One of the largest barrier islands on the east coast, Hilton Head Island represents one of the most golf-rich regions of the world, with two dozen golf courses on its 42 square miles of land mass measuring just 12 miles long, plus many more golf courses in its surrounding areas.
Harbour Town Golf Links, part of the Sea Pines Resort, put Hilton Head on the national stage with its annual PGA Tour event and now the island attracts golfers from around the world, especially in its temperate fall and spring months.
Other top plays include the three courses at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, Port Royal Golf Club, Shipyard Golf Club and Palmetto Hall. Hilton Head golf courses both classic and modern play through Lowcountry forests, marshes and some find their way out onto the oceanfront, like Harbour Town's iconic 18th hole.
And the good news, just about every course is open to the vacationer. Here's a look at some of the best golf courses on Hilton Head Island.
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort - Jones No. 10
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is home to three golf courses, including the coastal Jones course.
Courtesy of Hilton Head Island CVB
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort - Fazio
The George Fazio course is one of three championship designs at the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort.
Courtesy of Hilton Head Island CVB
Hilton Head National golf course
Rees Jones'-designed Hilton Head National puts golfers out there with nature.
Courtesy of Hilton Head National
Robert Cupp Course at Palmetto Hall Plantation - hole 13
With one of South Carolina's highest slope/ratings, the Cupp Course is one of two championship courses at Palmetto Hall Plantation.
Courtesy of Heritage Golf Group
Palmetto Hall Plantation's Hills Course - hole 12
The tight, dogleg par-4 12th hole on the Palmetto Hall Plantation's Hills course requires an accurate tee shot.
Brandon Tucker/WorldGolf.com
Shipyard Golf Club on Hilton Head Island
Shipyard Golf Club features three championship courses on Hilton Head Island.
Courtesy of Heritage Golf Group
Port Royal Golf Club - Barony Course
Port Royal Golf Club is home to three championship golf courses, including the Barony Course, designed by George Cobb.
Courtesy of Heritage Golf Group
Oyster Reef Golf Club
With frontage on the Port Royal Sound, Oyster Reef Golf Club is one of Hilton Head Island's most scenic plays.
Courtesy of Heritage Golf Group
Harbour Town Golf Links at Sea Pines
Sea Pines Resort's Harbour Town Golf Links famous 18th hole plays along the coast and towards the lighthouse.
Courtesy of Sea Pines Resort
Heron Point GC at Sea Pines Resort - hole 16
The Heron Point course at Sea Pines Resort tests golfers with undulating fairways and difficult greens.
Courtesy of Sea Pines Resort
Sea Pines Resort Ocean Course - No. 15
The 15th hole on the Ocean Course at Sea Pines Resort plays out to the coastline.
Courtesy of Sea Pines Resort
