Myrtle Beach, the “Golf Capital of the World,” is a haven for the golf aficionado. But, let’s expand the borders a bit and make a memorable golf road trip: South Carolina boasts an extensive array of premier golf courses, each radiating unparalleled charm, and challenging, yet rewarding fairways. Pack your golf clubs, bid adieu to the ordinary, and get ready to explore some of the Palmetto State’s finest golf destinations.
Myrtle Beach: A Bucket List Must-Have
Begin your journey right in Myrtle Beach with more than 80 golf courses; Myrtle Beach serves as a perfect base camp for your golfing adventure. The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed course, is a must-play. Known for its signature hole – “Waterloo,” golfers are challenged with a risk-reward layout, picturesque fairways, and ever-changing coastal winds.
Pawleys Island: The Cradle of American Golf
Drive an hour south to Pawleys Island, a cozy seaside town that has charming golf courses like the Caledonia Golf & Fish Club. The course here was built on a historic rice plantation, providing a unique low country flavor. A combination of natural beauty, distinctive layout, and southern charm makes it an unforgettable golfing experience.
Kiawah Island: Championship-Level Excellence
Further along the coast is Kiawah Island, home to the famed Ocean Course. This Pete and Alice Dye creation had golf’s biggest stars gracing its fairways for the 1991 Ryder Cup and the 2012 PGA Championship. Boasting ten miles of oceanfront and lush marsh views, Kiawah Island offers a dose of natural South Carolina beauty in tandem with world-class golf.
Hilton Head Island: A Golfer’s Paradise
Down the coastline lies another golfer’s utopia – Hilton Head Island. The Harbour Town Golf Links at the Sea Pines Resort is a frequent PGA TOUR stop and a must-play. The iconic red-and-white lighthouse behind the 18th green offers an incredible view, audiovisual distraction, and a befitting conclusion to your round of golf.
Aiken & North Augusta: Inland Treasures
Swinging away from the coast, the cities of Aiken and North Augusta offer inland golfing treasures. The historic Aiken Golf Club is one of the oldest courses in the nation and is celebrated for its traditional, strategic design. Meanwhile, the River Golf Club in North Augusta seamlessly blends beautiful design with the area’s natural terrain and vegetation, catering to golfers of all skill levels.
Greenville: Irresistible Mountain Golf
Northwest– into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies Greenville. The scenic Cherokee Valley Course & Club is a P.B. Dye designed gem. Here, rolling fairways dip and weave amongst the mountains, providing unforgettable views and challenging, elevation-driven play.
Return to Myrtle Beach: End With a Bang
End your golf journey back at Myrtle Beach, this time with a visit to the Barefoot Resort and Golf, a quad of distinct, design-led golf courses. Play a round on a Davis Love III or Greg Norman design and watch the sun go down over the Intracoastal Waterway.
South Carolina, with its rich golf history, diverse landscapes, and peerless course designs, is an ultimate golfer’s road trip dream and a bucket-list destination. Embarking on this journey is not just a voyage across the golf courses; it’s a voyage into the heart and soul of golf in South Carolina. From sun-drenched coastal greens to hill-ranged fairways, every round of golf played here will be as fine and distinct as the state’s legendary hospitality. So pack up your golf clubs, your fascination, and let South Carolina’s best golf destinations lead the way.
Wow, great post! I just got back from a golf trip to Hilton Head Island and I have to agree, it’s a paradise for golfers. That 18th hole with the lighthouse view was the perfect way to end my game. I’ve played a lot of golf in my time, but this was truly a unique experience. However, you mentioned Aiken and North Augusta as having some great courses. I’ll have to give those a try next time I am making my travel plans! Cheers to more golf adventures.
Had an amazing time with my husband at the Harbour Town Golf Links, the views were just incredible! Can’t wait to try Kiawah Island next, heard so much about the Dyes’ course there.
So many courses, so little time! What would you recommend as the top 3 must-play courses for a newbie golfer on a road trip through South Carolina?
Greenville’s mountain golf – 100%. Different beast altogether! But a fantastic niche experience that shakes up the usual coastal context of SC golf.
Can’t agree more! Myrtle Beach is indeed a bucket list must-have. Played there twice, unforgettable experience!
Pawleys Island’s charm is massively underappreciated. It’s golf surrounded by history and beauty. A hidden gem!
The Barefoot Resort sounds fantastic. Especially a round on a Greg Norman design, he’s got some of the most interesting course layouts out there. Adding it to my golf bucket list!
Thoroughly enjoyed your blog post. It just reminded me of the time I played at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club, what a challenging course! I remember ‘Waterloo’ all too well, those coastal winds were no joke. The Kiawah Island segment had me chuckling a bit, I can’t help but remember my less-than-stellar swing against that ‘world-class’ backdrop – I bet the gators had a good laugh. Greenville sounds tempting though, maybe that’ll be my next golfing misadventure. Keep these coming!