To envision the crashing of waves while you line up to take your swing, the salted wind blowing into your hair and the sun beating on your face as you play golf. Hilton Head Island, where luxury and nature meet in a golfer’s heaven. It is known for its untouched beaches and international level golf courses; thus making it an ideal destination for both golf fanatics and luxury tourists. Why beachfront golf is special and what are the top 10 courses that one can tee off with an ocean background?
The Allure of Beachfront Golf
While playing golf close to the seashore, you can in fact enjoy the view. It is very difficult to get peace and calmness like this anywhere else apart from in this coastal ambiance. Just think of inhaling fresh sea air as you make your shot; it’s so refreshing. Additionally, this seaside terrain forms a unique challenge for players due to ocean breezes that give a complex edge to the game. Combining beauty with challenge, beachfront golf is an experience you must have whether you are a professional golfer or just doing it for fun.
The Top 10 Beachfront Golf Courses on Hilton Head
1. Harbour Town Golf Links
- Design: Designed by Pete Dye, Harbour Town is iconic for its challenging layout and picturesque lighthouse backdrop.
- History: Home to the RBC Heritage PGA Tour, this course is a favorite among professional golfers.
- Signature Hole: The 18th hole offers a stunning view of Calibogue Sound.
2. Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III
- Design: A complete redesign of the original Ocean Course, featuring seaside dunes and rolling fairways.
- History: This course blends Hilton Head’s natural beauty with a modern design.
- Signature Hole: The 15th hole, with its panoramic ocean views, is unforgettable.
3. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort – Robert Trent Jones Course
- Design: Known for its wide fairways and challenging water hazards.
- History: A classic course that has stood the test of time.
- Signature Hole: The par-5 10th hole is famous for its oceanfront scenery.
4. The Sea Pines Resort – Heron Point by Pete Dye
- Design: A Pete Dye masterpiece that combines strategic bunkering with stunning lagoon views.
- History: Recently renovated to enhance playability.
- Signature Hole: The 18th hole provides a dramatic finish with its water-laden approach
5. Long Cove Club
- Design: A private course designed by Pete Dye, offering a secluded and exclusive experience.
- History: Consistently ranked among the best in South Carolina.
- Signature Hole: The 7th hole features a challenging island green.
6. The Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes
- Design: This course offers a mix of traditional and links-style holes.
- History: Known for its excellent condition and friendly atmosphere.
- Signature Hole: The 17th hole is a challenging par-3 over water.
7. Dolphin Head Golf Club
- Design: Designed by Gary Player, this course is known for its natural beauty and wildlife.
- History: Offers a peaceful and serene golfing experience.
- Signature Hole: The 12th hole features a scenic marshland backdrop.
8. Oyster Reef Golf Club
- Design: A Rees Jones design that offers beautiful views of Port Royal Sound.
- History: Celebrated for its challenging play and stunning scenery.
- Signature Hole: The 6th hole is one of the most photographed on the island.
9. Golden Bear Golf Club
- Design: A Jack Nicklaus course that combines strategy with beauty.
- History: Known for its excellent service and well-maintained greens.
- Signature Hole: The 18th hole offers a challenging finish with water in play.
10. Shipyard Golf Club
- Design: A George W. Cobb and Willard C. Byrd three 9-hole courses that wind through tall pines, magnolias, and moss-draped oaks.
- History: All greens were converted to Diamond Zoysia in 2008 and 2009, one of the first courses in the Southeast to do so. It was rated as one of the finest layouts on the Champions Tour.
- Signature Hole: Nearly all holes are lined with towering oaks and you just might find a few alligators sunning themselves near its many lagoons and ponds.
Tips for Planning Your Golf Trip to Hilton Head
Planning a golf trip to Hilton Head? These are some practical tips that will ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Plan Ahead
When planning your golf trip to Hilton Head, it is important to plan ahead. This entails making earlier bookings of accommodations and tee-times especially if you are traveling during the peak season. Most of the famous golf courses on the island fill up fast so it is advisable to make reservations as early as possible.
Accommodation
Stay close to the action by booking a place with Oceanside Properties, offering a luxurious and convenient place to stay.
- Ideal Sea Pines location at 8 Deer Run Lane, near Harbour Town, Heritage Golf Course, and South Beach.
- Relax and unwind at Shipmaster 801 with views of the golf course from your private patio.
Consider Package Deals
Golfers can take advantage of various package deals offered in Hilton Head, which could include discounted rates on accommodations and greens fees. These packages may also have additional benefits like free breakfast or access to some resort facilities. Ensure that you look deeper into different choices and compare them in order to find out which one works well for you best in terms of money value relationship.
Explore Different Courses
Hilton Head Island has several world-class courses but don’t limit yourself only on these ones; try out other undiscovered gems along its fairways. Those less known destinations might come with unique challenges as well as provide breathtaking scenery at cost-effective prices. Also go for a mix of courses throughout your vacation so that you can have diverse golfing experiences.
The Luxury Experience
Hilton Head is not just about golf; it’s about luxury. The island has everything from high-end accommodations to fine dining. A lot of these golf courses come with top-notch amenities such as spas, fitness centers, and concierge services, which will make the trip as enjoyable as possible. Imagine if after finishing the game, you could go straight to a world-class spa or sit down to enjoy ocean views while dining at a five-star restaurant. It’s an ideal combination of leisure and luxury.
Real Stories from Avid Golfers
Harbour Town Golf Links
“It’s odd to call a golf course built in the late 1960s “historically significant,” but Harbour Town deserves every bit of that designation for the way it ushered in the modern era of golf design in the U.S., as well as the dawn of the “signature design” era. Despite the intimate feeling of practically every whole corridor, it somehow never feels claustrophobic. Thanks to the subtle bends of the fairways and orientations and diminutive size of the greens, it is an aspirational shotmaker’s course that somehow never feels overwhelming. And thanks to the restrained and clever placement of its hazards, it is a stern test that somehow never feels unbeatable. Good golf is rewarded, and substandard golf is tolerated for the most part. Mounds and railroad ties add character and ambiance, and the brilliantly walkable routing makes it a joy to play over and over. It’s one of my all-time favorite golf courses.” – TimGavrichGP
Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III
“Well maintained, challenging course. Interesting layout with something new on each hole. Definitely not a boring layout. Play a more forward set of tees to make it fun. Playing the back tees could be difficult and too much of a challenge unless you hit it very, very straight. Greens were a nice speed and very smooth. I made more putts than I usually do on southern greens. Staff very professional and well trained obviously. Their manager and or Head PGA Professional should be proud of all staff, Shop staff, outside staff, starters all were helpful and professional.” – Jw1962
Palmetto Dunes Arthur Hills Course
“Played here on a guys golf trip to Hilton Head and the Palmetto Dunes Resort. Actually got to play all three courses with the resort and found the Arthur Hills Course to be the most challenging. While all three courses were great and a lot of fun, I found the different angles and blind shots offered by Arthur Hills to challenge my accuracy and creativity the most. The staff was all very accommodating and got our group out quickly and efficiently…as well as waited until the very end of the day when our group of hackers finally made it back to the clubhouse. Big thanks to Mark Trish, Ed Brill, Kent Morgan, Ed Sires, Bruce Rink, Jake Bowers, Dom Hausher, Richard Young, Tim Ashley, Clark Sinclair and George Spinnella – that crew did everything our group could ask for. Appreciated our time there and will definitely be back again!” – Andrew S
Start Your Unforgettable Beachfront Golf Experiences Now!
Beachfront golf on Hilton Head is an exceptional experience for any golfer due to its stunning views and challenging layouts. Whether you are looking for a leisurely round by the seaside or aiming to test yourself against some of the best courses in the world, Hilton Head has something for everyone. Make sure you get a chance to play on these top ten courses and ensure that your next golf trip becomes memorable.
For where to stay during your vacation at Hilton Head Island, Oceanside Properties has got you covered! Book your stay today and enjoy the ultimate golfing escape.
Ready to tee off in paradise? Plan your trip now!