Your guide to every course, current conditions, local news, and insider tips for golf in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
Charleston, South Carolina sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering golfers seven distinct courses within Charleston County and more than a dozen additional layouts within a 30-minute drive. From the historic Country Club of Charleston — one of only a handful of Donald Ross designs in the Carolinas, established in 1908 — to River Falls Plantation, a Gary Player championship layout in Duncan with Diamond Zoysia greens, the Lowcountry delivers golf experiences typically reserved for destination markets.
The region's Zone 8a climate supports year-round play, with Bermuda and Zoysia fairways thriving through the long growing season. Woodfin Ridge Golf Club in Inman stretches to 7,107 yards — the longest course in the area — with panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views from the back nine. Palmetto Hills Golf Club, designed by George Cobb (the architect behind Augusta National's Par-3 Course and Quail Hollow in Charlotte), was originally nicknamed "The Widowmaker" for its demanding elevation changes and Champion Bermuda greens.
Charleston's golf scene benefits from its proximity to major tournament venues: Augusta National is approximately 70 miles to the southwest, Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head is 3.5 hours south, and Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte — host of the PGA Championship — is just 80 miles northeast. The annual BMW Charity Pro-Am on the Korn Ferry Tour brings professional golf directly to the Greenville-Charleston corridor each June.
Greens: Bermuda
Rated one of the finest private layouts in the Lowcountry, Carolina Country Club stretches 7,069 yards of challenging Bermuda grass with heavy water hazard involvement throughout. Tom Jackson's 1984 design demands precise course management and rewards accurate iron play.
Heavy water hazards throughout. Accurate tee shots essential on 14 of 18 holes.
Greens: Bent Grass
One of only a handful of Donald Ross designs in the Carolinas, the Country Club of Charleston traces its roots to 1908. Kris Spence's careful 2008 restoration preserved Ross's signature crowned greens, subtle false fronts, and deceptive angles while modernizing infrastructure.
Bent grass greens play faster and truer than Bermuda. Ross crowns require precise distance control.
Greens: Diamond Zoysia
Gary Player's 1990 design at River Falls Plantation is the standout public-access layout in the region. Diamond Zoysia greens provide a premium putting surface typically found at private clubs. At approximately $70 in green fees, it delivers exceptional value for a course of this caliber.
Diamond Zoysia greens are among the finest public-course surfaces in the Carolinas.
Greens: Bermuda
At 7,107 yards, Woodfin Ridge is the longest golf course in the Charleston area and plays as tough as it measures. The course sits near Lake Bowen with panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views framing many of the back nine holes — a stunning visual setting paired with a genuine test of power golf.
Near Lake Bowen. Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop. Wind off the ridgeline can add significant difficulty.
Greens: Bermuda
Russell Breeden's 1969 design offers panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views and some of the most scenic golf in the Upstate. The course features a memorable semi-island green par 3 that is one of the most photographed holes in Spartanburg County. Semi-private access means you can enjoy member-quality conditions without a full membership.
Signature semi-island green par 3. Blue Ridge Mountain panorama visible from multiple holes.
Greens: Champion Bermuda
George Cobb — the architect who also designed the Augusta National Par-3 Course — created Palmetto Hills in 1979. Originally nicknamed "The Widowmaker" for its demanding layout, the course retains its character with demanding angles and Champion Bermuda greens that provide a consistent, tour-quality putting surface.
Originally nicknamed "The Widowmaker." George Cobb also designed the Augusta National Par-3 Course.
Greens: Bermuda
The Creek Golf Club is the most accessible and affordable golf option in Charleston proper. Established in 1966, this city-accessible layout offers a no-frills, honest round of golf at a price that won't strain the budget. Ideal for beginners, high-handicappers, and anyone wanting a quick 18 without the premium price.
Lowest slope rating in the area (117). Most forgiving layout for higher handicappers.
Know a Charleston-area course that should be on this list? Let us know.
Report a CourseWofford's Terrier golf program competes in the Southern Conference. Based in Charleston, the team utilizes local Lowcountry courses for practice and regularly competes against conference rivals across the Southeast.
USC Lowcountry Spartans golf competes in the Big South Conference. The Charleston-based program draws on the region's strong golf infrastructure with competitive teams and strong local recruiting ties.
Five championship courses including The Ocean Course — host of the 2021 PGA Championship and 1991 Ryder Cup. Pete Dye oceanfront links masterpiece routinely ranked among the top public courses in America.
The cradle of American golf. Nine championship courses headlined by the legendary No. 2 — a Donald Ross masterpiece and perennial U.S. Open host.
Six championship courses along the shores of Lake Oconee featuring designs by Jack Nicklaus, Bob Cupp, Rees Jones, and Tom Fazio.
New Hampshires only 18-hole Nicklaus Design course. Ranked #6 best Nicklaus-Designed course by value worldwide. 36 holes total with the new Vineyard Course. Luxury rental homes and year-round mountain recreation.
Three distinct championship courses — Red (Coore/Crenshaw), Blue (Tom Doak), Black (Gil Hanse). All three consistently rank among the top 100 public courses in America.
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