South Carolina is a top destination for golf enthusiasts, offering mild weather and stunning landscapes that make it home to some of the best golf courses in the United States. Whether you’re an amateur or a pro, there’s a course for everyone in the Palmetto State. In this article, we’ll explore the Best Golf Courses in South Carolina, as rated by golf enthusiasts and experts alike.
PLEASE NOTE: Many of these golf courses are private. There are opportunities available to play some of the courses below. Please research each club to see if public play is available.
1. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is a world-renowned golf course that is located on the eastern end of Kiawah Island, a barrier island located off the coast of South Carolina. The course was designed by Pete Dye and opened for play in 1991. It has consistently been ranked among the best golf courses in the United States and around the world, and has hosted several major tournaments, including the 1991 Ryder Cup, the 2012 PGA Championship, and the 2021 PGA Championship.
The Ocean Course is known for its stunning oceanfront views and challenging holes. It features more seaside holes than any other course in North America, with 10 holes that run along the Atlantic Ocean. The course is situated on a narrow strip of land that runs between the ocean and the Kiawah River, which creates challenging wind conditions that make the course even more difficult.
The course measures 7,876 yards from the back tees and has a par of 72. It features narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens. The Ocean Course also features the famous “beach bunkers,” which are large, sandy waste areas that are meant to resemble the dunes and beaches found on Kiawah Island.
In addition to its challenging layout, The Ocean Course is also known for its luxurious amenities and world-class service. The clubhouse features a pro shop, restaurant, and bar, and there are several practice areas and putting greens for golfers to use before and after their rounds. The course is also part of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, which offers luxurious accommodations and access to several other golf courses on the island.
Overall, The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is a must-play for any serious golfer.
2. Harbour Town Golf Links
Harbour Town Golf Links is a world-renowned golf course that is located in the beautiful Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The course was designed by Pete Dye in collaboration with Jack Nicklaus and opened for play in 1969. It is known for its beautiful coastal setting, challenging holes, and for hosting the RBC Heritage, an annual PGA Tour event.
The course measures 7,099 yards from the back tees and has a par of 71. It features narrow fairways, small greens, and strategically placed hazards, making it a true test of a golfer’s skill. The signature hole at Harbour Town is the iconic 18th, which features the famous red-and-white-striped lighthouse in the background.
The course is situated along the picturesque Calibogue Sound, with stunning views of the water and surrounding marshes. The challenging winds and coastal elements make for a challenging round of golf, but the beautiful setting and world-class amenities make it a truly memorable experience.
In addition to the golf course, Harbour Town offers a variety of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy. The Harbour Town Clubhouse features a pro shop, restaurant, and bar, and there are several practice areas and putting greens for golfers to use before and after their rounds. The Sea Pines Resort also offers luxurious accommodations, a marina, tennis courts, and several other golf courses, making it a popular destination for golfers and vacationers alike.
Overall, Harbour Town Golf Links is a must-play for any serious golfer. It’s beautiful coastal setting, challenging holes, and iconic lighthouse make it a unique and memorable experience, and its world-class amenities and service make it one of the best golf courses in South Carolina.
3. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club is a highly acclaimed golf course located in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. The course was designed by renowned golf course architect, Mike Strantz and opened for play in 1994. Since then, it has been ranked among the top golf courses in the United States by several prominent golf publications.
The course is known for its stunning Lowcountry setting, with towering live oak trees, rolling terrain, and serene marshes. The course measures 6,526 yards from the back tees and has a par of 70. It features tight fairways, deep bunkers, and undulating greens.
One of the most unique features of Caledonia Golf & Fish Club is its incorporation of local flora and fauna into the course design. The course features several “golf gardens,” which are areas of the course that have been designed with native plants and flowers to enhance the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
In addition to the golf course, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club also offers a variety of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy. The clubhouse features a pro shop, restaurant, and bar, and there are several practice areas and putting greens for golfers to use before and after their rounds. The course is also part of the True Blue Golf Club, which offers another highly acclaimed golf course located nearby.
Overall, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club is a must-play for any golf enthusiast visiting South Carolina. Its stunning Lowcountry setting, unique design features, and challenging layout make it a truly memorable golf experience, and is why this course is one of the best golf courses in South Carolina.
4. The Links at Wild Dunes
The Links at Wild Dunes is a championship golf course located on the barrier island of Isle of Palms, just a short drive from Charleston, South Carolina. The course was designed by Tom Fazio and opened for play in 1980. It is known for its stunning coastal setting, challenging holes, and world-class amenities.
The course measures 6,765 yards from the back tees and has a par of 70. It features tight fairways, challenging bunkers, and fast greens, making it a challenging test of a golfer’s skill. The course is situated along the picturesque Isle of Palms beach, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding marshes.
The Links at Wild Dunes also offers a variety of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy. The clubhouse features a pro shop, restaurant, and bar, and there are several practice areas and putting greens. The resort also offers luxurious accommodations, a spa, tennis courts, and several other golf courses, making it a popular destination for golfers and vacationers alike.
In addition to its beautiful setting and amenities, The Links at Wild Dunes is also known for its commitment to environmental stewardship. The course has been certified by Audubon International for its sustainable practices, including the use of native grasses and plants, water conservation measures, and wildlife habitat preservation.
Overall, The Links at Wild Dunes is a top-rated golf course in South Carolina. It’s stunning coastal setting and challenging layout, make this course a truly memorable golf experience.
5. The Reserve Golf Club
The Reserve Golf Club is a private golf club located on Pawleys Island, South Carolina. It is part of the prestigious Litchfield by the Sea resort community and is known for its beautiful setting, challenging layout, and world-class amenities.
The course was designed by renowned golf course architect, Greg Norman, and opened for play in 1998. It measures 7,151 yards from the back tees and has a par of 72. The course features undulating fairways, strategically placed hazards, and fast greens, making it a challenging test of a golfer’s skill.
In addition to the golf course, The Reserve Golf Club also offers a variety of amenities and activities for members to enjoy. The clubhouse features a pro shop, restaurant, and bar, and there are several practice areas and putting greens. The resort also offers beautiful accommodations, a spa, tennis courts, and several other golf courses, making it a popular destination for golfers and vacationers alike.
In conclusion, The Reserve Golf Club is one of the best golf courses in South Carolina. Its beautiful setting, challenging layout, and commitment to sustainability make it a unique and memorable golf experience.
6. The Cliffs at Mountain Park
The Cliffs at Mountain Park is a private golf club located in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, just outside of Greenville. The club is part of The Cliffs, a collection of seven luxury residential communities in the Blue Ridge Mountains, each with its own championship golf course.
The course at The Cliffs at Mountain Park was designed by Gary Player and opened for play in 2013. It measures 7,103 yards from the back tees and has a par of 72. The course features a variety of natural features, including streams, waterfalls, and rock outcroppings, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
One of the most unique features of The Cliffs at Mountain Park is its commitment to sustainability. The course has also been certified by Audubon International for its environmentally friendly practices.
In addition to the golf course, The Cliffs at Mountain Park also offers a variety of amenities and activities for members to enjoy. The clubhouse features a pro shop, restaurant, and bar, and there are several practice areas and putting greens. The community also offers luxurious accommodations, a spa, fitness center, and several other golf courses, making it a popular destination for golfers to buy property.
To sum it up, The Cliffs at Mountain Park is a top-rated golf course in South Carolina. Its stunning mountain setting, and challenging layout, make it a perfect golf community.
7. The Members Club at Grande Dunes
The Members Club at Grande Dunes is a private golf club located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It is part of the Grande Dunes resort community and is known for its stunning coastal setting, challenging layout, and world-class amenities.
The course was designed by golf legend Nick Price and opened for play in 2005. It measures 7,165 yards from the back tees and has a par of 71. The course features a variety of natural features, including saltwater marshes, lakes, and towering oak trees, as well as stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.
In addition to the golf course, The Members Club at Grande Dunes also offers a variety of amenities and activities for members. The clubhouse features a pro shop, restaurant, and bar, and there are several practice areas and putting greens. The resort also offers luxurious accommodations, a spa, and tennis courts, making it a popular destination for golfers and vacationers alike.
Overall, The Members Club at Grande Dunes is one of the best golf courses in South Carolina.
8. The Sanctuary Golf Course
The Sanctuary Golf Course is a private golf club located on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. It is part of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, a luxurious beachfront resort that is known for its beautiful setting, world-class amenities, and outstanding golf courses.
The course was designed by Tom Watson and opened for play in 2004. It measures 7,035 yards from the back tees and has a par of 72. The course features rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and fast greens, making it a challenging test of a golfer’s skill.
In addition to the golf course, The Sanctuary Golf Course also offers a variety of amenities and activities for members to enjoy. The clubhouse features a pro shop, restaurant, and bar, and there are several practice areas and putting greens. The resort also offers luxurious accommodations, a spa, tennis courts, and several other golf courses nearby.
Overall, The Sanctuary Golf Course is a top-rated golf destination in South Carolina. Its stunning beachfront setting, and challenging layout, make it a unique and memorable golf experience.
9. Secession Golf Club
Secession Golf Club is a private golf club located in Beaufort, South Carolina. It is considered one of the best golf courses in the state and is known for its beautiful setting, challenging layout, and outstanding amenities.
The course was designed by Bruce Devlin and opened for play in 1991. It measures 7,034 yards from the back tees and has a par of 71. The course features a variety of natural features, including salt marshes, tidal creeks, and towering oaks, as well as stunning views of the nearby islands.
In addition to the golf course, Secession Golf Club also offers a variety of amenities and activities for members to enjoy. The clubhouse features a pro shop, restaurant, and bar, and there are several practice areas and putting greens for golfers to use before and after their rounds. The club also offers luxurious accommodations and access to several other golf courses in the area, making it a popular destination for golfers and vacationers alike.
Overall, Secession Golf Club is a top-rated golf destination in South Carolina. With a beautiful coastal setting and challenging layout, make this a spectacular golf experience.
10. Long Cove Club
Long Cove Club is a private golf club located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It is known for its challenging layout, beautiful setting, and outstanding amenities.
The course was designed by Pete Dye and opened for play in 1982. It measures 7,026 yards from the back tees and has a par of 71. The course features narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and fast greens, making it a challenging test of a golfer’s skill.
In addition to the golf course, Long Cove Club also offers a variety of amenities and activities for members to enjoy. The clubhouse features a pro shop, restaurant, and bar, and there are several practice areas and putting greens. The club also offers gorgeous accommodations, tennis courts, and access to several other golf courses in the area.
Overall, Long Cove Club is a top-rated golf destination in South Carolina. Its challenging layout, commitment to sustainability, and outstanding amenities make it a unique and memorable golf experience.
In conclusion, South Carolina is a golfer’s paradise, with some of the best golf courses in the country. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, these courses offer stunning views and challenging layouts that will test your abilities. As we stated in the first paragraph of this article, many of these courses are private but there may be chances for public play available. Please research in advance.
