Your South Carolina guide

Charleston Airport is the best access point for golf in South Carolina, and from the UK it is reached through a variety of one-stop options connecting into Charleston through major US airports such as JFK, Miami, Philadelphia or Atlanta (to name a few).

Kiawah Island is a 50-minute drive south of Charleston Airport. Hilton Head Island is a 2-hour drive south of Charleston Airport, alternatively, you can choose a flight route that connects to Savannah/Hilton Head Airport and from there it is a 45-minute drive.

For those heading towards [Myrtle Beach][4], embark on a 2-hour journey north from one of the major airports. Alternatively, fly into Charlotte or Atlanta and connect to Myrtle Beach Airport.

The best time for golf is late March to early June before the summer’s heat and humidity start to kick in.

P.S don’t forget you can add a trip to the Masters to your next South Carolina visit…

With Augusta National Golf Club situated just on the Georgia side of the Georgia/South Carolina border, it is only a 3-hour drive from the key golfing areas of South Carolina, meaning you can build a truly memorable trip in early April. Why not walk the grounds of Augusta National watching the world’s best players in action, then head east to play on some of the finest courses the US has to offer?

With reasonably mild winters, especially along the coast, South Carolina can be visited year-round. The best time for golf is late March to early June before the summer’s heat and humidity start to kick in. High daily temperatures from 20 to 27 degrees C make it perfect for golfing in the morning and sightseeing, water sports or just relaxing by the pool in the afternoon.

Experience a genuinely warm welcome in this charming state, which combines grand architecture with incredible scenery and a subtropical climate. Relax along the coastline and sample southern barbeques, try their famous Low Country Boil and experience a wealth of history, all whilst surrounded by first-class golf courses.

We share our top four holiday hotspots in South Carolina below. Hopefully, you will discover somewhere new for your next golf vacation.

Charleston is the oldest city in South Carolina, with many historic buildings, preserved plantation homes and gardens dating back to 1672. Stroll through Charleston’s Historic District to experience a different era. Or explore the arts scene, visit the Charleston Music Hall and Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, and don’t forget the Charleston City Market. There are culinary tours and trails where you can sample the typical southern fare and local craft beer, perfect for the foodies!

You are never far from the water in Charleston, the opportunities to take a sunset boat tour spotting dolphin, to go deep-sea fishing or simply do some kayaking in the local waterways, are very accessible and fun for all.

With the international airport, just minutes outside of town, it’s a great place to begin or end your golf tour. Courses such as Charleston National, RiverTowne and Wild Dunes are all on the edge of town, meandering their way through the low-country’s unique scenery and on occasion offering stunning views of the ocean.

Charleston has so much to offer and should be part of everyone’s visit to South Carolina.

50 minutes south of Charleston is Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s bursting with golf courses, miles of beach, sand dunes and seagrass. This idyllic setting coupled with unrivalled customer service makes a stay at Kiawah Island perfect for your next golf vacation.

You’ll find five courses on-site, the most famous being Pete Dye’s Ocean Course – a must-play for all golf enthusiasts. The Ocean Course has hosted some of the game’s biggest tournaments, most notably the 1991 Ryder Cup (the ‘war on the shore’) and Rory McIlroy’s emphatic 8-shot PGA Championship victory in 2012, a Major that returned to Kiawah in 2021 to see Phil Mickelson take the title. Simply put, it oozes championship golf.

If you enjoy an active holiday explore the waterways by kayak, take the kids fishing or discover the abundant wildlife by hiking or biking.

Heading further south (approximately a 2-hour drive from Charleston) is Hilton Head Island. At only 60 square miles in size, it still packs a punch when it comes to golf, with non-other than 24 courses on the island.

The most famous is Harbour Town Golf Links, situated at Sea Pines Resort and home each year to the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage Tournament (always played the week after the Masters). With an 18th hole that is known around the world due to the positioning of the red and white hooped Harbour Town Lighthouse as its backdrop.

Hilton Head is synonymous with chilled summer holidays, with 12 miles of beaches - from secluded coves to those perfect for water sports.

One of South Carolina’s most beautiful locations, it also has historical importance and offers a number of cultural activities, including the Coastal Discovery Museum, Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina and the local WineFest - all excellent activities if you want to get to know the area better.

Often referred to as golfing mecca (and rightly so), Myrtle Beach has an unbelievable density of golf courses, that can often be played at incredible value. It’s particularly good for groups looking to experience golf in the USA, whilst working to a budget, and with over 95 courses in a 60-mile stretch, choice is certainly not an issue!

You can create your own Myrtle Beach tour by staying centrally in a hotel or self-catering villas and take a short drive to the likes TPC Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach National and Grande Dunes. Travel a little further south in Myrtle Beach to find two of the best – True Blue and Caledonia Golf & Fish Club.

Alternatively, choose an all-encompassing golf resort such as The Legends Golf Resort or Barefoot Resort where multiple onsite courses are just a few steps from your hotel door.

Myrtle Beach also has much to offer in the form of entertainment – from Ripley’s Aquarium, the beachfront SkyWheel, great nightlife, to a stroll along the boardwalk, there is plenty to do in this fun-loving beach town.

• Explore Charleston through a two-hour walking tour of the city exploring secret gardens, hidden alleys, and amazing views of Fort Sumter.

• South Carolina is awash with national forests, museums, beaches, historic towns and beaches so be sure to bring suitable clothing for all kinds of activities.

• Visit places off the beaten track such as the historic district where you can visit old homes, churches and gardens through Charleston Strolls's tours.

• The current state sales tax rate in South Carolina is 6%.

• Tipping is customary throughout the service industry. 15% to 20% in bars and restaurants is the norm.