Is it illegal to hit golf balls into the ocean? What Hilton Head officials say

Travelers come from around the world to play at Hilton Head’s pristine golf courses. But officials said visitors should make sure golf balls stay away from the coastline.

A viral post from Myrtle Beach City Government sparked the question of legality of teeing off on South Carolina beaches.

“The ocean is many things. Your personal driving range is not one of them,” the post said.

Like in Myrtle Beach, intentionally hitting golf balls into the ocean is considered littering on Hilton Head, said town spokesperson Carolyn Grant.

Littering, a misdemeanor, can cost Hilton Head violators up to $500 in fines and up to 30 days in jail.

Grant said the town is unaware of any instances where a person was caught swinging toward the sea.

Could golf balls harm marine life?

Dr. Eric Montie, professor of biology at University of South Carolina Beaufort, said over time golf balls can break down into smaller plastic particles, especially in dynamic coastal environments.

The impact of a single golf ball is likely minimal, he said. But in areas where golf balls accumulate, they’re more likely to cause harm to fish and invertebrates. The particles could be ingested and would raise concerns about transfer through the food web.

At this point, golf balls are not a major contributor to pollution, he said, but if it continues over time across many people, it could be an issue.