Lowcountry golf course South Carolina foggy morning fairway

Regional golf day trips

Lowcountry golf beyond Hilton Head Island.

Three courses within a day-trip drive offer genuinely different golf — a historic military-base layout, two oceanfront resort tracks on a barrier island, and Lowcountry scenery you won't find on the island itself. Each requires advance planning: one needs a military-base visitor pass, two require resort-guest status. Confirm access requirements directly before booking.

Access requirements apply to all three courses. All three courses require advance planning that goes beyond a standard tee-time booking. Confirm access requirements, gate-pass procedures, and resort reservation requirements directly with each course before committing to travel. Requirements can change without notice.

Military access

The Legends at Parris Island

Parris Island, SC — approx. 45 min from Hilton Head Island18 holes · Par 72Designer: Clyde Johnston

Designed by Clyde Johnston and opened in 1994, The Legends at Parris Island is a well-maintained 18-hole layout on the grounds of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. The course plays through marshland and live oaks with water in play on most holes. It is consistently rated among the best military courses in the Southeast. Green fees are significantly lower than comparable island courses.

Clyde Johnston design
Marsh and live oak setting
Military-rate green fees
Well-maintained conditions

Getting there

Take US-21 south from Beaufort. The main gate is on Parris Island Gateway. Allow 45–55 minutes from Hilton Head Island depending on traffic.

Planning tip

Book a tee time well in advance — the course is popular with base personnel and civilian access slots fill quickly on weekends. Confirm your gate-pass paperwork at least 48 hours before arrival.

Resort guests only

Ocean Point Golf Links at Fripp Island

Fripp Island, SC — approx. 1 hr 15 min from Hilton Head Island18 holes · Par 72Designer: George Cobb

Ocean Point Golf Links is a George Cobb design that plays along the Atlantic Ocean with several holes directly adjacent to the beach. The oceanfront setting is one of the most dramatic in the Southeast — ocean breezes affect nearly every approach shot. The course is shorter than most island tracks but the wind and coastal exposure make it play longer than the card suggests.

Oceanfront holes
George Cobb design
Atlantic Ocean views
Wind-affected play

Getting there

Take US-21 through Beaufort and continue to Fripp Island Road. The island is gated — resort guests receive gate access upon check-in. Allow 1 hour 15 minutes from Hilton Head Island.

Planning tip

Book a one- or two-night stay at Fripp Island Resort to access the course. The resort offers golf packages that include lodging and rounds. Check in early enough to play an afternoon round on arrival day.

Resort guests only

Ocean Creek Golf Course at Fripp Island

Fripp Island, SC — approx. 1 hr 15 min from Hilton Head Island18 holes · Par 71Designer: Davis Love III

Ocean Creek Golf Course is a Davis Love III design that plays through the island's interior marshes, creeks, and maritime forest. Where Ocean Point is exposed and wind-driven, Ocean Creek is sheltered and strategic — a strong contrast that makes playing both courses on a two-night stay worthwhile. The par-71 layout rewards accurate iron play over power.

Davis Love III design
Marsh and creek setting
Strategic par-71 layout
Contrast to Ocean Point

Getting there

Same access as Ocean Point — Fripp Island is gated. Resort guests receive gate access upon check-in. Allow 1 hour 15 minutes from Hilton Head Island.

Planning tip

Pair Ocean Creek with Ocean Point on a two-night Fripp Island stay. Play Ocean Point in the afternoon for the light; play Ocean Creek in the morning when the air is still.

Access requirements, green fees, and booking policies are set by each course and may change. Golf Hilton Head does not sell tee times or guarantee access. Confirm current requirements directly with each course before booking travel.

Back to Hilton Head Island

Explore the island's 52 courses.

All 52 Hilton Head Island and Bluffton-area courses — resort, semi-private, private, and public — with access details, booking links, and course guides.

Course directory Booking links