Best Golf Courses in Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston combines one of America's most charming cities with world-class coastal golf. Kiawah Island's Ocean Course — site of the unforgettable 1991 Ryder Cup "War on the Shore" and the 2021 PGA Championship — is the crown jewel of a region overflowing with resort and public golf set along the stunning South Carolina coast.

Our Methodology: Courses are ranked by an expert panel evaluating design quality, conditioning, challenge, aesthetics, and overall experience. Both private and public courses are considered on merit.

Kiawah Island - Ocean Course resort

Kiawah Island, South Carolina · Pete Dye (1991) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,356 yards

Host of the 1991 "War by the Shore" Ryder Cup and the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships, Kiawah's Ocean Course is Pete Dye's windswept masterpiece. Built with every hole offering views of the Atlantic Ocean, it is the most challenging and exposed seaside course in the United States.

2021 PGA Championship and 1991 Ryder Cup hostEvery hole has Atlantic Ocean viewsPete Dye's most exposed seaside design

Green Fee: $250–$450 Rating: 4.9/5

Yeamans Hall Club private

Hanahan, South Carolina · Seth Raynor / Tom Doak (restoration) (1925) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,598 yards

A rare Seth Raynor design in the Charleston Lowcountry, Yeamans Hall was comprehensively restored by Tom Doak in 1998. The intimate layout through live oaks and magnolias features Raynor's template holes — Redan, Biarritz, Cape — on a historic plantation property north of Charleston.

Seth Raynor template design restored by Tom DoakHistoric Lowcountry plantation propertyClassic Redan, Biarritz, and Cape holes

Green Fee: Members Only Rating: 4.7/5

Charleston Municipal Golf Course public

Charleston, South Carolina · Seth Raynor (1927) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,411 yards

A remarkably well-preserved Seth Raynor municipal design in downtown Charleston, "The Muni" offers template hole architecture at city-course pricing. The flat Lowcountry layout features Raynor's trademark Redan, Punchbowl, and Short holes, making it one of the most architecturally significant public courses in the South.

Seth Raynor municipal course — rare architectural gemTemplate holes at city-course pricingDowntown Charleston Lowcountry location

Green Fee: $25–$50 Rating: 4.1/5

Wild Dunes Resort - Links Course resort

Isle of Palms, South Carolina · Tom Fazio (1980) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,722 yards

A Tom Fazio design on the Isle of Palms near Charleston, Wild Dunes Links features two dramatic oceanfront finishing holes along the Atlantic. The resort layout winds through maritime forest and salt marsh before reaching the beachfront crescendo of holes 17 and 18.

Tom Fazio oceanfront finishing holesIsle of Palms beachside settingMaritime forest and salt marsh routing

Green Fee: $100–$200 Rating: 4.3/5

Daniel Island Club - Ralston Creek private

Charleston, South Carolina · Rees Jones (2000) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,093 yards

A Rees Jones design on Daniel Island in Charleston Harbor, Ralston Creek winds through Lowcountry marsh and maritime forest with sweeping views of the Wando River. The private layout features strategic tidal creek hazards and immaculate conditioning in an upscale island community.

Rees Jones Lowcountry marsh designWando River and Charleston Harbor viewsUpscale Daniel Island community

Green Fee: Members Only Rating: 4.5/5

Kiawah Island - Osprey Point resort

Kiawah Island, South Carolina · Tom Fazio (1988) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,932 yards

A Tom Fazio design at Kiawah Island Resort, Osprey Point winds through natural lakes, tidal marshes, and maritime forest teeming with wildlife. Compared to the Ocean Course, Osprey Point offers a more sheltered, nature-immersive experience with abundant alligator and bird sightings.

Tom Fazio nature-immersive Kiawah designTidal marsh and maritime forest wildlifeMore sheltered alternative to Ocean Course

Green Fee: $125–$250 Rating: 4.3/5

Patriots Point Links public

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina · Willard Byrd (1981) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,838 yards

A Willard Byrd design on Charleston Harbor in Mount Pleasant, Patriots Point offers spectacular views of the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, Fort Sumter, and the Charleston skyline. The affordable links-style layout along the marsh provides one of the most scenic budget-friendly rounds in the Charleston area.

Views of USS Yorktown and Fort SumterCharleston Harbor and skyline panoramaAffordable links-style public golf

Green Fee: $35–$70 Rating: 4/5

Cassique Golf Club semi-private

Kiawah Island, South Carolina · Tom Watson (2000) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,950 yards

Tom Watson's first solo design in the United States, Cassique at Kiawah Island features a links-inspired routing through native Lowcountry landscape. The layout incorporates salt marsh, tidal creeks, and maritime forest with Watson's emphasis on strategic ground-game golf and natural shot options.

Tom Watson's first U.S. solo designLinks-inspired Lowcountry routingStrategic ground-game emphasis

Green Fee: $125–$225 Rating: 4.4/5

Public Courses in Charleston

Looking for courses you can play without a membership? See our complete guide to public courses in Charleston .

Overview

The Charleston golf scene extends across the Lowcountry from the barrier islands to the mainland. Kiawah Island Resort offers five courses headlined by Pete Dye's Ocean Course, one of the most challenging and dramatic courses in America. Wild Dunes on Isle of Palms, the Links at Stono Ferry, and Daniel Island Club add depth to a region where golf and Southern hospitality blend seamlessly. Charleston's acclaimed food scene makes this a premier couples' golf destination.

Best Time to Play

March through May and September through November offer the best conditions with mild temperatures and moderate humidity. Summer is hot and humid but still playable with early morning tee times. Winter is mild with temperatures in the 50s-60s.

Travel Tips & Getting There

Charleston International Airport (CHS) is well-served by major airlines. Kiawah Island is 30 minutes south of the city. Wild Dunes is 20 minutes east on Isle of Palms. Stay in downtown Charleston for the full culinary and cultural experience, or go all-in on golf with an on-resort stay at Kiawah.

Nearest Airport: Charleston International Airport (CHS)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to play the Ocean Course at Kiawah?

Green fees at the Ocean Course typically range from $350-$450 for resort guests, varying by season. Non-resort guest rates are higher. Kiawah resort packages that include accommodations and golf can offer better overall value.

What is the best public golf course near Charleston?

The Links at Stono Ferry and Charleston National Golf Club are among the best public options. Patriots Point Links in Mount Pleasant offers waterfront golf with views of the Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter.

Is Charleston good for a couples' golf trip?

Charleston is arguably the best couples' golf destination in the Southeast. World-class golf at Kiawah pairs perfectly with Charleston's renowned restaurants, historic architecture, beach time, and boutique shopping — there's plenty to do for non-golfers.

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