Public

Dolphin Head Course

Dolphin Head Golf Course

Hilton Head, SC, USA
Greg
23jman
mathew66.campbell
limchugh0
johnrpetitjean683
+40
18 holesPar 726,606 yds72.7/140

About this 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.

Rankings

Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.

2885

Best in World

2651

Best in USA

123

Best in SC

Quick facts

Location
Hilton Head, SC, USA
Access
Public
Year built
1974
Holes
18
Par
72
Length
6,606 yards
Difficulty
72.7/140
Course Vaults score
7.0

Getting there

The journey to Dolphin Head Golf Course begins at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, roughly forty minutes south across the Georgia-South Carolina line, though Hilton Head Island Airport offers a more intimate arrival for smaller aircraft just minutes from the island's northern end. The drive transitions from coastal highway to the graceful arc of the bridge spanning Calibogue Sound, where salt marsh and tidal creeks announce your arrival on Hilton Head proper. From there, a short passage through canopied island roads delivers you to Dolphin Head, one of the island's original layouts, tucked quietly into the maritime forest near the island's southern tip.

FAQ

Common questions about Dolphin Head

Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.

Dolphin Head has a Course Vaults score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 45 logged golfers.

Dolphin Head was designed by Gary Player, Ron Kirby, Clyde Johnston, and Brad Bartell.

Yes. Dolphin Head is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.

Par at Dolphin Head is 72.

Dolphin Head plays 6,606 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.

The slope rating at Dolphin Head is 140.

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