#1
Palmetto Golf Club
Design — varies
Prestigious 1892 private-style course open to guests, featuring classic Sandhills terrain and historic character.
ModerateClassic Sandhills$80–120
South Carolina Midlands · SC
Aiken
SC • South Carolina Midlands
luxuryresorttropicaloceanfrontpalmvalue
Best season
Spring-Fall
Mar · Apr · Oct · Nov
Trip cost · per golfer
$1,110–$2,230
5-night trip
Nearest airport
AGS
46 mi · AGS
Difficulty
mixed
Handicap 0–10
Overview
Why play Aiken
Aiken offers a deep golf scene in South Carolina Midlands with classic and modern course architecture, strong lodging options, and easy access via AGS. Expect humid subtropical conditions, ideal play Mar-Nov, and trip costs from $1,400 to $3,600 per golfer.
Top courses
Best golf courses in Aiken
Editor-picked layouts ranked by prestige, conditioning and player experience.
#2
Houndslake Country Club
Design — varies
Scenic semi-private course with rolling fairways and well-manicured greens set among mature Carolina pines.
ModerateTraditional Parkland$40–65
#3
Highland Springs Golf Course
Design — varies
Affordable public course offering a relaxed round through gentle terrain ideal for all skill levels.
EasyOpen Parkland$25–45
#4
The Reserve at Lake Thurmond
Design — varies
Peaceful layout near Lake Thurmond with scenic water views and tree-lined fairways perfect for casual play.
Easy-ModerateLake Course$30–50
Stay & play
Where to stay in Aiken
Resort packages bundle lodging, rounds, range access, and on-site dining. Hotel-only options give you flexibility to course-hop.
The Willcox Hotel
Boutique Hotel
Elegant 1898 historic hotel in downtown Aiken offering refined Southern hospitality and luxurious accommodations.
Hotel Aiken
Historic Hotel
Charming downtown historic hotel with comfortable rooms and easy walking access to restaurants and shops.
Comfort Suites Aiken
Chain Hotel
Modern suburban hotel offering clean spacious suites and reliable amenities at a reasonable price point.
Carriage House Inn
Bed and Breakfast
Cozy bed and breakfast featuring Southern charm, personalized service, and a quiet residential setting.
Off the course
Things to do in Aiken
Non-golf experiences worth building into your trip — from local landmarks to nature, food, and culture.
Hitchcock Woods Equestrian Trails
OutdoorExplore 2,100 acres of stunning protected forest via horseback riding or scenic walking trails.
Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame
CulturalDiscover Aiken's rich horse racing heritage through fascinating exhibits and historic memorabilia.
Hopeland Gardens
NatureStroll through 14 acres of beautifully landscaped public gardens featuring native plants and tranquil pathways.
Downtown Aiken Antique Shopping
ShoppingBrowse eclectic antique shops and boutiques lining charming Laurens Street in the historic downtown district.
Lake Thurmond Recreation
OutdoorEnjoy fishing, boating, and lakeside picnicking at this vast scenic reservoir just outside Aiken.
Itineraries
Sample itineraries
Choose your trip length. Each plan is built around the marquee courses, with rest, dining, and travel days dialed in.
- 1
Day 1
Arrive & warm up
Land at AGS, transfer to your hotel, hit the range, and grab a casual dinner at No. 10 Downing Street.
- 2
Day 2
Round 1 — Palmetto Golf Club
Morning tee time at Palmetto Golf Club. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Aiken Brewing Company.
- 3
Day 3
Round 2 — Houndslake Country Club
Morning tee time at Houndslake Country Club. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Takosushi.
- 4
Day 4
Round 3 — Highland Springs Golf Course
Morning tee time at Highland Springs Golf Course. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at The Willcox Gin Bar.
- 5
Day 5
Final round & departure
Early tee time at The Reserve at Lake Thurmond, light lunch, then transfer back to AGS.
Budget
Budget breakdown · per golfer
Realistic ranges sourced from current resort rates, public green fees, and group dining averages.
Lodging 5 nights · $159/nt | $795 |
Golf 4 rounds · $120 avg | $480 |
Food & drink ~$110/day | $550 |
Ground transport Rideshare + cart fees | $300 |
Flights Search Skyscanner for live fares | Variable |
| Estimated total · per golfer | $2,125 |
Season
Best time of year to visit Aiken
humid subtropical
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Ideal Good Off-season
When to book: 3-6 months out
Dining
Where to eat in Aiken
From clubhouse classics to chef-driven dinners worth a reservation.
No. 10 Downing Street
$$$Continental
Upscale British-inspired dining room inside The Willcox offering refined cuisine in an elegant historic atmosphere.
Malia's Restaurant
$$American Contemporary
Popular locally-owned restaurant serving creative American dishes with fresh ingredients in a relaxed setting.
Aiken Brewing Company
$Pub Food
Craft brewery and pub serving house-made beers alongside hearty pub fare in a lively casual environment.
Takosushi
$$Fusion
Fun casual eatery blending Mexican and Japanese flavors for a unique and satisfying dining experience.
The Willcox Gin Bar
$$$American Small Plates
Sophisticated cocktail bar and light dining spot offering curated gin selections and Southern-inspired small plates.
Boll Weevil Restaurant
$American Casual
Beloved local institution known for generous sandwiches, homemade desserts, and relaxed family-friendly dining.
After dark
Nightlife in Aiken
Where the buddy trips end up after the 19th hole.
Aiken Brewing Company
Brewery Bar
Lively craft brewery taproom hosting live music nights and a friendly local crowd on weekends.
The Willcox Gin Bar
Cocktail Lounge
Elegant intimate bar offering an extensive gin menu and sophisticated cocktails in a historic hotel setting.
Suggs Downtown
Bar and Grill
Popular local bar and grill featuring cold drinks, casual bites, and a relaxed neighborhood gathering atmosphere.
Tee times
Book tee times in Aiken
Live inventory from GolfNow plus flight comparison from Skyscanner. Prices update in real time.
FAQ
Aiken golf trip FAQs
What is the best time of year to golf in Aiken?
+
Spring-Fall (Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov). humid subtropical
How much does a golf trip to Aiken cost?
+
Plan on $1,110–$2,230 per golfer for a 5-night trip including lodging, rounds, food and ground transport. Flights are extra.
What airport should I fly into for Aiken?
+
AGS, about 46 miles from the resort area. Most national hubs offer non-stop service via AGS.
How many days should I plan for a Aiken golf trip?
+
5 nights is the sweet spot — enough for 4 full rounds plus a rest or sightseeing day.
Is Aiken good for buddy trips?
+
Yes — popular with buddies, seniors. Quieter evenings, ideal for golf-focused groups.
Ready to book
Book your Aiken golf trip
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Trip snapshot
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