Golf in South Carolina: Hilton Head, Kiawah Island, Isle of Palms—All You Need to Know

Where should I golf in South Carolina?

There are three options that I would recommend for golf in South Carolina:

1. Isle of Palms: Located 35 minutes from downtown Charleston is Wild Dunes Resort.

2. Kiawah Island: Located 50 minutes from downtown Charleston is Kiawah Island Resort.

3. Hilton Head: Although Hilton Head is in South Carolina, if is more accessible from Georgia. Located about 50 minutes from Savannah, GA, Hilton Head is also an ideal location.

The best courses in South Carolina?

I would not classify any course as the best, but each of the courses has their own uniqueness.

Wild Dunes Resort Golf Courses (Charleston – Isle of Palm):

• The Links Course is the crown jewel of Wild Dunes and the very first solo design by Tom Fazio. The layout winds through swaying palms and coastal dunes before finishing dramatically beside the Atlantic Ocean. Every hole feels like a classic seaside challenge—wide fairways framed by natural grass, breezes that constantly change shot selection, and elevated greens that reward a confident short game. The closing stretch, especially the oceanfront finale, gives golfers the kind of finish they’ll remember long after the scorecard is tucked away. Vibe: Scenic, traditional, and memorable—a Lowcountry classic with a true “links-style” feel.

• The Harbor Course offers a very different experience—tighter, more strategic, and completely shaped by the surrounding water. Nearly every hole forces you to account for lagoons, marshes, or the Intracoastal Waterway. Accuracy off the tee is everything, and the smaller greens demand careful approach shots. It’s less about raw power and more about shaping the ball, managing angles, and plotting your way around. When it reopens after its current renovation, expect it to blend modern upgrades with its original water-centric charm. Vibe: Tactical, picturesque, and rewarding for smart play.

Kiawah Island golf courses (Kiawah Island)

• The Ocean Course is Pete Dye’s masterpiece, stretching nearly the full length of Kiawah’s shoreline with panoramic Atlantic views. Constant ocean breezes make it one of the most challenging and dramatic tests of golf in the world. It has hosted major championships like the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship, solidifying its legendary status. Vibe: Pure drama and adrenaline—a course where every swing feels like part of history.

• Turtle Point, Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Turtle Point is a shot-maker’s course that rewards accuracy over distance. Narrow fairways, subtle greens, and coastal lagoons demand thoughtful strategy on every hole. Its balance of beauty and difficulty makes it a favorite for serious players. Vibe: Precise, cerebral golf with a touch of quiet coastal elegance.

• Osprey Point is a player-friendly design surrounded by natural beauty, weaving through forests, lakes, and marshland. Wide fairways and large greens make it enjoyable, while water hazards keep golfers on their toes. It’s a scenic, versatile course that embodies the relaxed elegance of Kiawah. Vibe: Playable and welcoming, with a laid-back Lowcountry charm.

• Cougar Point offers sweeping views of the Kiawah River and tidal marshes, delivering some of the island’s most striking vistas. Redesigned by Gary Player, it blends strategic layouts with playability for golfers of all levels. The opening holes along the marsh set the tone for a memorable round. Vibe: Scenic and strategic—a perfect blend of beauty and challenge.

• Oak Point lies along the Kiawah River, offering a parkland-style course with a Lowcountry twist. Rolling fairways, water features, and abundant wildlife create a tranquil yet engaging round. Its strategic layout makes it a rewarding course that complements the island’s championship lineup. Vibe: Relaxed, natural, and quietly sophisticated—golf in harmony with the landscape.

Palmetto Dunes (Hilton Head)

• The Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course is the resort’s signature layout, highlighted by sweeping fairways, expansive lagoons, and one of only two oceanfront holes on Hilton Head Island. Its wide, forgiving landing areas give way to challenging approaches, especially when the coastal winds pick up. The par-5 10th hole, with its dramatic ocean backdrop, is a true showpiece. Vibe: Bold and dramatic—classic resort golf with a breathtaking ocean finale.

• The George Fazio Course is the only par-70 layout on Hilton Head, designed to test accuracy and patience. Narrow fairways, strategic bunkering, and small greens demand precision from tee to green. It’s often considered the island’s most challenging resort course. Vibe: Tight, strategic, and competitive—a thinking player’s course.

• The Arthur Hills Course winds through palmettos, pines, and ocean breezes, creating a scenic Lowcountry journey. Elevated greens, rolling dunes, and plentiful lagoons challenge players to be both creative and careful. Wildlife sightings add to the natural beauty of the round. Vibe: Scenic and serene—a true immersion in Hilton Head’s coastal landscape.

What to know about playing these golf courses?

All of the courses are open to the public. However, for Kiawah Island, you get better preference of tee times if staying at the resort. The Ocean Course is the most popular. The approach to secure tee times is to book a stay and play golf package.

• Husk: Celebrated for reimagining Southern classics with local ingredients in a historic mansion setting.

• FIG: A James Beard Award–winning bistro known for seasonally inspired dishes and refined Lowcountry flavors.

• Leon’s Oyster Shop: A laid-back favorite serving fried chicken, oysters, and Southern staples in a retro garage space.

• 167 Raw Oyster Bar: A bustling seafood spot famous for its lobster rolls, fresh oysters, and vibrant atmosphere.

• Rodney Scott’s BBQ: A James Beard Award–winning pitmaster serving whole-hog barbecue with iconic Carolina flavor.