The Carolinas are home to some of the most celebrated golf in America. From the legendary Pinehurst resort in the Sandhills to the oceanfront links of Kiawah Island, North and South Carolina offer an extraordinary range of courses that draw players from around the world. The mild climate means year-round golf is not just possible but genuinely enjoyable, and the density of elite courses per square mile rivals anywhere in the country.
Whether you are planning a buddies’ trip to Myrtle Beach, chasing championship history at Pinehurst No. 2, or looking for a hidden gem in the Blue Ridge foothills, this guide covers the courses that belong on every golfer’s bucket list in the Carolinas.
Pinehurst No. 2 — Pinehurst, North Carolina
Pinehurst No. 2 is the crown jewel of American golf. Redesigned by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore to restore Donald Ross’s original vision, the course hosted back-to-back U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open championships in 2014 and will welcome the U.S. Open again in 2029. The signature feature is the crowned, turtle-back greens that reject anything less than a precise approach. It is a thinking player’s course where strategy matters more than distance, and every round feels like a pilgrimage to the heart of the game.
Kiawah Island Ocean Course — Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Pete Dye’s masterpiece along the Atlantic coastline is one of the toughest and most visually stunning courses in the world. The Ocean Course hosted the memorable 1991 Ryder Cup “War by the Shore” and the 2021 PGA Championship. With ten holes directly on the ocean and the remaining eight running parallel, wind is the defining challenge. When the breeze picks up, even the best players in the world struggle to break 80. Playing here is an unforgettable experience that every serious golfer should have at least once.
Harbour Town Golf Links — Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Harbour Town is a Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus collaboration that has hosted the RBC Heritage every year since 1969. The course is the opposite of a bomber’s paradise — tight, tree-lined fairways demand accuracy, and the small greens put a premium on iron play. The iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse behind the 18th green is one of the most photographed spots in golf. It is a course that rewards shotmaking and creativity over raw power.
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club — Pawleys Island, South Carolina
Regularly rated as one of the best public courses in America, Caledonia is a Mike Strantz design draped in live oaks and Spanish moss along the Waccamaw River. The entrance through the avenue of oaks sets the tone for a round that is as beautiful as it is challenging. Strantz’s bold bunkering and creative green complexes make this far more than a pretty face. At a fraction of the cost of Kiawah or Harbour Town, Caledonia delivers a world-class experience that many players rank as their favorite course in the Lowcountry.
Quail Hollow Club — Charlotte, North Carolina
Quail Hollow has become one of the premier venues on the PGA Tour and hosted the 2017 PGA Championship. The closing stretch known as the “Green Mile” — holes 16, 17, and 18 — is one of the most demanding finishes in professional golf. While it is a private club, its prominence on television and in major championship rotations makes it an aspirational course for any golfer visiting the Charlotte area. The Tom Fazio design blends challenge with playability across rolling Piedmont terrain.
Tobacco Road — Sanford, North Carolina
Mike Strantz’s most polarizing creation is a wild, dramatic ride through former sand quarries in the North Carolina Sandhills. Tobacco Road features massive elevation changes, blind shots, enormous waste bunkers, and greens that seem to hang on the edge of cliffs. It is not a course you will be neutral about — players either love its audacity or find it too gimmicky. But there is nothing else like it in American golf, and a round here guarantees stories worth telling. At under $100 for most tee times, it is also an outstanding value.
Pawleys Plantation — Pawleys Island, South Carolina
Jack Nicklaus designed Pawleys Plantation through salt marshes and centuries-old oaks along the Waccamaw River. The course demands thoughtful tee shots on several holes where water and marsh encroach on landing areas, but it offers multiple tee boxes that make it playable for all skill levels. It is one of the best values in the Myrtle Beach-Pawleys Island corridor and a strong choice for groups looking for a championship-caliber course without the premium price tag.
Planning Your Carolinas Golf Trip
The best time to play golf in the Carolinas is during the spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) when temperatures are comfortable and the courses are in peak condition. Summer brings heat and humidity, particularly in the Lowcountry, while winter remains mild enough for golf most days. The Pinehurst-Southern Pines area and the Myrtle Beach-Pawleys Island corridor are the two main golf destinations, each offering dozens of courses within a short drive. Hilton Head and Charleston provide a more upscale resort experience with outstanding dining and beaches alongside the golf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best golf destination in the Carolinas for a group trip?
Myrtle Beach and the surrounding Grand Strand area offer the best combination of course variety, accommodation options, and value for group trips. With over 80 courses in the area and competitive package deals, groups can play a different course every day without breaking the budget. For a more upscale experience, Pinehurst Resort offers multiple on-site courses and world-class hospitality.
Can you play golf year-round in the Carolinas?
Yes. The Carolinas enjoy a mild climate that allows golf throughout the year. Coastal areas like Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach rarely see freezing temperatures, and even the Piedmont and mountain regions have plenty of playable winter days. Spring and fall are the peak seasons for both weather and course conditions.
Is Pinehurst No. 2 open to the public?
Pinehurst No. 2 is a resort course, meaning it is open to guests staying at Pinehurst Resort. You do not need to be a member, but you do need to book a resort stay to access the course. Green fees are premium, but the experience of playing one of the most historic courses in American golf is well worth the investment.
More Golf Course Guides From Golf Guidebook
Exploring courses across the country? Browse our other regional golf guides:
