The southern region of the US is characterized by its humid subtropical climate and hot, muggy summers. The terrain is also generally quite flat, making it ideal for golf course development. No wonder the region is home to some of the best golf courses in the US. While we cannot cover all of them, this article will list the 15 best golf courses in the South. Let’s take a look!
Best Golf Course in South Carolina
Harbour Town Golf Links at Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head Island, SC
- Year Built: 1969
- Holes: 18
- Type: Resort
- Style: Links
- Par: 71
- Length: 7099 yards
- Slope: 148
The Harbour Town Golf Links is one of the country’s most scenic and challenging courses. It is also one of the most difficult courses on the PGA Tour, thanks to the Jack Nicklaus design. The course is set on an island, and the views of the Atlantic Ocean are simply stunning. The course is also known for its iconic red and white striped lighthouse.
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Golf Resort in Kiawah Island, SC
- Year Built: 1991
- Holes: 18
- Type: Resort
- Style: Links
- Par: 72
- Length: 7356 yards
- Slope: 144
Standing at 7,876 yards, the Ocean Course at Kiawah is one of the longest courses in the world. This Pete Dye-designed course is also one of the most difficult with its sand dunes, salt marshes, and ocean winds. The course has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the Ryder Cup and the PGA Championships since it opened in 1991.
Congaree Golf Club, Ridgeland, SC
- Year Built: 2017
- Holes: 18
- Type: Private/Resort
- Par: 71
- Length: 7685 yards
- Slope: 155
Stretching to a mammoth length of 7,685 yards, Congaree is the longest course in South Carolina. It offers an interesting mix of par 3s, risk-reward par-4s, and testing par-5s. Designed by Tom Fazio, the course weaves its way through majestic old-growth hardwoods, towering pines, and wetlands. It’s a real test of golf that will leave you both exhausted and exhilarated.
Best Golf Courses in Florida
The Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, FL
- Year Built: 2000
- Holes: 18
- Type: Resort/Private
- Par: 72
- Length: 7201 yards
- Slope: 147
The Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort is one of Florida’s most beautiful and challenging courses. It’s on a stunning stretch of unspoiled beach land along the Atlantic coast. It offers two levels of tee boxes to accommodate different skill levels. The views of the ocean are stunning. The course is also known for its long par 3s and difficult par 5s.
The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
- Year Built: 1981
- Holes: 18
- Type: Resort
- Par: 72
- Length: 7245 yards
- Slope: 155
Designed by Pete Dye, The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass is home to the Players Championship, a prestigious event on the PGA Tour. It has a very balanced layout, favoring no particular style of play. The course is known for its signature hole, the island green 17th hole. The course has been ranked as one of the top 100 courses in the world by Golf Magazine.
Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, FL
- Year Built: 1961
- Holes: 18
- Type: Resort/Private
- Par: 72
- Length: 7381 yards
- Slope: 137
The Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club is a private golf club, but it is open to the public for a few days each year. It’s one of the most popular courses in Florida, thanks to its close proximity to the major theme parks in Orlando. The course is known for its beautiful forestry and its challenging layout. It has hosted the PGA Tour’s Bay Hill Invitational tournament since 1979.
Best Golf Courses in North Carolina
Tobacco Road Golf Club in Sanford, NC
- Year Built: 1998
- Holes: 18
- Type: Public
- Par: 71
- Length: 6557 yards
- Slope: 145
Tobacco Road is a golfing experience unlike any other. Created by Mike Strantz, Tobacco Road Golf Club is one of the country’s most unique and visually stunning courses. It’s located in the Sandhills of North Carolina, and it features a links-style layout with substantial elevation changes. The course is known for its massive sand dunes and deep pot bunkers. It has won several awards due to its beautiful layout and architecture.
No. 2 at Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, NC
- Year Built: 1907
- Holes: 18
- Type: Resort
- Par: 70
- Length: 7588 yards
- Slope: 140
A masterpiece work of Donald Ross, the No. 2 at Pinehurst Resort is another excellent course in North Carolina. It’s considered hardest to putt without the advice of a knowledgeable caddie. The greens have high fall-offs, and they are very undulating. Each of the 18 holes is unique. The course is also known for its long par 4s and 5s. It has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments over the years.
Other Best Golf Courses in the South
Great Waters at Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro, GA
- Year Built: 1992
- Holes: 18
- Type: Private/Resort
- Par: 72
- Length: 7436 yards
- Slope: 143
At 7,073 yards, the Great Waters course offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the southeast. With its views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, it’s easy to see why this Jack Nicklaus-designed course is so popular. The course is also known for its risk-reward holes, many of which offer breathtaking views of the lake. It has a parkland-style front nine, rolling hills, thick forest, and water coming into play on 6 holes.
The Old White TPC Course at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV
- Year Built: 1914
- Holes: 18
- Type: Resort
- Par: 70
- Length: 7246 yards
- Slope: 145
The Old White TPC golf course has very challenging yet not impossible holes. This CB Macdonald-designed course is located in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. It uses many of Macdonald’s classic template holes and offers a fun yet challenging play. The bunkering is exceptional – not just on the greenside but also in the fairway. This course is steeped in history, hosting several PGA tours over its lifetime.
Ross Bridge Golf Resort in Birmingham, AL
- Year Built: 2005
- Holes: 18
- Type: Public
- Style: Parkland
- Par: 72
- Length: 8191 yards
- Slope: 147
A fantastic development that looks like an old town, the Ross Bridge Golf Resort is another must-visit place. It is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design, and at 8,191 yards, it is the longest course in America. With large elevation changes, this course is very scenic and features a lot of waterfalls and streams. It has won several awards, including being named the 4th best new public course in America by Golf Digest.
Gold Course at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Williamsburg, VA
- Year Built: 1963
- Holes: 18
- Type: Resort
- Par: 71
- Length: 6817 yards
- Slope: 138
Situated right next to Colonial Williamsburg, this golf course meanders through undulating green hills, offering spectacular views and challenges at every turn. The Gold Course at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club has some of the best Par-3s in the mid-Atlantic. It’s a Robert Trent Jones-designed course, and he called it his “best design .”The course has won numerous awards and is popular with locals and tourists.
Fallen Oak at Beau Rivage Resort in North Saucier, MS
- Year Built: 2006
- Holes: 18
- Type: Private/Resort
- Par: 72
- Length: 7487 yards
- Slope: 142
Located in a very secluded and surprisingly hilly area, Fallen Oak at Beau Rivage Resort is another excellent course in the South. It’s a private golf course available exclusively to Beau Rivage Resort & Casino guests. Fallen Oak is a Tom Fazio-designed course with beautiful moss-draped oaks and Magnolia trees. The course is popular for its large undulating greens, deep bunkers, and waterfalls.
Colleton River Plantation Club in Bluffton, SC
- Year Built: 1998
- Holes: 18
- Type: Private
- Style; Links
- Par: 72
- Length: 7403 yards
- Slope: 150
Classic Pete Dye architecture is on display at Colleton River Plantation Club. You’re treated to a beautiful view of the Colleton River from the first tee. The course winds through live oak and cypress trees, with several elevation changes. It’s a very challenging course, with many doglegs and water hazards. But it’s also a very scenic course, with beautiful views of the river and the Lowcountry.
The Landings Club – Deer Creek Course in Savannah, GA
- Year Built: 1991
- Holes: 18
- Type: Private
- Par: 72
- Length: 7094 yards
- Slope: 143
This is a championship-caliber course that tests golfers of all skill levels. The Landings Club – Deer Creek Course is a Tom Fazio design. So all the hallmarks of Tom Fazio’s design are present. These include elevated greens, large bunkers, highly sculpted mounds, and tiered fairways. It has relatively wide fairways, but the par 3s as a group are very challenging. Overall, it’s a very challenging but beautiful golf course.
Frequently Asked Questions – Best Golf Courses in the South
What is the #1 golf course in the South?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as everyone has different opinions. However, there are several courses that are considered to be among the best. In my subjective opinion, No. 2 at Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, NC, is the best golf course in the entire South.
What is the most southern golf course in the world?
The most southern golf course in the world is located in Ushuaia, Argentina. The course is called Tierra del Fuego Golf Club, located at the southernmost tip of South America.
What state in the South has the most beautiful golf courses?
There are many states in the South with beautiful golf courses. However, I would say that North Carolina has some of the most stunning courses in the region. Tobacco Road Golf Club and No. 2 at Pinehurst Resort are two of the most beautiful courses in the world.