With more than 23 championship courses designed by legends like Pete Dye, Rees Jones, Robert Trent Jones, and Jack Nicklaus, Hilton Head Island offers one of America’s finest collections of golf. But which courses truly stand out? We have compiled the definitive 2026 rankings to help you choose the perfect rounds for your Lowcountry golf vacation.

How We Ranked These Courses

Our rankings consider multiple factors to provide a comprehensive assessment:

  • Course Design: Layout quality, strategic interest, and architectural significance
  • Conditioning: Fairway, green, and bunker maintenance
  • Value: Quality relative to green fees
  • Scenery: Natural beauty and memorable views
  • Accessibility: Availability to visiting golfers
  • Reviews: Feedback from Golf Digest, Golfweek, Tripadvisor, and local golfers

Top 10 Hilton Head Golf Courses for 2026

Rating: 5/5 Stars

The undisputed champion of Hilton Head golf, Harbour Town earned the No. 28 spot on Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” in 2025 and No. 1 among “Best Classic Golf Courses in South Carolina.”

Following its 2025 restoration by Davis Love III, the Pete Dye masterpiece has never looked better. The course reopened in November 2025 with refreshed bunkers, refined greens, and restored strategic intent.

  • Green Fees: $350-$450
  • Best For: Serious golfers seeking an iconic experience
  • Must-Play Hole: The 18th, with its lighthouse finish

2. Long Cove Club

Rating: 4.8/5 Stars

This private Pete Dye design has been ranked inside South Carolina’s top 10 from 2011 through 2026, currently holding the 9th position statewide. While typically members-only, some packages and reciprocal arrangements may provide access.

  • Why It Ranks: Pristine conditioning and challenging layout
  • Best For: Low handicappers who can arrange access

3. Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course (Palmetto Dunes)

Rating: 4.7/5 Stars

Listed on Golfweek’s 2025 “Best Courses You Can Play” for South Carolina, this course offers the rare combination of strategic design and oceanfront holes. The signature par-5 10th along the Atlantic is unforgettable.

  • Green Fees: $150-$200
  • Best For: Golfers seeking memorable ocean views
  • Standout Feature: One of only two oceanfront holes on the island

4. Oyster Reef Golf Club

Rating: 4.6/5 Stars

Upon completion, Oyster Reef immediately ranked among the Top 25 Courses in America. It remains the “Favorite Course of Hilton Head Island Golfers” according to The Island Packet readers.

  • Green Fees: $100-$150
  • Best For: Mid-handicappers wanting scenic, quality golf
  • Signature Hole: The par-3 6th overlooking Port Royal Sound

5. George Fazio Course (Palmetto Dunes)

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Recently awarded “South Carolina Golf Course of the Year” by the SC Golf Course Owners Association. The only par-70 on Hilton Head challenges players with lengthy par 4s and demands precision.

  • Green Fees: $130-$180
  • Best For: Experienced players seeking a stern test
  • Difficulty Level: The toughest public course on the island

6. Atlantic Dunes at Sea Pines

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Davis Love III’s 2016 redesign transformed the historic Ocean Course into a stunning links-style experience with natural dunes and indigenous plants.

  • Green Fees: $200-$280
  • Best For: Links golf enthusiasts
  • Unique Feature: Natural sand dunes restored to their original beauty

7. Arthur Hills Course (Palmetto Dunes)

Rating: 4.4/5 Stars

Included in the “Top 30 Best Courses You Can Play in South Carolina,” this strategic layout rewards accuracy over power with ten water hazards that demand thoughtful play.

  • Green Fees: $130-$180
  • Best For: Shot-makers who value strategy
  • Course Philosophy: Accuracy and precision over distance

Rating: 4.3/5 Stars

Clyde Johnston built seven holes along the intracoastal marshes of McKay’s Creek, creating what many consider the Lowcountry’s best hidden gem.

  • Green Fees: $80-$120
  • Best For: Value-seekers who appreciate marsh views
  • Why It Ranks: Exceptional quality at moderate prices

9. Golden Bear Golf Club at Indigo Run

Rating: 4.2/5 Stars

This Jack Nicklaus design sits a step above typical Nicklaus courses. As part of the Invited Clubs family, conditioning is pristine with immaculate Bermuda greens and fairways.

  • Green Fees: $100-$140
  • Best For: Nicklaus design enthusiasts
  • Condition: Among the best-maintained on the island

10. Hilton Head National

Rating: 4.1/5 Stars

Gary Player and Bobby Weed created this demanding yet fair layout just one mile from the island bridges. No homes overlook the course, allowing wildlife to flourish.

  • Green Fees: $70-$110
  • Best For: Budget-conscious golfers seeking quality
  • Unique Appeal: Natural setting without residential development

Best Courses by Skill Level

For Beginners (20+ Handicap)

  1. Robert Trent Jones Course - Wide fairways are forgiving
  2. Shipyard Golf Club - Playable for all levels
  3. Hilton Head National - Fair test without excessive punishment

For Mid-Handicappers (10-20)

  1. Oyster Reef - Excellent challenge without being brutal
  2. Arthur Hills Course - Strategic but accessible
  3. Old South Golf Links - Scenic and enjoyable

For Low Handicappers (Under 10)

  1. Harbour Town Golf Links - The ultimate test
  2. George Fazio Course - Demands precision on long par 4s
  3. Long Cove Club - Pete Dye at his finest (if accessible)

For Seniors

  1. Atlantic Dunes - Forward tees offer enjoyable rounds
  2. Old South Golf Links - Reasonable length, beautiful scenery
  3. Palmetto Hall (Robert Cupp) - Well-designed for all ages

Best Value Rankings

When considering quality relative to price, these courses offer the best bang for your buck:

  1. Hilton Head National - Tour-quality design under $110
  2. Old South Golf Links - Hidden gem under $120
  3. Oyster Reef - Award-winning course under $150
  4. George Fazio - SC Course of the Year under $180

Planning Your Rounds

For a comprehensive Hilton Head golf experience, we recommend playing at least four rounds from different tiers:

  • Day 1: Harbour Town (bucket-list experience)
  • Day 2: Robert Trent Jones or Oyster Reef (signature resort course)
  • Day 3: George Fazio or Arthur Hills (challenging test)
  • Day 4: Old South or Hilton Head National (excellent value)

Book Your Golf Getaway

Ready to experience Hilton Head’s world-class golf? Stone’s Throw vacation rental provides the perfect home base for your golf vacation. Located just minutes from the island’s top courses, our comfortable accommodations let you rest and recover between rounds while enjoying all the Lowcountry has to offer.

Contact us today to plan your ultimate Hilton Head golf experience.