Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Golf Communities

Hilton Head Island's golf is organized around ten distinct communities — four resort communities open to visitors and six private residential communities. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right courses and set realistic expectations before you book.

Resort communities

Resort communities — open to visitors

Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Port Royal, and Shipyard are resort communities that actively welcome visitors. You can book tee times, stay on property, and access instruction without a membership.

South end of Hilton Head Island

Resort

Sea Pines

Harbour Town Golf Links, Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III, Heron Point by Pete Dye

3 courses

Sea Pines is the island's most recognized golf address. Harbour Town Golf Links hosts the RBC Heritage each spring and is one of the most distinctive courses in the Southeast. Atlantic Dunes and Heron Point round out a strong three-course rotation within the community.

Resort guest access required for some courses. Day visitors may purchase a Sea Pines gate pass. Confirm current access requirements before booking.

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Mid-island, Hilton Head Island

Resort

Palmetto Dunes

Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course, Arthur Hills Course, George Fazio Course

3 courses

Palmetto Dunes offers three well-established designs in a central resort setting. The Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront course provides ocean views; Arthur Hills and George Fazio offer varied terrain and challenge levels. The community suits groups who want a multi-course rotation without leaving the resort.

Open to resort guests and the public. Confirm current access and rates directly with each course.

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North end of Hilton Head Island

Resort

Port Royal

Barony Course, Robber's Row

2 courses

Port Royal's two 18-hole courses offer a quieter north-island rhythm. Mature trees, classic Lowcountry corridors, and a relaxed resort pace make this a strong counterpoint to the busier south end. Both courses are managed through Port Royal Golf and Racquet Club.

Confirm current access, rates, and resort requirements directly with Port Royal Golf and Racquet Club.

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Central island, near Coligny Beach

Resort

Shipyard

Galleon Course, Brigantine Course, Clipper Course (three 9-hole layouts)

3 nine-hole layouts

Shipyard's three nine-hole layouts — Galleon, Brigantine, and Clipper — are combined into 18-hole rounds. The central location near Coligny Beach makes Shipyard a practical choice for golfers who want flexibility and easy beach access between rounds.

Confirm current access, rates, and combination options directly with Shipyard Golf Club.

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Private communities

Private residential communities

Indigo Run, Hilton Head Plantation, Palmetto Hall, Long Cove, Spanish Wells, and Wexford Plantation are private residential communities. Their golf courses are generally reserved for members and sponsored guests. Some courses within these communities do offer limited public or semi-private access — confirm directly with each club before assuming you can or cannot play.

North end of Hilton Head Island

Private

Indigo Run

Golden Bear Golf Club (Jack Nicklaus design), The Golf Club at Indigo Run (Tom Fazio design)

2 courses

Indigo Run is a private residential community on the north end of the island with two well-regarded courses. Golden Bear Golf Club was designed by Jack Nicklaus; The Golf Club at Indigo Run is a Tom Fazio design. Both are considered among the stronger private layouts on the island.

Private community. Access is generally limited to members and sponsored guests. Confirm directly with each club regarding any guest or reciprocal access policies.

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North end of Hilton Head Island

Private

Hilton Head Plantation

Country Club of Hilton Head (Rees Jones), Dolphin Head Golf Club (Gary Player), Oyster Reef Golf Club (Rees Jones), Bear Creek Golf Club

4 courses

Hilton Head Plantation is the island's largest private residential community and contains four golf courses. Oyster Reef and Dolphin Head are semi-private and open to the public for play. Country Club of Hilton Head and Bear Creek are generally member- or guest-oriented.

Mixed access. Oyster Reef and Dolphin Head are semi-private and welcome public play. Country Club of Hilton Head and Bear Creek are generally member- or guest-oriented. Confirm current policies directly with each club.

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North end of Hilton Head Island

Private

Palmetto Hall

Arthur Hills Course at Palmetto Hall, Robert Cupp Course at Palmetto Hall

2 courses

Palmetto Hall is a private residential community with two courses — an Arthur Hills design and a distinctive Robert Cupp layout known for its geometric bunkering. The Island Golf School at Palmetto Hall operates within the community and offers instruction to the public.

Private community. Golf access is generally limited to members and guests. The Island Golf School at Palmetto Hall is open to the public for instruction. Confirm current access policies directly with the club.

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Mid-island, Hilton Head Island

Private

Long Cove

Long Cove Club (Pete Dye design)

1 course

Long Cove Club is a private Pete Dye design widely regarded as one of the best courses on Hilton Head Island. The course is known for its strategic bunkering, natural Lowcountry setting, and demanding but fair layout. It is consistently ranked among the top private courses in South Carolina.

Private club. Access is limited to members and sponsored guests. No public tee times are available.

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North end of Hilton Head Island

Private

Spanish Wells

Spanish Wells Club

1 course

Spanish Wells is a private residential community on the north end of the island with a single private golf course. The club maintains a quiet, residential character and is not marketed to visitors.

Private club. Access is limited to members and sponsored guests.

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Mid-island, Hilton Head Island

Private

Wexford Plantation

Wexford Golf Club

1 course

Wexford Plantation is a private gated community with a single private golf course. The community is known for its harbor and marina as much as its golf, and the club maintains a members-only character.

Private club. Access is limited to members and sponsored guests.

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Near Hilton Head: Bluffton and Lowcountry golf

Several well-regarded courses are located in Bluffton and the surrounding Lowcountry mainland — a short drive from Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head National (Gary Player design), Old South Golf Links (Intracoastal Waterway views), and Crescent Pointe (Arnold Palmer design) are all public-access courses worth adding to a Hilton Head trip itinerary.

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