Hilton Head Island is one of the top golf resort destinations in America — a barrier island off the South Carolina coast with 30+ courses packed into 42 square miles. Most are semi-private layouts tied to resort communities (Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, Shipyard, Palmetto Hall), which means non-resort guests typically pay premium daily-fee rates. The island is anchored by Harbour Town Golf Links, host of the RBC Heritage (PGA Tour), and widely considered one of the most beautifully designed courses in the Southeast.
Hilton Head Green Fees by Tier (2026)
| Course | Weekday 18 | Weekend 18 | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old South Golf Links | $105 | — | 4.5 ★ |
| Shipyard Golf Club | $125 | — | 3.8 ★ |
| The Heritage Golf Collection on Hilton Head Island | $125 | — | 4.3 ★ |
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Harbour Town Golf Links
Harbour Town Golf Links (Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus, 1969) is the marquee course on Hilton Head — the iconic lighthouse hole, the live oaks, the Calibogue Sound finishing stretch. It is the permanent host of the RBC Heritage and consistently ranks among the top resort courses in the United States. Daily-fee play is available but rates are at the top end of the island market. See current rates in the pricing table above.
Sea Pines Resort: The Full Hilton Head Experience
Sea Pines Resort operates three courses beyond Harbour Town — Heron Point (Pete Dye), Atlantic Dunes (Davis Love III redesign), and Sea Pines Country Club. Staying within Sea Pines provides access to preferred rates and tee times on all four courses. For visitors not staying on-island, the best approach is booking directly with each resort community for current non-resort guest availability.
Value Options: Bluffton and the Mainland
Bluffton — just across the bridge from Hilton Head — hosts several semi-private courses at meaningfully lower rates than on-island resort pricing. Old South Golf Links in Bluffton is widely considered the best value in the immediate Hilton Head area: marsh views, excellent conditions, and half the price of comparable island resort courses. It is the first recommendation for value-focused golfers visiting the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harbour Town Golf Links open to the public?
Yes — Harbour Town Golf Links accepts daily-fee play. It is the most famous course on Hilton Head and host of the RBC Heritage (PGA Tour). Non-resort guests can book tee times directly through Sea Pines Resort. See current rates in the pricing table above.
What is the best value golf near Hilton Head?
Old South Golf Links in Bluffton (just across the bridge) is widely regarded as the best quality-to-price option in the area — marsh views, excellent conditions, and significantly lower rates than on-island resort courses. It is the top recommendation for value-focused visitors.
When is the best time to play golf in Hilton Head?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the best combination of weather and value. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid but rates soften and tee times are easier to secure. Winter (December–February) is mild (50–65°F) with the lowest rates of the year.
Do I need to stay at a resort to play Hilton Head golf?
No — most resort courses accept daily-fee play from non-guests, though rates are typically higher than for resort guests. Staying within Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, or Shipyard provides preferred access and pricing. Bluffton courses across the bridge have no resort affiliation and are open to all.