Hilton Head

[stimpmeterp]

^ True. My neighbor played HT today and DLIII was onsite surveying for new trap placement and cart path re-routing.

[mci711]

Can anyone shed some light on these courses? Marriott has a winter golf deal I was thinking about doing. These are the courses available (heritage courses). Never heard of any of them. Would had Harbour Town on its own. Thank you!

 

 

[stimpmeterp]

January 2025 updates - here's a map of Hilton Head, followed by my current ranking* of public play golf courses in/near the island.

 

 

HarbourTown

Haig Point (requires a ferry to Dafuskie)

Heron Point (Sea Pines)

Atlantic Dunes (Sea Pines)
RTJ (Palmetto Dunes)

Fazio (Palmetto Dunes)

Cupp Course (Palmetto Hall)

Golden Bear Club (Indigo Run)

Hilton Head National (just off island)

Hills (Palmetto Hall)

Oyster Reef (HH Plantation)

Old South (just off island)

Hills (Palmetto Dunes)

Robber's Row (Port Royal)

Dolphin Head (HH Plantation)

Shipyard's 3 9 hole courses

Barony (Port Royal)

 

https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/golf/golf-courses (this is a good site for more info and pictures)

 

*disclaimer - this is my personal ranking. I live in Sea Pines. I have had perfectly fun and enjoyable rounds at each of these courses. It's not necessarily fair to put Shipyard and Barony at the "bottom" of this list, but there is a lot of really good golf on this island as you'd expect.

 

@mci711 with winter rates in effect, golf is more affordable now until late February. 

 

 

 

Edited January 11 by stimpmeterp

[mci711]

1 hour ago, stimpmeterp said:

January 2025 updates - here's a map of Hilton Head, followed by my current ranking* of public play golf courses in/near the island.

 

 

HarbourTown

Haig Point (requires a ferry to Dafuskie)

Heron Point (Sea Pines)

Atlantic Dunes (Sea Pines)
RTJ (Palmetto Dunes)

Fazio (Palmetto Dunes)

Cupp Course (Palmetto Hall)

Golden Bear Club (Indigo Run)

Hilton Head National (just off island)

Hills (Palmetto Hall)

Oyster Reef (HH Plantation)

Fazio (Palmetto Dunes)

Old South (just off island)

Hills (Palmetto Dunes)

Robber's Row (Port Royal)

Dolphin Head (HH Plantation)

Shipyard's 3 9 hole courses

Barony (Port Royal)

 

https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/golf/golf-courses (this is a good site for more info and pictures)

 

*disclaimer - this is my personal ranking. I live in Sea Pines. I have had perfectly fun and enjoyable rounds at each of these courses. It's not necessarily fair to put Shipyard and Barony at the "bottom" of this list, but there is a lot of really good golf on this island as you'd expect.

 

@mci711 with winter rates in effect, golf is more affordable now until late February. 

 

 

 

 

From your list it seams I'd be better off not playing the heritage courses 😂 Appreciate your insight! 

[chippa13]

Our last trip down a couple years ago, Oyster Reef was one of the courses I played. There was torrential rain for about 3 hours before I was able to go out and by the 3rd hole you would not have known it rained. I enjoyed the course.

[Imp]

On 1/9/2025 at 10:14 AM, stimpmeterp said:

January 2025 updates - here's a map of Hilton Head, followed by my current ranking* of public play golf courses in/near the island.

 

 

HarbourTown

Haig Point (requires a ferry to Dafuskie)

Heron Point (Sea Pines)

Atlantic Dunes (Sea Pines)
RTJ (Palmetto Dunes)

Fazio (Palmetto Dunes)

Cupp Course (Palmetto Hall)

Golden Bear Club (Indigo Run)

Hilton Head National (just off island)

Hills (Palmetto Hall)

Oyster Reef (HH Plantation)

Old South (just off island)

Hills (Palmetto Dunes)

Robber's Row (Port Royal)

Dolphin Head (HH Plantation)

Shipyard's 3 9 hole courses

Barony (Port Royal)

 

https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/golf/golf-courses (this is a good site for more info and pictures)

 

*disclaimer - this is my personal ranking. I live in Sea Pines. I have had perfectly fun and enjoyable rounds at each of these courses. It's not necessarily fair to put Shipyard and Barony at the "bottom" of this list, but there is a lot of really good golf on this island as you'd expect.

 

@mci711 with winter rates in effect, golf is more affordable now until late February. 

 

 

 

Got here Friday. Not many playing Fri/Sat. But, I expect to see more play out there this week as the temps go back up and the sun being out.

 

 

I agree with your rankings. Bravo.

 

[Cincy_Ken]

On 1/9/2025 at 10:14 AM, stimpmeterp said:

January 2025 updates - here's a map of Hilton Head, followed by my current ranking* of public play golf courses in/near the island.

 

 

HarbourTown

Haig Point (requires a ferry to Dafuskie)

Heron Point (Sea Pines)

Atlantic Dunes (Sea Pines)
RTJ (Palmetto Dunes)

Fazio (Palmetto Dunes)

Cupp Course (Palmetto Hall)

Golden Bear Club (Indigo Run)

Hilton Head National (just off island)

Hills (Palmetto Hall)

Oyster Reef (HH Plantation)

Old South (just off island)

Hills (Palmetto Dunes)

Robber's Row (Port Royal)

Dolphin Head (HH Plantation)

Shipyard's 3 9 hole courses

Barony (Port Royal)

 

https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/golf/golf-courses (this is a good site for more info and pictures)

 

*disclaimer - this is my personal ranking. I live in Sea Pines. I have had perfectly fun and enjoyable rounds at each of these courses. It's not necessarily fair to put Shipyard and Barony at the "bottom" of this list, but there is a lot of really good golf on this island as you'd expect.

 

@mci711 with winter rates in effect, golf is more affordable now until late February. 

 

 

 

 

On 1/11/2025 at 12:52 PM, chippa13 said:

Our last trip down a couple years ago, Oyster Reef was one of the courses I played. There was torrential rain for about 3 hours before I was able to go out and by the 3rd hole you would not have known it rained. I enjoyed the course.

 

I think it's very fair.  My family's place is very close to Shipyard and I only go there to hit balls.  Golf course is just okay, same with Barony.  Never been to Haig but don't disagree with much you got.  Thoughts on Bear Creek?  We play there almost every trip due to the great rates and it's usually in great condition when I'm there.  I've got Oyster a lot higher than you but your list is good. Sea Pines is definitely a different tier if you're willing to pay the rate and I also rank Heron over Atlantic; most don't.  Palmetto Dunes are okay courses but they charge that resort premium and the experience just isn't there to justify the premium.

 

 

[stimpmeterp]

Bear Creek is the only track I have not played. They are most known for the free sandwich/beer per round. I hear good things re: the golf too!

 

Oyster Reef and Indigo Run’s Golden Bear can work their way higher in the top 10 based on condition. Two nice out-and-back tracks to very solid clubhouses.

[SnowbirdTom]

On 10/31/2024 at 9:08 AM, SnowbirdTom said:

Well, that escalated quickly.  😄 

 

Asked my oldest son if he wanted to do a 4 day long golf weekend in December.  Yeah, I got a free weekend and some PTO to use!

 

30 minutes later, airplane rez, car, AirBnB and courses are booked.  Harbourtown (because YOLO) and RTJ at Palmetto Dunes.  I'm stoked! Got a condo on the beach at the north end of the island.

 

Now to tell the wife.  😇

 

And this is now cancelled due to arctic blast weather.  Forecast for the coming week is in the toilet for the trip with freezing rain and miserable golfing conditions. *sigh*

Edited January 18 by SnowbirdTom

[tomba51]

2 hours ago, SnowbirdTom said:

 

And this is now cancelled due to arctic blast weather.  Forecast for the coming week is in the toilet for the trip with freezing rain and miserable golfing conditions. *sigh*

Yes, as a local I can tell you that this week is forecast to be the coldest week in years that I can recall. Seems like most of the country is caught up in a polar vortex. And then the next week it's back up into the sixties. Go figure.

[SnowbirdTom]

1 hour ago, tomba51 said:

Yes, as a local I can tell you that this week is forecast to be the coldest week in years that I can recall. Seems like most of the country is caught up in a polar vortex. And then the next week it's back up into the sixties. Go figure.

 

We waited as long as we could to cancel.  Hopes were dashed.  When I saw the freezing rain and bitter cold for your area keep moving later, I pulled the plug.  Heck, we've got that going on now up here in Michigan.

[Imp]

On 1/18/2025 at 5:26 AM, SnowbirdTom said:

 

And this is now cancelled due to arctic blast weather.  Forecast for the coming week is in the toilet for the trip with freezing rain and miserable golfing conditions. *sigh*

Going to be fun watching the posts about the 3-5" of snow coming tonight. 🙂

[stimpmeterp]

16 hours ago, Imp said:

Going to be fun watching the posts about the 3-5" of snow coming tonight. 🙂

The struggle is real! Check our HarbourTown:  

[caniac6]

8 hours ago, stimpmeterp said:

The struggle is real! Check our HarbourTown:  

I wonder where the closest snow plow is located. I imagine a small amount of snow can be a big issue. Hope it warms up quickly.

[SnowbirdTom]

On 1/22/2025 at 8:37 AM, stimpmeterp said:

The struggle is real! Check our HarbourTown:  

Damn, had a tee time for tomorrow, cancelled last weekend.

[Oh Hi Carl]

I hope the snow has melted. 

 

I enjoyed watching the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate on TV recently.  Long Cove looks incredible.  I see the initiation is $50K after you buy the house.  

[lefty1978]

Harbour Town is getting torn up. All greens, tees and bunkers are getting redone. I'm staying in Sea Pines this week right between holes 2 and 8. Fun watching all the work.

 

I'm playing Atlantic Dunes and Heron Point.

[lefty1978]

#1 green

 

#9 tee box

[Oh Hi Carl]

Just booked a week on HHI in July. Hoping to play HHN, Old South and Bear Creek.  Afternoon rates at each place are quite reasonable. 

Edited June 9 by Oh Hi Carl

[Oh Hi Carl]

I'll be down there in a week.  Can't wait to tee it up on HHI again (or Bluffton). 

[Philfil]

Is anyone available to golf in Hilton Head Island the week of July 20th (Sunday) through July 26th (Friday) ?

 

I’ll be staying in Sea Pines next to the Atlantic Dunes/Heron Point clubhouse as we do every year. 

[T-MAC]

On 1/9/2025 at 10:14 AM, stimpmeterp said:

January 2025 updates - here's a map of Hilton Head, followed by my current ranking* of public play golf courses in/near the island.

 

 

HarbourTown

Haig Point (requires a ferry to Dafuskie)

Heron Point (Sea Pines)

Atlantic Dunes (Sea Pines)
RTJ (Palmetto Dunes)

Fazio (Palmetto Dunes)

Cupp Course (Palmetto Hall)

Golden Bear Club (Indigo Run)

Hilton Head National (just off island)

Hills (Palmetto Hall)

Oyster Reef (HH Plantation)

Old South (just off island)

Hills (Palmetto Dunes)

Robber's Row (Port Royal)

Dolphin Head (HH Plantation)

Shipyard's 3 9 hole courses

Barony (Port Royal)

 

https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/golf/golf-courses (this is a good site for more info and pictures)

 

*disclaimer - this is my personal ranking. I live in Sea Pines. I have had perfectly fun and enjoyable rounds at each of these courses. It's not necessarily fair to put Shipyard and Barony at the "bottom" of this list, but there is a lot of really good golf on this island as you'd expect.

 

@mci711 with winter rates in effect, golf is more affordable now until late February. 

 

 

 

Great list Stimp!
I agree with the majority of your course placements.  I would definitely throw Bear Creek in there, probably somewhere between Hills at P-Hall and Dolphin Head.  If people come here and are staying in Palmetto Bluff, I would put that course #1 overall.  I actually like it better than Harbour Town.  Also in Bluffton, The Crescent and Eagles Point aren't bad.  I would put them in the last quarter of your list but they are also priced as such.  Pinecrest is OK but hit or miss on conditioning.  Clubhouse has cheap beer and the best burger in Bluffton though.  🙂
If anyone wants to travel to Beaufort the course at Parris Island is terrific.  It's a bit of a drive from HHI but you could make a day of it and head into downtown Beaufort for a meal and a cocktail after golf.
I've played every course in our area, both public and private.  Stimp's list is a great guide on the public courses and if anyone has questions on the private tracks just let me know.

Edited July 9 by T-MAC

[Imp]

On 7/9/2025 at 1:21 PM, T-MAC said:

If anyone wants to travel to Beaufort the course at Parris Island is terrific.  

SSSHhhhhh!!!! 🤫

[puttnforthe8]

On 7/9/2025 at 10:21 AM, T-MAC said:

Great list Stimp!
I agree with the majority of your course placements.  I would definitely throw Bear Creek in there, probably somewhere between Hills at P-Hall and Dolphin Head.  If people come here and are staying in Palmetto Bluff, I would put that course #1 overall.  I actually like it better than Harbour Town.  Also in Bluffton, The Crescent and Eagles Point aren't bad.  I would put them in the last quarter of your list but they are also priced as such.  Pinecrest is OK but hit or miss on conditioning.  Clubhouse has cheap beer and the best burger in Bluffton though.  🙂
If anyone wants to travel to Beaufort the course at Parris Island is terrific.  It's a bit of a drive from HHI but you could make a day of it and head into downtown Beaufort for a meal and a cocktail after golf.
I've played every course in our area, both public and private.  Stimp's list is a great guide on the public courses and if anyone has questions on the private tracks just let me know.

Are you talking about May River in PB?  I will be staying on the south of Sea Pines but going out to play Chechessee one day.   I wouldnt mind getting another really good round in.

[stimpmeterp]

5 hours ago, puttnforthe8 said:

Are you talking about May River in PB?  I will be staying on the south of Sea Pines but going out to play Chechessee one day.   I wouldnt mind getting another really good round in.

If you are getting on CCC you likely know someone local with connections, and they can get you on May River. Yes, he’s referring to Palmetto Bluff. About an hour tops from south Sea Pines. Message me if you run into issues. I have reciprocal priv at May River may be able to help.

[puttnforthe8]

On 7/12/2025 at 5:54 PM, stimpmeterp said:

If you are getting on CCC you likely know someone local with connections, and they can get you on May River. Yes, he’s referring to Palmetto Bluff. About an hour tops from south Sea Pines. Message me if you run into issues. I have reciprocal priv at May River may be able to help.

Thank you a mil!

 

The plan is to get a few rounds in while still doing fun stuff for my better half!

 

No connection—i am competing on a national final event there (ams).  Hoping someone does have a connection.

 

If you happen to be available maybe you can get out with me for a round.  My bh doesnt play, so the round with the package will be available.

 

if nothing else, maybe I can buy you a beer and a snack!  First time in the area so I am more than excited to learn, explore and make the most of it!  I will send you a note as it gets closer.

 

 

[Imp]

Giving my notice at work today that I am retiring in Sept. Head down Oct. for the month, and then back here for Nov/Dec and then.... pretty much staying there. Looking forward to it. 

Edited July 22 by Imp

[imagine29028]

On 7/10/2025 at 3:58 PM, Imp said:

SSSHhhhhh!!!! 🤫

isn't it like the only Public course in Beaufort area? 

[jholz]

3 hours ago, Imp said:

Giving my notice at work today that I am retiring in Sept. Head down Oct. for the month, and then back here for Nov/Dec and then.... pretty much staying there. Looking forward to it. 

 

If you.ve got the cash to find a decent place to live and afford regular golf - then I'd be looking forward to it as well.

 

Outside of the cost and the crappy drive 100 miles out of my way, my round on HH was very enjoyable. 

[Imp]

15 hours ago, jholz said:

 

If you.ve got the cash to find a decent place to live and afford regular golf - then I'd be looking forward to it as well.

 

Outside of the cost and the crappy drive 100 miles out of my way, my round on HH was very enjoyable. 

Have a house in HH Plantation. Good there. 😉