A Curated Look at Charleston’s Public, Private, and Resort Golf Courses
Charleston, South Carolina is widely recognized for its historic architecture, award-winning dining, vibrant coastal lifestyle, and pristine beaches.
What many people don’t realize is that Charleston was home to the first known golf club and golf course in the New World. In 1795, The Charleston City Gazette published a notice stating: “The anniversary of the Golf Club will be held on Saturday next, at the Club House, Harleston’s Green, where members are requested to attend at one o’clock.”
Historians believe this is the earliest documented evidence of organized golf in the newly independent United States, right here in what is now the Harleston Village neighborhood of downtown Charleston.
But for golfers today, the region offers something even more extraordinary: some of the most beautiful, challenging, and celebrated golf courses in the United States. From championship resort layouts on Kiawah Island to classic Lowcountry private clubs, Charleston remains a premier destination for both visitors and residents who love the game.
With a blend of long-standing traditions, modern course design, and breathtaking marsh, river, and ocean views, Charleston’s golf scene is unlike anywhere else on the East Coast. Whether you’re planning a dedicated golf trip, searching for a vacation-round, or considering a move to a golf-centered community, this local expert guide breaks down every top course in the region — including the history, nearby amenities, lifestyle insights, and what makes each club unique.
All course hours vary seasonally. Contact the club directly for membership, current tee-time and schedule information.
SECTION 1 — NORTH CHARLESTON & MOUNT PLEASANT AREA COURSES
1. Bulls Bay Golf Club
Private Club – Awendaw, SC
Address: 995 Bulls Bay Blvd, Awendaw, SC
Hours: Hours vary seasonally. Contact the club for availability.
Bulls Bay Golf Club, designed by the late Mike Strantz, stands as one of the most visually dramatic and architecturally bold golf experiences in the Southeast. Located in the rural, scenic community of Awendaw, just north of Mount Pleasant. The club is known for its rolling terrain, windswept dunes, and elevated vistas rarely seen in the otherwise level Lowcountry landscape.
History & Course Style
Mike Strantz reshaped the natural land to create a course that feels both links-inspired and uniquely Carolinian. The greens are fast, the bunkering is artistic, and the elevation changes are striking.
Lifestyle & Nearby Highlights
Though Bulls Bay feels remote and serene, it’s just minutes from Mount Pleasant’s popular attractions, including:
- Restaurants at Towne Centre
- Shem Creek’s waterfront dining
- Boone Hall Plantation
- Access to nearby beaches like Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island
Bulls Bay maintains a boutique, private club atmosphere in Awendaw, ideal for serious golfers seeking exclusivity in a natural Lowcountry setting.
2. Charleston National Golf Club
Semi-Private – Mount Pleasant, SC
Address: 1360 National Dr, Mt Pleasant, SC
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
Charleston National is one of Mount Pleasant’s most accessible championship courses, known for marshfront holes, sprawling fairways, and a welcoming setting for golfers of all skill levels.
History & Course Style
Designed by Rees Jones, the course features a classic Lowcountry layout with strategically placed bunkers, wetlands, and coastal breezes influencing play.
Lifestyle & Nearby Highlights
Located just minutes from:
- Carolina Park
- The Market at Oakland shopping district
- Restaurants like Dog & Duck, Fuji, and Home Team BBQ
- Isle of Palms beaches
Charleston National is a favorite for local residents who want quality championship golf without private club dues.
3. Patriots Point Links
Public – Mount Pleasant, SC
Address: 1 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
With sweeping harbor views and dramatic breezes, Patriots Point offers one of Charleston’s most scenic and enjoyable public golf experiences. Located at the base of the Ravenel Bridge in South Mount Pleasant, the course sits directly on Charleston Harbor with views of Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, and the skyline of historic downtown.
History & Course Style
The course emphasizes playability with generous fairways, links-style bunkering, and open waterfront holes. Afternoon rounds often include spectacular sunsets.
Lifestyle & Nearby Highlights
Nearby top attractions include:
- Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
- Waterfront restaurants on Shem Creek
- Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
- Easy access to historic downtown Charleston
This is a must-play for golfers visiting the city.
4. Snee Farm Country Club
Private – Mount Pleasant, SC
Address: 1200 Club Dr, Mt Pleasant, SC
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
Snee Farm Country Club sits on land once part of the historic Snee Farm Plantation, the childhood home of Charles Pinckney, a signer of the U.S. Constitution. The golf course was designed by George Cobb and opened in 1969, making it one of Mount Pleasant’s earliest private golf clubs. Cobb’s design emphasizes playability, classic shaping, and tree-lined fairways that reflect the property’s long Lowcountry history. Today, Snee Farm remains an established, family-friendly private club with a strong connection to the area’s colonial past.
Lifestyle & Nearby Highlights
Just minutes from:
- Mount Pleasant Towne Centre
- Isle of Palms beaches
- The restaurants along Hwy 17 and IOP Connector
Snee Farm is popular with families seeking a central Mount Pleasant club lifestyle.
5. RiverTowne Country Club
Semi-Private – Mount Pleasant, SC
Address: 1700 RiverTowne Country Club Dr, Mt Pleasant
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
Designed by Arnold Palmer, RiverTowne delivers a blend of marsh vistas, tidal creeks, and natural wetlands. Every hole offers a uniquely scenic moment.
Lifestyle & Nearby Highlights
Located within one of North Mount Pleasant premier residential communities, RiverTowne is close to:
- Shops at Rivertowne Place
- The Rivertowne Public House
- Nearby fitness studios and local parks
- Short drive to beaches
6. Dunes West Golf & River Club
Semi-Private – Mount Pleasant, SC
Address: 3535 Wando Plantation Way, Mt Pleasant
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
Dunes West features a beautiful Arthur Hills–designed course set along the Wando River, offering one of the most picturesque residential club experiences in the Charleston region.
Lifestyle & Nearby Highlights
Situated behind gates in a large master-planned community with:
- Tennis facility
- Swimming pools
- Walking/biking paths
- Nearby schools, shops, and parks
Dunes West blends resort-style amenities with natural Lowcountry beauty.
7. Shadowmoss Golf & Country Club
Semi-Private – West Ashley, Charleston
Address: 20 Dunvegan Dr, Charleston
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
Shadowmoss is one of West Ashley’s most established and affordable semi-private options, with an enjoyable layout and a welcoming membership base.
Nearby Dining & Lifestyle
Close to:
- West Ashley Greenway
- Local restaurants along Bees Ferry & Hwy 61
- Drayton Hall & Magnolia Plantation
- Quick access to downtown Charleston
SECTION 2 — JAMES ISLAND, JOHNS ISLAND & SURROUNDING AREAS
8. Charleston Municipal Golf Course (“The Muni”)
Public – James Island
Address: 2110 Maybank Hwy, Charleston
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
The City of Charleston Municipal Course on James Island, affectionately known as “The Muni” — is one of the most historic and beloved public facilities in South Carolina. After a major renovation by Troy Miller, the course has become a nationally recognized revival, blending Raynor-inspired template holes with modern playability.
Nearby Lifestyle & Amenities
Located on Maybank Highway, minutes from:
- James Island restaurants
- The Pour House
- Terrace Theater
- Local breweries
- Downtown Charleston (10 minutes)
A must-play for anyone exploring Charleston golf.
9. The Links at Stono Ferry
Semi-Private – Hollywood, SC
Address: 4812 Stono Links Dr, Hollywood
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
The Links at Stono Ferry sits on land rich with Lowcountry and Revolutionary War history. The property was once the site of the original Stono Ferry, an important Colonial transportation route connecting the mainland to John’s Island across the Stono River. It later became the location of the Battle of Stono Ferry in 1779, where American forces clashed with the British in a key engagement of the Southern campaign. When the course was developed decades later, its designers embraced the historic setting, routing several holes across the old battlefield and along the Stono River. The result is a scenic golf course with a distinct sense of place and historical significance.
Nearby Highlights
Close to:
- The small-town charm of Hollywood
- Short drive to West Ashley amenities
- Proximity to Edisto Island day trips
10. Briar’s Creek
Private – Johns Island, SC
Address: 4000 Briars Creek Ln, Johns Island
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
Briar’s Creek on Johns Island is one of Charleston’s most exclusive private golf communities, set on over 900 acres of protected land. Designed by Rees Jones, it offers a peaceful golf-only experience without residential homes on the course interior.
Lifestyle
- Kiawah Island
- Freshfields Village
- Johns Island restaurants including Wild Olive & Lowcountry Produce
Close to:
This is an ideal club for players seeking world-class golf in a quiet, natural setting.
SECTION 3 — KIAWAH ISLAND GOLF COURSES (5 RESORT COURSES)
11. The Ocean Course – Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Public Resort Course
Address: 1000 Ocean Course Dr, Kiawah Island
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
The Ocean Course on Kiawah Island is Charleston’s crown jewel and one of the most famous golf courses in the world. Designed by Pete Dye, it has hosted a Ryder Cup, PGA Championships, and countless major events. It is consistently ranked among the top courses in America.
Nearby Lifestyle & Dining
Close to:
- The Ryder Cup Bar
- The Atlantic Room
- Kiawah Island beachfront
- Luxury accommodations
A bucket-list round for serious golfers.
12. Osprey Point – Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Public Resort Course
Address: 700 Governors Dr, Kiawah
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
Originally designed by Tom Fazio, Osprey Point blends natural lagoons, maritime forests, and beautiful fairway framing.
13. Cougar Point – Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Public Resort Course
Address: 12 Kiawah Beach Dr
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
Recently renovated by Gary Player, Cougar Point offers wide fairways, strong strategy, and scenic marshfront play.
14. Turtle Point – Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Public Resort Course
Address: 1 Turtle Point Ln
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
A Jack Nicklaus design known for precision shot-making and classic Lowcountry scenery.
15. Oak Point – Kiawah River Estates / Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Public Resort Course
Address: 4394 Hope Plantation Dr, Johns Island
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
Located in Kiawah River Estates, Oak Point offers a windswept, strategic layout along the Kiawah River. It is highly praised for its value, pace of play, and enjoyable design.
SECTION 4 — PRIVATE KIAWAH ISLAND CLUB COURSES
16. Cassique – Kiawah Island Club
Private
Address: 100 Old Cedar Ln, Johns Island
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
Cassique blends links-style design with modern elegance. Designed by Tom Watson, it features fescue grasses, rolling terrain, and gorgeous tidal marsh views.
17. The River Course – Kiawah Island Club
Private
Address: 10 River Course Ln
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
A majestic private course designed by Tom Fazio, celebrated for its riverfront finishing holes and incredible clubhouse views.
SECTION 5 — SEABROOK ISLAND GOLF
18. Seabrook Island Club (Crooked Oaks & Ocean Winds)
Private – Seabrook Island
Address: 3772 Seabrook Island Rd
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
Seabrook Island offers two beautifully maintained private courses:
Crooked Oaks – Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Features twisting live oaks, lush forests, and traditional design elements.
Ocean Winds – Willard Byrd
A coastal layout with breezy conditions and strong character.
Nearby Lifestyle
Seabrook Island offers:
- Equestrian center
- Tennis & pickleball
- Beach club
- Gated coastal living
SECTION 6 — ISLE OF PALMS & SULLIVAN’S ISLAND
19. Wild Dunes Resort (Links Course & Harbor Course)
Resort / Public
Address: 10001 Back Bay Dr, Isle of Palms
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
Links Course – Tom Fazio
Known for oceanfront finishing holes and challenging bunkering.
Harbor Course
Shorter but tighter — precision and course management are key.
Lifestyle
Located on the Isle Of Palms within the gated resort offering:
- Oceanfront dining
- Beach access
- Hotels & vacation rentals
An ideal golf destination for families.
SECTION 7 — HISTORIC & EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE CLUBS
20. Yeamans Hall Club
Private – Hanahan/North Charleston
Address: 900 Yeamans Hall Rd
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
Yeamans Hall Club, located in Hanahan, sits on historic plantation land dating back to the 1600s and was developed in the 1920s as an exclusive winter colony for prominent Northern families. Designed by famed architect Seth Raynor, the course is considered a masterpiece of Golden Age golf architecture, featuring iconic template holes and exceptional strategic design. Today, it remains one of the most private and revered clubs in the United States.
This is a course most golfers only dream of experiencing.
21. Wrenwoods Golf Course
Military – Joint Base Charleston
Address: 100 Wrenwoods Rd, Joint Base Charleston
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
Wrenwoods is a regulation 18-hole course in North Charleston serving military personnel and authorized guests. It is known for its friendly pace of play and convenient location.
22. Country Club of Charleston
Private – James Island / City of Charleston
Address: 1 Country Club Dr, Charleston, SC
Hours: Hours vary seasonally. Contact the club for current schedules and availability.
Founded in 1900, the Country Club of Charleston on James Island features a celebrated Seth Raynor–designed course known for its classic template holes and championship pedigree. Located on James Island just minutes from downtown, the club has hosted major events including the 2019 U.S. Women’s Open. Members enjoy a refined private-club atmosphere with golf, tennis, dining, and social amenities, along with easy access to the Ashley River and the restaurants and shops along Maybank Highway.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Golf Courses in Charleston
Patriots Point, Charleston Municipal, Wild Dunes, and all five Kiawah Island Resort courses are excellent public options.
Bulls Bay, Snee Farm, Briar’s Creek, Cassique, River Course, Seabrook Island Club, and Yeamans Hall are among the top private clubs.
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is the most renowned, hosting major championships and offering stunning oceanfront scenery.
Yes — the region offers world-class courses, luxury accommodations, beaches, restaurants, and sightseeing.
Daniel Island, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Dunes West, RiverTowne, and Briar’s Creek are top choices.
Ask Us About Housing Options Near These Amazing Courses!
Authors
Bill Byrd and Waverly Byrd bring deep real estate expertise to clients throughout the Charleston area, drawing on years of hands-on experience with residential sales, investment property, relocation, and local market strategy. Their guidance is grounded in market knowledge, careful analysis, and a commitment to helping clients make well-informed real estate decisions.
As a father-and-daughter team, they work collaboratively on every transaction, combining experience, perspective, and consistent communication. Clients benefit from a coordinated approach that emphasizes preparation, clarity, and thoughtful execution at each stage of the buying or selling process across the Lowcountry.