Best Golf Courses in South Carolina

South Carolina is home to a beautiful stretch of coastline on which some of the world’s best golf courses lie. At the forefront of all of these are arguably Kiawah Island and Hilton Head, both of which are home to an array of championship golf courses and between them have hosted their fair share of professional tournaments. Golfers also have the option of heading to Myrtle Beach which is renowned for having one of the most densely packed selections of golf courses anywhere in America.

With something for everyone in South Carolina, golfers and family alike are able to have the trip of a lifetime. From relaxing on the incredible beaches, dining at some truly amazing restaurants or playing a round on one of the many championship golf courses do not miss out on the trip of a lifetime.

Read on to discover the courses our experts have played and consider the best in South Carolina or check out some of the best golf holiday deals in South Carolina >>

Having been catapulted onto the golfing scene following the 1991 Ryder Cup dubbed the ‘War on the Shore’, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island has gone onto host all four of the PGA of America’s major tournaments and is widely regarded as one of the most celebrated courses in America.

The stunning ocean views that golfers are treated to throughout their round are the perfect accompaniment to the incredible Pete Dye designed golf course which is setup in a way that will test every facet of even the best golfer’s game. The wipsy rough gives the course the feel of some of the great UK links courses but with a twist. Any golfing fanatic will have this course on their bucket list and with Your Golf Travel ticking it off has never been easier.

More info on Ocean Course at Kiawah Island >>

"With Gators, Ospreys & other amazing wildlife all over the place, as well as plenty of Ryder Cup & PGA Championship history on display in the clubhouse; relaxing after your round is almost as enjoyable as playing the course itself!"
Rory (Marketing: Handicap 8)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Rory about playing this course.

Water hazards and great swathes of sand are littered around the George Fazio course at Palmetto Dunes, but their positioning is far from haphazard; the outstanding design has led many to assert that the Fazio layout is the most demanding test of championship golf on the island.

The course measures 6,873 yards, and is characterised by long and difficult par 4s – the layout is bookended by holes that top the 450 yard mark, so be sure to be on your mettle for the entire duration. Fazio’s creation is a joy to behold, and is an integral component of a good golf holiday to the popular resort area of Hilton Head.

More info on Palmetto Dunes, Fazio Course >>

"I would consider the Fazio course to be the most outstanding and challenging golf course on the island."
Thomas (Long Haul Team: Handicap 6)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Thomas about playing this course.

Regarded by many as the best course in South Carolina, Tidewater is not a place to miss on your golf trip across the pond. Since opening in 1990, the course has gone from strength to strength and is constantly in immaculate condition with its perfectly manicured fairways and pristine greens.

With expanses of water and vast bunkers, the course is designed to punish any errant shot but the reason it has risen to the top of the ranks in mainly due to its ability to test the games best players whilst still remaining a manageable challenge for the more average golfer. For any golfer in the area Tidewater is a must play.

More info on Tidewater Golf Club >>

"The course is challenging but a lot of fun, brilliant white bunkers and immaculate greens just add beauty to the experience."
David (Long Haul Team: Handicap 2)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to David about playing this course.

In 1996, Arnold Palmer headed up the extensive redesign of King’s North Golf Course and has created a true modern day beauty. Planting nearly 7,000 Azaleas and 600 hardwood trees, that have now fully matured, the course is a truly magical place to play golf.

In true Arnie fashion, each hole is unique which creates an amazing golfing experience for everyone which culminates at the last. The 18th hole is lined with no less than 40 bunkers and is a spectacular sight from the tee.

More info on Myrtle Beach National, Kings North >>

"The 18th is amazing, the hole is lined with no less than 40 bunkers and the short 12th with it's island green is a great signature hole."
Thomas (Long Haul Team: Handicap 6)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Thomas about playing this course.

Barefoot Golf Resort is one of the finest golfing complexes in the world boasting courses designed by 4 of the biggest names in the game. Arguably the pinnacle of the resort is 7,000 yard Davis Love III layout which is renowned for being a fair challenge to all who take it on.

Love, who is known for being a fan of US Open courses has put some of these much loved features into his course at Barefoot. The thick rough and severe runoffs from the greens mean that any errant shot gets punished but for those who are striking the ball well and keeping it in play will be rewarded round here.

More info on Love Course, Barefoot Resort >>

"The course is visually striking with generous landing areas and green complexes similar to those found on the No.2 course at Pinehurst."
David (Long Haul Team: Handicap 2)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to David about playing this course.

The famous Pete Dye worked in close consultation with Jack Nicklaus, and the result is a championship layout to test the creativity and imagination of the finest golfers.

Harbour Town Golf Links at The Sea Pines Resort is among the shorter courses to regularly stage PGA Tour events, but the fantastic variety of Pete Dye's design ensures sufficient difficulty.

More info on Harbour Town Links >>

"The par 3 4th is a bit of a brute from the back tees measuring 200 yards, anything left is swimming, right is a long waste area & over the back a bunker could save you from a watery grave!"
David (Long Haul Team: Handicap 2)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to David about playing this course.

Formerly a rice plantation, architect Mark Stranz has managed to transform this relatively benign plot of land into one of the world’s leading golf courses. The course features vast fairways which allow players to do what we all love and open up the shoulders from the tees.

The design of the course is very unique as it combines a rugged links feel with pristine fairways and towering pines creating an amazing setting to play golf in. Those looking to play one the best courses Myrtle Beach has to offer then be sure to head to True Blue Plantation.

More info on True Blue Plantation >>

"Wonderful angled tee shots over expansive waste bunkers, do you try to cut corners reducing distance to the greens or do you bail out."
Richard (Long Haul Team: Handicap 9)

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The Heathland course at Legends Golf Resort is designed by Tom Doak whose love of links golf has shone through. With echoes of the St Andrews and Lahinch, golf in Myrtle Beach doesn’t come much better than this.

The course is by no means the modern day monster that we become accustomed to measuring in at 6,800 yards but instead the coastal breeze that blows across the course and strategically placed bunkers means that clever stroke play is imperative in order to avoid trouble.

More info on Legends Golf Resort, Heathland Course >>

"Some say this Doak layout was influenced by St. Andrews, Lahinch and Cruden Bay, the persistent coastal winds combined with thick rough and testing bunkers certainly present a chalenge."
Thomas (Long Haul Team: Handicap 6)

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Reminiscent of the True Blue Plantation, Caledonia Golf Club & Fish Club was also designed by Mike Stranz who once again has created a glorious championship golf course. Stranz has blended the stunning natural landscape with masterful golf course design - the product of which has been recognised in the ‘Top 100 Course You Can Play’ worldwide.

The course is a favourite amongst visitors to South Carolina as its immaculate condition and impeccable service on and off the course make it a fantastic all round golfing experience.

More info on Caledonia Golf Club >>

"Crafted by the same person who designed True Blue Plantation, Mike Stranz has sculpted Caledonia’s 18 holes, with large, creative greens guarded at times by ponds, streams and imposing bunkers."
David (Long Haul Team: Handicap 2)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to David about playing this course.

Situated on the banks of the Waccama River lies the beautiful Heritage Golf Club which winds its way through the stunning clusters of 300 year old oak trees.

The course can be stretched out to 7,128 yards and its par 71 layout means power and precision are both required in order to navigate a round at the Heritage Club. For those looking to play a fantastic golf course in a truly remarkable setting then the Heritage Club is a must play for you.

More info on The Heritage Club >>

"Voted within the Top 50 golf courses in America this course can be tough from the back tees with the added difficulty of enormous water hazards."
Richard (Long Haul Team: Handicap 9)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Richard about playing this course.

Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach
Golf Courses in Hilton Head
Golf Courses in Charleston
Golf Courses in Kiawah Island

Handicap: +3
Favourite Course: Pinehurst
My 'Expert' areas: Turkey, Portugal, USA & South Africa
Best trip I've done: Scotland playing Royal Dornoch & Gleneagles
Where my next trip is to: Costa Navarino

Give Matthew a call on 0800 043 6644 to arrange your next golf break.