Nestled in the heart of the South, South Carolina—affectionately known as the Palmetto State—is a golfer’s paradise waiting to be explored. From lush coastal fairways to serene inland greens, this state offers a diverse array of public golf courses that cater to every skill level and style. In this listicle, we’ll take you on a tour of 10 exceptional public golf courses that capture the true essence of Palmetto State perfection. Whether you’re chasing your next great round or simply looking to experience some breathtaking landscapes, these courses promise memorable plays and inspiring vistas. Get ready to discover where to tee off next and why these destinations deserve a prime spot on your golf bucket list.

1) Caledonia Golf & Fish Club – Nestled along the Black River in Pawleys Island, Caledonia offers a serene blend of marshland and ancient oaks, providing a challenging yet picturesque golfing experience.

Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Black River, this course perfectly marries nature with sport, inviting golfers of all skill levels to lose themselves in its lush beauty. Towering ancient oaks shade the fairways, while expansive marshlands challenge your precision and strategy on every hole. The landscape is ever-changing with the seasons, offering a fresh and captivating experience from spring blossoming to autumn’s golden hues.

Caledonia is the kind of round that slows you down in the best way—one minute you’re sizing up a carry over shimmering water, and the next you’re pausing to take in Spanish moss swaying above a ribbon of fairway. Its routing feels intimate, yet every shot asks a new question, rewarding calm decisions more than brute force.

Finish strong and you’ll understand why it’s a Myrtle Beach-area staple: the closing stretch builds toward a dramatic finale that’s equal parts scenic and nerve-testing, leaving you with that “when can we play it again?” feeling before you even turn in your card.

What makes this course stand out?

• Scenic river and marsh views that create a peaceful ambiance
• Varied terrain blending wetlands hazards with gently rolling fairways
• Meticulously maintained greens that roll true and fast
• Frequent wildlife sightings that add to the natural charm
• Warm clubhouse vibe with Southern hospitality and great amenities

2) Harbour Town Golf Links (Sea Pines Resort) – Tucked inside Hilton Head’s famed Sea Pines, Harbour Town delivers precision golf in a postcard-pretty setting framed by pines, oaks, and tidal lagoons.

Harbour Town isn’t about overpowering the course—it’s about threading the needle, choosing angles, and committing to a shape. Tree-lined corridors tighten your landing zones, and small greens demand crisp iron play and thoughtful misses if you want to avoid scrambling all day.

As you move through the round, water peeks in at just the right moments, adding tension without overwhelming the design. Even on calm days, the coastal air can nudge shots off line, and the course’s subtle defenses—bunkers, runoffs, and pin placements—keep you mentally engaged on every approach.

Then comes the iconic finish: the lighthouse rising in the distance, the harbor breeze in your face, and a closing hole that feels like a stage. It’s a must-play for anyone who loves strategy, shotmaking, and a classic Hilton Head experience.

Why golfers keep coming back:

• Legendary finishing stretch with the lighthouse backdrop
• Strategic, accuracy-first design that rewards smart placement
• Tour-level atmosphere as home of the RBC Heritage
• Beautiful mix of forested corridors and coastal lagoons
• Immaculate presentation and top-tier resort service
• Memorable photo ops from tee boxes to the final green

3) The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort – Perched on the Atlantic edge, this major-tested links-style giant pairs raw seaside beauty with relentless wind and championship-caliber demands.

The Ocean Course feels like golf at the mercy of nature—in the best possible way. Ocean gusts can turn a comfortable yardage into a full-club mystery, and the sandy landscape encourages low, creative shots that chase and bounce in unpredictable ways.

Wide fairways offer room to swing, but the real challenge comes at the greens: bold contours, elevated targets, and protective bunkering force you to pick conservative lines or chase pins with confidence. When conditions get spicy, par becomes a genuine accomplishment you’ll brag about later.

Even if the scorecard stings, the experience is unforgettable. Long sightlines, crashing surf, and a routing that keeps pulling you back toward the water create a cinematic round that belongs on any serious golfer’s bucket list.

Course highlights:

• Stunning Atlantic vistas and dramatic dune scenery throughout
• Major-championship pedigree and a true “big stage” feel
• Wind-driven strategy that changes day to day
• Firm, fast playing conditions that reward creativity
• World-class practice facilities and resort amenities
• One of the most memorable coastal finishes in the country

Yardage	Par	Location	Style
7,800+ (tips)	72	Kiawah Island	Coastal / links-inspired

4) True Blue Golf Club – Bold, modern, and wildly fun, True Blue in Pawleys Island is a big-swing resort course built for players who love width, risk-reward, and dramatic shaping.

True Blue gives you room to breathe off the tee, but it never lets you relax completely. Waste areas, sprawling bunkers, and clever angles tempt you into taking on aggressive lines—especially if you’re hunting birdies on a golf trip with friends.

The greens are the real personality of the course: large, contoured, and capable of turning a routine approach into a three-putt if you’re not careful. Still, the overall vibe stays enjoyable, with enough forgiveness to keep the round fun even when you’re not firing your best.

Paired with its neighbor Caledonia, it’s the perfect one-two punch for a Pawleys Island stay: play Caledonia for the artistry and ambiance, then True Blue for the adrenaline and highlight-reel shots.

Reasons it earns a spot on the list:

• Wide landing areas that make it playable for all skill levels
• High-drama risk-reward holes that invite aggressive lines
• Massive greens with bold contours and tricky putts
• Distinctive Strantz design personality and visual flair
• Excellent conditioning that holds up in peak season
• Ideal pairing with Caledonia for a two-day Pawleys swing

5) Tidewater Golf Club – In North Myrtle Beach, Tidewater blends Intracoastal Waterway beauty with a balanced layout that’s scenic, strategic, and endlessly photogenic.

From the first few holes, Tidewater makes it clear you’re playing on the water’s terms. Marsh vistas open up, breezes drift in, and several tee shots ask you to choose between safe routes and shorter, riskier lines closer to the wetlands.

The back nine in particular delivers a stretch of coastal Carolina golf that feels like it was built for postcards—water, wildlife, and wide-open skies. But it isn’t just pretty: well-placed bunkers and green-side trouble keep you focused all the way through the round.

It’s a course that plays differently in the morning than it does late in the day as the wind shifts, making it a great “repeat round” if you’re staying in the area. If you want the classic marsh-and-waterway vibe without sacrificing shot value, Tidewater belongs on your itinerary.

What you’ll love most:

• Sweeping Intracoastal and marsh views on multiple holes
• Strategic options that reward smart positioning
• Memorable par 3s and water-framed approaches
• Strong mix of challenge and playability for groups
• Consistently solid course conditions
• Wildlife sightings that make the round feel immersive

Best for	Vibe	Area	Trip fit
Scenery + shot value	Coastal marshland	North Myrtle Beach	Perfect for buddies trips

6) Dunes Golf & Beach Club – A Myrtle Beach classic with championship roots, The Dunes pairs old-school pedigree with marshland drama and a finishing stretch you won’t forget.

The Dunes has that “historic resort” feel—mature trees, timeless shaping, and a routing that builds momentum as the round unfolds. It asks for controlled tee shots and confident approaches, especially when the wind creeps in off the coast.

Its signature moments come when water enters the frame and the course demands commitment. You’ll face tee shots that need a clear decision—lay back and play safe, or take the daring line for the best angle into the green.

When you finish, it feels like you’ve played a piece of Myrtle Beach history. It’s a course that appeals to traditionalists and first-timers alike, and it’s still one of the most satisfying “full package” rounds in the area.

Standout qualities:

• Classic design pedigree and a timeless Myrtle Beach feel
• Strong closing stretch with water and strategic bunkering
• Beautiful balance of forested holes and marsh influence
• Conditions that routinely impress visiting golfers
• Excellent practice facilities and clubhouse service
• Great pick for players who want a “major venue” vibe

7) Wild Dunes Links Course – On Isle of Palms near Charleston, this ocean-breezed resort links brings salt air, coastal strategy, and vacation energy to every tee shot.

Wild Dunes feels like a true beach escape that also happens to be a serious golf course. The routing runs alongside dunes, lagoons, and maritime vegetation, creating a sense of wide-open space even when the holes tighten near the greens.

The wind is a constant companion—sometimes friendly, sometimes not—and it keeps the round interesting even if you’ve played the course before. Add in water hazards and strategically placed bunkers, and you’ll need to pick your spots carefully if you want to score.

It’s a perfect fit for a Charleston trip where you want golf without giving up the beach. You can finish your round, rinse off, and be back to vacation mode in minutes.

Best reasons to book a tee time:

• Coastal links feel with ocean air and breeze-driven shotmaking
• Resort convenience close to Charleston attractions
• Fun mix of scoring chances and demanding stretches
• Strong course conditioning with a relaxed vacation vibe
• Plenty of visual variety from dunes to lagoons
• Easy choice for golf + beach in one itinerary

Drive from Charleston	Setting	Ideal season	Experience
~30 minutes	Barrier island / coastal	Spring & fall	Resort golf + beach day

8) TPC Myrtle Beach – Tour-quality golf in Murrells Inlet, built for players who want championship visuals, pristine conditions, and a big finish.

TPC Myrtle Beach brings a polished, tournament-ready feel from the moment you arrive. Fairways are inviting, but strategic trouble is always positioned to punish lazy swings or overly ambitious lines.

As the round progresses, the course ramps up pressure, asking for solid approaches into greens that don’t give away easy two-putts. When water comes into play, it’s rarely cosmetic—you’ll feel it in your decision-making.

If your group wants at least one “serious” round on a Myrtle Beach trip, this is an easy pick. It’s challenging without being unfair, and it delivers that satisfying sense of playing somewhere built for the spotlight.

What makes it a must-play:

• TPC branding and a true championship course feel
• High-end conditioning that stays consistent in peak season
• Strategic hazards that reward disciplined choices
• Strong finishing holes with real late-round pressure
• Excellent practice facility for warmups and range sessions
• Great fit for competitive groups chasing bragging rights

9) Kings North at Myrtle Beach National – A signature Arnold Palmer design that leans into fun, creativity, and risk-reward moments that turn a normal round into a story.

Kings North is the kind of course you remember hole by hole. It isn’t just a collection of fairways and greens—it’s a highlight reel of bold features, dramatic bunkering, and strategic temptations that dare you to go for it.

The course gives you opportunities to score, but it can also bite back quickly if you get careless around water or short-side yourself near the greens. That push-pull dynamic makes it perfect for golf trips, where the group energy stays high all round.

If you want a round that feels unmistakably “Myrtle Beach golf”—fun, photogenic, and a little bit wild—Kings North belongs near the top of your list.

Fan-favorite highlights:

• Iconic risk-reward holes that encourage bold plays
• Distinct Palmer design touches and visual drama
• Great balance of scoring holes and tougher tests
• Strong maintenance and consistently smooth greens
• Memorable bunkering and water features for photos
• A top pick for buddies trips and first-time visitors

Design style	Best for	Difficulty	Trip vibe
Risk-reward resort	Fun + photos	Moderate	Perfect for groups

10) Charleston Municipal Golf Course (“The Muni”) – A refreshed Charleston classic that combines architectural interest, marshland atmosphere, and everyday access in one of the state’s most satisfying public rounds.

The Muni has become a badge-of-honor tee time for golfers visiting Charleston. Its location along the marsh creates a calming, open feel, while the renovated design details keep you engaged with smart angles and thoughtful green complexes.

It’s the kind of place where you can play a quick, affordable round and still feel like you’ve experienced something special. The wind, the views, and the strategic shaping combine to create golf that’s approachable, but never boring.

For travelers, it’s a perfect “local flavor” stop that breaks up a resort-heavy itinerary. For locals, it’s the kind of muni you brag about—proof that public golf can be beautiful, clever, and memorable.

Why it belongs on your radar:

• Marshside Charleston setting with genuine coastal character
• Architectural interest that rewards smart shot selection
• Excellent value compared with resort pricing
• Playable layout that stays fun across handicaps
• Strong local energy and a proud community vibe
• Ideal add-on round during a Charleston weekend