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We love it when readers come to us for golf travel advice.
Whenever we write an "Ask GolfPass" article, we get to relive our own personal experiences, recalling when we teed up that particular course, resort or destination. So when 'Mark' reached out on social media asking about the best golf courses in Bluffton, S.C., I got to walk down memory lane, conjuring up past memories of prior visits to South Carolina's Lowcountry. It's one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in America.
Hi Jason reading your article on Golf https://t.co/45JNjFg11G for fall trips #2 HHI what would be the top 3 courses in Bluffton? Thanks
— Mark Johnston (@MarkJohnston28) August 17, 2024
The best part about playing golf in Bluffton is the opportunity to stay on the mainland and avoid the hassles of Hilton Head Island -- the fare over the bridge, the traffic congestion on confusing island roads, the more expensive green fees.
Bluffton, a growing retirement community, is home to more than a dozen golf courses stacked up one after another along Fording Island Road (also known as Highway 278), the gateway to Hilton Head. Many of them are private clubs -- Berkley Hall, Colleton River Club and Belfair Plantation -- but there are enough public-access courses to keep snowbirds, retirees and vacationers busy for a week or more. We've got a complete course directory in Bluffton here.
But if you're looking for the best public golf courses in Bluffton, S.C., here are my five favorites:
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May River at Montage Palmetto Bluff
May River Golf Club is a Jack Nicklaus signature design that offers some access to guests of the Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, S.C.. Courtesy of Palmetto Bluff Staying at the Montage Palmetto Bluff is the only way to potentially secure a tee time at May River. Jack Nicklaus completed the visually stunning 7,171-yard course that weaves through coastal wetlands and along the banks of the May River in 2004. Caddies are required, and walking is encouraged to fully appreciate the relaxed atmosphere. May River just added nine new reversible holes called the Crossroads Course we can't wait to see soon.
![Hole #8]()
Where have you played golf in Bluffton? Share your experiences in the comments below.
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Old South Golf Links
The 17th green at the Old South Golf Links in Bluffton, S.C. sits in the marshes. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfPass The 6,772-yard Old South Golf Links was built in 1991 by Clyde Johnston. It climaxes on the front nine (nos. 6-9) and the back nine (nos. 16-17) with stretches of holes that skirt the Intracoastal marshes of McKay's Creek with the Calibogue Sound on the horizon.
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Hilton Head National
The first hole on the Player Nine at Hilton Head National in Bluffton, S.C. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfPass Gary Player's design, located just one mile from the bridge to the island, essentially put Bluffton golf on the map in 1989. Unfortunately, overwhelming growth within the region ultimately cost the club some of its best holes. Eminent domain for construction of the new Bluffton Parkway forced Hilton Head National to shrink from 27 holes to a 6,730-yard, 18-hole routing in 2009. The front nine by Bobby Weed plays much different than the back nine by Gary Player. Combined, they still deliver the natural setting without real estate that attracted players in the first place.
![Hilton Head National GC]()
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Crescent Pointe Golf Club
This bridge traverses a wetland to the ninth green at Crescent Pointe Golf Club. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfPass Arnold Palmer's contribution to Bluffton is a good one that finishes along the banks of the Colleton River. The 6,773-yard Crescent Pointe Golf Club opened in 2000. Roughly 16 holes require a forced carry of some kind, so choose tees wisely. The epic ninth green rises from the marsh as an island par 3, playing 219 yards from the tips. The dramatic three-hole finish flows parallel to the riverbank.
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Island West
![Island West GC]()
A view from a fairway at Island West Golf Club Island West GC Designed by Clyde Johnston and Fuzzy Zoeller in 1992, Island West tends to get more consistent positive reviews than Bluffton's other two public options - Rose Hill and Eagle's Pointe, a Davis Love III design in Okatie I enjoyed playing years ago. A GolfPass review from May noted the "Course has potential", giving it four stars. "I heard they have new ownership and management and conditions are improving. It's a fun layout and very challenging green complexes. Like most courses this time of year, greens are inconsistent and tee boxes struggle to keep their grass. Regardless, enjoyed the course, staff, and the variety of hole layouts."
Comments (3)
In my opinion, Hilton Head National is far better than Old South, it is consistently in better condition, and there are some odd holes at Old South. Hilton Head National is a player friendly layout, in great shape, and despite the rising cost of golf, much cheaper than alot of the on island options.
Hi Chris, Thanks for sharing your comment. I have only played Old South and HHN once, so I am basing my rankings off of those rounds. Sounds like you have much more experience playing both. As with any ranking, they are personal and up for debate. I think the bottom line is both courses are good and feel like bargains compared to what you get on the island.
For sure. Its personal preference, I just happen to enjoy the layout at HHN more, and have found it to be consistently in better shape.