Charleston: The Lowcountry’s Signature Take on Coastal Golf.
Charleston blends coastal scenery with classic Lowcountry character, tidal creeks, marshland, barrier-island breezes, and oak-lined corridors. Courses here emphasize strategy over power, shaped by the region’s natural contours and calm coastal setting. The result is a relaxed yet polished golf experience that feels distinctly Southern, with rounds that unfold at an easy rhythm and finish with views that stay with you.
Featured Golf Courses
Dunes West Golf and River Club – Mt. Pleasant, SC
Architect: Arthur Hills (1991)
Set along tidal creeks and pine forest, Dunes West delivers a quintessential Lowcountry round, scenic, strategic, and inviting. Hills integrates natural corridors and risk-reward decisions without overcomplicating the routing, creating a layout that feels refined but approachable. Golfers get variety, views, and a strong sense of place from start to finish.
The Links at Stono Ferry – Hollywood, SC
Architect: Ron Garl (1989)
Stono Ferry plays through wetlands, live oaks, and open stretches influenced by coastal winds. Fairways are generous, but angles matter, and several holes offer clean risk-reward decisions that keep the round interesting without adding difficulty for its own sake. It’s relaxed, scenic Lowcountry golf with a friendly personality and memorable setting along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Links Course at Wild Dunes – Isle of Palms, SC
Architect: Tom Fazio (1980)
Winding through dunes, creeks, and maritime forest, the Links Course at Wild Dunes offers classic coastal strategy with carefully framed landing areas and greens that reward positioning. The routing builds toward a memorable finish beside the Atlantic, where ocean views pair with thoughtful Fazio design.
Plan Your Next Trip the Right Way
See how the courses, hotels, and areas sit relative to each other in Charleston.
Insider Notes:
Kiawah Island’s Courses: Premium, but the coastal scenery and thoughtful routing make them a strong add-on if you’re looking for a marquee Lowcountry round.
Best Views: Sunrise at The Battery and White Point Garden offers calm harbor views and soft morning light on the historic homes.
Activities: After a round at Stono Ferry, consider a sunset boat ride or paddle through the tidal creeks, one of the most peaceful ways to see the Lowcountry marsh.
Lowcountry Experience: Pair Dunes West with creekside seafood in Mount Pleasant or a visit to Boone Hall Plantation for a classic Lowcountry experience.
Walk Around: For a Kiawah beach walk without the resort gate, use Beachwalker Park, the island’s public-access point. Arriving by bike or on foot makes entry free.
Airport Access:
Charleston International Airport (CHS)
Dunes West Golf and River Club: ~35 minutes
The Links at Stono Ferry: ~30 minutes
Links Course at Wild Dunes: ~40 minutes
Kiawah Island: ~55 minutes
Driving Times:
Columbia, SC: ~1 hour 40 minutes
Savannah, GA: ~1 hour 55 minutes
Myrtle Beach, SC: ~2 hours 10 minutes
Charlotte, NC: ~3 hours
Dunes West Golf and River Club – Mt. Pleasant, SC Reviews
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“Conditions here are better than most private clubs. I was really impressed and would have a hard time believing there’s a better $110 round within driving distance of Charleston.”
-Adam
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"Good looking golf course. The new greens are pretty but firm. It is hard to hold an approach shot. I love the layout."
-Marty
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"This course has the quality and layout of a Seabrook/Kiawah course without the location and overpriced charge. Highly recommend."
-Nick
The Links at Stono Ferry – Hollywood, SC Reviews
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"A great course in excellent condition. The back 9 is stunning. The staff went above and beyond to accommodate our group."
-Owen
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"I love this golf course! Awesome layout with picturesque views. Especially when you get to the back 9. The condition of the course is superb, with true greens and plush fairways!”
-Carlton
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"Course was in great condition. Wonderful views. Greens and fairways were well maintained and consistent.”
-Kurt
Links Course at Wild Dunes – Isle of Palms, SC Reviews
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"Wow! Simply wow! Beautiful course, great staff, good food and great views makes this course one of the top I’ve played! It helps that I shot my best round ever as well but the greens are so pure."
-Russel
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"Absolutely incredible golf course. We played in mid March and the conditions were absolutely perfect.”
-Rand
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"This course is Charleston’s best kept secret on the literal OCEANFRONT (especially on the back 4 holes) in the most stunning, unique, FUN community you can find anywhere in the Charleston area."
-Rochelle
