Best Golf Courses in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head South Carolina is a golfer’s DisneyLand.  If you’ve never been, I’ll be the first to insist you’ve got to go.  There’s no shortage of great golf to be played and everything that comes along with a golf trip is world class.

Even though I’ve spent a lot of time here, I wanted to get the input of our readers as well.  There was no shortage of input, as usual. 

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

You won’t find many courses designed by Jack Nicklaus at such a reasonable price.

Just because Golden Bear Golf Club is affordable though, doesn’t mean it lacks in quality.  In fact, Travel and Leisure Magazine named this course one of ”America’s Top 100 Courses Priced Under $100.” 

Locals say finesse and strategy are the way to play this course and I agree.  You don’t need to be a bomber.  Instead, keeping the ball in play is rewarded.

The course meanders through native oaks and pines which is the perfectly complement the views of the nearby coast. 

One of the best values you’ll find on Hilton Head Island, I have nothing but good things to say about Golden Bear Golf Club.

 

No fewer than 27 spectacular holes await at Shipyard Golf Club.  The Clipper, Galleon, and Brigantine courses can be combined any way you want for a memorable round of golf. 

Flowering magnolias, mossy oaks, and native Carolina pines thrive on this property giving you the sense that you are indeed in the Deep South.

The Clipper nine is considered the most challenging course with narrow fairways and well protected greens. The Galleon nine is the original course and has more than stood the test of time.  Lastly, your chances of encountering an alligator sunning itself on the edge of a water hazard is quite likely on the Brigantine course. 

Definitely one of the premier properties on the island, you won’t be disappointed spending at day at Shipyard Golf Club.

 

Hilton Head Country Club meanders through coastal marshes and hardwood forests. 

Designed by world renowned architect, Rees Jones, this course is shot makers’ dream.  There are 14 doglegs and water comes into play on 16 holes. 

This track demands everything from your game but, multiple tee options make it fair and fun for everyone.

If you’re in the market for a classic design that asks you to bring your best, don’t pass up a chance to play the Country Club of Hilton Head.

When Oyster Reef opened for business in 1982, it was immediately recognized as one of the “Top 25 Courses in America.  In 2020, it was named the “Lowcountry’s Best.”  Clearly, this track has remained timeless. 

Another Rees Jones design, Oyster Reef encompasses 190 acres.  On the land, you’ll find mysterious lagoons, native vegetation, and scenic views of the island.

The signature hole is the sixth.  A par three that measures 192 yards from all the way back, the tee shot plays to a well-guarded green with the sparkling Port Royal Sound as the backdrop. 

Worthy of all the high praise it’s received, Oyster Reef is a round well chosen.

One of the best kept secrets on Hilton Head is Old South Golf Links. 

Designed by Clyde Johnston, this course is just over the bridge in the town of Bluffton. 

Locals revere this course for its condition and tremendous value. 

The layout is yet another classic in that it winds through old growth forests and the curious marshes surrounding McKay’s Creek. 

A hidden gem and a great value, Old South shouldn’t be overlooked.

 

Crescent Pointe is an Arnold Palmer design that everyone raves about.  You know this track is going to make it on to the list because Arnie is my favorite course designer. 

In that vein, this course is pure Palmer.  The fairways are generous and give you the sense that you can grip it and rip it. 

The approaches, however, are challenging as the greens are elevated and undulating. 

The most memorable holes are the par threes and the par fives.  The par threes will test your mettle with demanding targets that are well protected.  On the other hand, the par fives are all birdie holes that can be reached in two.  Fun stuff.

 

This course sits on what was formerly the Rose Hill Plantation.  No shortage of history on these hallowed grounds.  Centuries old live oaks are adorned with Spanish moss and give you the sense that you’ve stepped back 150 years in time.

The course is breathtaking.  The routing meanders through coastal marshes and sparkling lagoons. 

These small greens are known for being firm.  Well struck approach shots are the key to keeping the ball around the hole.

One thing both locals and visitors both agree on is that this round is one of the best values in the area.

 

The motto at Bear Creek is a “Great Place to Make Friends.”  Every time I’ve played here, it certainly seems that’s what it’s all about.  From the time I check in, to the time I head for the barn, everyone is friendly.  It’s not just the staff either.  The people that play here always seem to be in a wonderful mood too.

The course was designed by Rees Jones and it’s got all the trademarks that make his courses great.  Bear Creek was constructed in concert with the land and native elements are found throughout. 

Well placed bunkers and lots of doglegs give this course plenty of character and make it fun to play.

If you’re a fan of Rees Jones designs, Bear Creek is a course you need to play.

George Cobb was the mastermind behind the Barony Course at Port Royal Golf Club more than 40 years ago.  To this day, it continues to receive too many accolades from top golf publications to mention.

If you’re a fan of target golf where you play from point A to point B, you’ll love this course.  The approaches offer ample chances for risk and reward.  The greens present small targets that require precision in both distance and accuracy. 

While this course demands a lot from your game, it’s fun to play for everyone.

Hilton Head Lakes is the newest addition to the rota of great courses on the island. 

Designed by Tom Fazio, the course makes wonderful use of the substantial lakes and marshes.  Once again, target golf is the name of the game.  With that being said, the fairways are forgiving and greens expansive. 

This modern design is one of the longer courses on the island too.  It tips out at over 7,300 yards.  There are five sets of tees though.  That means the course is friendly for players of all abilities.

A breath of fresh air, check out Hilton Head Lakes.

Conclusion

There might not be a more desirable place to play golf on the east coast than Hilton Head.  The weather can’t be beat, the views are postcard-worthy, the food is delectable, and the hospitality is otherworldly. 

If you’ve never been, I can’t recommend this destination enough.  Our readers unanimously agree also.  It’s with their help that I was able to create this guide. 
There’s no question that I’ve left some courses off this list that belong.  What are your thoughts?  We’d love to hear from you in the comments.