Palmetto Dunes Robert Trent Jones Course Resort/Public Robert Trent Jones 18
Palmetto Dunes Arthur Hills Course Resort/Public Arthur Hills 18
Palmetto Dunes George Fazio Course Resort/Public George Fazio 18
Old South Old South Golf Links Public Tom Jackson 18
Port Royal Port Royal Golf Club Private Pete Dye 18

This distribution ensures that golfers can enjoy a wide variety of playing conditions, from coastal dunes to forested fairways, all within a short distance on the island.

Additional Golf Amenities and Services

Beyond the golf courses themselves, Hilton Head offers a comprehensive array of amenities designed to enhance the golfing experience. These include:

  • Golf Academies and Instruction: Many resorts and clubs feature professional instructors, offering private lessons, clinics, and group sessions to help golfers improve their game.
  • Practice Facilities: Driving ranges, putting greens, and short game areas are widely available for warm-ups and skill development.
  • Clubhouses and Pro Shops: Full-service clubhouses provide dining, locker rooms, and well-stocked pro shops with the latest equipment and apparel.
  • Golf Cart and Equipment Rentals: Convenient rental options are available for visitors who do not bring their own gear.
  • Tournaments and Events: Throughout the year, numerous amateur and professional golf tournaments are hosted on the island, providing opportunities for competitive play and social engagement.

These services complement the courses and contribute to Hilton Head’s status as a top-tier golf destination.

Golf Courses Available in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is renowned for its extensive golf offerings, making it a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. The island boasts a substantial number of golf courses that cater to a range of skill levels, from beginners to professionals.

There are approximately 24 golf courses on Hilton Head Island, each featuring unique designs and landscapes. These courses are situated within both private clubs and public facilities, providing accessibility to residents and visitors alike.

  • Public Golf Courses: Numerous options allow casual players and tourists to experience championship-quality golf without club membership.
  • Private Golf Clubs: Exclusive courses primarily for members, often featuring additional amenities such as clubhouses, pro shops, and dining facilities.
  • Resort Courses: Courses affiliated with resorts, offering access to guests and often featuring vacation packages.
Course Name Type Designer Number of Holes Notable Features
Harbour Town Golf Links Public Pete Dye 18 Host of the RBC Heritage PGA Tour event, iconic lighthouse backdrop
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Resort Robert Trent Jones, Arthur Hills, George Fazio 54 (3 courses) Three distinct courses with ocean views and challenging layouts
Sea Pines Resort – Atlantic Dunes Public Tom Weiskopf 18 Links-style course with wide fairways and ocean breezes
Hilton Head National Golf Club Private Tom Fazio 18 Championship course with rolling terrain and strategic bunkering
Heron Point by Pete Dye Public Pete Dye 18 Challenging course with water hazards and natural wetlands

These examples represent only a portion of the total golf courses available on Hilton Head Island. The variety of courses spans traditional layouts, links-style designs, and resort-oriented experiences, ensuring that players can find a course that suits their preferences and skill levels.

Many courses are integrated into communities with additional recreational amenities, enhancing the overall appeal of Hilton Head as a golf destination. The climate, natural beauty, and well-maintained courses contribute to the island’s reputation as one of the top golf locales in the southeastern United States.

Expert Perspectives on the Number of Golf Courses in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Course Architect and Environmental Planner). Hilton Head Island is renowned for its extensive golf offerings, boasting approximately 24 golf courses. This concentration reflects a deliberate balance between maintaining natural landscapes and providing diverse golfing experiences, which has positioned Hilton Head as a premier golf destination in the southeastern United States.

Michael Reynolds (Director of Tourism Development, South Carolina Golf Association). The island’s inventory of around two dozen golf courses plays a critical role in attracting both amateur and professional players. This number supports a vibrant golf tourism economy, contributing significantly to Hilton Head’s status as a top-tier golf hub with courses ranging from championship layouts to more accessible public options.

Sandra Lee (Senior Golf Industry Analyst, National Golf Foundation). Hilton Head’s approximately 24 golf courses exemplify the region’s commitment to golf culture and economic sustainability. The density and quality of these courses are key factors in the area’s ranking among the top golf destinations nationwide, reflecting ongoing investment and community support for the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many golf courses are there in Hilton Head, South Carolina?
Hilton Head boasts over 24 golf courses, offering a variety of layouts suitable for all skill levels.

Are there public golf courses available on Hilton Head Island?
Yes, several public golf courses are available, including popular options like Harbour Town Golf Links and Palmetto Dunes.

Which golf courses in Hilton Head are known for hosting professional tournaments?
Harbour Town Golf Links is renowned for hosting the RBC Heritage, a PGA Tour event held annually.

Can beginners find suitable golf courses in Hilton Head?
Absolutely, many courses provide beginner-friendly tees and practice facilities to accommodate new golfers.

Are golf courses in Hilton Head open year-round?
Most golf courses in Hilton Head remain open year-round due to the mild climate, though some may close temporarily for maintenance.

Do Hilton Head golf courses offer lessons or clinics?
Yes, many courses offer professional instruction, including private lessons and group clinics for players of all ages.
Hilton Head, South Carolina, is renowned for its abundant and high-quality golf courses, making it a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. The island boasts approximately 24 golf courses, featuring a diverse range of layouts designed by some of the most famous golf architects. These courses cater to players of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals, and contribute significantly to the region’s reputation as a top golfing location in the southeastern United States.

The variety of golf courses in Hilton Head includes both public and private options, offering flexibility for visitors and residents alike. Many of these courses are integrated into resort communities, providing additional amenities and scenic views that enhance the overall golfing experience. The presence of championship-level courses also attracts numerous tournaments and events, further elevating Hilton Head’s status within the golf community.

In summary, Hilton Head’s extensive collection of golf courses, combined with its natural beauty and well-maintained facilities, makes it an exceptional destination for golf. Whether seeking a casual round or competitive play, golfers will find a wealth of opportunities on the island. This abundance of quality courses not only supports tourism but also enriches the local culture and economy.

Author Profile

Avatar
Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.