With over 360 golf courses to choose from, South Carolina offers some of the best golfing in the country as well as a varied landscape for some truly spectacular views. With so much choice and such a diversity of information out there, Leaderboard takes a look at the best locations to consider:
Set in the gorgeous countryside surrounding the historic town of Charlston, Kiawah Golf Resort is the perfect choice for golfers who enjoy the challenge of a well-designed course and dramatic views. Kiawah is home to the notorious Ocean Course, conceived by renowned golf course designer Pete Dye and aptly named the 'Toughest Course in America' by Golf Digest.
Kiawah has also hosted numerous championships such as the 1997 and the 2003 World Cup and the 2005 PGA Professional National Championship. It boasts a choice of five championship golf courses designed by professional golfers such as Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player and stunning natural beauty; exemplified by the course at Osprey Point, which is defined by dense forests and large, natural lakes.
If you are heading to South Carolina for a romantic retreat or family vacation there is also a large private beach and plenty of other activities to keep everyone entertained.
Green fees
- Oak Point: From $90
- Osprey Point: From $175
- Cougar Point: From $175
- Turtle Point: From $180
- Ocean Course: From $275
Accommodation
Kiawah Golf Resort offers accommodation packages for their Sanctuary Hotel, complete with spa and scenic views of the waterfront. Here the rooms start at $319 a night. The resort also offers you the chance to rent your own villa, giving you the freedom to be a bit more self-sufficient with a fully equiped kitchen and laundry facilities. If this seems a little too extravagant there are also plenty of independent hotels and B&B's in the area to choose from.
This is a club that really plays to its strengths. While the resort may only have one course attached to it, it is an absolute marvel. The resort itself is magnificently equipped, allowing members and visitors to bask in the South Carolina sun from the boathouse, the deck of a yacht or even the seat of a kayak.
The main attraction of Long Cove is obviously its golf course. Catering to the seasoned expert and the weekend enthusiast alike, the Pete Dye-designed course has plenty of surprises in store. Built in 1980, the course makes heavy use of water hazards while compensating with relatively wide fairways and large, tifdwarf grass greens.
Make sure your short game is up to scratch though, because the putting surfaces are highly contoured; only on the 13th and 14th holes will you get some respite with some flatter, classic Peter Dye designs.
Green Fee
From $75
For the best golfing in the Myrtle Beach area, visit Legends Golf and Resort. Located just eight miles from Myrtle Beach Airport, this is an ideal choice for a golfing getaway. The resort features five courses all designed by entrepreneur Larry Young and each seemingly created to pay homage to an aspect of the English countryside.
For a grand, traditional feel try the Heathlands Course, or for a challenging experience tackle the water, sand and waste areas of the Moorland Course. The Legends Golf Academy also offers helpful classes to anyone looking to improve their play. Package deals including three rounds, breakfast and lunch start from just $63.
Accommodation
Here, accommodation is limited to a cluster of villas modelled on a Scottish village. While this may seem a little perplexing to us Brits, it nevertheless is an oddly charming addition to the experience at Legends Golf Resort.
Villas are comprised of two to three bedrooms, bathroom, a kitchen and a living room. With two beds and TV in each bedroom, high speed internet and all other mod-cons included, these villas can make a comfortable home for several weeks.
Flights
Flights to Myrtle Beach Airport and Charlston International Airport are available from Heathrow, Birmingham and Bristol.
