Where to Stay and Play Golf on Hilton Head Island

Rental Accommodations Near Hilton Head's Golf Courses

Hilton Head Island has more than 20 golf courses, and most visitors rent homes or condos rather than stay in hotels. The island's rental market runs from modest one-bedroom apartments to oceanfront estates, with prices and availability shifting sharply by season. Summer (June through August) is cheapest; winter (December through March) is peak season and books months ahead.

The main rental platforms serving Hilton Head are Airbnb, VRBO, and Vacation Rentals by Owner. Local property management companies like Hilton Head Vacation Rentals and Destination Resorts also list homes directly. Most rentals are concentrated in three areas: Palmetto Dunes (home to three courses), Shipyard Plantation (four courses), and Calibogue Sound on the south end. Each area has different price points and course access—knowing which courses you want to play helps narrow where to stay.

When searching, filter by proximity to your chosen course and confirm the rental includes parking and golf cart access if needed. Many properties offer golf packages that bundle lodging with discounted rounds at affiliated courses, though you can also book tee times separately through the courses themselves or through third-party booking sites like GolfNow.

Key Takeaways

• Hilton Head rentals range from one-bedroom condos to large oceanfront homes, with winter (December–March) commanding the highest prices and summer offering the lowest rates.
• Palmetto Dunes, Shipyard Plantation, and Calibogue Sound are the three main rental clusters, each with multiple courses within or nearby.
• Airbnb, VRBO, and local property management companies are the primary sources; confirm parking and golf cart access before booking.
• Golf packages bundling lodging and rounds exist but are not required—you can rent a home and book tee times independently through the courses or GolfNow.
• Book winter rentals three to six months ahead; summer rentals can often be secured with less notice.

Palmetto Dunes: Three Courses and Resort Amenities

Palmetto Dunes is Hilton Head's largest planned resort community and sits on the island's east side. It contains three 18-hole courses: the Arthur Hills Course, the George Fazio Course, and the Robert Trent Jones Course. All three are open to resort guests and the public, though rates are lower for those staying in Palmetto Dunes rentals.

Rental homes in Palmetto Dunes range from two-bedroom condos to six-bedroom oceanfront estates. The community includes restaurants, a beach, and a marina, so you can stay on-property for meals and activities beyond golf. Rentals here tend to be pricier than other areas but offer the convenience of multiple courses and resort services within walking or short driving distance.

To find Palmetto Dunes rentals, search directly on Airbnb and VRBO by neighborhood name, or contact Palmetto Dunes Oceanside Resort's rental office. Many properties are managed by the resort itself and come with access to resort amenities like pools and fitness centers.

Shipyard Plantation: Four Courses and Quieter Surroundings

Shipyard Plantation occupies the central part of Hilton Head and has four courses: Clipper, Galleon, Brigantine, and Esquire. The community is more residential and less commercialized than Palmetto Dunes, appealing to golfers who want a quieter base. Rentals here are often slightly cheaper and range from one-bedroom condos to four-bedroom homes.

Shipyard has its own gate and security, and all four courses are reserved for residents and their guests or paying visitors. If you rent in Shipyard, you can book tee times at any of the four courses; if you rent elsewhere on the island, you can still play Shipyard courses but may pay a higher green fee. The plantation also has a small shopping area and restaurants, though fewer than Palmetto Dunes.

Search Shipyard rentals on Airbnb, VRBO, or through Shipyard Plantation's own rental management office. Confirm with the rental that golf course access is included, as some properties are rented by owners who do not have active memberships.

South End and Calibogue Sound: Smaller Courses and Budget Options

Hilton Head's south end, near Calibogue Sound, has several smaller courses and tends to offer cheaper rentals than the resort communities. Courses in this area include Oyster Reef Golf Club, Calibogue Club, and Hilton Head National. The south end is quieter and less developed, with a more local feel than the planned resort areas.

Rentals here are often one- or two-bedroom condos or modest homes, and prices drop noticeably in the off-season. This area suits golfers on a tighter budget or those who want to experience Hilton Head beyond the resort bubble. You will need a car to reach restaurants and shopping, as the south end is less walkable than Palmetto Dunes.

Book south-end rentals through Airbnb, VRBO, or local property managers. Confirm that the rental is within reasonable driving distance (usually 10–15 minutes) of the courses you plan to play.

Golf Packages and Bundled Deals

Several Hilton Head resorts and rental companies offer golf packages that combine lodging with discounted or included rounds. Palmetto Dunes Oceanside Resort, for example, often bundles condo rentals with reduced rates at its three courses. These packages can save money if you plan to play multiple rounds, but they lock you into specific courses and may require longer stays.

If you prefer flexibility—choosing different courses each day or playing fewer rounds than a package includes—booking a rental and tee times separately usually works out cheaper. Compare the all-in cost of a package against the cost of renting independently and paying standard green fees before committing.

Ask rental companies directly about current packages, as they change seasonally and are not always advertised online. Many offer discounts for multi-week stays or off-season bookings even without a formal package.

Booking Tee Times and Course Access

Once you have chosen a rental, book tee times through the courses directly, through GolfNow, or through your rental property's concierge if one is available. Courses on Hilton Head fill up quickly in winter, so reserve tee times as soon as you confirm your travel dates—ideally two to four weeks ahead for winter visits.

Green fees vary by course and season. Public courses on Hilton Head typically charge between $60 and $150 per round in winter and $30 to $80 in summer, though resort courses may charge more. Many courses offer twilight rates (tee times after 2 or 3 p.m.) at a discount if you are flexible on timing.

If your rental is in a gated community like Palmetto Dunes or Shipyard, confirm that your property manager has registered you for course access. Some courses require a resident or guest pass, and this is usually handled automatically, but it is worth verifying before you arrive.

Timing Your Visit and Seasonal Considerations

Hilton Head's golf season peaks from November through April, when temperatures are mild and humidity is low. Winter weeks (especially around Christmas and New Year's) book solid months in advance and command the highest rental rates. Spring (March and April) and fall (October and November) offer a middle ground: good weather, fewer crowds than peak winter, and lower prices than the holidays.

Summer (June through August) is hot and humid, but rental prices drop significantly and courses are less crowded. If you can handle the heat and occasional afternoon thunderstorms, summer is the budget option. September and early October are hurricane season; rentals are cheap, but weather is unpredictable and some courses may close temporarily.

Book winter rentals three to six months ahead. Spring and fall rentals can usually be secured one to three months out. Summer rentals often have availability with just a few weeks' notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a car to get around Hilton Head if I am staying in a rental?

Yes, unless you stay in Palmetto Dunes or another walkable resort area with restaurants and shops on-site. Most rentals are spread out, and courses are not within walking distance of each other. Rental car companies operate at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, about 45 minutes away, or you can use a rideshare service, though costs add up quickly for multiple trips.

Can I play golf courses outside my rental community?

Yes. All Hilton Head courses accept public play, though you may pay a higher green fee if you are not a resident or guest of that community. Courses in gated communities like Palmetto Dunes and Shipyard sometimes charge a premium for non-residents, but you can still book and play. Check the course website or call ahead to confirm rates and availability.

What is the difference between renting through Airbnb/VRBO and a local property manager?

Airbnb and VRBO offer more choice and often lower prices, but you deal with individual owners who may have varying standards. Local property managers typically handle maintenance and guest services more consistently and may offer golf packages or concierge help. Local managers are also easier to reach if something breaks during your stay. Compare reviews and cancellation policies on both before deciding.

Are golf packages worth it, or should I book separately?

It depends on how many rounds you plan to play. If you want to play one course multiple times or play four or more rounds, a package may save money. If you want to sample different courses or play fewer than three rounds, booking separately gives you more flexibility and often costs less. Calculate the total cost both ways before booking.

When should I book my rental and tee times?

For winter visits (December–March), book rentals by September and tee times by October. For spring and fall, book rentals by June or August and tee times six to eight weeks ahead. Summer rentals can be booked closer to your travel dates. The earlier you book, the better your choice of properties and tee times, especially at popular courses.