South Carolina, known for its stunning coastline, charming Lowcountry, and warm hospitality, is a golfer’s paradise. The state is home to a myriad of exceptional golf courses designed by some of the world’s best architects. Whether you seek challenging layouts, breathtaking views, or historical significance, top South Carolina golf courses have something for every golfer.
Let’s explore the best of the best:
1. Kiawah Island Golf Resort: The Ocean Course
Designed by the legendary Pete Dye, The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is an awe-inspiring masterpiece. Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, this course offers breathtaking views from nearly every hole. Known for its challenge, The Ocean Course hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup and, more recently, the 2021 PGA Championship, which the iconic Phil Mickelson won. A round at The Ocean Course promises an unforgettable experience for any golfer.
2. Congaree Golf Club
Congaree Golf Club is a true gem, masterfully crafted by Tom Fazio on a sandy site with majestic live oaks and long ridgelines. This private club not only offers a first-class golfing experience but also has a philanthropic mission. The club is dedicated to supporting underprivileged and underserved students, making it a place where golf and giving back harmoniously come together.
3. Harbour Town Golf Links
Harbour Town Golf Links is a classic Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus collaboration, known for its iconic red-and-white lighthouse that graces the 18th hole. This legendary course hosts the RBC Heritage, South Carolina’s only PGA TOUR event. With strategic design and challenging play, Harbour Town remains a beloved destination for golf enthusiasts.
4. Yeamans Hall
Yeamans Hall, designed by Seth Raynor in the 1920s, is a hidden treasure offering a glimpse into golf’s golden age. Featuring Raynor’s signature template holes and strategic bunkering, the course exudes timeless elegance. As one of the country’s most exclusive and well-preserved courses, Yeamans Hall promises a truly exclusive and memorable golfing experience.
5. Palmetto Golf Club
Established in 1892 and redesigned by Donald Ross in 1928, Palmetto Golf Club is steeped in history. This classic parkland course boasts small greens and subtle contours, providing a challenging and rewarding round of golf. It is the oldest golf club in continuous operation in its original location in South Carolina.
6. Long Cove Club
Nestled within a private residential community, Long Cove Club boasts a magnificent Pete Dye course that ranks among his finest designs. The course meanders through lagoons, marshes, and pine forests, providing members with a challenging and diverse golfing experience.
7. Dunes Golf & Beach Club
Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s creation, Dunes Golf & Beach Club, has been a cherished destination since it opened in 1949. Renovated by Rees Jones in 2013, this coastal course offers rolling fairways, towering pines, and a famous stretch of holes known as “Alligator Alley.” Golfers are treated to an unforgettable round in a natural and serene setting.
8. Sage Valley Golf Club
Sage Valley Golf Club, designed by Tom Fazio, is reminiscent of Augusta National with its immaculate conditioning, stunning azaleas, and dogwood. This private and exclusive club hosts the Junior Invitational, one of the most prestigious junior tournaments in the world. Golfers are transported to a golfer’s paradise, surrounded by beauty and luxury.
9. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
Mike Strantz’s masterpiece, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, seamlessly blends with the natural beauty of the Lowcountry. This stunning course features live oaks, marshes, flowers, and abundant wildlife, creating a captivating golfing experience. The entrance drive is flanked by centuries-old live oaks, setting the tone for a truly magical round of golf.
10. Secession Golf Club
Named in honor of South Carolina’s secession from the Union in 1860, Secession Golf Club offers a pure golf experience like no other. Designed by Bruce Devlin, the course pays homage to the links courses of Scotland and Ireland. With no real estate development, no carts, and no yardage markers, golfers are transported back to the essence of the game.
Final Thoughts: Top South Carolina Golf Courses
With its diverse range of world-class golf courses, South Carolina is a true haven for golf enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself on a championship course or simply enjoy a leisurely game with stunning views, the state has something to offer every golfer. So why not pack your clubs and embark on a golfing adventure that you’ll never forget? Experience the magic of South Carolina’s golfing scene and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.