Oyster Reef Golf Club

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina | 18 holes | Par: 72 | 7018 yards

When Oyster Reef Golf Club on Hilton Head Island opened in 1982, it was recognized by many golf experts as one of the best new courses in the U.S., because of its fortunate location, a well-known designer in Rees Jones and a clever layout.

When Oyster Reef Golf Club on Hilton Head Island opened in 1982, it was recognized by many golf experts as one of the best new courses in the U.S., because of its fortunate location, a well-known designer in Rees Jones and a clever layout.

After a failed attempt at changing the golf course from Bermuda to bent grass, Oyster Reef has rebounded, and more than 20 years after its opening, it is beginning to get the same acclaim it once garnered.

"The layout, on the other hand, always has been and will continue to be top notch," said former TravelGolf.com writer Shane Sharp.

"True, the course winds its way through a number of houses that sit right off the fairways and greens, but Jones' clever use of dogleg holes, elevated greens and oyster shell-shaped bunkers makes the course one of the most fun on the island."

Playing to more than 7,000 yards with a 139-slope rating from the tips, Oyster Reef continues to be a place where golfers go to look for a challenge, as well as one of the most visually appealing courses in the entire Hilton Head region.

Par, yardages and course ratings

Tee Par Yardage Rating Slope
White 72 6071 70.5 119
Blue 72 6440 72.2 124
Green (W) 72 5288 71.1 120
Gold 72 7018 74.7 137

Articles:

At a glance

  • Holes: 18
  • Designed by: Keith Evans, Rees Jones
  • Type: Semi-Private
  • Built in: 1982
  • Golf Season: Year round
  • Visitor Policy: Open
  • Tee times welcomed: Search tee times

Practice facilities

  • Driving range: Yes
  • Putting green: Yes

Tuition

  • Teaching pro:
  • Golf school / golf academy:

Services

  • Pro: Yes
  • Rental clubs: Yes
  • Rental carts: Yes - included in green fees
  • Pull carts:

Prices


155 High Bluff Rd
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29926
Beaufort County
P: (843) 681-1703, (843) 681-1706
F: (843) 689-2035


Reader Ratings / Reviews

  • 4.5 stars out of 5
    by The Golfin' Guy
    on June 09th, 2023 15:17
    Heritage Golf Group has held a stake in the Hilton Head Island golf scene for a long time. Since 2005, the company has owned three of the island's oldest and most respected golf courses - Oyster Reef Golf Club, Shipyard Golf Club, and Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club. Now, with the addition of Palmetto Hall, Heritage Golf proudly offers 117 holes of robust, championship golf on Hilton Head Island. No matter which course you play, you’ll enjoy the beauty and character of each, with its many lagoons and ponds. Just beware of the alligators! Here’s a quick look at Oyster Reef Golf Club.

    Over the years, Oyster Reef Golf Club has been recognized as one of the most spectacular golf courses on Hilton Head Island. This Rees Jones design is carved from 190 acres of breathtaking low country terrain and has received numerous accolades from golf publications such as Golf Digest (“Top 75 U.S. Golf Resorts”) and the Low Country Golf Course Owners Association (Top 20 courses in the Carolinas and “Golf Club of the Year.”) Here you’ll find elevated tees and lush fairways lined by thick stands of live oak and pine trees as well as strategically placed grass mounds and sand bunkers. Greens come in all shapes and sizes, and several have multiple tiers. It too is a favorite among local golfers.

    One of the most memorable holes is the par-3 sixth hole, which plays 145 yards from the White Tees The green is set against a backdrop of Port Royal Sound making it one of the most photographed and visually spectacular holes on Hilton Head. Pay attention to the bunker in front of the green; it has seen its fair share of play from golfers too busy admiring the scenery!

    Oyster Reef has excellent practice facilities including a full-length driving range, short game area, and practice green. The staff of PGA Professionals at any of these courses can help you get the most out of your game. They offer private lessons, group lessons, camps, and clinics for golfers of all skill levels. There’s no excuse not to play your best when you step up to the first tee.

    Heritage Golf Group has partnered with two local resorts: The Westin Resort & Spa and The Sonesta Resort. To get to the Sonesta Resort, you drive right by the Shipyard’s clubhouse, making it easy to get in an extra nine holes in the evening.

    The Sonesta Resort is a AAA Four Diamond family-friendly beach resort that recently underwent a $30 million renovation. The renovation included a spectacular new swimming pool complex with a shaded lap pool and Jacuzzi, a zero-entry heated lagoon swimming pool, and a children’s area. The 340 spacious guest rooms and suites offer views of the Shipyard Plantation grounds, lush tropical gardens, swimming pools, and the Atlantic Ocean. The resort offers indoor and al fresco dining at Bayley’s Lobby Bar & Terrace, Seacrest Restaurant and Terrace, and Sweet Cane restaurants.

    At the Westin Resort & Spa, coastal splendor meets southern hospitality. The resort sits nestled amid natural dunes and Hilton Head Island’s pristine white sands, The Westin Resort & Spa offers its guests oceanfront resort views from most guest rooms, the Heavenly Spa by Westin, and three outdoor pools. All of Westin’s bright, open rooms include WiFi, a flat-screen cable TV, a small refrigerator, and coffee-making facilities. There’s family-friendly dining in the Carolina Room, poolside dining at Splash, with additional dining at View 32 and Ingredients.

    Any or all of these courses can be packaged together through The Heritage Golf Collection with a single phone call
  • 5 stars out of 5
    by Dan D.
    on August 24th, 2020 18:48
    Been playing weekly all summer. It is in FANTASTIC shape and very challenging. Would highly recommend locals and visitors include this course in their rounds.
  • 4.5 stars out of 5
    by Alex Balicki
    on March 22nd, 2016 17:27
    We played oyster reef on Tuesday, March 15 as two threesomes, we all enjoyed the course very much. In fact we like it so much we came back on the 17th and played it again. The course rewards accurate shotmaking Particularly approach shots to the green. Layout is quite interesting and the course was in the best shape of all the courses we played that week. All staff was very friendly and accommodating. We found Richard the course concierge to be extremely friendly and helpful in finding places for dinner! We stayed one of the days for lunch, the food and service was excellent. We will not hesitate to play this course on our next trip back to Hilton head.
  • 2 stars out of 5
    by James Mitchell
    on March 20th, 2015 19:55
    for 75$ it wasn't worth it. Fairways were spotty at best and the greens didn't compare at all to Hilton head national or golden bear for a lot less money.
    $45 to $55 would have been a lot. you can't rest on what condition it normal is..I bring 24 golfer down in Feb won't bring my group to your course.
  • 2.5 stars out of 5
    by Cippel
    on May 08th, 2013 11:36
    Recently played Oyster Reef on short notice. Called on a rainy morning for a late afternoon tee time, showed up with 8 players and had a nice round. Found the course to be interesting, fair and greens in nice shape.

    Will play there again this summer for sure.
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