Will be going there in July. I am concerned that many courses may be too pricey or exclusive.

Summer is "off" season for golf in that part of the world, but lodging is "in" season based on my HHI experiences. Sorry I can't offer more specifics.

If you don't mind a 30 minute drive i would head over to Jekyll Island. they have 3 courses (plus a 9 hole) and they are around $50-$60 and are usually in pretty good shape. nice practice area as well.

Sea Island is pricey for golf.

That said, drive a 1/2 hour over to Jekyll Island. They have 3 and 1/2 courses there. The 9 holer is near the ocean and dates back to around the 1890's, very, very fun.

I'll be there in July as well.

Go here for pics of the Jekyll Island courses:

http://www.hetzelfamily.org/golf

Just got back from there and Seaside and Plantation are expensive but well worth it. I say nut up and play you will totally enjoy the experience. There is a caddy named Duncan that you should request.

I have to agree with the posters recommending the Jekyll Island courses. For the money, you won't find a better public facility anywhere, and the variety of the four courses make it well worth the drive from Sea Island.

I live in the area and I'd recommend (in no particular order):

1) Sanctuary Cove (Fred Couples design)

2) Oak Grove Island

3) Jekyll Island

4) Sea Palms

Sanctuary Cove has a $30 something dollar play all day Sunday deal if you are there on a Sunday. I think their regular weekend rates are in the $50-$60 range. Very picturesque par 3's and a challenging course. Nice thing about this course is that it is almost never crowded because it is kind of out of the way and hidden.

Oak Grove is the best value. It is in the $30-$40 range on the weekend, and is usually in very good shape. It's relatively short (especially from the forward tees) and goes through a lot of homes. Can be crowded at times on the weekend.

I play Jekyll nearly every week, as one of my buddies has a deal where we can play any course for $5. There are 3 courses, but since only one was overseeded in the winter the other two didn't look so good last time I played a few weeks ago. I think the other two should be good by summer, though. I think they are a bit pricey at $60-$70 a piece. Nice part about the Jekyll courses, though, is that there are no homes and you'll see plenty of deer and alligators.

Sea Palms is pricey as well ($60-$70 I think) but I played there a few weeks ago and it was in pristine condition. Only about 5-10 minutes or so away from Sea Island golf course.

I've never played Sea Island because I don't have any connections and don't want to spend the money. But I've walked the course many times and if you don't mind forking over $500+ dollars it's probably worth the experience.

What course does DL3 play out of? Anyone play there? I'm sure it is super exclusive.