Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, SC, boast some of the finest public golf courses in the region, offering stunning views and challenging layouts for golf enthusiasts.
The top five are Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III, Oyster Reef Golf Club, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort (Robert Trent Jones Course), Old South Golf Links, and Hilton Head National Golf Club.
Keep reading for a more detailed explanation of what makes each of these courses exceptional.
Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III at Sea Pines Resort
Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III at Sea Pines Resort is a premier golfing destination located on Hilton Head Island.
This course is renowned for its beautiful natural scenery and challenging design, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Course Overview
Atlantic Dunes is a complete reconstruction of Hilton Head Island's first golf course.
Designed by Davis Love III, the course has been meticulously crafted to blend with the island's natural landscape.
The course features natural sand dunes and indigenous vegetation, which create a stunning and challenging environment for golfers.
The strategic layout incorporates these natural elements, providing both aesthetic appeal and a test of golfing skills.
Signature Holes
One of the standout features of Atlantic Dunes is its beachfront par-three 15th hole.
This hole is celebrated for its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, offering a picturesque and serene backdrop that enhances the golfing experience.
The challenge of the 15th hole lies in its coastal winds and strategic bunkering, requiring precision and skill to navigate successfully.
Additionally, the course includes several other notable holes that present various challenges, from water hazards to strategically placed sand traps, ensuring a diverse and engaging round of golf.
Player Experience
Players often praise Atlantic Dunes for its combination of difficulty and beauty.
The course's strategic design demands careful planning and execution, making it a rewarding challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
The aesthetic appeal of the course is frequently highlighted in reviews, with many golfers appreciating the seamless integration of the natural landscape into the course design.
Scenic views, particularly at the signature 15th hole, enhance the overall experience, making a round at Atlantic Dunes both visually and technically satisfying.
Visitor Information
For those planning a visit, green fees at Atlantic Dunes vary depending on the season and time of day.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak times, to secure a preferred tee time.
The Sea Pines Resort offers a range of amenities and services to enhance the golfing experience, including a well-equipped clubhouse, pro shop, and dining options.
Additional services such as golf lessons and equipment rentals are also available, ensuring that visitors have everything they need for an enjoyable day on the course.
Peak times to visit are typically during the spring and fall when the weather is most favorable for golfing.
Oyster Reef Golf Club
Oyster Reef Golf Club, part of the Heritage Golf Collection, is a celebrated course located on Hilton Head Island.
Designed by Rees Jones, this course is known for its pristine fairways and greens, as well as its stunning coastal views, making it a top choice for golfers visiting the area.
Course Overview
Designed by the renowned architect Rees Jones, Oyster Reef Golf Club offers a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience.
The course is well-known for its meticulously maintained fairways and greens, which provide a smooth and consistent playing surface.
As part of the Heritage Golf Collection, Oyster Reef benefits from a commitment to quality and excellence, ensuring that the course is always in top condition.
The layout is designed to integrate seamlessly with the natural landscape, featuring native vegetation and picturesque water hazards that enhance both the beauty and difficulty of the course.
Signature Holes
One of the most talked-about holes at Oyster Reef Golf Club is the picturesque par-three 6th hole.
This hole offers sweeping views of Port Royal Sound, providing a breathtaking backdrop for golfers.
The challenge of the 6th hole lies in its coastal winds and the strategically placed bunkers that guard the green, requiring accuracy and skill to successfully navigate.
In addition to the 6th hole, the course features several other holes that present unique challenges, including water hazards, doglegs, and strategically placed sand traps that test a golfer's ability to plan and execute shots effectively.
Player Experience
Feedback from both locals and visitors highlights the playability and enjoyment of Oyster Reef Golf Club.
Many golfers appreciate the course's layout, which balances difficulty with playability, making it suitable for players of varying skill levels.
The scenic views of Port Royal Sound and the surrounding natural landscape add to the overall experience, providing a serene and visually appealing setting for a round of golf.
Players frequently commend the course for its well-maintained conditions, friendly staff, and the overall quality of the golfing experience.
Visitor Information
For those planning to visit Oyster Reef Golf Club, green fees vary depending on the season and time of day, with discounts often available for early bookings.
It is advisable to book tee times in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.
The clubhouse offers a range of amenities, including a pro shop stocked with golfing essentials, a restaurant serving a variety of meals, and locker room facilities.
Additional services such as golf lessons, club rentals, and practice areas are also available, ensuring that visitors have everything they need for an enjoyable day on the course.
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort (Robert Trent Jones Course)
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort's Robert Trent Jones Course is one of Hilton Head Island's most acclaimed golf destinations.
Known for its stunning oceanfront views and meticulously designed holes, this course offers a blend of beauty and challenge that attracts golfers from all over.
Course Overview
Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, this course exemplifies his design philosophy of integrating natural landscapes into the golfing experience.
The Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes features strategically placed bunkers, wide fairways, and challenging water hazards that test golfers of all skill levels.
One of its most unique features is the oceanfront 10th hole, which is the closest to the Atlantic Ocean of any hole on the island.
This hole, along with the overall strategic layout, reflects Jones' intent to create a course that is both visually stunning and challenging to play.
Signature Holes
The oceanfront 10th hole is the crown jewel of the Robert Trent Jones Course.
This par-five hole offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, creating a memorable backdrop for golfers.
The hole's design includes strategic bunkers and water hazards that demand precision and thoughtful shot-making.
Besides the 10th hole, the course features several other challenging holes that incorporate water hazards and bunkers into their design.
These elements require players to carefully consider their strategy and execution, making for an engaging and rewarding round of golf.
Player Experience
Golfers consistently praise the Robert Trent Jones Course for its blend of scenic beauty and challenging play.
Reviews often highlight the stunning ocean views and the course's well-maintained conditions.
Many players appreciate the course's ability to challenge experienced golfers while still being accessible to those with higher handicaps.
The strategic design elements, such as the placement of bunkers and water hazards, add a layer of complexity that enhances the overall golfing experience.
Comparisons with the George Fazio and Arthur Hills courses at Palmetto Dunes often emphasize the unique appeal of the Robert Trent Jones Course, particularly its oceanfront hole and the diverse challenges it presents.
Visitor Information
For those interested in playing the Robert Trent Jones Course, green fees vary depending on the season and time of day, with the resort offering various packages and discounts.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure a preferred tee time.
The resort itself provides a wide range of amenities, including a fully stocked pro shop, dining options, and practice facilities.
In addition to the Robert Trent Jones Course, Palmetto Dunes also offers the George Fazio and Arthur Hills courses, each providing unique challenges and experiences.
The resort's comprehensive services, including golf lessons and equipment rentals, ensure that visitors have everything they need for an enjoyable and memorable golfing experience.
Old South Golf Links
Old South Golf Links, located just over the bridge in Bluffton, offers a unique golfing experience that highlights the natural beauty and wildlife of the Lowcountry.
This course is celebrated for its scenic views and challenging layout, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Course Overview
Old South Golf Links is situated in Bluffton, South Carolina, and is designed to showcase the area's natural beauty and abundant wildlife.
The course features stunning views of the Intracoastal marshes, with many holes framed by towering live oaks and palmetto trees.
The design integrates the natural environment seamlessly, creating a layout that is both challenging and picturesque.
Players can expect to encounter a variety of wildlife during their round, adding to the unique charm of this course.
Signature Holes
One of the standout aspects of Old South Golf Links is its collection of scenic and challenging holes.
The course layout is designed to take full advantage of the surrounding landscape, with several holes offering dramatic views of the Intracoastal marshes.
Notable holes include those that require precise shot-making due to the presence of water hazards and strategically placed bunkers.
The integration of the natural environment into the course design not only enhances its beauty but also presents a variety of challenges that test a golfer's skills and strategy.
Player Experience
Golfers frequently commend Old South Golf Links for its friendly staff and well-maintained facilities.
The course's maintenance is consistently praised, ensuring a high-quality playing surface throughout the year.
Reviews often highlight the welcoming atmosphere and the attentiveness of the staff, which contribute to a positive overall experience.
The Lowcountry setting provides a unique golfing experience, with players enjoying the serene environment and the opportunity to play amid the region's natural beauty.
This combination of a well-kept course, stunning scenery, and friendly service makes Old South Golf Links a memorable destination for golfers.
Visitor Information
For those planning to visit Old South Golf Links, green fees are competitive and vary based on the season and time of day.
It is advisable to book tee times in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.
The clubhouse offers a range of services, including a pro shop with golfing essentials, dining options, and locker room facilities.
Additional amenities such as golf lessons, club rentals, and practice areas are available to enhance the visitor experience.
Optimal visiting times are typically during the cooler months of spring and fall, when the weather is ideal for golfing.
Hilton Head National Golf Club
Hilton Head National Golf Club, located in Bluffton, is a premier golfing destination designed by Gary Player and Bobby Weed.
Known for its playability and scenic layout, this course offers a great mix of challenge and enjoyment for golfers of all skill levels.
Course Overview
Hilton Head National Golf Club boasts a design collaboration between Gary Player and Bobby Weed, blending the best of their design philosophies.
The course is well-regarded for its distinct front and back nines.
The front nine, designed by Player, is more forgiving, featuring wider fairways and fewer hazards, making it accessible to golfers of various abilities.
In contrast, the back nine, crafted by Weed, presents a greater challenge with tighter fairways, strategic water hazards, and bunkers that require precise shot-making.
This balance provides an engaging experience, whether you are a novice or an experienced golfer.
Signature Holes
Several holes at Hilton Head National stand out for their enjoyment and difficulty.
Among these, the par-four 6th hole is particularly notable, offering a challenging approach to a well-protected green.
The back nine ramps up the difficulty, with the par-five 16th hole being a highlight.
This hole features a narrow fairway bordered by water hazards, demanding accuracy and strategic play.
Throughout the course, strategic hazards such as water features and bunkers impact gameplay, requiring thoughtful navigation and adding to the overall challenge.
Player Experience
Players often praise Hilton Head National for its playability and value.
The course is known for being well-maintained, with lush fairways and smooth greens that provide a consistent playing surface.
Reviews frequently highlight the course's ability to challenge experienced golfers while remaining enjoyable for those with higher handicaps.
Compared to other local courses, Hilton Head National is often noted for its balance of difficulty and accessibility, making it a popular choice among a wide range of golfers.
Visitor Information
Green fees at Hilton Head National Golf Club are competitively priced and vary by season and time of day.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak times, to ensure a preferred tee time.
The club offers a range of amenities, including a pro shop with the latest golf gear, a clubhouse with dining options, and practice facilities such as a driving range and putting greens.
Additional services like golf lessons and club rentals are available to enhance the visitor experience.
The best times to visit are during the spring and fall, when the weather is ideal for golfing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hilton Head Island and Bluffton offer exceptional public golf courses, each with unique features and challenges.
From the stunning ocean views at Atlantic Dunes to the strategic layout of Hilton Head National, these courses provide unforgettable experiences for golfers of all skill levels.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, these top five courses are must-visit destinations for any golf enthusiast.