5 Must-Play Golf Courses on Hilton Head Island

There are few locations more idyllic for a day on the links than Hilton Head Island. With oceanfront courses galore, the views are sure to impress, regardless of the level of play.

With everything from resort courses to PGA Tour venues, there are courses for players of all skill levels all across the island, making Hilton Head a premier destination for golf trips.

When planning a trip to Hilton Head, these five courses are ones you must play to make the most of your golfing experience.

Harbour Town Golf Links is a bucket-list golf experience in Hilton Head Island.

Harbour Town Golf Links, host of the RBC Heritage on the PGA Tour, is a must-play for anyone visiting Hilton Head Island. With its iconic finishing hole, Harbour Town Golf Links is an iconic PGA Tour venue that also offers a great opportunity for all golfers to play the same course as the pros.

One of three courses located in the Sea Pines resort, Harbour Town is on the pricier side at $345 green fees. However, the scenic views and opportunity to play a top tour venue is well worth the cost.

Visitors should note that the Sea Pines resort part of Hilton Head Island costs money to enter, and you should plan ahead prior to booking your tee time at Harbour Town. There are also several different options for tees to play from, making the course a great option for golfers of all skill sets.

Oyster Reef Golf Club

A favorite among Hilton Head Island residents, Oyster Reef Golf Club is another must-play for visitors. Oyster Reef is frequently considered a top course among both Carolinas. Fun but challenging, it is a great way to test your skill while enjoying your stay on Hilton Head Island.

Dynamic pricing changes the green fees depending on the season, but another great feature visitors will love is the Birdies & Brew special, offering tee times after 2:30 p.m. during parts of the year with a can of domestic beer for only $78, a steal among resort courses. Additionally, those traveling without their clubs can enjoy premium Callaway rental sets at the property for either the day or the week.

Robert Trent Jones Golf Course at Palmetto Dunes

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Course at Palmetto Dunes is a challenging course that will test golfers off the tee, with narrow fairways and water hazards on nearly every hole. However, the unique green complexes, multiple variety of tee boxes and combinations, and the TopTracer Range on-site make it a must-play during any visit to Hilton Head. 

Players will want to take a second and get a photo at the iconic 10th green, which runs right up to the Atlantic Ocean. The view is one of the best you will see on a golf course, and will guarantee you enjoy your round no matter how you’re playing.

Green fees start at $110 during the day and $82 during the afternoon, a good deal compared to some of the other Island courses. TopTracer Range bays can also be rented by the hour if you want to practice or if the course is too busy.

Heron Point by Pete Dye

Another course in the Sea Pines resort, Heron Point was designed, as the name suggests, by the legendary Pete Dye. Like his other signature courses, it can be a trying test for golfers of all skill levels, requiring you to be precise with your game or face the consequences.

Combine Pete Dye’s signature design that keeps you engaged throughout the round with the stunning scenery of Hilton Head Island, and you have a must-play course. As an added bonus, green fees are under $200, making it a great deal as well.

Dolphin Head Golf Club

Dolphin Head Golf Club used to be a private golf club. Now, however, it is open to the public. The Gary Player designed course features unique design features for each nine, with a tight front nine giving way to a more open but still challenging back nine with large trees spaced strategically throughout the nine.

With green fees starting at $73 per person for 18 with a cart, the course is a great deal for those booking a trip to Hilton Head Island. As an added benefit, if it happens to be raining during your time on the island, they also have a Trackman simulator on-site, allowing you to play even if the weather decides not to cooperate.