Dolphin Head Golf Course

Dolphin Head Golf Course on Hilton Head Island has undergone multiple design phases since its origins in the island's early resort development era. Gary Player's involvement established the initial routing, with subsequent renovations and modifications by Ron Kirby, Clyde Johnston, and Brad Bartell shaping the course into its current form. This layered design history reflects the evolution of golf architecture on Hilton Head, where many courses have been updated to meet changing player expectations and environmental standards. The course occupies relatively flat Lowcountry terrain typical of the South Carolina coast, with routing that incorporates natural wetlands, lagoons, and maritime vegetation. Live oaks draped in Spanish moss frame several holes, while water hazards—both tidal marshes and constructed ponds—come into play throughout the round. The layout emphasizes strategic positioning over length, rewarding accuracy and course management in the humid, often breezy conditions common to barrier island golf. Dolphin Head serves as a semi-private facility, offering access to both members and resort guests. The course caters to a range of skill levels, with multiple tee options that allow players to tailor the challenge to their abilities. Its location within the broader Hilton Head golf community places it among dozens of courses on an island known for its concentration of resort and residential golf, where the emphasis tends toward playability and scenic Lowcountry character rather than championship rigor.