A Look at the Top Golf Courses in South Carolina

South Carolina is widely considered one of the top states in the U.S. for golf enthusiasts. With warm weather due to its coastal setting, gorgeous landscapes that include golf courses along the ocean and deep within forests, and a longstanding passion for the game, it is easy to see why South Carolina attracts many golfers every year.

Many areas in South Carolina see year-round sun, which makes it possible to golf throughout the year. South Carolina has more than 350 golf courses across the state (both public and private), some of which are world-famous destinations designed by renowned architects ranging from Jack Nicklaus to Tom Fazio. 

Many choose to vacation in South Carolina specifically for its world-class golf offerings. If you are one of the many golfers seeking to experience this state’s exceptional golf courses, we found some that stand out from the rest.

Below, we’ve assembled a list of the top golf courses in South Carolina based on their prestige, challenging offerings, settings, and course designs. 

TPC Myrtle Beach: TPC Myrtle Beach is part of the PGA Championship’s Tournament Players Club network and features an 18-hole course designed by famed golf architect Tom Fazio. This course formerly hosted the Senior PGA Tour Championship and has been frequented by numerous famous golfers in its history. Today, the course is the site of the Dustin Johnson Golf School and has a beautiful setting in Murrells Inlet.

Ocean Course, Kiawah Island Golf Resort: The Kiawah Island Golf Resort houses the Ocean Course, widely considered one of the premier golf courses in the country. The Ocean Course was designed by Pete Dye and offers 18 holes with ocean views, ten of which straddle the water. The coastal setting makes the wind a unique challenge, which an experienced golfer will certainly appreciate, and the gorgeous setting makes this one of the top public golf courses in the country. 

Harbour Town Golf Links, Sea Pines Resort: The Sea Pines Resort is the site of Harbour Town Golf Links, a course that has been the site of the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage every year since 1969. Harbour Town Golf Links was designed by Pete Dye with the help of Jack Nicklaus and provides an 18-hole, 71-par course that stretches for 7,000 yards. Located on the picturesque Hilton Head Island, it is a scenic place to enjoy a round. 

Congaree Golf Club: Congaree is a private golf course designed by Tom Fazio, and it hosts the CJ Cup. Those who are able to play there get to enjoy an immaculate golf course with a challenging design. The 7,655-yard course has 18 holes and difficult sand challenges that will test even the most experienced golfer.

Palmetto Golf Club: Having first opened in 1892, Palmetto Golf Club is widely considered the second-oldest, continually operating 18-hole course in the country. It is a historic course that has hosted numerous legendary golf figures and retains many of its design elements from its historical past. The par-71 course stretches 6,695 yards, and it is known for its challenging bunkers, elevated greens, and perfectly manicured grounds.  

Yeamans Hall Country Club: This private golf club near Charleston has what’s widely considered one of the state’s top courses. Designed by Seth Raynor, and recently renovated to restore Raynor’s vision, this course weaves through marshes, forests, and other scenic South Carolina environments. It has firm playing conditions and 18 holes that run across 6,712 yards.