Golden Bear Golf Club fairway

Indigo Run · Semi-Private

Golden Bear Golf Club

Jack Nicklaus designed Golden Bear in 1992 as the semi-private, public-access counterpart to the private Golf Club at Indigo Run next door, and the course reflects his trademark philosophy: wide fairways that give players room off the tee, followed by well-protected greens that demand precise approach play to set up birdie opportunities. The Lowcountry setting — natural wetlands, mature trees, and open sky — gives the round a quieter, less resort-packaged feel than the island's busier public courses. Strategic bunkering around the greens is the defining challenge, rewarding players who think about angle and distance rather than simply attacking the flag. It is one of the best semi-private options on the north island for golfers who want a Nicklaus design at accessible rates.

Moderate72 Golden Bear Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926Get directions

Designer

Jack Nicklaus

Holes / Par

18 holes · Par 72

Yardage

6,743 (championship) / 5,288 (forward)

Opened

1992

Before you play

Everything you need to book

Practical details confirmed for this course. Where information is unavailable, we say so — always verify current rates and policies directly with the course.

Who can book

Members have priority. Public tee times are available — confirm availability and any guest restrictions directly with the course.

Booking window

Tee times available up to 30 days in advance online or by phone. Non-residents are welcome with a confirmed reservation.

Green fees

Semi-private — public tee times available. Confirm rates directly.

Twilight rates available — confirm times and pricing with the course.

Cart & walking

Cart fee is included in the green fee. Walking is not permitted. Cart required — walking not permitted.

Caddies

No caddie service offered at Golden Bear.

Rental clubs

Rental sets available through the pro shop — confirm current rates when booking.

Gate & access

Indigo Run is a gated community. Visitors with a confirmed tee time are admitted at the gate — have your booking confirmation ready.

Cancellation policy

Cancellation terms vary by course and season. Confirm the current policy on the official course website before booking.

Practice facility

Practice facility available.

Signature

What makes this course memorable

The strategic bunkering complexes that define the approach to nearly every green — Nicklaus's trademark of rewarding players who think before they swing.

Difficulty

Who this course suits

Nicklaus's wide fairways give players room off the tee, but strategic bunkering and well-protected greens demand precise approach play. A fair test for all skill levels.

Best for

  • Mid-handicap players
  • Jack Nicklaus design fans
  • Golfers staying in Indigo Run

Not ideal for

  • Players who struggle with well-bunkered greens

Course details

Rates, facilities & policies

Green fees

Semi-private — public tee times available. Confirm rates directly.

Dress code

Collared shirts required.

Cart

Cart fee is included in the green fee. Walking is not permitted.

Rental clubs

Rental sets available through the pro shop — confirm current rates when booking.

Walking

Cart required

Twilight rates

Available — confirm with course

Caddies

No caddie service offered at Golden Bear.

Practice area

Practice facility available.

Booking & access

Gate access & tee-time windows

Gate access

Indigo Run is a gated community. Visitors with a confirmed tee time are admitted at the gate — have your booking confirmation ready.

Booking window(up to 30 days out)

Tee times available up to 30 days in advance online or by phone. Non-residents are welcome with a confirmed reservation.

Planning

Seasonal notes & aerification

Seasonal timing

Spring and fall are ideal; summer rates are often lower.

Aerification

Greens typically aerified in late summer.

Hole-by-hole

Scorecard

Rating: 73.1Slope: 133Yardage: 6,743Par: 72
Hole123456789Out101112131415161718InTot
Par543445344364354434543672
Yards5203951854153905301754003653,3753851805353953701654055403933,3686,743
Hdcp711151931751321646101881214

Course information, rates, dress codes, and policies are subject to change. Always confirm current details directly with the course before booking. Golf Hilton Head is an independent planning guide and is not affiliated with any course or resort.