Best Golf Courses in Charleston, South Carolina

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.

Nestled in the heart of South Carolina Lowcountry, Wescott Golf Club features 27 holes of outstanding golf. 

Just minutes from the airport and in the heart of the Charleston Historic District, this course gives you the sense that you’re out there all alone.  Most holes are secluded and well away from each other. 

Westcott was designed by Michael Hurzdan, one of the era’s most iconic architects.  The layout personifies classic southern design with traditional bunkering, low flow earth works, and holes framed by trees and native vegetation. 

This is thinking man’s golf.  Even though most holes are straight forward, subtle nuances make all the difference.

A wonderful experience of golf in its purest form, save a day for Westcott Golf Club.

 

The Club at Pine Forest is another classic layout in the charming community of Summerville.

Locals describe playing a round here as a “walk in the park.”  The tranquil setting features fairways framed by whispering pines.  The greens are small and require precision on approaches.

Holes 11-13 are called Amen Corner (sound familiar?) and feature a risk and reward par five and short par three that plays over water. 

Golf Digest has called this course the “Hidden Gem of Charleston” and it’s not hard to see why.

 

Wild Dunes Resort is one of the most recognized golf resorts on the East Coast. 

The Links Course was designed by Tom Fazio and he calls it one of his finest.

Situated on the shores of the Atlantic, wind plays a major factor here.  If you play in the afternoon, be ready to swing it easy because it will be breezy. 

The 18^th hole isn’t one you’ll soon forget.  The dramatic par three faces the glistening Atlantic in the background.

Truly a memorable experience that’s playable for everyone, I can’t say enough good things about the Links Course at Wild Dunes.

Tom Fazio designed the Harbor Course at Wild Dunes too.  The course is arguably the more difficult of the two. 

If there’s one constant in this design, it’s water.  There’s plenty of it so it’s advisable to bring an extra sleeve of balls.

Locals say it’s best to play up one set of tees from where you normally would, especially if it’s your first time. 

It comes as little surprise that Golf Digest called the Harbor Course “Best in State.”

If you’re looking to challenge yourself in a beautiful setting, it’s hard to beat this course.

If you’ve read enough of our course guides, the name Arthur Hills is one you’re familiar with by now.  He designed Coosaw Creek.

The layout meanders through heavily wooded lowlands.  Accuracy off the tee is more important than hitting it 300 yards.

The greens are notoriously firm so high, soft approach shots are the way to go.

When you’re done with your round, make time for a meal in the Palmetto Gill.  The locally sourced ingredients are killer.

 

The Links at Stono Ferry is an escape from everyday hustle and bustle.

Set amongst ancient oaks and intercoastal marshes, you’ll feel at one with nature when you play here.

If tradition and history are your thing, you’ll be right at home at Stono Ferry.  The property dates all the way back to 1779.

The layout is straightforward yet deceptively full of character and wonder.  In some cases, just being in the fairway isn’t enough.  You have to be in the correct half of the fairway to have a clear look at the green.

A remarkable course at a decent price, Stono Ferry is one of my favorites.

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.