Standing on the 18th tee at Harbour Town Golf Links, with the iconic red and white striped lighthouse framing your target, you’ll understand why this course is considered one of golf’s most memorable experiences. Designed by the legendary Pete Dye with consultation from Jack Nicklaus, Harbour Town has hosted the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage since 1969 and remains a bucket-list destination for golfers worldwide. This comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your round at this historic Hilton Head Island treasure.

Course Overview

Harbour Town Golf Links opened in 1969 and immediately captured the golf world’s attention when Arnold Palmer won the inaugural Heritage Golf Classic. Palmer famously described Harbour Town as “a thinking man’s course,” and that assessment remains accurate today.

Key Course Statistics

  • Par: 71
  • Total Yardage: 7,099 yards (Championship tees)
  • Designer: Pete Dye with Jack Nicklaus consultation
  • Green Size: Average 3,700 square feet (PGA Tour average is 6,600 sq ft)
  • Grass Type: Bermuda grass greens

What sets Harbour Town apart is its emphasis on finesse, imagination, and shot-making over raw power. The narrow fairways, small greens, and strategic bunkering reward players who can think their way around the course rather than overpower it.

The 2025-2026 Course Restoration

Harbour Town underwent an extensive renovation following the 2025 RBC Heritage, the most significant work since a 2000 renovation. Davis Love III, who has won the RBC Heritage five times, led the restoration with a mission to find the “best of Pete Dye.”

The restoration focused on honoring Dye’s original vision while preparing the course for modern play. Love approached the project with deep respect, noting he didn’t want his name on the scorecard as a designer out of reverence for Dye’s masterpiece.

Famous Holes at Harbour Town

Hole 8: The Most Difficult

The number one handicap hole at Harbour Town, this demanding par 4 requires precision from tee to green. A well-placed drive is essential to avoid water and strategically placed trees. The key is hitting it long and right off the tee to have a decent approach shot clear of trees, bunkers, and lagoons.

Hole 9: The Driveable Par 4

Playing around 325 yards, this tight par 4 tempts aggressive players to reach the green from the tee. However, Pete Dye is counting on you to make a mistake. As local wisdom suggests: “What’s wrong with two 150-yard shots, keeping the ball in play, and easily finding the green?”

Hole 13: Alice Dye’s Masterpiece

When Pete Dye encountered designer’s block on the 13th hole, his wife Alice grabbed a napkin and sketched a dogleg. The result is one of golf’s most unique green sites - an island green surrounded entirely by sand and supported by railroad ties. Missing the green presents a brutal sand save scenario.

Hole 17: The Calibogue Sound Par 3

At 198 yards, this stunning par 3 sits exposed to the winds whipping off Calibogue Sound. Trees no longer protect the green, leaving players to contend with headwinds at the tee box or crosswinds pushing directly toward water on the left.

Hole 18: The Signature Finish

One of golf’s most recognizable finishing holes, the 472-yard par 4 features the Harbour Town Lighthouse standing sentinel behind the green. The wide landing area juts into Calibogue Sound, and the long approach offers bailout to the right - but beware the innocent-looking mounding that has cost many players their par.

Tips for Playing Harbour Town

1. Accuracy Over Power

With narrow fairways and the smallest greens on the PGA Tour, precision trumps distance at Harbour Town. Leave the driver in the bag when in doubt.

2. Beware of Overhanging Trees

Even fairway shots can be blocked by overhanging trees on holes 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, and 16. Position your tee shots strategically to leave straight approaches.

3. Know Your Yardages

The small greens demand accurate distance control. Trust your numbers and commit to each shot.

4. Factor in the Wind

The final holes play along Calibogue Sound, where wind conditions can dramatically affect club selection. Study the wind before playing holes 17 and 18.

5. Choose the Right Tees

This may be the most important decision you make all day. Harbour Town is playable by all skill levels, but many golfers play courses too long for their abilities. Remember, you’re there to enjoy the experience, not win the RBC Heritage.

6. Consider a Caddy

Since 2007, The Sea Pines Resort has offered walking caddies and forecaddies at all three courses. These seasoned professionals provide invaluable insights on course management, club selection, and green reading.

The RBC Heritage Tournament

2026 Tournament Details

  • Dates: April 13-19, 2026
  • Purse: $20 million
  • Winner’s Share: $3.6 million
  • Status: PGA Tour Signature Event

Tournament History

The RBC Heritage began in late November 1969, with Arnold Palmer claiming the inaugural victory. Davis Love III holds the record with 5 victories (1987-2003), while the course record of 61 is shared by David Frost (1994), Troy Merritt (2015), and Justin Thomas (2025).

Spectator Information

If you’re planning to attend the tournament:

  • Complimentary parking with motor coach service to Harbour Town Marina (approximately 20-minute ride)
  • No general spectator parking inside Sea Pines
  • The Heritage Lawn offers prime viewing from the 16th green along the 18th fairway
  • Taxi and rideshare pickup at The Shops at Sea Pines Center during tournament hours

Opening Ceremony Tradition

The tournament kicks off with a unique tradition: the defending champion receives their Captain of Gentlemen Golfers plaque and then hits a golf ball into Calibogue Sound using an authentic hickory club.

Reservations and Green Fees

Booking Tee Times

Tee times at Harbour Town Golf Links can be booked through The Sea Pines Resort:

  • Phone: (843) 842-1477
  • Online: seapines.com/golf/courses/tee-times
  • Location: Harbour Town Golf Shop, 11 Lighthouse Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Packages

  • The Inn Golf Package: Combines legendary golf with luxury accommodations at The Inn & Club at Harbour Town
  • Lighthouse Invitational: Includes play on all three Sea Pines championship courses plus exclusive privileges

Junior Golfers

Golfers age 17 and younger receive 50% off all-day rates - a great opportunity to introduce young players to championship golf.

Facilities and Amenities

Harbour Town Clubhouse

The clubhouse serves Harbour Town Golf Links and features:

  • Full-service pro shop
  • Restaurant and bar
  • Locker rooms
  • The Pete Dye Rooms - a museum celebrating Dye’s life and work with videos, photographs, and awards chronicling his career

Practice Facilities

A complete practice facility is available, including:

  • Driving range
  • Putting green
  • Short game area

Nearby Attractions

After your round, explore Harbour Town:

  • Harbour Town Lighthouse: Climb 114 steps for panoramic views of the island
  • Harbour Town Yacht Basin: Shops, restaurants, and boat tours
  • Calibogue Sound: Dolphin watching and sunset cruises

Make It a Golf Vacation

Harbour Town Golf Links represents the pinnacle of Hilton Head Island golf, but it’s just the beginning. The Sea Pines Resort offers two additional world-class courses - Heron Point by Pete Dye and Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III - creating an unmatched golf experience.

When planning your Hilton Head golf trip, consider staying at Stone’s Throw vacation rental. Our convenient location provides easy access to Sea Pines and all of Hilton Head’s premier golf courses. After a memorable round at Harbour Town, return to comfortable accommodations where you can relive every shot and plan your next day on the links. Contact us today to book your ultimate Hilton Head golf vacation.