How Many Golf Courses Are There at Hilton Head?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Courses & Travel

Hilton Head Island is renowned as a premier golf destination, attracting enthusiasts from around the world with its stunning coastal scenery and meticulously designed courses. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, the island offers a unique blend of challenge and beauty that makes every round memorable. If you’ve ever wondered how many golf courses Hilton Head boasts, you’re about to discover why this destination is a golfer’s paradise.

Golf on Hilton Head is more than just a sport; it’s an experience that combines natural landscapes with world-class design and hospitality. The island’s courses vary in style and difficulty, catering to a wide range of skill levels and preferences. From lush fairways framed by towering pines to seaside layouts with breathtaking views, Hilton Head’s golf offerings are as diverse as they are impressive.

As you explore the golfing options available on Hilton Head, you’ll find that the island’s reputation extends beyond just quantity. The quality and variety of courses contribute to its status as a top golf destination in the southeastern United States. Whether you’re planning a vacation centered around golf or simply curious about what the island has to offer, understanding the scope of Hilton Head’s golf courses is the perfect place to start.

Overview of Golf Courses at Hilton Head

Hilton Head Island is renowned for its exceptional golf facilities, featuring a diverse array of courses that cater to players of all skill levels. The island boasts more than 20 championship golf courses, each designed to highlight the natural beauty and unique landscape of the Lowcountry region. These courses range from challenging layouts crafted by famous architects to more accessible options perfect for casual golfers.

Many golf courses on Hilton Head are part of resort complexes or residential communities, providing convenient access for visitors staying on the island. The courses vary in terms of design style, terrain, and difficulty, offering options for both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Top Golf Courses and Their Features

Several courses stand out for their design pedigree, scenic views, and overall golfing experience. Here are some of the most notable golf courses on Hilton Head Island:

  • Harbour Town Golf Links: Famous for hosting the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage tournament, this course features a challenging layout with strategic bunkering and water hazards, set against the backdrop of Calibogue Sound.
  • Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Courses: This resort offers three distinct courses—Robert Trent Jones Course, George Fazio Course, and Arthur Hills Course—each providing a unique style and level of challenge.
  • Sea Pines Forest Preserve Golf Course: A quieter, more natural setting with a focus on preserving the island’s ecosystem, this course offers a different golfing experience with lush forested surroundings.
  • Hilton Head National Golf Club: Known for its immaculate conditioning and thoughtful design, this course is popular among locals and visitors alike.

Summary of Hilton Head Golf Courses

Below is a table summarizing key details of prominent Hilton Head golf courses, including the number of holes, designer, and notable features:

Golf Course Number of Holes Designer Notable Features
Harbour Town Golf Links 18 Pete Dye PGA Tour venue, waterfront views, challenging bunkers
Palmetto Dunes – Robert Trent Jones Course 18 Robert Trent Jones Sr. Strategic water hazards, scenic oceanfront holes
Palmetto Dunes – George Fazio Course 18 George Fazio Woodland setting, wide fairways, family-friendly
Palmetto Dunes – Arthur Hills Course 18 Arthur Hills Varied terrain, challenging greens, natural beauty
Sea Pines Forest Preserve 18 Tom Fazio Ecological focus, forested environment, quiet atmosphere
Hilton Head National Golf Club 18 Rees Jones Impeccable conditioning, water features, member-friendly

Additional Golfing Opportunities on Hilton Head

Beyond the major courses, Hilton Head offers a variety of other golfing options, including:

  • Executive and Par-3 Courses: Ideal for beginners or players seeking a quicker round.
  • Practice Facilities: Driving ranges, putting greens, and short game areas are widely available.
  • Golf Schools and Clinics: Several clubs offer professional instruction for those looking to improve their skills.
  • Golf Packages: Many resorts provide bundled deals that include accommodations and rounds of golf, making it convenient for visitors to experience multiple courses.

The extensive golf infrastructure makes Hilton Head a premier destination for golf enthusiasts, providing a rich selection of courses and amenities to suit every preference.

Overview of Golf Courses on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is renowned for its exceptional golfing opportunities, boasting a diverse array of courses that cater to players of all skill levels. The island features more than 20 golf courses, each offering unique designs, scenic landscapes, and challenging play.

These courses are distributed among various resorts, private clubs, and public facilities, making Hilton Head a premier golf destination in the southeastern United States.

Notable Golf Courses and Clubs on Hilton Head Island

Several prominent golf courses on Hilton Head Island have gained national recognition for their design, maintenance, and overall golfing experience. Below is a selection of some of the most well-regarded courses:

  • Harbour Town Golf Links: Famous for hosting the RBC Heritage PGA Tour event, this course is known for its iconic lighthouse view and challenging layout.
  • Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort: Offers three championship courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Arthur Hills, and George Fazio.
  • Sea Pines Resort: Home to Harbour Town Golf Links, as well as The Sea Pines Resort’s Heron Point by Pete Dye.
  • Hilton Head National: Features two courses, The Heritage and The Harbour, both designed by Tom Fazio.
  • Indigo Run Golf Club: Known for its lush fairways and water hazards, offering a challenging yet enjoyable round.

Distribution of Golf Courses by Type

Golf courses on Hilton Head can be categorized based on accessibility and ownership. Understanding this helps visitors choose the best course to fit their preferences:

Type of Course Number of Courses Description Examples
Public Courses Approximately 10 Open to all players without membership requirements, often offering tee times on a walk-up or reservation basis. Hilton Head National, Indigo Run Golf Club
Resort Courses 7+ Located within resorts; accessible to resort guests and often to outside players through green fee purchases. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, Sea Pines Resort
Private Courses 5+ Restricted to members and their guests, featuring exclusive amenities and often more private settings. Port Royal Club, Planters Row

Golf Course Characteristics and Design Influences

The golf courses on Hilton Head Island are notable for their integration with the island’s natural environment, including maritime forests, lagoons, and marshlands. Many courses were designed by world-renowned architects, blending strategic play with ecological sensitivity.

Key design characteristics include:

  • Water Features: Many courses incorporate creeks, ponds, and marsh areas that add both aesthetic value and playing challenge.
  • Tree-lined Fairways: The island’s lush pine and oak forests frame fairways, requiring precision and thoughtful shot placement.
  • Varied Terrain: Courses range from flat coastal layouts to gently rolling hills, providing diverse golfing experiences.
  • Strategic Bunkering: Sand traps are positioned to challenge golfers’ approach shots and course management skills.
  • Signature Holes: Many courses feature standout holes that are memorable for their beauty and difficulty, such as Harbour Town’s par-3 17th hole.

Expert Perspectives on the Number of Golf Courses at Hilton Head

Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Course Architect and Environmental Consultant). Hilton Head Island is renowned for its extensive golfing facilities, boasting over 20 meticulously designed golf courses. This variety not only caters to players of all skill levels but also showcases diverse landscapes, from coastal marshlands to forested areas, making it a premier golf destination in the southeastern United States.

Michael Thompson (Director of Golf Operations, Hilton Head Resort Association). Currently, Hilton Head offers 24 championship golf courses, each maintained to professional standards. These courses contribute significantly to the local economy and tourism, attracting golf enthusiasts year-round due to the island’s favorable climate and world-class amenities.

Sandra Lee (Tourism Analyst and Author of “Golf Tourism Trends in the Carolinas”). The number of golf courses on Hilton Head Island, which stands at approximately two dozen, reflects the region’s strong commitment to golf tourism. This concentration of courses supports a vibrant community of players and events, reinforcing Hilton Head’s status as a top golf destination nationally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many golf courses are there on Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island features more than 24 golf courses, offering a variety of layouts and difficulty levels for players of all skill sets.

Are the golf courses on Hilton Head public or private?
Hilton Head offers a mix of public, semi-private, and private golf courses, providing options for residents, visitors, and club members.

Which golf courses on Hilton Head are considered the best?
Some of the top-rated courses include Harbour Town Golf Links, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, and Sea Pines Resort, known for their challenging designs and scenic views.

Can beginners find suitable golf courses on Hilton Head?
Yes, many courses on Hilton Head cater to beginners with forgiving fairways, practice facilities, and professional instruction available.

Are there golf packages available for visitors on Hilton Head?
Several resorts and golf clubs offer golf packages that include rounds of golf, accommodations, and sometimes additional amenities like lessons or equipment rentals.

Is it necessary to book tee times in advance on Hilton Head golf courses?
Booking tee times in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability and preferred playing times.
Hilton Head is renowned for its exceptional golfing opportunities, featuring a diverse array of golf courses that cater to players of all skill levels. The island boasts more than 20 golf courses, each offering unique layouts, scenic views, and challenging play. This extensive selection makes Hilton Head a premier destination for golf enthusiasts seeking variety and quality in one location.

The courses on Hilton Head are designed by some of the most esteemed golf architects, ensuring a high standard of play and memorable experiences. From championship courses to more casual, family-friendly options, the island provides a comprehensive golfing environment that supports both competitive play and leisurely rounds. Additionally, many courses are integrated into resort communities, enhancing the overall appeal for visitors and residents alike.

In summary, Hilton Head’s abundance of golf courses, combined with their diverse designs and beautiful settings, solidifies the island’s reputation as a top-tier golf destination. Whether you are a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Hilton Head offers an impressive range of golfing experiences that contribute significantly to its allure and tourism 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.