Hilton Head Island has been a premier golf destination since 1962, and today the Lowcountry boasts over 26 championship courses designed by legendary architects including Pete Dye, Robert Trent Jones Sr., and Jack Nicklaus. Golf Digest readers have ranked Hilton Head as the 10th best golf destination in the world, and for good reason. Here are the best public golf courses you can play during your Hilton Head vacation.

No conversation about Hilton Head golf is complete without mentioning Harbour Town Golf Links, the crown jewel of island golf. Since 1969, this Pete Dye masterpiece has hosted the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage tournament, making it integral to American golf history.

Following the 2025 RBC Heritage, Harbour Town underwent an extensive restoration overseen by Davis Love III and his design company. The project, completed in November 2025, restored and preserved Dye’s original strategic intent while modernizing the course for today’s game.

Course Details:

  • Par: 71
  • Yardage: 7,099 from the tips
  • Difficulty: Challenging for all skill levels
  • Green Fees: $350-$450 (varies seasonally)
  • Signature Hole: The iconic 18th with its lighthouse backdrop

Booking Tip: Book at least 30 days in advance during peak season. Sea Pines Resort guests receive priority tee times.

Palmetto Dunes Resort Courses

Palmetto Dunes offers three distinct championship courses, making it an excellent choice for golfers who want variety during their stay.

Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course

The star of Palmetto Dunes, this course features wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and one of the island’s only oceanfront holes. The dramatic par-5 10th hole runs along the Atlantic Ocean and is consistently rated among the finest holes in the Southeast.

  • Listed on Golfweek’s 2025 “Best Courses You Can Play” in South Carolina
  • Green Fees: $150-$200
  • Best For: All skill levels; the generous fairways welcome beginners while challenging low handicappers

George Fazio Course

The only par-70 on Hilton Head Island, the Fazio Course is often regarded as the island’s toughest test. Recently awarded “South Carolina Golf Course of the Year” by the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association.

  • Green Fees: $130-$180
  • Best For: Experienced players seeking a challenge
  • Signature Feature: Lengthy par 4s that demand precision

Arthur Hills Course

Included in the “Top 30 Best Courses You Can Play in South Carolina,” this unique layout emphasizes accuracy over distance. Ten holes feature water hazards, requiring thoughtful shot selection.

  • Green Fees: $130-$180
  • Best For: Strategic players who value shot-making over raw power

Oyster Reef Golf Club

Built on 190 acres of pristine Lowcountry terrain, Oyster Reef was designed by Rees Jones and has been voted the “Favorite Course of Hilton Head Island Golfers” by The Island Packet.

The course features twisting lagoons, lush vegetation, and panoramic views of Port Royal Sound. The par-3 6th hole is particularly stunning, set against the magnificent backdrop of the Sound.

Course Details:

  • Par: 72
  • Green Fees: $100-$150
  • Difficulty: Moderate; enjoyable for mid-handicappers
  • Best Feature: Natural beauty and wildlife sightings

Atlantic Dunes at Sea Pines Resort

Redesigned by Davis Love III in 2016, Atlantic Dunes is a complete reconstruction of the historic Ocean Course, which was the first course built on Hilton Head Island.

Love and his team restored natural sand dunes and added thousands of indigenous plants to create a visually stunning seaside experience. The front nine runs parallel to the ocean, while the back nine stretches toward the beach.

Course Details:

  • Par: 72
  • Yardage: 7,010
  • Green Fees: $200-$280
  • Best For: Players who appreciate links-style golf with coastal beauty

A hidden gem that belongs on every golfer’s must-play list. Designed by Clyde Johnston, Old South features seven holes along the intracoastal marshes of McKay’s Creek, offering some of the most scenic golf in the Lowcountry.

  • Green Fees: $80-$120
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Best Feature: Exceptional value and marsh views

Hilton Head National

Located just one mile from the bridges leading onto the island, Hilton Head National is an excellent venue for a round on your arrival or departure day. Gary Player collaborated with Bobby Weed to create this demanding yet fair layout.

Unlike many area courses, there are no homes overlooking the fairways, allowing wildlife and natural vegetation to flourish.

Course Details:

  • Green Fees: $70-$110
  • Best For: Budget-conscious golfers seeking quality
  • Unique Feature: No residential development on course perimeter

Booking Tips for Hilton Head Golf

  • Book Early: Popular courses like Harbour Town can fill up 60-90 days in advance during peak season (March-May, September-November)
  • Consider Packages: Many resorts offer stay-and-play packages that include accommodations and multiple rounds at discounted rates
  • Rent Clubs Locally: Golf club rental services offer free delivery and pickup, saving you airline baggage fees and daily rental charges at courses
  • Check Replay Rates: Many courses offer significantly discounted rates for afternoon rounds or replay rounds

Plan Your Golf Getaway

Hilton Head’s combination of world-class courses, beautiful weather, and Southern hospitality makes it one of America’s premier golf destinations. Whether you’re seeking the challenge of Harbour Town or the scenic beauty of Old South, there’s a perfect course waiting for you.

Ready to plan your Hilton Head golf vacation? Book your stay at Stone’s Throw, our beautifully appointed vacation rental just minutes from the island’s best courses. With comfortable accommodations and a prime location, it’s the perfect home base for your Lowcountry golf adventure.