South Carolina is a treasure trove for golfers seeking a blend of coastal charm and inland character. From the crisp, Bermuda-groomed fairways of Surfside Beach to the historic, bunker-laden layouts of inland courses, our guide highlights the very best public golf experiences the Palmetto State has to offer. Whether you’re teeing off at dawn or rounding the last hole at dusk, each course promises a unique challenge and an unrivaled taste of Southern hospitality.
1. Prestwick Golf Course – Surfside Beach
Designed by Pete Dye in 1989, Prestwick Golf Course is celebrated as the best public course in Surfside Beach. This stunning 18-hole, par-72 layout features 70 finely placed bunkers and immaculate Bermuda grass on both greens and fairways. Open from 6:30 AM until 5:00 PM with tee times at 6:30 AM, a round here costs $110—even groups of fivesomes are welcome.
- Phone: (843) 293-4100
- Address: 1001 Links Rd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
- Season: Open all year
- Slope: Men's 140
- USGA Rating: Men's 74.2
2. River Club on the Ashley – Summerville
A charming course with a storied history dating back to 1970, River Club on the Ashley offers an 18-hole, par-72 layout on pristine Bermuda grass. Open from 7:00 AM, with extremely affordable green fees of $35, this course is ideal for larger groups—although tee time reservations must be made by phone.
- Address: 222 Fairington Dr, Summerville, SC 29485
- Slope: Men's 117
- USGA Rating: Men's 71.2
3. Beech Creek Golf Club – Sumter
Established in 1989, Beech Creek Golf Club in Sumter is a classic 18-hole, par-72 course featuring Tifdwarf Green and Bermuda fairways. With over 50 bunkers testing your play and tee times beginning at 7:30 AM, this course offers excellent value at a flat rate of $34. (Note: Fivesomes are not allowed.)
- Phone: (803) 499-4653
- Address: 1800 Sam Gillespie Blvd, Sumter, SC 29154
- Slope: Men's 128
- USGA Rating: Men's 72.5
4. Creek Golf Club – Spartanburg
Built in 1964 by Russell Breeden, Creek Golf Club delivers a time-honored golfing experience on its 18-hole, par-72 layout. With Bermuda grass throughout, 30 well-planned bunkers, and a reputation for hosting around 50,000 annual rounds, Creek Golf Club is a favorite in Spartanburg—even though fivesomes aren’t permitted.
- Phone: (864) 583-0003
- Address: 640 Keltner Ave, Spartanburg, SC 29302
- Slope: Men's 117
- USGA Rating: Men's 71.0
5. Lake Marion Golf Course – Santee
Designed by Ed Riccoboni in 1978, Lake Marion Golf Course is a classic 18-hole, par-72 layout offering a scenic yet challenging round on Bermuda grass. With 50 bunkers and a modest green fee of $45, this course is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM (no fivesomes allowed). Its maintenance schedule—with greens aerated in May, July, and October—ensures top playing conditions.
- Phone: (803) 854-2554
- Address: 9069 SC-6, Santee, SC 29142
- Slope: Men's 117
- USGA Rating: Men's 71.6
6. Waterford Golf Club – Rock Hill
Designed by Hale Irwin in 1997, Waterford Golf Club in Rock Hill is an 18-hole, par-72 course known for its lush Bent Grass greens and Bermuda fairways. With 30 meticulously placed bunkers and tee times beginning at 7:00 AM, Waterford offers a challenging round—though fivesomes aren’t allowed.
- Phone: (803) 324-0300
- Address: 1900 Clubhouse Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29730
- Slope: Men's 132
- USGA Rating: Men's 72.2
7. Sea Gull Golf Club – Pawleys Island
A classic course on Pawleys Island since 1970, Sea Gull Golf Club charms with its storied history and well-maintained Bermuda grass layout. With 40 strategically placed bunkers, a green fee of $62, and the ability to accommodate fivesomes, Sea Gull delivers both quality and value.
- Phone: (843) 237-2722
- Address: 7829 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- Slope: Men's 134
- USGA Rating: Men's 74.0
8. River Golf Club – North Augusta
In North Augusta, River Golf Club is renowned for its challenging 18-hole, par-71 layout, complete with Bent Grass greens and Bermuda fairways. With 60 bunkers, tee times beginning at 7:00 AM, and a great value green fee of $45, this course is a top pick—though fivesomes are not allowed.
- Phone: (803) 202-0110
- Address: 307 Riverside Blvd, North Augusta, SC 29841
- Slope: Men's 130
- USGA Rating: Men's 72.2
9. Azalea Sands Golf Course – North Myrtle Beach
Established in 1972 by Gene Hamm, Azalea Sands boasts a classic 18-hole, par-72 layout with meticulously maintained Bermuda grass and 50 bunkers to challenge every shot. With a flat fee of $63 and tee times from 7:00 AM, Azalea Sands is a must-visit venue—although groups of five are not permitted.
- Phone: (843) 272-6191
- Address: 2100 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
- Slope: Men's 123
- USGA Rating: Men's 72.5
10. Blackmoor Golf Club – Murrells Inlet
Designed by Gary Player in 1990, Blackmoor Golf Club is a premium 18-hole, par-72 course with Tifdwarf greens and Bermuda fairways. With 40 bunkers enhancing its strategic challenge and a green fee of $93, Blackmoor delivers a high-quality golf experience—fivesomes are not allowed.
- Phone: (843) 650-5555
- Address: 6100 Longwood Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
- Slope: Men's 126
- USGA Rating: Men's 71.1
11. Man O War Golf Course – Myrtle Beach
Built in 1996 by Dan Maples, Man O War Golf Course offers a challenging 18-hole, par-72 test on Bent Grass greens and Bermuda fairways. With 31–40 bunkers and a premium fee of $94, this course is designed to reward precision and perseverance. (Metal spikes are not allowed.)
- Phone: (843) 236-8000
- Address: 5601 Leeshire Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
- Slope: Men's 130
- USGA Rating: Men's 72.4
12. Dunes West Golf Club – Mount Pleasant
Designed by Arthur Hills in 1990, Dunes West Golf Club offers a refined 18-hole, par-72 layout. With 40 bunkers testing your strategy and a green fee of $84, Dunes West combines value with quality—though fivesomes are not permitted.
- Phone: (843) 856-9000
- Address: 3535 Wando Plantation Way, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466
- Slope: Men's 138
- USGA Rating: Men's 73.5
13. Hickory Knob Golf Course – McCormick
Designed by Tom Jackson in 1982, Hickory Knob Golf Course is a well-established 18-hole, par-72 layout renowned for its Bermuda grass and 60 challenging bunkers. Accommodating fivesomes and boasting a rate as low as $18, it’s an exceptional market value option.
- Phone: (864) 391-2450 ext. 292
- Address: 1027 Resort Dr, McCormick, SC 29835
- Slope: Men's 119
- USGA Rating: Men's 70.5
14. Clarendon Golf & Country Club – Manning
Built in 1969 and designed by Ed Riccoboni, Clarendon Golf & Country Club features a traditional 18-hole, par-72 layout on Bermuda grass. With 60 bunkers and an unbeatable green fee of $25, it’s an affordable choice that welcomes fivesomes.
- Phone: (803) 435-8752
- Address: Bloomville Hwy, Manning, SC 29102
- Slope: Men's 122
- USGA Rating: Men's 71.9
15. Diamond Back Golf Course – Loris
Established in 2000 by Russell Breeden, Diamond Back Golf Course serves as a beautifully designed 18-hole, par-72 layout. With up to 50 bunkers and a fee of $83, this course challenges you at every turn while hosting approximately 20,778 games annually. Fivesomes are not permitted.
- Phone: (843) 756-3264
- Address: 615 Log Cabin Rd, Loris, SC 29569
- Slope: Men's 139
- USGA Rating: Men's 74.0
16. Cypress Bay Golf Club – Little River
Designed in 1972, Cypress Bay Golf Club is a classic 18-hole, par-72 course featuring Bermuda grass throughout and up to 60 bunkers demanding strategic play. Available at a flat rate of $44, it offers exceptional value as well as well-maintained conditions.
- Phone: (843) 249-1025
- Address: Hwy 17, Little River, SC 29566
- Slope: Men's 122
- USGA Rating: Men's 71.2
17. Colonial Charter Golf Club – Longs
Designed by John Simpson in 1988, Colonial Charter Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 layout that combines pristine Bermuda grass fairways with 50 well-placed bunkers. With tee times beginning at 7:00 AM and a flat fee of $69, this course offers great strategic play—though fivesomes aren’t allowed.
- Phone: (843) 399-4653
- Address: 301 Charter Dr, Longs, SC 29568
- Slope: Men's 124
- USGA Rating: Men's 71.8
18. Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Resort – Kiawah Island
Designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1991, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Resort is an awe-inspiring 18-hole, par-72 layout that blends coastal winds, pristine Bermuda greens, and over 60 imposing bunkers. With tee times at 7:00 AM and a premium green fee of $245, this course delivers a world-class challenge—be advised, fivesomes are not permitted.
- Phone: (800) 654-2924
- Address: 1000 Ocean Course Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455
- Slope: Men's 144
- USGA Rating: Men's 77.2
Final Thoughts
South Carolina’s public golf courses span a range of experiences—from classic, history-rich layouts to modern, meticulously maintained designs. Whether you’re playing on coastal greens or inland gems, each course offers a unique challenge and a taste of Southern charm. So grab your clubs, plan your itinerary, and experience the best golf that South Carolina has to offer.