The 13 Best Public Golf Courses on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

1. Harbour Town Golf Links

As the host of the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage Tournament since 1969, Harbour Town Golf Links is synonymous with Hilton Head golf. Designed by Pete Dye with input from Jack Nicklaus, this course requires precision, with small greens and strategically placed hazards. The iconic 18th hole, played alongside Calibogue Sound with the famous red-and-white-striped Harbour Town lighthouse in view, is a bucket-list experience.

  • Location: 11 Lighthouse Lane, Hilton Head, SC 29928
  • Phone: (843) 842-1477
  • Website: seapines.com

2. Atlantic Dunes

The island’s first course, originally designed by George Cobb in 1962, was transformed by Davis Love III in 2016 into the beautiful Atlantic Dunes. Featuring scenic oaks, abundant water hazards, and an impressive beachfront par-3 on the 15th, this course is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

  • Location: 100 North Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head, SC 29928
  • Phone: (843) 842-1477
  • Website: seapines.com

3. Heron Point by Pete Dye

Originally known as the Sea Marsh Course, Heron Point was redesigned by Pete Dye in 2007. The course now provides a challenging layout with multiple tee options, making it perfect for families. Its certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status highlights Sea Pines Resort’s commitment to conservation.

  • Location: 100 N. Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head, SC 29928
  • Phone: (843) 842-1477
  • Website: seapines.com

4. Palmetto Dunes Resort – Robert Trent Jones Course

This Robert Trent Jones, Sr. course offers wide fairways, elevated greens, and the memorable oceanfront 10th hole. Don’t miss the Top Tracer driving range for tracking and improving your shots.

  • Location: 7 Trent Jones Lane, Hilton Head, SC 29928
  • Phone: (843) 785-1138
  • Website: palmettodunes.com

5. Palmetto Dunes Resort – George Fazio Course

As the only par-70 course on Hilton Head, the George Fazio Course is known for its challenging par fours and par threes. With innovative Diamond Zoysia greens, this course will test your skills without compromising fairness.

  • Location: 2 Carnoustie Road, Hilton Head, SC 29928
  • Phone: (843) 686-9139
  • Website: palmettodunes.com

6. Palmetto Dunes Resort – Arthur Hills Course

Built to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, the Arthur Hills Course demands precision over power. Ten of its holes are bordered by a lagoon, and the only lighthouse on Hilton Head can be seen from the 5th and 16th holes.

  • Location: 2 Leamington Lane, Hilton Head, SC 29928
  • Phone: (843) 686-9138
  • Website: palmettodunes.com

7. Oyster Reef Golf Club

This Rees Jones design offers a beautiful setting among lagoons and lush vegetation. The par-3 6th hole, overlooking Port Royal Sound, is one of Hilton Head’s most photographed holes.

  • Location: 155 High Bluff Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926
  • Phone: (843) 681-1764
  • Website: hiltonheadgolf.net

8. Hilton Head National Golf Club

Just off the island, this course designed by Gary Player and Bobby Weed features a strategic layout with risk-reward elements, such as the challenging 6th hole. The absence of homes on the course allows nature to flourish.

  • Location: 60 Hilton Head National Drive, Bluffton, SC 29910
  • Phone: (843) 842-5900
  • Website: hiltonheadnational.com

9. Golden Bear Golf Club at Indigo Run

Jack Nicklaus and his son designed this course to balance finesse with strategy. Surrounded by dense forests and serene lagoons, Golden Bear provides a secluded golfing experience right in the heart of the island.

  • Location: 72 Golden Bear Way, Hilton Head, SC
  • Phone: (843) 689-2200
  • Website: invitedclubs.com

10. Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club – Barony Course

With its small greens, thick rough, and narrow fairways, the Barony Course is a masterclass in target golf. Precision trumps power on this George W. Cobb course.

  • Location: 10 Clubhouse Drive, Hilton Head, SC
  • Phone: (843) 681-7100
  • Website: hiltonheadgolf.net

11. Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club – Robber’s Row

Originally built on former Civil War grounds, this course combines history with Dye’s challenging design. Signature holes include a marshy par-five 14th and a short, challenging par-four 16th.

  • Location: 10 Clubhouse Drive, Hilton Head, SC 29928
  • Phone: (843) 681 1700
  • Website: hiltonheadgolf.net

12. Bear Creek Golf Club

Another Rees Jones masterpiece, Bear Creek is ideal for all skill levels. As a certified Audubon golf course, it emphasizes conservation while providing a scenic, challenging experience.

  • Location: 237 Whooping Crane Way, Hilton Head, SC 29920
  • Phone: (843) 681-9510
  • Website: bearcreekhhi.com

13. Shipyard Golf Club – Clipper, Galleon, Brigantine

With three 9-hole courses, Shipyard provides variety and challenge. The Clipper and Galleon are the standout layouts, known for their lush fairways and abundant wildlife.

  • Location: 45 Shipyard Drive, Hilton Head, SC 29928
  • Phone: (843) 686-8802
  • Website: hiltonheadgolf.net

From championship courses with breathtaking views to hidden gems, Hilton Head Island has a public golf course to suit every style and skill level. Ready to tee off on your next great golf adventure?