How Can I Play Harbour Town?

Harbour Town, which hosts the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage, is viewed by many as the crowning glory of Peter Dye. The celebrated designer, who is also responsible for TPC Sawgrass and Austin Country Club, didn’t build this links course with the world’s biggest hitters in mind, though. Instead, it’s ideal for those who rely on guile. 

The South Carolina course is one of the most loved on the PGA Tour and one of the best golf courses in the Carolinas. Thanks largely to the 18th hole, it’s one of the most recognisable, too. Built in 1967, the par-71 7,191-yard course, which is part of the Sea Pines Resort, is known for its narrow fairways and overhanging trees, including oaks and pines. 

It’s a course that requires strategic tee shots and lay-ups to truly master, with those unforgiving fairways, its water features, bunkers and small greens leaving little margin for error. Meanwhile, if you’ve successfully navigated the first 16 holes, don’t get complacent on the final two – the wind off the Calibogue Sound channel is always a consideration. On the 18th, you can even play shots off the sand on the channel's banks at low tide, although the water line varies depending on the time you play. 

The par-4 18th is the course’s most recognisable hole. Guarded by the sound on the left, the right of the fairway is marked by out-of-bounds stakes, while ahead is the famous red-and-white striped lighthouse as you make your way towards the green. Overall, the course is challenging and picturesque, making it one of the most memorable on the PGA Tour. 

The good news is it’s open to the public, so securing a round at the course is not difficult. One of the best ways to play Harbour Town is by booking a stay at Sea Pines Resort. There are several packages, including the Villa Golf Package, which includes a three-night stay with rounds at Harbour Town and the resort’s other courses, Heron Point and Atlantic Dunes. It costs from $335 per golfer per night. You can also play a round without staying at the resort. Green fees range between around $189 and $359, depending on the season.

The considerably more expensive way to play any of the resort’s three courses is to become a member. However, with initiation fees reportedly between $25,000 and $50,000, and annual dues between $10,000 and $15,000, most people will opt to either stay at the resort or arrange a one-off round.