Apart from its top-rated beaches, historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and southern cuisine, Charleston is also well-known for its prestigious golf courses. The Lowcountry boasts numerous public and semi-private golf courses such as Dunes West, Rivertowne, Charleston National, Patriot’s Point, Coosaw Creek, Legend Oaks, Pine Forest, and Kiawah Island Golf Resort. These courses are ideal for golf getaway groups, leisurely or competitive play, and individual lessons. However, for those who wish to spend more time on the links and desire a genuine golf community, Charleston has several members-only clubs. These private clubs offer individual attention, camaraderie, and an assortment of activities for family members off the greenbelt. Many of the private golf clubs are situated within a residential community, so members can enjoy the convenience of a country club lifestyle.
Charleston Country Club | 1 Country Club Drive | Charleston, SC 29412
Charleston’s history extends well beyond its colonial architecture, dungeons, churches, plantations and forts. In 1739, the Holy City officially welcomed its first shipment of golf clubs from Scotland, which led to the formation of the. Charlestown Golfing Society. Members would play on the lawn at Harleston Green. Then, in 1786 the Country Club of Charleston came to fruition, gifting Charleston with its first private golf club. Ultimately, the club found its permanent home at McLeod Plantation in 1922.
Encompassing 900 acres along the scenic Ashley River, the picturesque golf course showcases majestic oaks, tidal marshes, and the downtown skyline. Originally designed by legendary golf architect Seth Raynor, the 18-hole championship course has been restored through the years by notable golf designers John LaFoy, Brain Silva, and Kyle Franz. Staying true to its Scottish roots, the fairways resemble those found at traditional Scotland golf clubs, namely Saint Andrews. The golf club includes a driving range, tennis courts, swimming pool, sundeck, locker rooms, fitness facility, and dining rooms.
Unpretentious yet opulent, the estate-style clubhouse exudes Old Charleston charm and boasts sensational views of the Charleston Harbour. Recently, the Charleston Country Club hosted the U.S. Women’s Open Championship.
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Yeaman’s Hall Club | 900 Yeaman Hall Road | Hannahan, SC 29410
An ultra exclusive club, Yeaman’s Hall is a treasured time capsule for golf aficionados who cherish traditional albeit creative course designs. The history of Yeaman’s Hall dates back to the early 1920s when a group of New York businessmen sought to create a golf course in a southern climate that was accessible by train. In 1925, the genius of land purveyor Frederick Amstead, golf designer Seth Raynor, and building architect James Rogers came to fruition with the establishment of Yeaman’s Hall Golf Club.
Though the course, which creatively marries coastal terrain, tall pine trees, and grand oaks, has been restored in recent years, it still honors its native design. Using old railroad pieces for tee markers and keeping fastidious fairways, the 18-hole golf course is both nobby and nostalgic. A winding road covered with a canopy from majestic grand oak trees leads to the nondescript brick entrance. Once on the 900-acre property, the gravel and dirt roads meander toward the clubhouse, passing brick cottages along the way. Many of these cottages are owned by family members of the original New York members.
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Bull’s Bay Golf Club | 955 Bulls Bay Boulevard | Awendaw, SC 29429
Unapologetically, Bull’s Bay is a purist in terms of golf clubs, focusing more on the course and cordial atmosphere than fancy amenities and proper protocols. In fact, apart from the stately clubhouse, the club has no other on-site amenities: no swimming pool, no tennis courts, no fitness facility, and certainly no spa.
What Bull’s Bay does have, however, is an exquisite championship golf course, premier training facility with top notch instruction, expansive veranda with rocking chairs, rustic grill room, and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, and saltwater tidal marsh.
The lodge-like clubhouse sits atop a 75-foot elevation and overlooks the greenbelt and natural lowcountry terrain. Designed by Mike Strantz, the 18-hold course is well known for its equal reliance on mental and physical awareness. Bull’s Bay hosts a variety of charity tournaments throughout the year, including the annual Hootie tournament, which features hometown legend Darius Rucker and benefits numerous worldwide charities.
Daniel Island Club | 600 Island Park Drive | Charleson, SC 29492
Charleston’s famous island town, Daniel Island is an enclave of colonial architecture, waterfront estates, recreational fields, fishing lakes, bike trails, secret beaches, restaurants, boutiques, and golf courses. Residents often refer to the island as a “modern Mayberry,” because of its simple lifestyle, jovial neighbors, and bike-friendly streets. On the north side of the island sits the Daniel Island Club, a prestigious, member-only golf club that features two championship golf courses: Beresford Creek and Ralston Creek.
Designed by golf architect Tom Fazio, Beresford Creek Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course characterized by its fast fairways, strategically placed hazards, and Lowcountry topography. Similarly, Ralston Creek Golf Course, designed by Rees Jones, is also an 18-hole course that features winding fairways, tall pine trees, majestic oaks, and panoramic views of the saltwater marsh.
In addition to the golf courses, Daniel Island Club also offers members access to outdoor tennis courts, state-of-the-art fitness facility, resort-style swimming pool, saltwater lap pool, cabanas, social rooms, elegant to casual dining options, well appointed locker rooms, and an expansive veranda that overlooks the golf course and marshes.
Golf enthusiasts appreciate the on-site instruction at the Cerrudo Learning Center, junior to senior golf clinics and lessons, and the sophisticated golf pro shop.
Kiawah Island Club | 1 Kiawah Island Parkway | Kiawah Island, SC 29455
The Kiawah Island Club is a private golf club that features two exclusive golf courses: Cassique and the River Course. Located on John’s Island, Cassique is a link-style course designed by golf legend and architect Tom Watson.
The fairways meander through maritime forests and showcase the scenic Kiawah River, saltwater marshes, and, distantly, the Atlantic Ocean. Nearby, the River Course, a Tom Fazio design, features generous fairways flanked by lagoons, tidal marshes, and the Kiawah River. As typical of Fazio designs, the River Course tests golfers’ mental game as much as their technique and form.
Members of Kiawah Island Club enjoy an array of additional amenities including a beach club, infinity swimming pool, full service spa, fitness facility, group exercise classes, tennis courts, lavish locker rooms, lounge area, and dining options.
If you would like to tour one of the aforementioned golf clubs or view real estate property, contact a NV golf club home specialist today.