The combination of southern charm, American history and trophy courses make Charleston, South Carolina a bucket list destination for many golfers. Plus, the proximity to the ocean makes for outstanding scenery while you play. Whether you rent your clubs or pack them, here are our top 5 picks for Charleston, SC:
Considered Golf Magazine's best bargain for the area, this course is steeped in American Revolutionary history. The present day 12th, 13th and 14th holes are the location of the Battle at Stono Ferry. The course is also only 30 minutes from downtown Charleston. While the front 9 winds through forests, the back 9 offers beautiful scenery along the Intercostal Waterway.
4812 Stono Links Drive
Hollywood, SC 29449
(888) 785-1813
Located in Mount Pleasant on the banks of Charleston Harbor, the scenery and views make this course worth a visit. You'll get views of downtown Charleston, Fort Sumter, neighboring islands and ships arriving from all over the world in the harbor. Players of all levels will enjoy this course, even the often windy closing four holes.
1 Patriots Point Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 881-0042
This course is low-profile with shallow greens often set on a diagonal. Plus the tight fairways and water hazards call for strategy and accuracy. Despite how challenging the course is, it offers beautiful, lush scenery and three holes that are closer to the Atlantic Ocean than any other ocean course. They say you can hit a sunbather if you yank a shot!
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
One Sanctuary Beach Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
(800) 576-1570
The Links Course at Wild Dunes
This is the course that put Charleston on the golf map. Located on the Isle of Palms just north of the city, this rolling course is dotted with marshes and ancient oak trees. The 18th hole is one of the most photographed holes in golf. After 20 months of ocean waves eating away at the hole, the resort was forced to close it. But after comprehensive restoration, the 18th hole has been resorted to its original glory.
1 Sundial Circle
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
(855) 998-5351
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
This course is on every golfer's bucket list and fortunately for every player that wants to take a crack at this course, Pete Dye has softened its reputation as "the nastiest resort course in the U.S." Previously considered nearly unplayable, now many consider it hard but unquestionably great. Listed as number 5 in Golf Magazines Top 100 Courses You Can Play, this course is both beautiful and brutal. The tranquil Lowcountry beauty and wonderful clubhouse both more than make up for the challenges this course gives you.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
One Sanctuary Beach Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
(800) 576-1570
