18th Hole of Arthur Hills Golf Course on Hilton Head Island — Live Stream

A Legend's Design: Arthur Hills and His Philosophy

The golf course broadcast by this webcam bears the name of a man who forever changed the landscape of American golf. Arthur Hills (1930–2021) — an architect from the state of Ohio, who over his career designed more than 200 new courses across North America and Europe and renovated over 125 existing ones. His approach was always simple: a course should respect nature, not conquer it. On Hilton Head Island, this philosophy took shape in 18 holes, each one a dialogue with the local terrain.

The Arthur Hills course opened in 1986 (according to some sources, in 1991) as part of the Palmetto Dunes resort complex. It is a classic championship course: 18 holes, par 72, stretching 6,651 yards from the back tees. But the numbers don't capture the main thing — that feeling when you stand on the tee box and before you stretches a fairway framed by centuries-old oaks draped in Spanish moss.

The Home Stretch: Secrets of the 18th Hole

The very hole shown by the online camera is the finish. A par 5 that decides the fate of the round. The hole curves first to the right, then back to the left, creating a classic dogleg that demands strategic thinking from the player, not just distance off the tee. Experienced players know: on the second shot, it's better to favor the right side of the fairway — this opens up the best angle of approach to the green.

The 18th green is treacherous. Its left front edge is guarded by large mounds that throw off even a confident game. Landing here means leaving yourself a difficult uphill putt. It is here that dramatic tournament finishes unfold, it is here that a player finds out whether they'll leave with a smile or with the bitter realization of missed opportunities.

Lowcountry in Detail: Landscape and Hazards

The Arthur Hills course design is a love letter to the Lowcountry, the coastal region of South Carolina. There is no artificiality here: dunes, palmetto thickets, crystal-clear lakes and lagoons on 10 of the 18 holes create a natural landscape that changes with every step. The course doesn't overuse fairway bunkers — instead, the architect employed uneven lies, ocean breezes, and water hazards, forcing the player to think rather than just swing.

The course rating is 72.9 with a slope rating of 129. This means even an experienced amateur will feel like a beginner, and a pro will face a true challenge. Golf Digest included the course in its list of "Best Courses You Can Play," and the state of South Carolina awarded it "Course of the Year."

Palmetto Dunes: A World-Class Resort

The Arthur Hills golf course is just one part of the expansive Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, located at 2 Leamington Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. This is the secluded Leamington enclave, where in addition to the Arthur Hills course, two more championship courses operate — Robert Trent Jones and George Fazio. Together they form a world-class triathlon for golf enthusiasts.

The resort offers far more than golf. Villas, apartments, condominiums, a spa, outdoor pools, tennis courts, conference facilities, and, of course, Atlantic Ocean beaches. Condé Nast Traveler named Palmetto Dunes the third-best resort in the southern United States. Guests have access to sports facilities without additional passes, and a free shuttle runs to more than 350 stops on the island and surrounding areas.

How to Get to the Course

Hilton Head Island is located in South Carolina, approximately a 45-minute drive from Savannah and an hour and a half from Charleston. Hilton Head International Airport (HHH) receives direct flights from major East Coast cities. For those traveling by car, the island is connected to the mainland by a bridge over the Skidaway River.

The Arthur Hills course itself is located within the Palmetto Dunes resort. Access to play is available to resort guests and by advance reservation. The clubhouse operates daily, equipment rental and caddie services are available upon request. For those not planning to play but wanting to soak in the atmosphere, the webcam on the 18th hole is the perfect way to connect with this place.

What You Can See on the Camera

The online camera is positioned so the viewer can see everything that makes the 18th hole special. In the foreground — the green with a white flag on a pole, swaying in the light breeze. Behind it stretches a smooth fairway with neatly trimmed grass, where a group of players has just passed. On both sides — tall oaks and palm trees casting lacy shadows on the turf. In the background, a line of dense trees is visible, separating the course from the resort surroundings. A clear sky with light clouds promises perfect golf weather. The camera operates in real time, allowing you to watch the play, the movement of players, and the changing light throughout the day.