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Experience a variety of golf courses in South Carolina's golfing hot spots
It’s no surprise that South Carolina is one of the top destinations for golf in the US. It’s not just the championship golf courses that make it so popular, but also the wide variety of course layouts, allowing golfers to test their skills against the pros or play for fun. Conveniently, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, Charleston, and Kiawah Island are just a four-hour drive apart, so you can easily experience more than one destination on your customizable South Carolina golf package.
From the elegant French Quarter and old cobblestone streets of Charleston to the nightlife and beautiful beachfront boardwalk of Myrtle Beach, golfers will be sure to have a great time on and off the course. And let’s not forget the South is known for its friendly people, wonderful cuisine, and of course, its outstanding Southern hospitality.
Why book a South Carolina golf package?
- Play PGA TOUR, major championship & Ryder Cup venues
- Experience beautiful oceanfront golf resorts & courses
- Stay in iconic five-star golf resorts & scenic coastal hotels
- Enjoy southern hospitality, with great food & culture throughout
- Visit the city of Charleston, regularly voted the #1 place to visit in the US
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Where to go in South Carolina
South Carolina delivers four distinct golf experiences along its Atlantic coastline, each offering a different pace, setting, and style of stay. Whether you’re planning a group trip, a couples’ escape, or a bucket-list championship experience, choosing the right base is key:
Myrtle Beach - America's golf capital Best for: Value-driven group trips, maximum course variety, classic group getaways.
Myrtle Beach is the most accessible and diverse golf destination in the state, with more than 70 courses spread across the Grand Strand. From tournament-style layouts to playable resort designs, the variety here is unmatched.
The area is built around golf tourism, offering strong value packages, short transfers, and accommodation designed for group travel.
Beyond the fairways After your round, enjoy the oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade, beachfront bars, seafood restaurants, and lively entertainment venues. For downtime, relax on the beach or explore Broadway at the Beach for dining and nightlife.
Travel Tips Airport: Myrtle Beach International Airport is just minutes from most resorts. Getting around: Rental cars recommended, but courses are close together. Best time to visit: March–May and September–November. Booking tip: Reserve prime tee times early in the peak spring season.
For more tailored advice, check out our Myrtle Beach golf vacation FAQs article.
Hilton Head Island – Scenic & Walkable Golf Best for: Couples, upscale coastal stays, relaxed Lowcountry charm
Hilton Head blends championship golf with marshland scenery and a refined island atmosphere. Some of the best courses in Hilton Head wind through live oaks and tidal creeks, offering strategic layouts and a peaceful pace of play. Its resort communities are compact and walkable, making it easy to combine golf with beach time and dining. A member of the team was lucky enough to experience the beauty of Hilton Head first-hand - read their full trip review for insider tips and course recommendations!
Beyond the Fairways Bike along shaded coastal paths, relax on wide Atlantic beaches, or explore Harbour Town Marina with its lighthouse views and waterfront restaurants. Hilton Head’s dining scene is known for fresh seafood and laid-back coastal ambiance.
Travel Tips
- Airport: Hilton Head Airport or nearby Savannah (45 minutes).
- Getting around: Biking and short drives make it easy to explore.
- Ideal stay: 4–5 nights for golf and relaxation.
- Best seasons: Spring and fall offer ideal conditions.
Check out our Hilton Head golf vacations FAQs article for more tailored advice.
Charleston & Kiawah Island – Championship Golf Meets Southern Culture Best for: Bucket-list oceanfront golf, food & history, premium stays
Charleston and Kiawah Island combine world-class championship golf with one of America’s most charming historic cities. Kiawah Island delivers dramatic Atlantic coastline layouts and luxury resort accommodations, while Charleston offers cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and nationally recognized cuisine.
This pairing is ideal for golfers who want elite-level golf alongside rich cultural experiences.
Golf Experience Kiawah Island is home to some of the Southeast’s most celebrated courses, including dramatic oceanfront layouts known for hosting major championships. Nearby Charleston-area courses provide additional variety, making it easy to build a multi-round itinerary.
Beyond the Fairways Explore Charleston’s historic district, take a harbor cruise, visit plantations, or enjoy award-winning Lowcountry dining. On Kiawah, relax on pristine beaches, kayak through tidal marshes, or unwind at resort spas.
Travel Tips
- Airport: Charleston International Airport (approx. 45 minutes to Kiawah).
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer ideal weather for golf and sightseeing.
- Summer advice: Early tee times recommended due to humidity.
- Booking tip: Championship courses on Kiawah require reservations, particularly in peak season.
Check out our golfers' guide to South Carolina for more advice when booking.
Best Golf Resorts in South Carolina
Popular South Carolina golf trips
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Must play South Carolina courses
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Where to play on your South Carolina golf package
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Discover the best golf courses in South Carolina
South Carolina is home to some of the most recognized and respected golf courses in the United States. From Ryder Cup venues and PGA TOUR stops to refined coastal layouts and tournament-caliber designs, the state delivers championship golf across a variety of landscapes.
Here are a handful of the best golf courses in South Carolina:
Harbour Town Golf Links (Hilton Head) Designer: Pete Dye | Par: 71
Ranked the no.7 course in South Carolina by Top 100 Golf Courses
Host of the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage, Harbour Town Golf Links is one of the most iconic courses in American golf. Known for its narrow, tree-lined fairways and small, strategically protected greens, Harbour Town demands precision and thoughtful course management rather than raw power.
The finishing hole, played toward the famous red-and-white lighthouse at Harbour Town Marina, is one of the most recognizable closing holes in the country. While it may not be long by modern standards, Harbour Town consistently challenges elite players and everyday golfers alike.
Why it stands out:
- PGA TOUR host venue
- Tight, strategic Pete Dye design
- Iconic lighthouse finishing hole
The Ocean Course (Kiawah Island) Designer: Pete Dye | Par: 72
Ranked the no.1 course in South Carolina by Top 100 Golf Courses
The Ocean Course is South Carolina’s most famous championship layout and one of the premier coastal courses in the world. Designed to showcase uninterrupted Atlantic Ocean views on nearly every hole, the course has hosted the Ryder Cup and multiple PGA Championships.
Wide fairways offer some forgiveness off the tee, but exposure to coastal winds creates a constantly changing challenge. The layout stretches to championship length from the back tees, delivering a true major-caliber test. Even for recreational golfers, the scenery alone makes it a bucket-list experience.
Why it stands out:
- Ryder Cup & PGA Championship venue
- Ocean views on nearly every hole
- True championship-level challenge
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club (Pawleys Island – Myrtle Beach area) Designer: Mike Strantz | Par: 70
Ranked the no.15 course in South Carolina by Top 100 Golf Courses
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club is widely regarded as one of the finest and most distinctive courses along the Grand Strand. Designed by the late Mike Strantz, the course blends Lowcountry marshland, towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and imaginative shaping to create a layout that is both strategic and visually memorable.
Unlike many wide-open coastal courses, Caledonia favors precision and creativity. Fairways weave through natural wetlands, and the greens are subtly contoured, demanding a thoughtful approach to play. The finishing hole - playing toward the historic clubhouse framed by centuries-old oaks - is one of the most photographed in South Carolina.
Caledonia is a favorite among seasoned golf travelers who appreciate strong architecture, walkability, and a classic Southern atmosphere.
Why it stands out:
- Signature Mike Strantz design
- Classic Lowcountry setting with moss-draped oaks
- One of the highest-rated courses in the Myrtle Beach area
Wild Dunes – Links Course (Charleston area) Designer: Tom Fazio | Par: 72
Ranked the no.37 course in South Carolina by Top 100 Golf Courses
Located on the Isle of Palms just outside Charleston, the Links Course at Wild Dunes blends true oceanfront holes with scenic marshland stretches. The front nine works inland through lagoons and tidal marshes, while the back nine finishes dramatically along the Atlantic shoreline.
This balance of coastal exposure and Lowcountry beauty makes Wild Dunes one of the most scenic and enjoyable rounds in the Charleston area. It’s particularly well-suited for golfers, combining championship-caliber golf with a city-based vacation.
Why it stands out:
- Oceanfront finishing stretch
- Classic Lowcountry scenery
- Easy pairing with Charleston stays
Experience the best of South Carolina golf with our NEW South Carolina Golf Tour, with the state's best courses included; this is a true bucket list trip.
“Simply a golfing paradise and there’s so much to do off the course as well. Be sure to include at least an overnight stop in Charleston to get a real flavor of the South.”
Product Director
Golf travel tips for South Carolina
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Best months for value:
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The best golf resorts in South Carolina
South Carolina’s leading golf resorts combine championship-caliber courses with coastal scenery, resort amenities, and easy access to beaches and historic towns. Whether you're planning a luxury milestone trip, a couples’ escape, or a multi-round group getaway, here are the best golf resorts in South Carolina:
Kiawah Island Golf Resort Golf on site: 5 championship courses | Customer rating: 4.3 / 5
Kiawah Island Golf Resort is the pinnacle of South Carolina golf, offering five world-class courses, including the legendary Ocean Course. The resort delivers a true championship atmosphere, with immaculate conditioning, dramatic Atlantic Ocean views, and layouts designed by some of the biggest names in golf architecture.
Accommodations range from oceanfront villas and private homes to luxury hotel stays, all set within a pristine barrier island environment. Beyond golf, guests enjoy expansive beaches, fine dining, spa facilities, and nature-focused activities such as kayaking and biking along scenic trails.
Best for: Championship bucket-list experiences, luxury coastal stays, and special-occasion golf trips.
Sea Pines Resort (Hilton Head) Golf on site: 3 courses (including Harbour Town Golf Links) | Customer rating: 4.6 / 5
Sea Pines Resort is the most established and iconic resort on Hilton Head Island. Home to Harbour Town Golf Links - host of the RBC Heritage - the resort also features Heron Point by Pete Dye and Atlantic Dunes, providing a trio of strategic and scenic layouts within one walkable community.
The resort blends coastal charm with convenience, offering villa accommodations, marina views, beach access, and a vibrant dining scene around Harbour Town. Its compact layout and relaxed island atmosphere make it easy to balance golf with leisure and dining.
Best for: Couples, repeat visitors, and golfers seeking tournament-caliber golf with relaxed Lowcountry ambiance.
Barefoot Resort (Myrtle Beach) Golf on site: 4 championship courses | Customer rating: 4.8 / 5
Barefoot Resort is one of Myrtle Beach’s most popular golf bases, featuring four distinct courses designed by Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Greg Norman, and Davis Love III. This diversity allows golfers to experience multiple design styles without leaving the property.
The resort offers spacious villa-style accommodations, strong group-friendly layouts, and excellent value, making it a favorite for buddies’ trips and multi-round itineraries. Its location also provides easy access to the broader Myrtle Beach golf scene.
Best for: Buddies’ trips, value-driven multi-round stays, and groups seeking course variety in one location.
Wild Dunes Resort (Charleston Area) Golf on site: 2 courses | Customer rating: 4.5 / 5
Located on the Isle of Palms just outside Charleston, Wild Dunes Resort combines beachfront accommodations with strong coastal golf. The Links Course offers oceanfront finishing holes, while the Harbor Course provides a more protected, strategic layout through marshland and lagoons.
Guests enjoy direct beach access, resort pools, tennis facilities, and upscale dining, all within a short drive of Charleston’s historic district. The balance of golf, beach, and city access makes Wild Dunes particularly appealing for couples and mixed-interest trips.
Best for: Golf paired with beach relaxation and Charleston’s dining and cultural scene.
Check out our Myrtle Beach fall packages, where you can experience great golfing weather at top courses.
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Hassle-free golf trip planning and expert travel advice.Trust
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Earn golf gift cards when you book a golf trip.Value
Guaranteed best price, flexible booking and free amendments.Service
Hassle-free golf trip planning and expert travel advice.Trust
Over 25 years’ experience and rated excellent by our customers on Trustpilot.Choice
An extensive choice of venues across the USA and worldwide.Rewards
Earn golf gift cards when you book a golf trip.
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