Top 5 Golf Courses on Hilton Head Island: The Expert Rankings
Defining the Best of Lowcountry Golf
Hilton Head Island is a bucket-list destination for golfers worldwide. But with so many fairways to choose from, how do you separate the good from the truly great? To build the ultimate list, we turned to two men who live and breathe Lowcountry golf: Benji Gecy, a top local golfer and real estate expert, and Bob Collar, Director of the Low Country Golf Hall of Fame.
They didn’t just look at course conditions; they debated playability, architectural pedigree, and that elusive "fun factor." Below is their definitive countdown—from Rees Jones gems to Pete Dye masterpieces.
The Countdown
No. 5 Haig Point (Daufuskie Island)
Kicking off the list is more than just a round of golf—it's a full-day excursion. Located on Daufuskie Island, Haig Point requires a ferry ride to access, but our experts agree it’s worth the travel.
This Rees Jones design takes you on a journey around the perimeter of the island, offering stunning water views and a serious test of your skills. In fact, some argue it plays even tougher than Harbour Town. It’s a private club, but accessible to the public, making for an unforgettable "away game."
No. 4 Sea Pines Country Club
Sitting at number four is a pure golfer’s delight: Sea Pines Country Club. Designed by Clyde Johnston, this course strikes the perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment.
Known for pristine conditioning, the greens here are consistently immaculate. It’s a course where good shots are rewarded with birdie opportunities, making it incredibly fun to play. The only downside? It is strictly members-only.
No. 3 The Golf Club at Indigo Run
Number three offers a piece of history: it is the only course co-designed by Jack Nicklaus and his son, Jack Nicklaus Jr..
Indigo Run is visually stunning and always in peak condition. While it is a private club, savvy golfers can sometimes snag a tee time by calling the pro shop during certain times of the year. It’s a Jack Nicklaus course through and through—generous off the tee but demanding on the approach.
No. 2 Long Cove Club
The runner-up is a Pete Dye masterpiece that many purists consider his finest work. Long Cove is famous for its classic Pete Dye aesthetics—specifically the heavy use of wooden railroad ties.
Located on the breezy inlet side of the island, the wind is often a major factor here. It’s a brute of a course that frequently hosts US Open qualifiers and collegiate events. Legend has it that a sportswriter once claimed that if Long Cove ever caught fire, "it would burn down" because of all the wood used in the design.
No. 1 Harbour Town Golf Links
Taking the crown is the world-renowned Harbour Town Golf Links. A collaboration between Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus, this course is the annual host of the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage.
Unlike modern "bomber" courses, Harbour Town demands strategy over power. You can hit the drive of your life and still be blocked out by a tree limb if you’re on the wrong side of the fairway. It forces you to shape shots and think your way around the property. Best of all? It’s open to the public.
The 19th Hole: Final Thoughts
As Benji and Bob noted, this list is just the start. Hilton Head Island is blessed with dozens of courses that could have easily fought for that number five spot. However, these five represent the pinnacle of design, condition, and challenge.
Whether you are battling the wind at Long Cove or enjoying the ferry ride to Haig Point, you are guaranteed a world-class experience. So, book that tee time, enjoy the Lowcountry beauty, and as the guys say: Keep making birdies.
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