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4.8
222 Reviews (222)
5 Stars
73
4 Stars
108
3 Stars
28
2 Stars
7
1 Stars
6
Conditions
4.8
Value
4.9
Layout
4.9
Friendliness
4.9
Pace
4.9
Amenities
4.8
99.0%
Recommend this course
209 out of 222 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
5.0
2 Reviews (2)
5 Stars
2
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
5.0
Value
5.0
Layout
5.0
Pace
5.0
Amenities
5.0
StaffFriendliness
5.0
100.0%
Recommend this course
2 out of 2 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
5.0
2 Reviews (2)
5 Stars
2
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
5.0
Value
5.0
Layout
5.0
Pace
5.0
Amenities
5.0
StaffFriendliness
5.0
100.0%
Recommend this course
2 out of 2 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 18
Type Semi-Private
Par 71
Length 6673 yards
Slope 136
Rating 72.6

Editor's Note: Course closed for business in 2019.

The 18-hole Sanctuary Golf Club At Cat Island (previously known as South Carolina National Golf Club) in Beaufort, S.C. is a semi-private golf course that opened in 1985. Designed by George Cobb, Sanctuary measures 6,673 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 136 and a 72.6 USGA rating. The course features four sets of tees for different skill levels.

Sanctuary Golf Club may be the Lowcountry's best conditioned golf course. With velvet tiff-dwarf greens, this George Cobb creation sports beautiful views of Port Royal Sound from many holes.

The course is located on a 400+ acre barrier island just a short 45-minute drive from Hilton Head Island. The layout takes full advantage of the wooded interior with centuries-old live oak trees in abundance.

Course Details

Year Built 1985
Golf Season Year round
Architect George Cobb (1985) Jeff Brauer (2008)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Discover Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes
Dress code No jeans or cut-offs are permitted. Men must wear collared shirts.

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Banquet Facilities

Available Activities

Swimming, Billiards

Available Sports

Fitness, Tennis

Reviews

4.8
222 Reviews (222)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 28
Patio Dining 13
Dinner 11
Course Challenges Include:
Water Hazards 61
Forced Carries 46
Bunkers 45
This course/club is great for:
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 61
Locals 43
Advanced Golfers 32
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 46
Convenient to the City 23
In the 'Burbs 12

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 13
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Solid, shot makers course

This was the 2nd time I played the Sanctuary. I loved it the first time 3 years ago and convinced some buds to drive an hour to come see it for the first time. We all loved it! The tees and fairways were in great shape...the greens on the other hand were PERFECT! The proshop staff allowed us to play as a 5ball and were the second group on the course. We kept up with the group in front and never had anyone catch us from behind. It felt like we were the only ones out there. If you are in the area and haven't played it I highly recommend it!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Likely my favourite course in the area

Lots of Scenic views, some target golf, very reasonably priced clubhouse amenities.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Great Value

This is a challenging but fair test of your golf skills.It is target golf, with narrow fairways providing a test from all tees.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

scenic course

Very nice course for the money. The holes are like postcards. I will play this every trip to the area.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Average weather
Used cart

Mr

Love this coarse... the people at the club are really friendly, good food and beverage when you want to take a break, and great conversation too.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

this course is tough.

The par 3 are really challenging and the greens are fast and undulated.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 11
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Absolute Gem

The course is on a small island outside of Beaufort, SC. The course winds it way around salt marshes and a maritime forest. The views are incredible. The course is challenging from the tips and the greens are smooth and fast. The clubhouse staff are friendly and helpful. The maintenance people on the course were considerate. We'll be back!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Great Staff

I would return to play this course. A fun course and not too difficult.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 16
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Good course

Nice layout, but as with many courses, playing there for the first time leaves you wondering about club selection and blind shots. You'll see that right away with #'s 1,2 and 3. Driving range comes into play on #1 if you go too far right - aim just left of the large tree on rt side of fairway, but watch the buker gaurding the left side. All about placement.
#16 (short 3) and tee of #17 offer very nice views. #18 par 5 is a challenge at 551yds from the whites.
The course has a few rough spots, but overall, very enjoyable.
Saw 6-7 alligators, but no snakes.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Excellent Value

The course is in very good condition. We played as a twosome in an afternoon round and play in a 3 hours. Very scenic golf for great price.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 11
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Wonderful course

Love this course. Beautiful scenery on many holes and gorgeous water vistas. Course in great shape.
Staff very friendly and courteous to women (which isn't always the case for many courses in the area). Had a great time.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

A great day on the golf course.

The weather was perfect. The course was in very good condition. We enjoyed this course very much. Our time only allowed us to play 9, but next time we will definitely explore the back nine also. We will return.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Sunday 4pm wipeout!

This is a better course than I am a golfer! Need a course map for 1st timers. Greens were as fast as I've seen. Excellent condition.
We'll be back!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Beautiful Course

My brother and I were traveling from Virginia to Daytona Beach and decided to stop near Hilton Head to play 18 holes.

This course was in excellent shape. The greens rolled true. No issues on the fairways. If you end up in the rough it's challenging, if you are beyond the rough consider it a lost ball as we did see an alligator as well as many deer, birds and other animals.

The views on some of the holes are beautiful.

The only "small" issue we had was the food. We ordered a couple of hot dogs and they microwaved the dogs and bun. Although they were good microwaved dogs.

I highly recommend this course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 29
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Used cart

Best greens we've played

This course is a bit of a drive from Hilton Head but it is definitely worth it. There is good challenge - water on some holes and wonderful views. Always a bit of wind but not very bad. When you don't hit the fairway, the ball might nestle into some dense rough so it is hard to find, even though it is only a few yards off the fairway! The greens are close to perfect! Looks like the golfers at Sanctuary are better behaved than many other courses in the area as far as fixing ball marks, divots on the fairway and raking bunkers! Made for a very enjoyable round.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Worth the ride

Staying in Harbor Town with many courses to choose from our group asked is it "Worth the ride". Yes The course was in great shape and the greens were great to putt on. For the money take the ride and enjoy nature and your round. You will not be disappointed.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

fair

Greens in good shape, bought round on golf now.
Had to wait for five groups to tee off jammed on my tee time! Tee boxes and fairways need work. Good wildlife scenery but just a pasture for golf

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 30
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

An interesting layout needing some TLC

The routing of this course was very interesting with many really good holes. Plenty of forced carries and a feeling of Hilton Head with some narrow driving and landing areas. The tees and fairways were a bit scruffy but the greens were very nice. The card do not have GPS and that would be a requirement to get the most for a round here. All I all a good value for the money.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Nice day at the office

Keep it in the fairway,greens in nice shape,pick the right tee box, distance can hurt the short hitter, it looked to be one of the better public courses, and you will need to play more than once.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Good par 3's

The par 3's are the most scenic holes. Otherwise hole #2 is the best. Course conditions are average with sand/grass in the rough and fairway. It is a $40 course.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
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Golf Packages

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Stay & Play Package

FROM $137 (USD)
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC | Enjoy up to 7 nights’ accommodations at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and up to 5 rounds of golf at your choice of Palmetto Dunes – Robert Trent Jones Course, Palmetto Dunes – Arthur Hills Course, Palmetto Dunes – George Fazio Course, and Hilton Head National Golf Club.

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa Stay & Play Package

FROM $207 (USD)
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Oyster Reef Golf Course, Robber’s Row Course, Barony Course, and The Shipyard Golf Course.

Sea Pines Resort Stay & Play Package

FROM $217 (USD)
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC | Enjoy up to 7 nights’ accommodations at the Sea Pines Resort and up to 5 rounds of golf at your choice of Harbour Town Golf Links, Atlantic Dunes Golf Course, and Heron Point Course.

The Villas at Kiawah Island Stay & Play Package

FROM $177 (USD)
KIAWAH ISLAND, SC | Enjoy up to 7 nights’ accommodations in a 1 to 4-bedroom unit at The Villas of Kiawah Island and up to 5 rounds of golf on your choice of Kiawah Island - Cougar Point, Kiawah Island - Osprey Point, Kiawah Island - Oak Point, Kiawah Island - Turtle Point, and Kiawah Island - The Ocean Course.

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Stay & Play Package

FROM $337 (USD)
KIAWAH ISLAND, SC | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at The Sanctuary Hotel and up to 4 rounds of golf on your choice of Kiawah Island - Cougar Point, Kiawah Island - Osprey Point, Kiawah Island - Oak Point, Kiawah Island - Turtle Point, and Kiawah Island - The Ocean Course.
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