Best Public Golf Courses in Charleston, South Carolina
You don't need a membership to play great golf in Charleston. From resort courses to municipal gems, here are the best public and semi-private courses in the area — ranked by design quality, conditioning, and value.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Booking Tips
For the best rates, book tee times midweek or during shoulder seasons. Many courses offer twilight rates for afternoon rounds. Resort courses often bundle with hotel stays for significant savings.
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.
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