If the perfect getaway includes a tee time, scenic fairways, and a little friendly competition, golf in the Golden Isles should be at the top of your vacation wish list. With mild weather that makes year-round play possible, acclaimed courses framed by coastal marshes and maritime landscapes, and layouts challenging enough to capture PGA Tour professionals, golf here is steeped in tradition. Today, Golden Isles golf courses offer a mix of pristine courses, classic layouts, and challenging play that continues to make the area a favorite golf destination along the Georgia Coast.
Jump to:
- History of Golf in the Golden Isles
- Tee Times and Course Access
- Jekyll Island Golf Club
- Heritage Oaks Golf Club
- Sanctuary Championship Golf Club
- The Club at Sea Palms
- Golf Tournaments
- Where to Stay in the Golden Isles
History of Golf in the Golden Isles
Golf in the Golden Isles has been part of the region’s lifestyle for more than a century. The story began on Jekyll Island in the late 1800s, when the island was a private winter retreat for wealthy families. Golf soon joined the club’s lineup of leisure pursuits, giving visitors another reason to spend their winters along the Georgia Coast.
As the Golden Isles evolved into the sought-after vacation destination it is today, golf grew right along with it, eventually drawing vacationers who specifically came to play. Today, golfers can pick from a variety of courses, each offering its own take on the game.
Golden Isles Golf: Tee Times and Course Access
Planning to play on your next getaway? Book your tee times early, especially during peak travel periods. Also, confirm public access before heading to the course, as some Golden Isles golf courses on this list are semi-private or require advance reservations.
Wondering where and how to stay and play? We have you covered. Here are six Golden Isles golf courses worth a visit, iconic golf tournaments, and where to stay while you’re here to make the most of your golf getaway.
Jekyll Island Golf Club
Golf has been part of Jekyll Island’s history for generations, and today’s courses blend that tradition with modern conveniences. Jekyll Island Golf Club boasts three distinct 18-hole courses to choose from, each offering a different experience in one of the Golden Isles most scenic settings. Whether you prefer the open feel of a classic links-style course, a longer round through the pines, or a shorter layout with plenty of challenge, there’s a course to suit your game:
- Great Dunes: A Walter Travis-designed course dating back to the late 1920s, Great Dunes delivers a classic links experience, with wide-open fairways, rolling dunes, and ocean views (and breezes) that make the environment as memorable as each round.
- Pine Lakes: The island’s longest golf course, Pine Lakes, winds through a peaceful setting of towering pines and freshwater lakes, offering a traditional round with plenty of natural beauty along the way.
- Indian Mound: Indian Mound offers a shorter, more approachable layout with tree-lined fairways and water hazards, making it a fun option for golfers seeking a relaxed round with a bit of challenge.
Jekyll Island Golf Club Amenities:
- Seasonal greens passes
- Golf instruction
- Pro shop
- Grab-and-go snack shop
Heritage Oaks Golf Club
Heritage Oaks Golf Club is an 18-hole public golf course in Brunswick with tighter fairways framed by mature trees, creating a challenging round for golfers of different skill levels. The wooded stretches require a little more precision off the tee, while open fairways and water features add variety throughout the course.
Heritage Oaks Golf Club Amenities:
- Golf academy
- Pro shop
- Breakfast and brunch bar & grill
Sanctuary Championship Golf Club
Located in Waverly, about 30 minutes from Brunswick and St. Simons, Sanctuary Championship Golf Club offers an exceptional 18-hole championship course with well-maintained fairways and greens. Designed by Love Golf Design in collaboration with Fred Couples, this semi-private course stretches up to 7,500 yards and showcases coastal Georgia’s landscape. And with multiple tee options, players can tailor the course to their own skill level.
Sanctuary Championship Golf Club Amenities:
- Nationally recognized for outstanding course conditions
- Short game practice area
- Golf swing analysis system
- SAM PuttLab putting analysis
The Club at Sea Palms
Set along the natural landscape of St. Simons, The Club at Sea Palms delivers an 18-hole championship golf experience surrounded by live oaks, coastal marshes, and challenging water features. Designed by legendary golf course architects George Cobb and Tom Jackson in 1967, the layout puts a premium on accuracy, with tree-lined fairways, marshes, lagoons, and water features shaping the way you play each hole. The real highlight comes at the finish, with the final four holes considered among the finest finishing stretches in the region.
The Club at Sea Palms Amenities:
- Golf shop
- Members practice facility
- Designed for golfers of all abilities
Golf Tournaments on St. Simons and Jekyll Island
Golf is more than a year-round activity for visitors and locals on St. Simons and Jekyll Island; the Golden Isles are a haven for golf legends and host to several iconic tournaments and events throughout the year.
Held each fall at Sea Island Golf Club, The RSM Classic is the region’s signature professional event, bringing PGA Tour competition to the coast while supporting the Davis Love Foundation and its charitable initiatives.
A proud supporter of the foundation and an RSM Classic community partner, Hodnett Cooper is honored to be part of an event that brings together professional golf and a commitment to giving back.
On Jekyll Island, the Paulk Cup Classic celebrates the legacy of Georgia golf legend Johnny Paulk each fall. In the spring, the Jekyll Island Cup, the U.S. Kids Golf’s oldest Regional Championship, brings some of the country’s top junior golfers to the island to compete across all three of its courses.
Where to Stay in the Golden Isles for Your Golf Getaway
A great golf getaway is about more than just time on the course. That’s why you’ll want to choose a vacation rental that puts you close to everything. With comfortable accommodations in some of the Golden Isles’ most sought-after locations, Hodnett Cooper makes it easy to merge your next round with a memorable coastal getaway.
Pro Tip: Make your Golden Isles golf getaway even better with a stay at one of Hodnett Cooper’s Premier Properties. These hand-selected luxury vacation rentals pair exceptional accommodations with personalized concierge services, including arranging tee times, dining, and other details to make your stay more enjoyable.
Stay & Play in the Golden Isles
Whether you’re planning a group golf getaway, attending a PGA event as a spectator, or simply want to play a round or two of golf on your next family vacation, the Golden Isles is the perfect destination for golf enthusiasts, fans, and newcomers alike. Why wait? Plan your golf getaway with Hodnett Cooper today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are golf cart fees included in the Golden Isles golf course?
Cart policies can vary by course, so it’s best to check when booking to confirm whether a cart is included in the rate or billed separately.
Is there a dress code to play golf on St. Simons and Jekyll Island?
Dress codes can vary by course, so it’s best to check before you arrive, but classic golf attire (collared shirts, no cutoffs or denim) is a safe bet at any course in the Golden Isles.
Is Golden Isles golf good for beginners or higher handicaps?
Yes, the Golden Isles offers a range of course styles and difficulty levels, so golfers of all skill levels can find a layout that suits their game.
Where can I rent golf clubs on Jekyll Island and St. Simons?
Rental clubs may be available at the course pro shop, so it’s best to check when booking your tee time if you need a set.
