Crafted by iconic golf course architect Pete Dye, the Heron Point golf course offers an intriguing challenge, featuring a mix of long and short holes that tantalize golfers with risk-reward scenarios. This meticulously designed course showcases fairways that artfully navigate around hazards, while Dye’s distinctive mounding and swales gracefully frame target areas, making it a golfing gem. Originally known as the Sea Marsh Golf Course, Heron Point emerged in 2007 following a multimillion-dollar reconstruction project at The Sea Pines Resort. Pete Dye’s imaginative brilliance shines throughout the course, evident in the dramatic reshaping of fairways, which introduces players to constantly shifting elevations and intriguing angles. The greens, in particular, are a testament to Dye’s creativity, featuring small and undulating surfaces, guarded by various obstacles.  Among the standout holes at Heron Point is the par-five ninth, characterized by a sharp dogleg left and a narrow green protected by mounds and a bunker. The par-three 16th, a lengthy hole with mounds and sand defenses, presents an intimidating tee shot. Finally, the par-four 18th adheres to Pete Dye’s signature finishing hole design, featuring water along the left and challenging tee shots with bunkers and mounds to the right. 

The course modifications undertaken in 2014 aimed to make Heron Point more accessible for the average golfer. These adjustments included the addition of multiple tee boxes and the enlargement of select greens. Despite these alterations, Heron Point retains its reputation as a formidable test of golf, offering risk-reward holes, Dye’s iconic mounding, and greens protected by water hazards.  The interplay of water hazards, bulkheads, and unique landscape features, including sand, mulch, and limestone surfaces, offers a visually stunning and challenging experience. Heron Point’s greens are relatively small by modern standards, averaging around 3,800 square feet. This size allows for both demanding and more accessible pin placements, challenging players to hone their short-game skills. The tight driving corridors, bordered by mature trees, require precision off the tee. Heron Point’s fairway bunkers are formidable, serving as strategic obstacles that demand careful consideration. Heron Point is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, showcasing its commitment to preserving the natural landscape.

In 2015, Heron Point was honored as South Carolina’s Golf Course of the Year,  joining Sea Pines Resort’s other masterpiece, Harbour Town Golf Links.  The course boasts a variety of tee options, with seven sets available on each hole, accommodating golfers of all skill levels. One remarkable aspect of Heron Point is its walkability. The proximity of greens to tees and the generally level terrain make it a delightful stroll for golfers. The availability of caddies and forecaddies ensures a high-end resort experience and top-notch service.  

Heron Point by Pete Dye is a masterpiece of golf course architecture that demands strategic thinking, precision, and a creative short game. Its unique features, challenging layout, and picturesque surroundings make it a must-play course for golfers seeking an exhilarating golf experience on Hilton Head Island.