
Hilton Head Island is a golfer's paradise, with over 26 golf courses spread across its 12-mile landscape. The island caters to golfers of all skill levels, offering a mix of public and private courses designed by renowned architects such as Robert Trent Jones Sr., Pete Dye, and Jack Nicklaus. Players can enjoy diverse courses, from challenging championship layouts to scenic seaside holes, all complemented by Southern hospitality and favourable year-round weather. With its exceptional dining, relaxation amenities, and vibrant golf culture, Hilton Head is a dream destination for golfers seeking an unforgettable experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of golf courses | More than 26 world-class golf courses |
| Golf course designers | Robert Trent Jones Sr., Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Bobby Weed |
| Golf course ratings | Ranked #10 golf destination globally by Golf Digest readers; USA Today Golf Atlas “Top Fifty Course”; Coastal Carolina Golf Map “Top Twenty Layout”; Tripadvisor's "The 15 Best Hilton Head Golf Courses" |
| Golf events | PGA TOUR tournaments, RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, Amoco-Centel PGA Championship Golf Tournament |
| Golf course features | Oceanfront, traditional parkland layouts, Southern hospitality, favourable year-round weather, interactive golf entertainment, food and drinks, lagoons, panoramic fairway views, wildlife, natural beauty, Southern elegance, award-winning championship courses, Lowcountry golf, intracoastal waterway |
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What You'll Learn

Hilton Head Island has 21 golf courses
Hilton Head Island is a golfer's paradise, boasting an impressive 21 golf courses. With a variety of layouts, the island caters to golfers of all skill levels, from novices to experienced players. The courses are designed by legendary names in the sport, including Robert Trent Jones Sr., Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Bobby Weed.
The island's golf scene has been thriving since 1962, with courses immersed in Southern elegance and natural beauty. The area offers a diverse range of courses, from oceanfront to traditional parkland layouts, providing a unique experience at every hole. The stunning views, impeccable course maintenance, and challenging designs make Hilton Head Island a premier golf destination.
One notable course is the Hilton Head National Golf Club, designed by Gary Player and Bobby Weed. It offers a thrilling variety of challenges, with treacherously close lagoons and panoramic fairway views. The course provides a private club ambiance that is open to all, ensuring an unforgettable golfing journey.
Another standout course is the Dolphin Head Golf Club, nestled on the Atlantic Ocean. This semi-private course, also designed by Gary Player, offers 18 holes of championship golf with stunning views and a sense of isolation from hole-to-hole, as each hole is carved into a thick forest.
In addition to these remarkable courses, Hilton Head Island also hosts premier golf events, including PGA TOUR tournaments and the annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. The island has been ranked among the top 10 best golf course resort destinations globally by Golf Digest readers, solidifying its reputation as a world-class golfing destination.
With its array of exceptional courses, breathtaking designs, and favourable year-round weather, Hilton Head Island's 21 golf courses offer an unparalleled golfing experience that keeps golfers coming back for more.
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The Robert Trent Jones course has ocean views
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Course, located in Palmetto Dunes, Hilton Head, South Carolina, is known for its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and challenging play due to shifting ocean winds. The course has been acclaimed by golfers and recognised by Golf Digest readers as one of the top 10 golf course resort destinations globally.
The Jones course offers a unique experience with panoramic ocean views from the elevated green of the par-5 10th hole, which is one of only two oceanfront holes on Hilton Head Island. The design of the course, with its wide fairways, expansive greens, and subtle elevation changes, provides a memorable and rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels.
The course has undergone extensive renovations by Jones' protégé, Roger Rulewich, restoring bunkers and a new lake to Jones' original design. These renovations contributed to the course being named South Carolina's "Golf Course of the Year" in 2003. The course is characterised by its straightaway par 5 signature hole, which typically plays into the wind, requiring three solid shots to reach the green.
The Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course offers a seamless golfing experience, with positive reviews highlighting the friendly and attentive staff, well-maintained course conditions, and convenient food options. The course is described as "gorgeously groomed," with strategic bunkers and generous landing areas. While the term "ocean views" may be considered a bit of a stretch by some, the brief but sweet views near the 10th hole are highlighted as a special feature.
Overall, the Robert Trent Jones Course in Hilton Head provides a memorable golfing experience with its challenging play, breathtaking ocean views, and impeccable course conditions, making it a highly regarded destination for golfers from all around the world.
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The Jack Nicklaus-designed course has 18 holes
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is a golfer's paradise. It boasts over 26 championship golf courses, both public and private, designed by renowned architects such as Robert Trent Jones Sr., Pete Dye, and Jack Nicklaus. The island has been rated among the top 10 best golf course resort destinations in the world by Golf Digest readers.
One of the most notable courses on Hilton Head Island is the Jack Nicklaus-designed course, which offers 18 holes of championship golf. The course is known for its breathtaking design and natural beauty, with 36 holes immersed in Southern elegance. Nicklaus, widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, has created a challenging and enjoyable layout for players of all levels. The course is likely to test even the most experienced golfers, while still being accessible to novices.
The Jack Nicklaus-designed course on Hilton Head Island is characterised by its diverse holes, each presenting a unique experience. While the exact details of the 18 holes are not publicly available, it is safe to assume that they offer a mix of challenging and rewarding scenarios, taking advantage of the natural landscape. Players can expect a combination of long and short holes, with a variety of par 3s, 4s, and 5s, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging round of golf.
The course likely incorporates strategic bunkers, water hazards, and undulating greens, all designed to test a player's skill and strategy. With Nicklaus' expertise, each hole probably offers a distinct character and set of challenges, utilising the natural contours of the land. The course may also take advantage of the area's natural beauty, with holes winding through lush forests, along the coast, or alongside scenic waterways.
The Jack Nicklaus-designed course on Hilton Head Island promises an unforgettable golfing experience. With 18 meticulously crafted holes, players can expect a diverse and engaging round, surrounded by the natural elegance and Southern hospitality that the island is known for. For golfers, the course presents an opportunity to test their skills on a layout designed by one of the masters of the game, making it a must-play destination for enthusiasts worldwide.
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The Bear Creek Golf Club is a local favourite
Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is rated among the top 10 best golf course resort destinations in the world by Golf Digest readers. The Island boasts over 26 championship courses, both public and private, designed by renowned architects such as Robert Trent Jones Sr., Pete Dye, and Jack Nicklaus.
Bear Creek takes pride in its course conditions, promising a first-class golf experience from start to finish. The club offers extensive natural areas to encourage wildlife diversity and proliferation, earning the distinguished "Audubon Certification". The well-maintained greens feature state-of-the-art Super Dwarf TifEagle Bermuda, developed for the Low-country weather and water conditions. These greens have acquired a reputation as some of the best on Hilton Head Island over the last 34 years.
The club offers Full Golf Memberships for individuals or families, as well as Seasonal Golf Memberships for those in the area for 3-6 months. The staff at Bear Creek is committed to providing a world-class golf and social experience, with a wide range of membership options to cater to everyone's needs.
While the course is generally well-maintained, some visitors have noted that the greens can be slow, and the fairways and tee boxes may be in need of some upkeep. However, the peaceful setting and varied layout make for an enjoyable round of golf.
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The Shipyard Golf Club has three distinct courses
Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is a golfer's paradise, with over 26 championship courses, both public and private, designed by renowned architects such as Robert Trent Jones Sr., Pete Dye, and Jack Nicklaus. It is rated among the top 10 best golf course resort destinations globally by Golf Digest readers. The Shipyard Golf Club is one of the most popular spots on the island, with three distinct courses that offer a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels.
The Shipyard Golf Club is nestled among large oaks and tall pines, with plenty of sand and water hazards to navigate. The most notable of these is the Clipper course, which has been described as the most difficult of the nines, with alligators sunning themselves along the scenic, water-filled holes. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the Shipyard Golf Club also offers a comfortable clubhouse with refreshing drinks and a stunning view of the course.
The Shipyard Golf Club welcomes players of all skill levels and ages, with special rates for junior players, making it an excellent choice for families. Golfers can rent brand-new Titleist clubs for $59 for 18 holes, which includes a six-pack of golf balls. The club also provides a selection of fine golf equipment, apparel, and accessories to enhance your experience.
The Shipyard Golf Club is more than just a golf course; it embodies the Southern hospitality that Hilton Head Island is known for. Visitors can expect exceptional service, comfortable accommodations, and a variety of dining options, from mouth-watering burgers to refreshing IPAs on tap. Whether you're teeing off at sunrise or unwinding after a round, the Shipyard Golf Club ensures an unforgettable experience.
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Frequently asked questions
There are over 26 golf courses in Hilton Head, with some sources claiming there are 50 courses in total.
Yes, there are several public golf courses in Hilton Head, including the Robert Trent Jones course, which offers incredible ocean views, and the Arthur Hills course, which features a lagoon system.
Some of the top-rated golf courses in Hilton Head include the Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course, Harbour Town Golf Links, Atlantic Dunes, and Heron Point.











































