Trip to Tee

Lowcountry Links: Hilton Head & Bluffton Golf

Palmetto Dunes, Harbour Town and Old South: four public courses within 15 miles.

Hilton Head Island is a classic Lowcountry golf destination. Palmetto Dunes offers three courses on one property, Harbour Town is home to the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage, and Old South in nearby Bluffton adds a more affordable option.

Hilton Head is compact and walkable, with bike paths, beaches, and seafood on the waterfront. Courses here are tree-lined and routed through marshes and lagoons.

Palmetto Dunes' three courses share a single resort, so you can play 36 holes without a car. Harbour Town is the iconic one; Old South, on the mainland side, is the value pick.

Region
Southeast
Courses
4
Total driving
15 miles
Duration
3 days
Estimated green fees
~$918
Difficulty
Championship

Courses in this guide

  1. Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Golf Course (Palmetto Dunes) — Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
  2. Arthur Hills Golf Course (Palmetto Dunes) — Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
  3. Harbour Town Golf Links — Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
  4. Old South Golf Links — Bluffton, South Carolina

Suggested itineraries

  1. Day 1: Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront

    Play the Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront course, with views of the Atlantic, and have dinner on Broad Creek.

  2. Day 2: Arthur Hills and Harbour Town

    Play Arthur Hills in the morning, then take a twilight round at Harbour Town and watch the sun set from the lighthouse.

  3. Day 3: Old South, Bluffton

    Drive about 15 minutes to Bluffton for Old South, then lunch in Old Town Bluffton.

Where to stay

  • Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort: Beachfront, adjacent to Palmetto Dunes.
  • Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa: Beachfront option.
  • The Inn at Harbour Town: Boutique inn at the lighthouse.
  • Westin Hilton Head Island: Resort in Port Royal.
  • Old Town Bluffton Inn: Small inn near Old South.

Where to eat

  • Fishcamp on Broad Creek: Waterfront seafood.
  • Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks: Hilton Head staple.
  • HH Prime: Steakhouse at the Omni.
  • Skull Creek Boathouse: Sunset dining.
  • May River Grill: Old Town Bluffton.

Getting around

Rent a car. The four courses are within about 15 miles of each other; the longest leg is from Harbour Town to Bluffton. Island traffic on US 278 is heaviest in summer.

Best time to visit

March through May and October through November are best. Summer is hot and crowded but cheaper; winter is mild but cool mornings are common.

Budget tips

  • Harbour Town is the splurge; Old South costs about a third as much.
  • Twilight and stay-and-play packages at Palmetto Dunes lower rates significantly.
  • Stay in Bluffton or off-island to cut lodging costs.
  • Book weekday rounds; island weekend rates are much higher.

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