Harbour Town, which hosts the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage, is often considered designer Peter Dye's crowning glory.
That's some claim when Dye was also responsible for the iconic TPC Sawgrass, which is the permanent home of the PGA Tour's flagship event The Players Championship. However, there is indeed much to admire about the course, particularly for those who rely on guile.
The South Carolina course is one of the most loved on the PGA Tour and regarded as one of the best golf courses in the Carolinas. Its famous 18th hole makes it one of the most recognizable on the circuit, too.
The good news is it’s open to the public. One of the best ways to play is by booking a stay at Sea Pines Resort. There are several packages, including the Villa Golf package and the Inn Golf package.
The Villa Golf package includes a three-night stay with rounds at Harbour Town and the resort’s other courses, Heron Point and Atlantic Dunes, with replay rates of $75. The Inn Golf package includes a stay at the four-star The Inn & Club with a round on each course over four days. Those interested are asked to call to make a booking.
You can also play a round without staying at the resort. Green fees for Harbour Town range between around $345 and $552, depending on the season.
Another 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.
Sea Pines property owners and their guests can also take advantage of golf packages, with options for 20 rounds a year, costing $4,095, 40 rounds, which costs $7,022 and 60 rounds for $10,815.
Those playing will find a par-71 7,191-yard course with narrow fairways and overhanging trees, including oaks and pines. Because of that, it's not much good simply aiming for power. Instead, it requires strategic tee shots and lay-ups to master its unforgiving fairways, while the water, bunkers and small greens further reduce the margin for error.
Two of the most challenging holes are saved for last thanks to the wind that frequently blows in from the Calibogue Sound channel while on the 18th, shots can even be played off the sand on the channel's banks at low tide. The final hole is guarded by the sound on the left, while ahead is the famous red-and-white striped lighthouse as players make their way towards the green.
Overall, the course is both challenging and picturesque, making it one of the most memorable on the PGA Tour.
Harbour Town Green Fees
Harbour Town Location
How Much Is A Round At Harbour Town Golf Links?
Green fees start at around $345, increasing to $552, depending on the season. Alternatively, you can book a stay at Sea Pines Resort. A membership at Sea Pines Resort reportedly comes with an initiation fee of between $25,000 and $50,000, with annual dues of between $10,000 and $15,000, while there are also packages for Sea Pines property owners and their guests, offering discounted fees.
When Was Harbour Town Golf Links Built?
The course opened in 1967 and was designed by Peter Dye in consultation with Jack Nicklaus. It has hosted the RBC Heritage since 1969 (when it was called the Heritage Golf Classic). Arnold Palmer won the tournament in its inaugural year.
