Golf Vacation on Hilton Head Island: The Complete Planning Guide

Hilton Head Island has earned its reputation as one of America’s premier golf destinations, offering more than 26 world-class courses amid 12 miles of pristine beaches and stunning Lowcountry scenery. Whether you are planning a buddies trip, couples getaway, or family vacation with golf, this comprehensive guide will help you create the perfect Hilton Head golf experience.

Why Choose Hilton Head for Your Golf Vacation?

Hilton Head offers an unmatched combination of factors that make it ideal for golf travelers:

World-Class Courses: Over 26 championship layouts designed by Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Rees Jones, and other legends
Perfect Weather: Mild temperatures allow year-round play, with spring and fall offering ideal conditions
PGA TOUR Heritage: Home to the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links since 1969
Beach Access: 12 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches for post-round relaxation
Southern Hospitality: Exceptional dining, shopping, and entertainment
Easy Access: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is just 45 miles away

Best Time to Visit

Peak Golf Season (March-May)

Perfect weather with temperatures in the 70s
Courses in prime condition
RBC Heritage tournament week (mid-April)
Higher prices and advance booking essential

Fall Season (September-November)

Excellent weather, slightly less crowded than spring
Courses recovering from summer stress
Great values on packages
Hurricane season consideration

Summer (June-August)

Hot and humid conditions
Best rates and availability
Early morning and late afternoon tee times recommended
Family vacation season

Winter (December-February)

Mild temperatures (50s-60s)
Excellent values
Some course maintenance periods
Quieter atmosphere

Planning Your Golf Itinerary

The Classic 4-Day Golf Trip

Day 1: Arrival Day

Morning flight arrival
Play Hilton Head National (convenient location near bridges)
Settle into accommodations
Casual dinner at a local seafood spot

Day 2: Resort Experience

Morning round at Harbour Town Golf Links
Lunch at the Sea Pines clubhouse
Afternoon at the beach or pool
Upscale dinner in Harbour Town

Day 3: Course Variety

Morning round at Oyster Reef Golf Club
Quick lunch
Afternoon round at Old South Golf Links
Evening on the town in Coligny Plaza

Day 4: Final Round

Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes
Brunch before departure
Afternoon flight home

Extended 7-Day Itinerary

For a longer stay, add these courses to your rotation:

Atlantic Dunes at Sea Pines
George Fazio Course at Palmetto Dunes
Arthur Hills Course at Palmetto Dunes
Golden Bear at Indigo Run
Include rest days with beach time, fishing, or spa visits

Golf Packages and Booking

Resort Stay-and-Play Packages

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Typical packages include:

4 days/3 nights in a 2-bedroom villa
Two or three rounds on your choice of three championship courses
Green fees and cart fees included
One hour Toptracer experience
Fully customizable with accommodations and activities

Group Packages (12+ players) The Premier Package features outstanding resort accommodations plus multiple rounds on the George Fazio, Arthur Hills, or Robert Trent Jones courses.

Independent Booking Tips

Book Early: Confirm tee times up to 6 months in advance through local booking services
Compare Options: Package providers with 20+ years of experience offer over 25 courses
Check Replay Rates: Many courses offer discounted afternoon and replay rates
Consider Weekdays: Better availability and often lower prices

Club Rental Services

Skip the hassle of traveling with clubs. Local rental services offer:

Free delivery and pickup at your accommodation
Quality club sets for all rounds
Savings versus course rentals ($85/day typical course rate)
No airline baggage fees or damage risk

Accommodations

Vacation Rentals

Private vacation rentals offer the best value and convenience for golf groups:

Full kitchens for breakfast and casual meals
Multiple bedrooms for groups
Living space for evening gatherings
Often more space than hotel rooms at comparable prices
Ideal for groups of 4-8 golfers

Resort Options

Sea Pines Resort

Oldest resort on Hilton Head (5,000 acres)
Home to Harbour Town Golf Links
Premium accommodations at Inn & Club at Harbour Town
Direct access to Atlantic Dunes and Heron Point courses

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort

Full-service marina and tennis center
Villa and house accommodations
Three championship courses on property
Extensive amenities

Dining Recommendations

Quick Bites Between Rounds

Course grills for grab-and-go sandwiches
Local delis for packed lunches
Fast-casual options in shopping areas

Dinner Destinations

Upscale

Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana
Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte
The Quarterdeck at Harbour Town

Casual Seafood

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
Skull Creek Boathouse
Old Oyster Factory

Sports Bar/Pub Atmosphere

Reilley’s Grill & Bar
The Lodge Sports Grille
Giuseppe’s Pizza & Pasta

19th Hole Options

Most courses have excellent grills and bars for post-round beverages and appetizers. The Harbour Town clubhouse is particularly popular for celebrating your round.

Activities for Non-Golfing Travel Partners

Hilton Head offers plenty to keep non-golfers entertained while you are on the course:

Beach Activities

12 miles of pristine beaches
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Dolphin watching tours
Beach chair and umbrella rentals

Nature and Wildlife

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Sea Pines Forest Preserve
Guided nature tours
Alligator spotting

Shopping

Harbour Town shops
Coligny Plaza
Tanger Outlet Mall
Shelter Cove Harbour

Spa and Wellness

Resort spas at Sea Pines and Palmetto Dunes
Independent day spas
Yoga classes on the beach
Fitness centers

Family Activities

Coastal Discovery Museum
Pirate-themed adventures
Mini golf (ironic but fun)
Bike rentals and pathways

Water Sports

Fishing charters (inshore and offshore)
Sailing excursions
Jet ski rentals
Parasailing

Budget Planning

Sample Daily Budget (Per Person)

Budget-Friendly:

Golf (value course): $80-$110
Meals: $50-$75
Accommodation share: $75-$100
Daily Total: $200-$285

Mid-Range:

Golf (quality resort course): $130-$200
Meals: $75-$125
Accommodation share: $100-$150
Daily Total: $305-$475

Premium:

Golf (Harbour Town/Atlantic Dunes): $250-$450
Meals: $150-$200
Accommodation share: $200-$300
Daily Total: $600-$950

Money-Saving Tips

Play afternoon twilight rates
Book stay-and-play packages
Rent clubs locally instead of paying course fees
Cook breakfast at your rental
Look for shoulder season deals

Getting There and Around

Air Travel

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)

45 miles south of Hilton Head Island
Many non-stop flights from major U.S. cities
Rental cars readily available

Ground Transportation

Rental car recommended for flexibility
Uber and Lyft available on the island
Some resorts offer shuttle services

The island is approximately 12 miles long
Most courses are 10-20 minutes apart
Traffic can be heavy during peak season, especially on weekends

Book Your Hilton Head Golf Vacation

The combination of world-class golf, beautiful beaches, outstanding dining, and Southern charm makes Hilton Head Island the perfect destination for your next golf vacation. Whether you are seeking a challenging test at Harbour Town or a relaxing round with ocean views, the Lowcountry delivers.

Make Stone’s Throw your home base for the ultimate Hilton Head golf experience. Our beautifully appointed vacation rental offers:

Comfortable accommodations for your entire group
Prime location minutes from top courses
Full amenities to relax and recharge
Space to spread out after long days on the course