I go every year and here are my favorites - HH National, Golden Bear at Indigo Run, Heron's Pt. and Atlantic Dunes. If you want just ok conditions and moderately priced try Eagles Point and Crescent Point. Have fun!!!

John and Dale,

Thanks for the suggestions! I really appreciate it.

They are all great, you won't be disappointed in whichever you pick. If you have't before, take a side trip over to Savannah. 45 minute drive is well worth it. Eat at Lady and Son's (Paula Dean's), walk the river front, or if after dark, take the walking ghost tour.

Totally agree. Live up the road in Charleston from Savannah and have made many trips to Savannah and Dale is dead on. Also when in HH do not pass up Reilly's www.reilleyshiltonhead.com. Salty Dog saltydog.com another local and tourist favorite on Sea Pines. Reilly's is a great relaxed atmosphere at the entrance to Sea Pines which is the course to play in HH. If you belong to a private course, have your pro try to get you on Belfair in Bluffton or Secession Golf Club in Beaufort. Both are beautiful private courses. Secession is a walking course only. There is lots of great golf in the Bluffton, Beaufort, Hilton Head area for you to enjoy. Get early tees times if you can, it is hot and humid this time of the year. The heat index has been around 105-110 in the early afternoons this week along the coast of Charleston. Imagine it will be around the same down there because the temps only go up in July and August. We locals stay in the afternoons. Drink lots of water before, during your round and after. The monkey got one of our younger golfers (23 and was walking in the afternoon) this weekend at our course, he dropped on the course and EMS had to be called. Want you to enjoy your stay in South Carolina. The lighthouse at Sea Pines this year, celebrating thier 50th year Anniversary PGA event. The 18th green at Belfair as we were finishing. Cheers, chuck.....

My wife and I both enjoyed Old South across the bridge in Bluffton. Some water in play and a few quirky holes but nice views and not many on-course homes/condos. Dolphin Head was also nice but not as memorable.

Thanks guys! Really appreciate the input

Stephen

Oh and Stephen, super casual seafood place (foam plates and plastic forks) called The Sea Shack is really good! Also casual but not fast food like, is Hudson's just as you get on the Island. The best blackened scallops i have ever had. Both are a bit hard to find but if you like seafood, worth hunting down. Enjoy the trip.

Of course, Harbor Town, but I will second the mention of Old South in Bluffton. Fun course, and much more affordable!

Stephen, I would be curious to know which courses you played on your trip to Hilton Head(if your have already gone on your trip) and your thoughts. I went for the first time last October and played Harbour Town, Oyster Reef and Hampton Hall. It was a great trip and just wondering what you thought?

Took the family on vacation to HHI in July. My son and I played Golden Bear at Indigo Run and Hilton Head National. Golden Bear was nice, but it was crowded and more target style golf. Really impressed with HH national, staff was great, knowledgeable and very helpful. Tons of good seafood, but if you are looking for a good burger check out charbar

All responses are right on target! Partial to Sea Pines courses myself, buy can't go wrong with any of them on the island. Like magic when you go over the bridge. Worst part is going home.

I go to HHI every year but never play HH national, I’ll have to check that out!

I lived on HHI for nearly ten years--and owned a home there for about 15 years. All of the golf recommendations are spot-on. I'd throw in that other than HT, the most nationally recognized courses are all behind gates (Colleton, Long Cove, Belfair, Moss Creek, Berkeley Hall). My three favorites are Secession, Chechessee Creek, and Long Cove.
For a real treat--play May River in Palmetto Bluff. The public courses are all usually in great shape---from Palmetto Hall to HH National.

For a burger---try Harold's Diner.

Do you think these HH courses will be cart path only this weekend?

If you're going to be at Sea Pines and play Harbour Town you really should also try the Dye (Heron Point) and Love III (Atlantic Dunes) courses that are in Sea Pines plantation as well. HTGL is epic and historic and a great one to cross off the golf bucket list, but I actually loved the Dye course and would certainly play that one again!!