11 Best Golf Courses In South Carolina
GolfDigest — the monthly golf magazine published by Warner Bros — ranks Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Ocean) as the best golf course in South Carolina. Unsurprisingly, top100golfcourses.com, which bills itself as “the World's Largest Community of Traveling Golfers,” shares the same view. Although GolfDigest ranks California as the best state for golfing in the nation, it does not mean other states register a no-show. From the time a handful of Scottish merchants founded the South Carolina Golf Club at Charleston in the late 1700s, the Palmetto State has witnessed exciting growth in its golfing stature, especially with its constellation of beautiful golf courses. Opinions will differ, but the following should be the 11 best golf courses in South Carolina.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Ocean)
Famous for hosting the dramatic 1991 Ryder Cup matches, Kiawah Island Golf Resort is the handiwork of Pete Dye, a legend many consider to be the most famous golf architect of the past 50 years. Because of its seaside location, golfers love inhaling unparalleled ocean views while enjoying greens that are consistently kept natural. Kiawah Island Championship tees have a Slope Rating of 155, with its Gold tees (Male) boasting a Slope Rating of 150. This award-winning course is a short, 40-minute drive from Charleston and, hence, is easily accessible. The Ocean Course Clubhouse, which features the Ryder Cup Bar, the Atlantic Room (if craving some fresh regional seafood), and a well-stocked pro shop, is a lovely addition that everyone will want to explore, especially after a mid-morning game. What’s more? Expect four exclusive cottages that offer complimentary on-island transportation.Congaree Golf Club Ridgeland, SC
Old Barnwell, Aiken
Old Barnwell, just a blink from Augusta, presents another five-star showing that helps cement South Carolina’s golfing stature and prestige. This course sprawls out on more than 500 acres, with rolling hills and longleaf pines providing a nice, tasty backdrop. The honor of designing this brand-new space goes to Brian Schnieder and Blake Conant. The former is the principal at Renaissance Golf Design. Old Barnwell Red tees (Male) have a Slope Rating of 136 and, therefore, present a welcome challenge to amateur golfers. With its wildly imaginative layout — and a kids' course that checks almost every box — it is difficult to believe that this course is still a work-in-process. Aside from a course that is fast and firm, brace yourself for an inviting clubhouse and lodge.
Yeamans Hall Club, Charleston
Yeamans Hall Club deserves its “time capsule” honorific designation, especially because it boasts a history that goes back to before the Great Depression years. This course is the brainwork of Seth Raynor, an engineer-turned-designer famous for being mentored by Charles Blair Macdonald, the creator of the National Golf Links of America and a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Still, this course is underrated, especially considering it boasts one of the firmest playing conditions in the United States. Yeamans Hall Club does not have gold tees; however, its yellow tees (Male) boast a slope rating of 132. It is on the outskirts of Charleston, so there is no need to worry about ease of access. Although it has 35 cottages on site, they are meant for “proprietary members”, usually the family of the club’s founders. But you are in Charleston, whose range of accommodation options is scarcely rivaled.
The Tree Farm, Batesburg-Leesville
There is a reason golfers compare Tree Farm to courses such as Pinehurst and the Surrey Heathlands. Drama, fun, and intrigue define a course that is surprisingly within 2 holes from its inviting clubhouse from any point. The flowers for designing this swoon-worthy space go to Tom Doak and Kye Goalby. Many attribute Doak’s awe-inspiring design ideas to the fact he saw almost every great golf course in the world. According to GolfPass, Tree Farm’s Slope Rating is 138. The exciting part is that golfers can stay in one of the club’s on-site cabins, each of which is hidden among the trees near the third and 18th holes. The Tree Farm is close to Batesburg, which is 15 minutes down the road — and Columbia, which is a 40-minute drive.
Sage Valley Golf Club, Graniteville
In the rolling countryside of South Carolina near Augusta, you will find one of the most delightful golfing spaces in the entire state. Sage Valley Golf Club was designed by Tom Fazio, who was named the top American golf course architect in a 1991 Golf Digest poll. With a touch of the sensational, this course is a redefinition of style. Its Black tees (Male) boast a Slope Rating of 151, implying it is a challenging course for beginners or amateurs. Whether you want to dazzle your taste buds with an exceptional selection of yummy offerings — or spend the night in cozy clubhouse suits and cottages, this golf club has a way of making its peers look average. There is also something quite unique about Sage Valley: A gun club where sport shooters are routinely equipped with Baretta shotguns and ammunition
The Palmetto Golf Club, Aiken
The Palmetto Golf Club is a tightly packed old masterpiece that looks every bit like a throwback to the region’s early golfing days. Aiken — which hosts this long-running establishment — boasts a golfing history that goes back more than a century. Palmetto Golf Club was founded in 1892 and is the oldest operating 18-hole course in its original location in the Southeast. From presidents such as Dwight Eseinhower to golfing legends such as Ben Hogan, this course has hosted the who-is-who in America’s history. Palmetto’s club’s Red Tee Rating (Male) boasts a Slope Score of 137. Palmetto was designed by Herbert Leeds, whose other famous work is Myopia Hunt Club near Boston. Will you enjoy the convenience of on-site accommodation? Although it has a clubhouse, Palmetto Golf Club is a private facility that does not offer accommodation. Still, with the nearby Willcox Hotel, a warm, cozy room is just a doorbell away.
Congaree Golf Club, Ridgeland
If you have the chance to play and stay at Congaree, don’t let the opportunity slip through your fingers. From its centuries-old Oak trees to its soft, soothing ambiance, this environment will leave any golfer hooked. Like Sage Valley Golf Club, Congaree was designed by famed architect Tom Fazio. Congaree’s Back tees (Male) have a Slope Rating of 153, implying a thrilling level of challenge. Although situated on a historic 18th-century estate, Congaree is just 8 years old, having opened in 2017. The course is 9 miles from Ridgeland, with the nearest big city being Hilton Head, which is an hour down the road. One thing that sets Congaree apart is its philanthropic element, which is best captured by a college preparatory program for underserved high school students aspiring to play college golf. Because it is a private members’ club, you can stay at Best Western Point South, a cozy, reasonably priced facility conveniently close to the highway. It is just 11 miles away.
Quixote Club, Sumter
Sumter is known for many consequential events. For example, in the 1860s, this friendly, family-oriented town was the site of an early-morning event that most historians believed triggered the Civil War — the firing on Fort Sumter by Confederate troops. Sumter also played a part in the Civil Rights Movement. Quixote Club, whose challenging course is scenic but well-maintained, is today among Sumter’s most defining landmarks. This course was designed by Kris Spencer, the Greensboro native known for his exceptional redesigns and revivals. He joined hands (and brains) with Jack Nicklaus, II, of Nicklaus Design. On the degree of challenge to expect, the back tees of this course boast a Slope Rating of 137, implying a thrilling level of difficulty. Additional features include an exquisite clubhouse and three private cottages.
Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island
If you are a seasoned golfer, you know the name Pete Dye appears in almost every golfer’s hall of fame. He is in the pantheon of renowned golf course designers. Therefore, it should mean something that Harbour Town Golf Links is the brainwork of Pete Dye, “the mad scientist of golf architecture.” Interestingly, most historians credit Harbour Town Golf Links with propelling Pete Dye to international greatness. With its tight fairways and small greens, this was a course whose style had not been seen before. Expect a significant level of challenge, especially considering the Blue tees of this course (Male) boast a Slope Rating of 150. Stay at the The Inn & Club at Harbour Town and enjoy beautiful golf course views. The most exciting part is that you are 11 miles away from Hilton Head Island Airport.
Long Cove Club, Hilton Head Island
Loved for its shimmering water views, rolling, tree-lined fairways, and challenging greens, Long Cove Club is another top contender for “the Best Golf Course In South Carolina” Award. And guess what? Long Cove Club was designed by Pete and Alice Dye. The course is incredibly breathtaking, especially with its beautiful Lowcountry backdrop. Long Cove gold tees (Male) have a Slope Rating of 147. Is it open to the public? Unfortunately, this is a members-only club. Still, keep in mind that Long Cove is not all about golf. You will find a Tennis and Pickleball Center, a nice pool, and a handsomely renovated clubhouse. Crown your visit with a stay at the nearby Palmera Inn & Suites, whose rooms are stylish, spotless, and spacious.
Secession Golf Club, Beaufort
Secession is an “out-of-this-world” private course that sprawls on a beautiful, marsh-filled peninsula. You will love the flat greens, caddies — you don’t get that often — and pot bunkers. Although golfing legend Pete Dye and his son P.B. did Secession’s early routing, they did not push it through to completion. Fortunately, the person who stepped in, Bruce Devlin, was just as talented. Moreover, he maintained Dye's philosophy of low-profile architecture. The Devlin tee boasts a Slope Rating of 145, meaning that amateur golfers and newbies should expect a significant degree of challenge. Stay at the historic Beaufort Inn, a cozy, charm-filled property that has been part of Beaufort’s cityscape since 1897.
The Takeaway
No words can describe the feeling of hitting one pure and watching it sail in the direction of the target. The truth is, regardless of one’s skill level, there's always that one shot per round that acts like a drug and keeps you coming back. Fortunately, South Carolina boasts some exceptional layouts and big names. Whether you want to play at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Oceans) — a yummy masterpiece that several publications rank as the best golf course in the Palmetto State — or one of its worthy peers, the experience will be worth its weight in gold.
