Best golf resorts in South Carolina

Here are our top-rated South Carolina golf resort experiences - ideal bases for your next stay-and-play golf trip:

1. Kiawah Island Golf Resort – Kiawah Island, SC Golf: Ocean Course, Turtle Point, Osprey Point, Cougar Point & Oak Point Best for: Championship golf, luxury coastal escape | Customer rating: 4.3 / 5

Why stay here? Kiawah Island is one of the East Coast’s most iconic golf destinations. Set along pristine Atlantic beachfront just south of Charleston, this resort blends five championship courses with world-class accommodation options. The Ocean Course - host of the 1991 Ryder Cup and multiple major championships - sits at the heart of the experience

Resort highlights:

• Five championship-level golf courses, including the famed Ocean Course
• Luxurious villa, home & Sanctuary Hotel accommodation
• Spa, fine dining, beaches, bike trails & nature excursions
• Easy access to historic Charleston for off-course exploration

2. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort – Hilton Head Island, SC Golf: Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio & Arthur Hills Courses Best for: Oceanfront golf escapes & outdoor adventure | Customer rating: 4.3 / 5

Why stay here? Nestled along three miles of Atlantic shoreline, Palmetto Dunes offers a perfect blend of golf, outdoor activities, and Lowcountry charm. The three championship courses suit golfers of all levels and provide stunning seaside scenery.

Resort highlights:

• Three diverse championship golf courses
• Villa-style accommodation ideal for groups and families
• Bike paths, water sports, tennis & lagoon activities
• Easy beach access and oceanfront dining options

3. Barefoot Golf Resort – North Myrtle Beach, SC Golf: Norman, Love, Fazio & Dye Courses Best for: Variety of championship layouts & lively coastal vibes | Customer rating: 4.8 / 5

Why stay here? Barefoot Golf Resort stands out in Myrtle Beach with four distinct championship courses designed by golf’s biggest architects. The resort’s location near the Intracoastal Waterway and nearby entertainment makes it great for golfers who want both golf quality and things to do off the course.

Resort highlights:

• Four championship courses with contrasting designs
• Luxury condos and villas with easy golf access
• Close to restaurants, nightlife, and shopping at Barefoot Landing

4. Legends Golf Resort – Myrtle Beach, SC Golf: Heathland, Moorland, Parkland & more Best for: Classic resort experience & Scottish-inspired clubhouse | Customer rating: 4 / 5

Why stay here? Legends Golf Resort is a classic Stay & Play choice in Myrtle Beach. With five courses onsite and spacious condo accommodation, it’s perfect for groups who want variety without changing base.

Resort highlights:

• Five diverse courses, including Heathland and Moorland

• On-site condo-style lodging

• Central Myrtle Beach location with easy access to local attractions

Travel tips for South Carolina

• Best time to visit: South Carolina offers excellent golf conditions for much of the year, with the prime seasons falling between March to May and September to November. Spring brings comfortable temperatures, blooming azaleas, and firm playing conditions, while fall delivers cooler air and ideal scoring weather. Summer remains popular along the coast, particularly in Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, though midday heat and humidity can be high. Winter golf is still very playable, especially along the southern coast.
• Top tip: For coastal destinations like Hilton Head, Kiawah Island, and Pawleys Island, pack light layers - ocean breezes can make early tee times feel cooler than expected. In peak summer, opt for morning or late afternoon rounds and stay well hydrated, particularly in Myrtle Beach’s warmer inland corridors.
• Travel time: South Carolina’s leading golf destinations are easily accessed via major regional airports. Myrtle Beach International (MYR) serves the Grand Strand, Charleston International (CHS) is ideal for Kiawah Island and Wild Dunes, and Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV) provides convenient access to Hilton Head Island. Most premier resorts are within 30–60 minutes of these hubs.
• Transport: Car rental is strongly recommended, particularly in Myrtle Beach, where top courses are spread along the Grand Strand. On Hilton Head Island and Kiawah Island, biking is popular within resort communities, but a vehicle offers flexibility for dining and off-site exploration.
• Booking tip: High-profile venues such as Harbour Town Golf Links (RBC Heritage host) and The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island (Ryder Cup & PGA Championship host) book out well in advance - especially during spring peak season. Secure tee times and accommodation early for March–May and fall weekends.

Beyond the fairways in South Carolina

• Charleston: Rich in history, architecture, and Southern hospitality, Charleston is a must-visit alongside a golf trip. Explore cobblestone streets, tour historic plantations, dine on renowned Lowcountry cuisine, or enjoy waterfront views along The Battery.
• Hilton Head Island: Beyond its PGA Tour pedigree at Harbour Town, Hilton Head offers pristine beaches, over 60 miles of cycling trails, watersports, and marina dining. It’s ideal for golfers looking to balance championship play with coastal relaxation.
• Kiawah Island: Famous for The Ocean Course, Kiawah also boasts 10 miles of unspoiled beaches, spa retreats, nature tours, and quiet maritime forests. It’s perfect for a refined golf escape immersed in natural beauty.
• Myrtle Beach: Known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” Myrtle Beach pairs 80+ courses with vibrant nightlife, seafood restaurants, oceanfront boardwalks, and group-friendly entertainment - ideal for buddy trips and value-driven golf getaways.
• Pawleys Island: A quieter Lowcountry retreat, Pawleys Island delivers classic marshland scenery, historic charm, and laid-back coastal living. It’s perfect for golfers seeking tradition, tranquility, and scenic Southern course design.
• Beaufort & The Lowcountry: For those wanting a slower pace, the historic town of Beaufort offers waterfront charm, antebellum homes, and easy access to scenic coastal landscapes.

Check out our South Carolina guide for more tailored travel advice.