DISCOVER THE BEST GOLF COURSES IN CHARLESTON, THE BEACHES & PALMETTO BLUFF SC
Simply put, the Lowcountry is home to some of the best golfing in the U.S. Our coastal region is full of award-winning greens and fairways ranging from the famous Ocean Course on Kiawah to the Charleston National Golf Club in Mount Pleasant. Whether you are just a weekend ball stroker or someone who spends a lot of time perfecting your putt, discover the best golf courses in the South Carolina lowcountry where you and your family or friends can test your skills.
Charleston Area Golf Courses
Charleston National Golf Club
Charleston National Golf Club welcomes its visitors with palm trees and pristine landscapes. Designed by Rees Jones, it’s known as Mount Pleasant’s most challenging course. Nestled into the marshland, it presents a beautiful backdrop of the Intracoastal waterways and the tidal creeks of the Copahee Sound.
Patriots Point Links
While it may not hold the same prestige as the Charleston National Golf Club, the location of Patriots Point Links Is among the best in the Charleston area. Enjoy sweeping views of the entrance to Charleston Harbor as you practice your golf swing.
Charleston Municipal Golf Course
You won’t want to miss this beloved local favorite! The Charleston Municipal Golf Course, nicknamed “The Muni,” sits along the Stono River on James Island. This recently renovated course received a complete makeover with fresh greens and modified fairways. You’ll want to take a moment before you tee up to admire the surrounding oak trees and the postcard-worthy views as you navigate the back nine.
Palmetto Bluff Golf Courses
May River Club
Open for play in 2004, May River Golf Course was designed to challenge golfers of all skill levels. The 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course meanders through the May River Forest and features wide, inviting fairways with strategic bunkers and natural waste areas.
The tee boxes and fairways are sown with a new type of Paspalum grass, the newest eco-friendly turf that’s tolerant to heat and salt. Champions Bermuda greens, lined by white-sand bunkers, test your nerves, while gently undulating slopes challenge your putting skills.
Caddie service is required with each round at May River Golf Course.
Crossroads
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Palmetto Bluff, a challenging new option for golf lovers now exists — the Crossroads 9-Hole Golf Course. Completed in January 2024, Crossroads, is a 60-acre reversible golf course, ensuring a seamless experience for 18 holes. The Crossroads course at Palmetto Bluff promises a unique and engaging experience for golfers of all skill levels.
One of the standout features of Crossroads, is its variety of play options. With no designated tee markers, golfers can play from wherever they choose, fostering a sense of creativity and uniqueness in every round. The course’s flexibility caters to golfers, both seasoned players and beginners, seeking a dynamic and enjoyable round of golf.
Kiawah Island Golf Courses
No trip to Charleston is complete without playing a round at The Kiawah Island Golf Resort. This club offers several options for world-class golf. Although it holds many of the highest green fees in Charleston, many players consider the experience well worth it. These courses will make any avid golfer want to stay awhile.
The Ocean Course
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is arguably the most iconic golf course in Charleston. This links-style course, designed by famous architect Pete Dye, features some of the most awe-inspiring ocean views in the Lowcountry. There’s truly nothing better than playing 18 to the sweet sound of crashing waves. Caddie service is required with each round played at The Ocean Course. This famous course has hosted the 2012 PGA Championship, the 2021 PGA Championship, as well as the 1991 Ryder Cup.
Cougar Point Golf Course
Cougar Point offers an exciting course with stunning views of the marshes along the Kiawah River. This course, designed by legendary golfer Gary Player, challenges each golfers’ ability to shape the ball.
Osprey Point Golf Course
Osprey Point is one of the first courses that put Tom Fazio on the map as one of the greatest course architects around. This artfully designed course effortlessly blends into the Charleston landscape and incorporates natural water elements to challenge and delight both novice and seasoned players.
Oak Point Golf Course
Oak Point boasts a Charleston Golf Course Owners Association Course of the Year award, and it’s not difficult to see why. A picturesque maritime forest surrounds the course and provides an incredible setting for your golf game.
Turtle Point Golf Course
Turtle Point has seen its share of action over the years. This course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, hosted the 1990 PGA Cup Matches while the Ocean Course was under construction. You’ll need to focus intently on accuracy and precision to conquer this course.
Seabrook Island Golf Courses
You don’t have to travel far from Kiawah Island to encounter even more inspiring courses. Tee up at Kiawah’s neighbor, Seabrook Island Club, to find perfectly manicured greens and impressive designs.
Ocean Winds Golf Course
Designed by William Byrd, the Ocean Winds course is a beautiful network of fairways weaving and winding through Seabrook Island. Soak in beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean as the coastal breeze challenges your golfing abilities.
Crooked Oaks Golf Course
It’s often a goal among avid golfers to play as many Robert Trent Jones-crafted courses as possible, as he designed over 500 during his career. Jones left his legacy in Charleston with Crooked Oaks. You’ll never forget the thrill of strategically bending your ball around “crooked oaks” and marshy intrusions on this course, all while soaking up the Charleston sun.
Isle of Palms/Wild Dunes Golf Courses
Wild Dunes Links Golf Course
The Links Course at the Wild Dunes Resort is a local favorite. This Isle of Palms course, another design by Tom Fazio, consists of long, wide-open fairways that harness the wind and create a challenge. It captures the characteristics of a traditional links course while boasting some spectacular features. As you approach “the 19th hole,” a sweeping view of the Atlantic Ocean will greet youーan excellent reward for anyone.
Wild Dunes Harbor Golf Course
The Wild Dunes Harbor Golf Course, Tom Fazio’s second gem on Isle of Palms, features a challenging design and stunning views of the surrounding lagoons and salt marshes along the Intracoastal Waterway.
