You know that feeling when you drive across the bridge to Hilton Head and the salt air hits you? Most golfers are laser-focused on the big-name island courses, but if you're paying attention, you'll pull over just before the water. That’s where you find Old South Golf Links. It’s tucked away in Bluffton, and honestly, it’s one of the few places left that feels like genuine South Carolina Lowcountry instead of a manicured theme park for tourists. Designed by Clyde Johnston back in 1991, this layout doesn't rely on artificial gimmicks or punishing length to get your attention. It just uses the land.
It's beautiful. It's frustrating. It's surprisingly affordable compared to its neighbors.
Most people come here for the views of the Intracoastal Waterway, but they stay because the course actually makes you think. You can't just bomb drivers all day and expect to score. If you try that on the back nine, the marshes will eat your lunch. I’ve seen guys with 4-handicaps get absolutely humbled here because they didn't respect the wind or the angles. It’s a place where the scenery acts as a distraction for the trouble lurking just off the fairway.
The Layout That Clyde Johnston Nailed
When Johnston looked at this piece of property, he had a mix of dense oak forests and sweeping tidal marshes to work with. He didn't over-engineer it. The front nine is largely a wander through the woods. You’ve got these massive, moss-draped oaks that frame the holes, making everything feel intimate and quiet. Then, the back nine happens. The world opens up. You’re suddenly exposed to the elements, and the marsh becomes the primary defender of the course.
The transition is jarring. In a good way.
Take the seventh hole, for instance. It’s a par 4 that requires a very specific line off the tee to give you any look at the green. It’s not long, but it’s narrow. You’re hitting through a corridor of trees, and if you’re a bit offline, you’re punching out. Simple as that. But then you hit the 16th, and it's a completely different sport. You're staring at the Mackay Creek and the Calibogue Sound. The wind is whipping off the water, and suddenly that 150-yard shot feels like it requires a 3-iron.
Old South Golf Links thrives on this duality. It’s two different courses stitched together by a shared sense of place.
Why the Pars 3s Are the Secret Stars
A lot of golfers judge a course by its par 5s, but at Old South, the par 3s are the soul of the round. They aren't just "connector holes." They are destination holes.
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The 10th is a perfect example. It’s short. You might think, "Oh, easy wedge." But the green is essentially an island in the marsh. If the tide is in, it’s one of the most picturesque shots in the region. If the tide is out, it’s a gritty, muddy reminder of how close you are to the ecosystem. There is zero room for error. You either hit the green or you're reaching for another ball. Most players get so caught up in the view that they decelerate through the ball. Don't do that.
Then you have the 16th. This is the one everyone talks about. It's arguably one of the most photographed holes in the Hilton Head area. You’re hitting over the marsh to a green that looks way smaller than it actually is. On a clear day, you can see the bridge to the island in the distance. It’s the kind of hole where you want to take five minutes just to look around, which is why the marshals sometimes have to nudge people along.
Dealing With the Lowcountry Elements
Let’s talk about the grass. This isn't the bentgrass you find up north. This is Bermuda territory. In the summer, it's lush and grainy. In the winter, they typically overseed with rye to keep it green, but the ground can get a bit softer. If you aren't used to chipping off tight Bermuda lies, you're going to struggle around the greens.
The greens themselves at Old South Golf Links are usually kept at a fair speed. They aren't "PGA Tour fast," which is a blessing because some of the undulations are sneaky. You’ll think you have a straight five-footer, and then the ball just drifts toward the water. It always drifts toward the water. That’s the golden rule here.
And the wind? It’s a living thing.
- Morning rounds: Usually calmer, but the dew can make the greens slow for the first few holes.
- Afternoon rounds: The "sea breeze" kicks in. It’s actually a thermal wind that can gust up to 20 mph.
- Club Selection: Always take one more club than you think on the holes exposed to the marsh. The heavy, humid air kills ball flight.
The Vibe: No Snobs Allowed
One of the best things about Old South is the atmosphere. If you've played some of the private clubs on Hilton Head, you know they can be a bit... stiff. Old South isn't that. The staff is genuinely friendly, and the clubhouse feels like a Lowcountry cottage. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a cold beer and a sandwich after the round and actually relax.
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The practice facility is solid too. They have a grass range, which is becoming a rarity these days, and a good putting green that actually reflects the speed of the course. It’s a "players' course" in the sense that people come here to actually play golf, not just to be seen in expensive gear.
Common Misconceptions
People often think because it's not "on the island," it's a secondary course. That's a mistake. In many ways, Old South offers a more authentic coastal experience than the inland courses tucked behind plantation gates. You're actually in the marsh. You see the herons, the egrets, and the occasional alligator lounging by the lagoons.
Another myth is that it's "too short." While it tops out at around 6,700 yards, the par is 72, and the rating/slope reflects a course that has plenty of teeth. Between the narrow forest corridors and the forced carries over water, your handicap is at risk on every single hole.
Technical Strategy for Scoring Well
If you want to beat your buddies at Old South Golf Links, you need a plan.
- Leave the driver in the bag on #1. It’s a gentle starter. Just get it in play.
- Watch the tide. Believe it or not, the tide affects how you perceive the carries on the back nine. High tide makes the water look closer and more intimidating.
- The par 5s are reachable, but dangerous. The 13th is a great example. You can go for it in two, but the green is protected by a massive oak tree and water. It’s a classic "risk-reward" scenario that Johnston loves to use.
- Aim for the middle of the greens on 10 and 16. Don't hunt pins. The marsh doesn't care about your ego.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Price
There’s this idea that "resort golf" has to cost $300. Old South is consistently ranked as one of the best values in the area. Yes, rates fluctuate based on the season—spring and fall are peak—but you generally get a lot more "wow factor" per dollar here than almost anywhere else in Beaufort County.
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They also do a great job with maintenance. Even during the transition periods (when the grass is going dormant or waking up), the tees and greens are usually in excellent shape. It’s clear the superintendent actually cares about the playability of the turf.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
Don't just show up and expect a tee time. This place stays busy for a reason.
- Book early: Use their website or call the pro shop at least two weeks out if you're coming in the spring.
- Check the weather: If there's a storm coming through, the marsh holes can get very messy.
- Bring bug spray: It’s the Lowcountry. In the summer, the gnats (no-see-ums) can be brutal if there's no wind.
- Eat at the grill: The breakfast sandwiches are surprisingly good and cheap.
A Final Reality Check
Is Old South the hardest course you’ll ever play? No. Is it the fanciest? Probably not. But it’s a course with character. It doesn't feel like it was mass-produced. It feels like it belongs to the land.
When you finish on the 18th, a challenging par 4 that brings you right back to the clubhouse, you'll likely be thinking about the two or three shots you left out in the marsh. That’s the sign of a good course. It stays with you. You’ll want to come back just to prove you can handle the 16th better next time.
If you’re planning a trip to the Hilton Head area, make sure you don't just zip past Bluffton. Give Old South a look. It’s the "locals' favorite" that's open to everyone, and it’s a reminder of why we play this game in the first place: the views, the challenge, and the feeling of being somewhere unique.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the local tide charts before you book your tee time; playing the back nine at high tide offers the most dramatic views and the true "island green" experience. If you're traveling with a group, ask about their multi-round packages, as they often have deals with other local courses that can save you a significant amount on green fees. Finally, make sure your camera is charged before you reach the 10th tee—you're going to want the footage.