Hilton Head, South Carolina is home to some of the best golf courses in the country. From the pristine greens of the Sea Pines Resort to the challenging narrow fairways of Bear Creek Golf Club, Hilton Head offers a variety of golf courses for all skill levels. With a handful of PGA courses, many designed by the top names in the game, Hilton Head is a mecca for premier golfing opportunities.
Below we will take a look at the Top 5 Golf Courses in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
1. The Sea Pines Resort
We’re starting this list with a place that you’ve likely already heard about. The Sea Pines Resort is, by and large, one of the main attractions for Hilton Head. It has large tennis courts, fancy villas, and a rather lively club, but for the purposes of today’s list, we’ll be focusing purely on the resort’s golf courses – And it doesn’t disappoint.
There are three golf courses at The Sea Pines Resort. You can play socially, competitively, just one, or all three – The package is fully customizable to your needs. Such flexibility, however, is going to clock in at a considerable price. You can book up to 4 males and 4 females per party, totaling at a maximum possible of an 8-person group.
The quality of the golf courses speaks for itself; The Sea Pines Resort has won several awards for them, including Platinum Winner for Golf Magazine 2016-17 and the National Course Of The Year Award from the NGCOA. The well-kept turf, an overview of the sea, and openness to the evening sun make it clear why this place has received so much praise.
Customers speak very positively of the 5-star golf courses at this 5-star hotel, particularly the Villa Golf Package which allows for a 3-night stay and 3 rounds of championship golf for $229 (during winter) or $255 (during summer) per golfer – Perhaps a little expensive for some, but certainly justified by such a premium and personalized experience.
2. Oyster Reef Golf Club
If you’re looking for something a little more low-key than a grand hotel golf course, Oyster Reef may be the way to go. This golf course still overlooks the sea with a fair view of the evening sun but is not connected to a larger place, making for a more dedicated golfing experience.
The 18-hole golf course was designed by architect Rees Jones and is more than 190 acres of low country terrain. When bringing his vision to life, Jones was respectful of the natural landscape around the course and kept in the lush vegetation and winding lagoons. The course is flexible for both beginner and expert players and has also won several awards including one from the NGCOA and a place in the ‘Top 75 U.S. Golf Resorts’ article published by Golf Digest.
There’s also fine dining available for after at the Lagerhead Tavern if golfing brings out your appetite.
For $100 per player, you can use this range in the morning, or if you’re looking to go cheaper then you can book an afternoon or later afternoon session for $70 and $60 per person respectively. Whilst you may have less light during these times, you will also have a scenic sunset backing you.
3. Bear Creek Golf Club
With a Par 72 championship golf course, Bear Creek Golf Club is run by memberships and is an excellent place to go if golfing means more to you than just the activity itself; if you’re also looking to socialize and make new friends.
Slightly pre-dating Oyster Reef, the golf course here was also designed by Rees Jones as his first entirely solo project. It’s 6,800 yards wide and has been renovated several times since its opening. This course is used to host many of the island’s golfing events, including the 2014 Amateurs and 2014 Open tournaments.
To get the full package at this club, you can subscribe to a Full Golf membership, or if you’re already a member at another Hilton Head golf course, you can subscribe to a Second Club membership at the base rate of $99 monthly for yourself, $129 monthly for yourself and a partner, or $169 monthly for your entire family – Some excellent savings when you really look at them.
Those who do not want to commit to a membership can still book individual golfing sessions alone or with a group should they choose to do so.
4. George Fazio Golf Course
Regarded as the most challenging course on Hilton Head Island, George Fazio’s 70 Par golf course has won awards for its’ complexity from Golf Digest and the SC Golf Owner’s Association.
There’s even more to this place than just its’ 18-hole golf course, however, including a ‘Birdie Ball’ practice facility, an on-site shop, a clubhouse, and VIP greens. Whilst the course itself is extremely open, the distant perimeter of the site is covered by beautiful oak trees, creating a secluded and more personal atmosphere.
The price to golf here is unclear on the website, though the high ratings for the courses and the slopes suggest it is very much worth whatever the price is.
5. Shipyard Golf Club
Our final spot on this list goes to what has, in terms of holes, the longest golf course of all five places on this list, and perhaps is also the most extravagant.
There are three courses at this golf club which each has nine holes, totaling 27. The one that has won it a place on this list is the Brigantine Course. It was designed very carefully by Willard C. Byrd, allowing for alligators to sun on the greens, water hazards on nine of the holes, and craftily placed bunkers to allow for an extra level of difficulty when playing on this course. It was built in 1982.
The Galleon golf course was established 12 years earlier by George W. Cobb and provides for a more straightforward leg of the range going through tall pines and large oaks – A basic, yet still scenic, atmosphere. The Clipper golf course was built in the same year, and is regarded by both the staff and players are the most difficult of all three, with a careful touch on the club required to make efficient and winning shots due to the openness of the greens.
Overall…
Hilton Head is a vacation destination for many Americans. Along with the beautiful views, stunning beaches and wide assortment of amenities, the resort town is known universally for its unparalleled golf courses and first-glass golfing facilities. Whether planning to visit for a game or looking for an extended vacation at one of the premier resorts, Hilton Head is a must-visit destination for any golfer.
Interested in a beautiful gated community atmosphere in Hilton Head? Check out Hampton Hall
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