Best Golf Courses in Charleston, South Carolina

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

I’ve spent a good amount of time in South Carolina where there’s more golf per capita than anywhere else in the country.  My buddies make an annual trip out here and I’ve been fortunate to tag along a few times.

While Myrtle Beach is what most people consider the mecca for golf, there’s plenty of great options in other parts of the state as well.  Charleston is one of those places. 

With the reliable help of our readers, I’ve compiled a list of the best public courses you can play in the Charleston area. 

Let’s have a closer look.

Discover the 27 outstanding holes of golf designed by Michael Hurzdan at Westcott Golf Club. This course offers a unique blend of challenges and beauty, with classic southern design and traditional bunkering. Situated in the South Carolina Lowcountry, it is a must-visit destination for any golf enthusiast in the area.

The course’s strategic layout demands precision and strategic play. Holes such as the Amen Corner (11-13) pose a particularly thrilling challenge. The Links at Stono Ferry, Dunes West Golf and River Club, and the Wild Dunes Course at Wild Dunes are all within easy reach, adding to the allure of Westcott Golf Club.

The course’s proximity to The Club at Pine Forest offers a tranquil and secluded community in Summerville. Golf Digest has even crowned it the Hidden Gem of Charleston, further solidifying its reputation as a top-tier golfing destination.

For a captivating golf experience that combines the beauty of the country and the challenge of the game, Westcott Golf Club is a must-visit.

 

Nestled in a tranquil location surrounded by whispering pines, The Club at Pine Forest offers a quaint and challenging golfing experience in Summerville, South Carolina. This gem, lauded by Golf Digest, is a must-visit for golfers seeking a unique and exceptional golfing experience in Charleston.

Here’s what makes it a standout:

• The Club at Pine Forest is renowned for its subtle nuances that make all the difference in the playing experience, with holes 11-13 aptly named Amen Corner, demanding precision on approaches to small greens.
• The course offers a charming community in Summerville, adding to the overall appeal and creating a welcoming atmosphere for golf enthusiasts.
• This secluded course, well away from others, showcases a classic southern design with traditional bunkering, making it a picturesque and enjoyable setting for a round of golf. Additionally, it features a risk-and-reward par five and a short par three, adding an exciting dynamic that challenges golfers of all skill levels.

The Club at Pine Forest, with its captivating landscape and challenging layout, stands out as one of the best golf courses in Charleston, offering a true testament to Tom Fazio’s first design and the expertise of Rees Jones.

 

The captivating golfing experiences in Charleston continue with the Wild Dunes Resort Links Course, known for its stunning coastal setting and challenging layout that will test your skills and offer a unique golfing adventure.

The Links Course at Wild Dunes Resort has a rich history of hosting top golf tournaments, including the PGA Tour. Designed by legendary golf course architect, Tom Fazio, it offers a distinctive seaside golf experience.

The course is adorned with natural dunes, offering a picturesque backdrop as you navigate through its undulating fairways and strategically placed bunkers. The layout, with its signature water hazards and ocean breezes, demands strategic shot-making and precision.

The course is a true test of skill and a delight for golfers seeking an exhilarating round. The Wild Dunes Resort, located on the Isle of Palms, exudes southern charm and hospitality, creating a perfect golfing getaway.

With other renowned courses like Charleston National and Arthur Hills, the Links Course at Wild Dunes Resort stands out as a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts seeking a challenging and scenic golf experience.

Found among natural lagoons and salt marshes, the Wild Dunes Resort Harbor Course offers golfers a challenging and picturesque setting for an unforgettable round of golf. Designed by Tom Fazio, this course is known for its difficulty, with plenty of water hazards adding to the challenge.

When playing at the Wild Dunes Resort Harbor Course, consider these points:

• The course is advisable to play up one set of tees for first-time players and has been called Best in State by Golf Digest.
• This course offers enjoyable gameplay and pretty vistas, but golfers should be prepared for numerous water hazards, so it’s recommended to bring extra balls.
• The Harbor Course at Wild Dunes Resort encourages precise ball-striking and intelligent thinking, meandering through natural lagoons and salt marshes with signature holes along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Furthermore, the back tees stretch the course to over 7,000 yards from the tips, demanding skill and strategy. The course’s design by Fazio ensures a challenging yet scenic experience, making it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts exploring the Charleston area.

Meandering through heavily wooded lowlands, Coosaw Creek Country Club offers a challenging and secluded golfing experience designed by Arthur Hills. The course prioritizes accuracy off the tee over raw distance, with notoriously firm greens demanding high, soft approach shots. This emphasis on precision makes for a thought-provoking and satisfying round.

The club’s tranquil setting, well away from the bustle of Charleston, provides a serene backdrop for an enjoyable game.

After your round, the Palmetto Grill awaits, offering a delightful post-round meal featuring locally sourced ingredients. Coosaw Creek Country Club perfectly combines challenging golf with southern charm, making it a must-visit for golfers seeking a unique and rewarding experience.

Situated in the Charleston area, the club also offers convenient access to other renowned courses such as the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, RiverTowne Country Club, and PATRIOTS POINT LINKS. The area’s rich history, including nearby Fort Sumter, adds an extra layer of allure to the golfing experience.

Coosaw Creek Country Club’s reputation for excellence has even been recognized by Golf Digest, cementing its status as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts in Charleston.

 

As you journey through the golfing landscape of Charleston, your next stop leads you to The Links at Stono Ferry, a course rich in tradition and history, offering a straightforward layout with character and wonder. The course, dating back to 1779, is nestled among ancient oaks and intercoastal marshes, providing a serene escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Here are some compelling reasons to add The Links at Stono Ferry to your list of must-play courses in Charleston:

• Rich History: The course’s history dates back to 1779, immersing you in a setting steeped in Revolutionary and Civil War heritage. The course’s surroundings include plantation homes and the historic Stono Ferry battlefield, offering a unique and immersive experience.
• Challenging Layout: Accuracy is paramount at The Links at Stono Ferry, with landing areas and approach shots demanding precision from golfers. The course offers scenic views across the river and culminates in a challenging 18th hole, providing a thrilling conclusion to your round.

The Links at Stono Ferry has earned its place among the top 15 courses to play in South Carolina, recognized for its quality and appeal by Golf Digest. It’s a testament to the course’s exceptional standards and enduring popularity among golf enthusiasts.

Conclusion

There’s no question that South Carolina is a golfer’s heaven.  Although a lot of the courses are concentrated in the Myrtle Beach area, it’s not the only spot to find great golf.

If you’ve never visited Charleston, I highly recommend you go.  Not only is there ample golf to be played, the city is the epitome of southern charm and hospitality. 

Thanks as always for your input and continued support.  Let us know your thoughts in the comments.