The Best Golf Course in South Carolina

The Best Golf Course in South Carolina is Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Ocean)

Kiawah Island in South Carolina Golf Resort Ocean Course

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina is one of the most visually stunning and challenging courses in the world.

Running along the Atlantic coastline, the course offers breathtaking ocean views on nearly every hole.

Designed by Pete Dye, the Ocean Course is known for its wide fairways and massive greens, but it’s the coastal winds that truly shape the play.

The course’s natural dunes, seaside marshes, and sprawling sand traps create a unique and formidable layout that has tested the world’s best players in events like the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup.

Playing the Ocean Course is both a test of skill and endurance, as the elements add a level of difficulty that few other courses can match.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Ocean) Details

Location: Kiawah Island, SC

Phone: (800) 654-2924

Address: 1 Sanctuary Beach Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455

Designer: Pete Dye

Year Opened: 1991

Par: 72

Length: 7,876

Course Rating: 76.4

Slope Rating: 148

Notable Tournaments: PGA Championship, Ryder Cup

Famous for coastal views and challenging winds.

Kiawah Island Resort Golf Course website

Want to find out what you would shoot at Kiawah Island? Check out our score calculator here.

Signature Hole Spotlight

Hole 17: Par-3 with coastal winds and a large water hazard.

Club selection is key to avoid the water, and accuracy is essential due to the narrow green.

South Carolina Golf

South Carolina is one of the top golfing destinations in the U.S., known for its warm climate, coastal courses, and Southern charm.

The state’s courses are often set along the Atlantic Coast, offering stunning ocean views, challenging winds, and unique coastal landscapes.

Inland, South Carolina’s courses are often set among rolling hills, forests, and rivers, providing a different type of challenge for golfers.

The state’s climate allows for year-round play, though the summer months can be hot and humid.

Spring and fall are particularly popular times for golf in South Carolina, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery.

Whether playing on a coastal links course or a parkland-style course inland, golfers in South Carolina are treated to a world-class golfing experience.

How We Ranked The Best Course in South Carolina

Selecting the best golf course in each state was no easy task.

We carefully reviewed courses based on a combination of factors, including historical significance, course design, tournament history, player reviews, and rankings from trusted sources like Golf Digest and the USGA.

We prioritized courses known for their challenging layouts, scenic beauty, and exceptional maintenance.

Additionally, we considered courses that regularly host major tournaments or are renowned for their contributions to the sport of golf.

Other Factors We Considered

However, we recognize that our selection may not align with everyone’s opinion.

Golf is a deeply personal game, and preferences can vary based on individual experience, playing style, and regional pride.

Some golfers may prefer hidden gems or local favorites that didn’t make our list but are beloved by their community.

It’s also important to note that accessibility played a role in our decision-making.

While we included a mix of public and private courses, we aimed to feature at least some that are open to the public or allow limited access, ensuring a broader range of golfers can enjoy them.