Palmetto Bluff
Guests staying at Montage Palmetto Bluff have access to May River Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus–designed course woven through marshland, live oaks and old-growth forest.
It’s not about perfect shots.
It’s time together, a shared moment and a memory that will stay with them long after the round is over.
You never know what you’ll discover between swings.
Tee Off Together: A Multigenerational Golf Day
Few places do golf quite like South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Here, live oaks draped in Spanish moss frame renowned fairways, tidal creeks wind through wide stretches of marsh and the pace naturally slows, inviting you to settle in and enjoy the day.
With legendary courses paired alongside walkable downtowns, waterfront dining and plenty to explore between tee times, Hilton Head Island and Bluffton make an ideal setting for a multigenerational golf getaway. Whether you’re introducing grandkids to the game or sharing a favorite pastime, here are two ways to spend a day teeing off with the grandkids.
A Day at Sea Pines
Located at the southern end of Hilton Head Island, Sea Pines Resort is where many locals bring visiting family to show off what makes the island so special. The setting feels timeless—tall pines lining quiet roads, bike paths under live oaks draped with Spanish moss and the water never far from view.
Start the day with breakfast at the Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe, a longtime local favorite with pancakes, eggs and quick service that works well with early tee times. Or enjoy breakfast at Sea Pine Resort’s Harbour Town Bakery & Café. The menu features year-round staples and must-try seasonal specials made with locally sourced produce.
If the grandkids are new to golf, consider booking time with an instructor at the Sea Pines Golf Learning Center. It’s a great way to help build confidence, cover the basics and set a comfortable tone before stepping onto a full course.
Sea Pines is known as a premier golf destination, and each of its three courses is designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Together, they offer distinct experiences, making it easier for multigenerational groups to choose a round that fits everyone’s comfort level.
Heron Point by Pete Dye is often the first recommendation for families. The course rewards thoughtful play and keeps the round moving at an enjoyable pace, with enough strategy to engage experienced golfers while remaining welcoming for those newer to the game.
Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III blends classic Lowcountry scenery with a traditional course feel. Live oaks, palmettos and coastal breezes shape the experience, offering a balanced round that works well for groups with mixed experience levels who are comfortable playing together.
Home to the RBC Heritage, Harbour Town Golf Links is the most recognizable course at Sea Pines. Known for its precision and iconic lighthouse views, it’s built around accuracy rather than power. While unforgettable, it can feel long for beginners, making it a better fit for more experienced players or for admiring from the marina.
For lunch, settle in at Harbourside, a family-friendly restaurant with front-row views of the Harbour Town Lighthouse. Afterward, a stroll through Harbour Town offers shopping, waterfront views and live entertainment throughout the day.
If you’re ready to step away from the fairways, Sea Pines has plenty to explore. Rent bikes and cruise along more than 15 miles of leisure paths or head to Lawton Stables to saddle up and ride through the resort’s 600-acre forest preserve.
As the day winds down, head to Quarterdeck for dinner. With open-air views across the water and a menu that works for all ages, it’s the perfect way to end the day.
Tee times book up quickly at Sea Pines, but late-morning or early-afternoon slots often move at a steadier pace—a good fit when playing with grandkids.
A Day at Palmetto Dunes
If a local hears “first time golfing with grandkids,” Palmetto Dunes usually comes up first. It’s simply easier. Everything is in one place, the atmosphere is welcoming and the day can bend however you need it to.
Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers, Pizza & Catering, offers a limited breakfast menu if you’re looking for something quick for breakfast. Or head to The Palmetto Dunes General Store for some biscuits and gravy and eggs made to order.
After breakfast, head to the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy. Yes, they have instructors—and they’re especially good with kids. The tone is encouraging, patient and never intimidating, which makes a big difference for first-timers.
With three distinct courses to choose from, Palmetto Dunes makes it simple for multigenerational groups to find a round that suits everyone. The George Fazio Course is often the first choice for families. Wide fairways and a straightforward layout make the round feel welcoming, especially for first-time golfers and younger players.
The Arthur Hills Course offers a thoughtful design that rewards good shot placement and works well for groups with a range of experience levels. More seasoned golfers may gravitate toward the Robert Trent Jones Course, known for its lagoon views and classic Lowcountry scenery, while still reflecting the resort’s easygoing pace.
If the group is ready to step away from the course, the afternoon is a good time to see a different side of Hilton Head Island. A dolphin cruise is a popular choice, especially for grandkids—boats head out through the creeks and Calibogue Sound, where dolphins are often spotted swimming alongside.
In the evening, head to Coligny Plaza, one of Hilton Head Island’s most popular gathering spots. With more than 60 specialty shops and restaurants, you’re sure to find something for everyone. With live music often playing and the shoreline right nearby, it’s a fun way to wind down the day.
Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy offers free demo lessons every Monday. The class is hands-on, interactive and appropriate for all skill levels.
A Day at Montage Palmetto Bluff
Set along the scenic May River within a 20,000-acre Lowcountry preserve, Montage Palmetto Bluff is designed for travelers who want to slow down and settle in. For families spanning generations, it offers a rare mix of refined comfort, outdoor space and activities that naturally bring everyone together.
Guests staying at Montage Palmetto Bluff have access to May River Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus–designed course woven through marshland, live oaks and old-growth forest. Fairways follow the river’s bends, and gently rolling greens reward careful putting, making the round engaging for experienced golfers while remaining accessible for those newer to the game.
Begin the day with breakfast at Octagon Porch, where Southern classics and lighter morning fare are served in a relaxed setting at the heart of the resort. After breakfast, take a short walk through Wilson Village.
Wilson Village offers a wide range of experiences, river access and activities, a gourmet market and signature shops and restaurants all open to the public and within easy walking distance of the Village Green.
Ranked one of South Carolina’s best golf courses, the Jack Nicklaus-designed May River Course is a 7,170-yard challenge for all skill levels. For families playing together, this is a course that encourages patience and shared moments. The natural setting often becomes as much a part of the conversation as the scorecard.
After the round, return to Wilson Village for a relaxed lunch at Buffalo’s with scenic views of the May River. On Sundays, they offer a traditional Southern brunch featuring the signature biscuit bar, a local favorite.
Spend the afternoon kayaking, fishing or exploring the preserve’s walking trails, watching for birds and wildlife along the way. Younger kids can join the Paintbox children’s program, where games, crafts and outdoor activities keep them engaged, while grandparents might enjoy a spa visit or a quiet walk beneath the oaks.
Treat the kids to dinner at Flame, a vintage 1950s Mack Fire Truck transformed into a pizza truck, complete with a wood-fired oven that bakes pizzas to perfection in minutes. They also offer a selection of Italian favorites, including salads and subs, all of which can be paired with a refreshing draft beer, glass of wine or soda.
Save some room for a sweet treat from Melt, a classic ice cream parlor serving shakes, sundaes, floats and more. It’s a perfect way to end the day.
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