About
Chances are that one reason you booked a vacation at Hilton Head Island is because of the number of golf courses available. If this rings true, be sure to book a tee time at Harbour Town Golf Links.
The course opened in 1969 and quickly became a must-play amongst pros and amateurs alike. World-renowned course architect Pete Dye and the legend himself, Jack Nicklaus, put their heads together to design the course. Their goal was to create a facility that demanded strategic thinking over sheer power. This philosophy shaped every hole, fairway, and hazard, resulting in a layout that challenges all levels.
Speaking of pro golf, the first Heritage Classic, now known as the RBC Heritage, took place just after Thanksgiving in 1969. Arnold Palmer won the inaugural event, which put Harbour Town Golf Links on the map.
This tournament has become a staple of the PGA TOUR, drawing top players to the island each year, typically the week after the Masters Tournament.
Even though the pros play here, don't be intimidated. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a beginner, you'll find the course rewarding. From the stunning views to its strategy-challenging layout, you'll walk away with a one-of-a-kind golfing experience.
The course's location makes it perfect for combining multiple sightseeing attractions in a day. For instance, after a morning round, take the gang out for an adventure with the Pirates of Hilton Head.
To reiterate, booking a tee time at this facility is a no-brainer. You'll walk in the steps of some of the PGA's esteemed players through a beautifully designed course.
Harbour Town Golf Links: Fun Facts & Cool Features
As mentioned, the course's layout is unique. Picture narrow fairways lined with pines and oaks, small, challenging greens, and strategically placed lagoons and bunkers. Here, accuracy, course management, and strategy are the keys to a successful round.
A distinctive feature is the 18th hole. The red-and-white-striped Harbour Town Lighthouse & Museum provides one of the most recognizable backdrops in golf. While breathtaking, this final hole is a masterpiece of design. It is a long par-4 along the Calibogue Sound. Any shot pulled to the left risks finding the marsh and water. All in all, the 18th makes for a dramatic and demanding finish.
Another notable feature is the 17th hole, a par-3 that plays over a lagoon to a green guarded by sand and railroad ties. The wooden planks add a rustic and intimidating visual that can "get in your head." The hole's short distance is deceptive, as wind and pin placement can make club selection difficult.
The 13th hole also stands out. It is a short par-4 with a green famously bordered by a massive sand trap and more railroad ties. The tiny, elevated green requires a precise approach shot. Here, a birdie is possible, but a bogey is always lurking!
Harbour Town Golf Links is a public course, which is a rare distinction for a layout of its caliber and PGA TOUR status. This accessibility allows amateur golfers the chance to walk the same fairways as their professional heroes.
Before or after your game, grab a meal or celebratory drink at the upscale Links, an American Grill. Opening at 7 AM, it makes the ideal breakfast spot to fuel up and talk strategy with your group. If you prefer a low-key setting, you're not too far from Salty Dog Cafe, serving seafood classics with water views.
For anyone planning a trip to the Palmetto State with golf on the agenda, a tee time at Harbour Town Golf Links is an essential part of the itinerary. It's an opportunity to engage with golf history, challenge your abilities, and take in Hilton Head Island's breathtaking beauty.
Local Tips
- Book your tee time well in advance, especially during the peak spring season.v
- Caddies are required, so factor their fee and gratuity into your budget.
- Refine your game with a world-class golf lesson.
- Take time to explore the Pete Dye Room.
