
Robert Trent Jones Course
Palmetto Dunes Golf Club

About this course
Robert Trent Jones at Palmetto Dunes embodies Lowcountry golf, a strategic test carved through Hilton Head Island's serene landscape. Opened in 1967, it exemplifies the era’s emphasis on generous fairways framed by water hazards, demanding smart positioning more than brute force. Miss wide, and you're in the drink. While Jones’ original design remains largely intact, the course's enduring appeal lies in its playability. The layout subtly favors a right-to-left ball flight, with canny bunkering penalizing wayward draws. Its signature par-5 tenth hole, skirting the Atlantic, is a reminder of the natural beauty that defines the Palmetto Dunes experience. Though it may lack the storied championship history of its island neighbors, the Jones course maintains a loyal following drawn to its relaxed atmosphere and engaging design. The Palmetto Dunes community embraces the course, and the clubhouse is known for its lively post-round chatter, often fueled by tales of near misses and triumphant pars.
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.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in SC
Quick facts
- Location
- Hilton Head Island, SC, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1970
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Robert Trent Jones Sr.
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,005 yards
- Difficulty
- 74.3/135
- Course Vaults score
- 7.8
Getting there
The journey to Palmetto Dunes Golf Club begins at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, a straightforward fifty-minute drive north across the coastal plain and over the bridge onto Hilton Head Island. The route transitions from mainland Georgia into the Lowcountry's signature landscape of tidal marshes and live oaks draped in Spanish moss, before crossing Calibogue Sound and entering the island's canopy of maritime forest. Once on Hilton Head, the final approach follows tree-shaded parkways past gated resort communities, delivering you to Palmetto Dunes' welcoming entrance - a gateway to one of the island's most storied golf destinations, where three championship layouts await beneath the Carolina sun.

FAQ
Common questions about Robert Trent Jones at Palmetto Dunes Golf Club
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Robert Trent Jones at Palmetto Dunes Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 183 logged golfers.
Robert Trent Jones was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr..
Yes. Robert Trent Jones at Palmetto Dunes Golf Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Robert Trent Jones is 72.
Robert Trent Jones plays 7,005 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Robert Trent Jones is 135.





