Harbour Town Golf Links was meticulously designed by the legendary Pete Dye in collaboration with Jack Nicklaus and is one of the most celebrated golf courses in the United States. This masterpiece, consistently ranked among the top courses in the country, is renowned for hosting the prestigious RBC Heritage golf tournament each year. Since its inaugural event in 1969, the RBC Heritage has become a cherished tradition, drawing over 100,000 spectators annually and featuring top professional golfers from around the world.
The course itself is a testament to the genius of Dye and Nicklaus, combining strategic design with the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island. Small, sloping greens covered in TifEagle Bermuda grass, strategically placed oaks, pines, and palmetto trees, and a series of diverse bunkers create a visually stunning and technically challenging layout. The first sixteen inland holes, framed by homes but maintaining a secluded feel, require precise shot-making to navigate the tight fairways and well-placed hazards. The course’s bunkers, varying in shape and depth, add another layer of complexity, demanding careful planning and execution. Harbour Town is a course that requires accuracy above all else, with narrow fairways and small greens that challenge even the most skilled golfers. The design encourages the use of a wide range of clubs, from wedges to long irons, depending on the hole, making each round a unique test of a golfer’s abilities. The four tee boxes, ranging from 5,047 to 6,681 yards, accommodate players of all skill levels, though the course's true test lies in the precision required on every shot.
Approach shots at Harbour Town can vary from straightforward to extremely challenging, depending on the accuracy of the preceding tee shot. Fairway bunkers, deepened for added challenge, and tree-lined areas often require golfers to make strategic decisions, whether to play conservatively or attempt a risky recovery shot. Harbour Town Golf Links is a course that emphasizes precision shot-making and strategic thinking. Its design challenges golfers to navigate trouble effectively, making it a true test of shot-making prowess. A round at Harbour Town is an unforgettable experience, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to play this exceptional course.
The practice facilities at Harbour Town Golf Links are on par with its PGA Tour hosting capabilities, offering a comprehensive practice area just steps from the first tee. The large putting green, short game area, and well-designed driving range cater to the demands of the course, with the practice green mirroring the speed of the actual greens. The short game area is particularly challenging, with small targets that test a player’s precision. While the driving range may not be extensive, it offers numerous target greens that help sharpen shot-making skills.
The overall experience at Harbour Town is enhanced by the exceptional customer service and amenities at Sea Pines Resort. The expansive clubhouse features a pro shop stocked with merchandise bearing the iconic lighthouse logo, and the Pete Dye Room offers insights into the course's history and design. Mandatory caddies provide invaluable local knowledge, enhancing the round, whether walking or using a cart with a forecaddie. The combination of world-class golf, stunning scenery, and top-notch service makes Harbour Town Golf Links a must-play destination for any serious golfer.
Signature Hole:
- Hole 18: This iconic hole demands a precise tee shot aimed toward the famous lighthouse, set against the backdrop of the Calibogue Sound. The strategic design of this finishing hole encapsulates the essence of Harbour Town, where golfers must navigate tight fairways and contend with overhanging trees, all while facing the pressure of the closing stretch
