50+ Courses. One Perfect Lowcountry Round.
Bluffton and the surrounding Lowcountry sit at the heart of one of the Southeast's premier golf destinations — with world-class courses, mild year-round weather, and scenery you won't find anywhere else.
50+
Golf courses in the area
12
Months of playable weather
5
PGA Tour-caliber designers
30 min
Drive to Hilton Head courses
Why golf here
The Bluffton and Hilton Head area is home to more than 50 golf courses — from championship layouts designed by Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Rees Jones to friendly public tracks perfect for a casual round. The Lowcountry setting adds something no other golf destination can match: ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, salt marsh vistas, tidal creeks, and wildlife at every turn. Rounds here aren't just rounds — they're experiences.
Featured courses
Resort / Semi-PrivateDesigned by Jack Nicklaus · Par 72 · 7,171 yds
Set within the 20,000-acre Palmetto Bluff resort, this Jack Nicklaus Signature design winds through ancient live oaks and along the May River. Consistently ranked among the top resort courses in the Southeast.
Signature hole plays along a tidal creek with marsh views
PublicDesigned by Arthur Hills · Par 71 · 6,773 yds
One of the best public-access values in the Bluffton area. Arthur Hills designed a course that rewards smart course management, with generous fairways opening to tighter approaches and well-protected greens.
Excellent public-access value with challenging layout
Semi-PrivateDesigned by Davis Love III · Par 71 · 6,774 yds
A Davis Love III design that makes the most of its Lowcountry setting. Marsh and lagoon views frame nearly every hole, and the course plays differently depending on the wind — a true Lowcountry challenge.
Davis Love III design with stunning marsh and lagoon views
PublicDesigned by Clyde Johnston · Par 72 · 6,772 yds
Old South Golf Links is one of the most scenic public courses in South Carolina. Clyde Johnston routed the layout along the May River and through pristine salt marsh, creating a course that's as beautiful as it is challenging.
Dramatic marsh and May River views on multiple holes
PublicDesigned by Gary Player · Par 72 · 6,779 yds
A Gary Player design just minutes from Old Town Bluffton. Three distinct nine-hole loops — National, Player, and Weed — give golfers variety across 27 holes of well-maintained Lowcountry golf.
Gary Player design just minutes from Bluffton
PrivateDesigned by Pete Dye / Jack Nicklaus · Par 72 · 7,093 yds
One of the most prestigious private clubs in the Lowcountry, featuring both a Pete Dye and a Jack Nicklaus Signature course. The Dye course in particular is considered one of the finest in South Carolina.
Two championship courses — Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus designs
Public golf courses in Bluffton SC
You don't need a club membership or a resort stay to play great golf in Bluffton. Three outstanding public-access courses are within 10 minutes of Old Town, offering Lowcountry scenery and challenging layouts at a fraction of resort prices.
Clyde Johnston · Par 72 · 6,772 yds
The most scenic public course in the area. Multiple holes play directly along the May River and through pristine salt marsh — views that rival any resort course in the Lowcountry. Book early; it fills fast.
Best for: Scenic rounds, value seekers, photography
Arthur Hills · Par 71 · 6,773 yds
Arthur Hills designed a course that rewards smart play over raw power. Generous fairways tighten on approach, and the greens are well-protected. One of the best public-access values in the entire Bluffton-Hilton Head corridor.
Best for: Strategic players, value rounds, last-minute tee times
Gary Player · Par 72 · 6,779 yds
Three distinct nine-hole loops (National, Player, and Weed) give you 27 holes of Gary Player-designed golf just minutes from Old Town. Mix and match nines for a different experience each visit.
Best for: 27-hole variety, groups, repeat visitors
Planning your round
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer is hot and humid — book early morning tee times. Winter is mild and uncrowded, often with the best rates.
Popular courses fill up fast, especially on weekends and during peak season. Book at least two weeks ahead for resort and semi-private courses. Public courses like Old South and Crescent Pointe are easier to book last-minute.
Many Bluffton and Hilton Head resorts offer multi-round golf packages that bundle accommodations with tee times at multiple courses. These often provide significant savings over booking separately.
Lowcountry courses are exposed to coastal winds that can dramatically change club selection and shot shape. Check the forecast and be prepared to play one or two clubs more than usual on windy days.
Common questions
Browse our full guide to Bluffton-area golf courses, or start planning your trip with our travel tips.
