Carolinas guide
Best golf resorts in the Carolinas
Sand-belt fairways, ocean-side links, and the most resort-dense golf region in the country.
Our editors split the Carolinas into Pinehurst/Sandhills, Lowcountry (Kiawah, Hilton Head, Charleston) and the Outer Banks/Coastal Carolina, with a top resort in each.
SC, USA
Aiken
Aiken — a quieter regional golf market with a handful of credible tracks and easy access via AGS.
- Best season
- Spring-Fall
- From
- $1,110
- Luxury
- 88/100
- Nightlife
- 41/100
#2
SC, USA
Myrtle Beach
The original buddies-trip capital — 100+ tracks, oceanfront condos, and a Sunday tee sheet that takes an hour to read.
- Best season
- Mar – May, Sep – Nov
- From
- $900
- Luxury
- 55/100
- Nightlife
- 82/100
#3
NC, USA
Pinehurst
No. 2 still sets the standard. Pine straw, Donald Ross, and a clubhouse that smells like history.
- Best season
- Mar – Jun
- From
- $1,800
- Luxury
- 88/100
- Nightlife
- 55/100
SC, USA
Kiawah Island
The Ocean Course breaks people. Then the Sanctuary serves you a Manhattan.
- Best season
- Apr – Oct
- From
- $2,200
- Luxury
- 94/100
- Nightlife
- 72/100
#5
SC, USA
Hilton Head
Twenty-four courses, a tournament with the loudest grandstand in golf, and bikes between every tee time.
- Best season
- Mar – May, Sep – Nov
- From
- $1,800
- Luxury
- 80/100
- Nightlife
- 55/100
SC, USA
Charleston
Wild Dunes, Daniel Island, Patriots Point — historic city, coastal golf.
- Best season
- Mar – May, Sep – Nov
- From
- $1,740
- Luxury
- 82/100
- Nightlife
- 82/100
SC, USA
Greenville
Quiet golf scene in Upstate SC. Locals know the value plays; visitors should skip unless lodging or schedule already brings them here.
- Best season
- Spring-Fall
- From
- $1,200
- Luxury
- 66/100
- Nightlife
- 62/100
#8
NC, USA
Asheville
Biltmore Forest, Mountain Air, and craft beer in the Blue Ridge.
- Best season
- May – Oct
- From
- $1,160
- Luxury
- 75/100
- Nightlife
- 78/100
NC, USA
Charlotte
Underrated stop in North Carolina Piedmont. A short list of solid public courses, a few resort options, and almost no waiting list — best treated as a side trip rather than a full week.
- Best season
- Spring-Fall
- From
- $1,300
- Luxury
- 87/100
- Nightlife
- 52/100
NC, USA
Raleigh-Durham
Raleigh-Durham isn't a flagship golf destination, but if you're already in North Carolina Research Triangle there are 2–3 worthwhile rounds and one or two course-side dinners worth booking.
- Best season
- Spring-Fall
- From
- $1,600
- Luxury
- 64/100
- Nightlife
- 46/100
FAQs
Pinehurst or Kiawah?
+−
Pinehurst for sandhills heritage and 10 courses on one resort; Kiawah for ocean views and the championship Ocean Course.
When is the best time to play the Carolinas?
+−
April–early June and September–early November. Avoid mid-summer humidity and afternoon storms.
Notable courses
Courses featured in this guide
Palmetto Golf Club
Aiken
Houndslake Country Club
Aiken
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
Myrtle Beach · Mike Strantz
Par 70 · 6,526 yd
True Blue Plantation
Myrtle Beach · Mike Strantz
Par 72 · 7,062 yd
Pinehurst No. 2
Pinehurst · Donald Ross
Par 72 · 7,588 yd
Pinehurst No. 4
Pinehurst · Gil Hanse (restoration)
Par 72 · 7,117 yd
The Ocean Course
Kiawah Island · Pete Dye
Par 72 · 7,876 yd
Cassique
Kiawah Island · Tom Watson
Par 72 · 7,048 yd
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Explore the destinations in this guide
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