
Dolphin Head Golf Course
Accolades & Recognition
Accolades: Golf Advisor: Top Courses in South Carolina (2017 #25) (2015 #15)
The Experience
Dolphin Head Golf Course, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Dolphin Head Golf Course, located on the beautiful Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, is an 18-hole private course that offers a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. Established in 1974 and designed by renowned architects Gary Player, Ron Kirby, Clyde Johnston, and Brad Bartell, this par-72 course boasts well-maintained fairways with Celebration Bermuda Grass and smooth greens with Mini-Verde Bermuda Grass. With multiple tee options and a course length of 6606 yards from the black tees, Dolphin Head ensures a fair and enjoyable round for golfers of all abilities.
Player Reviews: A Mixed Bag of Experiences
Reviews for Dolphin Head Golf Course in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, present a range of experiences. While some golfers express negative sentiments, others highlight positive aspects of the course. One reviewer had an unpleasant encounter with rude staff and found the course in poor condition, including a closed bar for non-members.
In contrast, several reviewers had more favorable experiences. One golfer praised the course conditions, noting some areas of burnout but overall good shape. Another player appreciated the playability of the course for all skill levels, with interesting holes that require diverse shot-making. They also commended the course conditions and the efforts of fellow golfers in maintaining the greens.
Opinions on staff friendliness vary, with some reviewers mentioning rude staff and others reporting positive interactions with pro shop attendants and starters. The layout of the course receives consistent praise, described as good or excellent with challenging elements that remain manageable for most golfers.
The Links Cards' Perspective on Value
Dolphin Head Golf Course offers a round of golf that provides varying experiences for players. While some reviews mention negative aspects such as rude staff and poor course conditions, others highlight the positive elements of this public course.
One notable aspect is that Dolphin Head used to be a private course but is now accessible to the public, providing an opportunity for golfers to experience this previously exclusive club. The layout of the course receives praise from multiple reviewers who describe it as good or excellent, with challenging elements present on certain holes while still finding it manageable for most skill levels.
Course conditions are generally regarded as favorable, with one review mentioning areas of burnout but overall good shape. It's worth noting that some players acknowledge fellow golfers' efforts in filling divots and repairing ball marks on greens, which contributes to maintaining these favorable conditions.
In terms of service, opinions vary regarding staff friendliness at Dolphin Head Golf Course. While one reviewer mentions encountering rude staff members, other comments suggest friendly interactions with pro shop attendants and starters.
As always with individual reviews, personal preferences and expectations can greatly influence each golfer's experience at Dolphin Head Golf Course.
Scorecard
| Tees | Yardage | Par | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 6,606 | 72 | 72.7 | 140 |
| Blue | 6,421 | 72 | 72 | 137 |
| White | 6,174 | 72 | 70.8 | 130 |
| Gold | 5,513 | 72 | 68 | 123 |
| Gold (W) | 5,513 | 72 | 73.5 | 126 |