South Carolina is home to some of the best golf courses in the United States, according to GOLF’s newly released Top 100 Courses in the U.S. and Top 100 Courses You Can Play rankings. As part of the ratings process, a panel of over 100 expert raters identified the top courses in every state. Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, stands out as one of the most memorable playing experiences in the South, with its blend of tidal marshes, dunes, live oaks, and the soothing sound of the Atlantic on every hole. The course, which recently turned 30 years old, has a rich history of hosting major events, including the dramatic 1991 Ryder Cup known as the “War by the Shore.”
Yeamans Hall in Hanahan, South Carolina, marries classic Seth Raynor design with coastal topography, presenting a charming tour of redan, biarritz, and road holes woven through marshland and magnificent live oaks. A two-decade-long renovation based on Raynor’s original property maps has restored this Golden Age masterpiece to its original brilliance. Old Barnwell in Aiken offers a fresh take on classic design principles on a sandy parcel of rolling land. The firmness of the turf allows the design nuances to shine, with half-par holes and strategic challenges throughout the course.
Harbour Town in Hilton Head Island is a Dye-Nicklaus collaboration that has been a staple on the PGA Tour since 1969. Known for its small greens, snug fairways, and subtle challenges, Harbour Town demands accuracy off the tee and precise iron play. Palmetto GC in Aiken, Congaree in Ridgeland, and Tree Farm in Batesburg are among the other top golf courses in South Carolina. Each course offers a unique playing experience, blending natural landscapes with challenging layouts.
Palmetto Bluff’s May River Course in Bluffton captures the allure of Lowcountry golf with features that are integrated into the natural landscape. The Dunes in Myrtle Beach, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., offers a historic golfing experience with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Caledonia in Pawleys Island showcases Mike Strantz’s artistic style, featuring strategic challenges and visually stimulating landscapes. From classic designs to modern layouts, South Carolina boasts a diverse range of golf courses for players of all skill levels.
The rankings process for the Top 100 U.S. and Top 100 You Can Play lists involved a panel of 127 handpicked experts from around the world, each with a keen eye for golf course architecture. The panelists considered 609 courses and ranked them in various buckets to arrive at an average score for each course. This straightforward process combines the expertise of the panelists to produce widely acclaimed results. Panelists have played courses in over 20 countries and have handicaps ranging from +5 to 15, ensuring a diverse range of opinions in the rankings.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner looking to explore South Carolina’s golfing offerings, the state’s top courses offer a mix of challenges and natural beauty. From the oceanfront views of Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course to the classic design principles of Yeamans Hall, each course provides a unique and memorable experience. Whether you prefer traditional layouts or modern designs, South Carolina has something for every golfer. So, grab your clubs and tee off at one of South Carolina’s top golf courses for an unforgettable round of golf.
