Since golf is so popular in Hilton Head, it only seems fitting to talk about golf on the island and share some insider tips for traveling to Hilton Head. Whether it’s for a golf trip specifically, or if it’s just a staple of all of your Hilton Head vacations, we have some advice for you.
The golf season in most parts of the country is typically limited to the summer months, but Hilton Head’s mild climate keeps that little white ball rolling year round. Hilton Head is home to the most golf courses per mile of anywhere in the world, and with 33 unique, world-class tracks, you’re sure to find a course perfect for your game.
No Hilton Head vacation is complete without stopping by the links, so let’s get into our golf tips.
Don’t Be Intimidated by the “Shoulder Seasons”
For most places in the country, the golf season is going to be limited to those 2-3 summer months, where the sun is shining and there is no snow on the ground. Hilton Head, however, has made its name as a golf destination, with a climate that is mild enough for year-round play. In September, the average high of 84° creates little to no difference between the dead of summer in the Northeast parts of the country. As you move into October, it cools down a bit to an average high of 77° – this is one of the best times to be on the course. November through March are typically running in the sixties, and there are a few days when it is impractical to go out and play 9 or 18 with a light jacket, even in the dead of winter.
The coldest month, January, still has an average high of 60°, and can even have days that feel more like spring than winter! Even with the more mild months of temperature, you can bank on no more than 5-8 days of rain per month. No rain? No snow on the ground? Sounds like golfing weather.
Check on the Green Fees for Your Trip
Just like anywhere in the country, green fees fluctuate based on the time of year, as well as the time of day.
Green Fee Estimates by Date (in Order from Least Expensive to Most Expensive):
- November 26 – March 11
- May 14 – September 9
- September 10 – November 25
- March 12 – May 13
Notice that the second lowest green fees are during the summer. This works out well for both the whole family that loves to hit the beach, as well as the family members who would prefer to get that afternoon round in while on vacation.
You can always check on GolfNow for rates any time of the year, and make sure to call and ask about Twilight rates after 12:00 PM and Super Twilight rates after 2:00 PM. For more information on some of the courses we are preferable to, click here!
Take Advantage of Everything that Off-Season in the Lowcountry has to Offer
There is so much to take advantage of during the off-season and shoulder seasons in Hilton Head. Not only is the weather great, but there are less crowds and a ton of things going on. For the golf lovers, the most obvious event that should be at the top of your list is the RBC Heritage.
Hilton Head is a destination for the whole family though, so we don’t want to leave out the non-golfers when it comes to off-season travel. The shoulder seasons are filled with festivals and fun for the whole family. Just to name a few:
- The Gullah Festival in February
- Hilton Head Seafood Festival in February
- Beaufort International Film Festival in February
- Chamber Restaurant Week in February
- Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival in March
- St.Patrick’s Day Parades in Hilton Head and Savannah
- Palmetto Heart Walk in April
- Yacht Hop in May
- Captain Woody’s Tennis Fall Classic in September
- Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival in October
- Halloween on the Harbour
- Thanksgiving Activities
- Harbour Town Lights starting in November
- Caramel Apple Festival in November
All in all, there is no bad time to visit Hilton Head for any reason – and there is always a reason to justify spending time on the golf course while you’re here!