Aiken, South Carolina is a charming little town. It’s known for its hospitality, unique shopping and of course the equestrian experience. But did you know Aiken is a great base for a golf getaway? In fact, you can golf just half a mile from downtown at the Aiken Golf Club.
Around the week of the Master’s Golf Tournament, the town of Aiken, South Carolina, just 22 miles from Augusta National swells with golfers. Inspired to hit the links, they flood the golf courses near Aiken SC. But you don’t have to wait for April.
Be sure to check out our post on Aiken for where to stay, eat and play, plus information about how Aiken is The Polo Capital of the United States. Read on for detailed course notes from my husband that will prepare you for a successful round. Plus we’ve added a list of other private and public golf courses near Aiken SC if you want to play a few clubs.
AIKEN GOLF CLUB MUST READ COURSE NOTES
The Aiken Golf Club was founded in 1912 and is a short course with five par threes. There is a very small practice area for chipping and putting and no driving range, so come prepared to play.
The course is very walkable, in fact, the day I played, the local men’s club was walking with push carts (regular carts are available too). Even with a full course of walkers in front of us, it took 4 hours. The locals know the course and keep moving.
Few Houses. Even with the close proximity to downtown, there are not many houses on the course. I prefer that since my driver can be wild at times. One exception is the par three on hole 18 that runs right next to the parking lot. Tip: Park your car further from the club house in the lot rather than on the road near the club house.
Challenging for Visitors. The course is an interesting challenge especially for visitors. Previous course knowledge is not required, ie no blind shots, but it is hilly so judging distance and knowing where the danger is around the greens is helpful. The course is not long but defends itself against low scores well. How? Read on.
How do you hit your driver? If you are accurate with the driver and hit straight this can be a really fun course. They have a few drivable par four’s on the back nine and generally no really long holes. The course is narrow so you need to be accurate. No need to look for balls in the woods. The woods are old and thick.Can’t hit a driver straight? No worries. You can play this course without a driver and have a lot of fun too because it is generally shorter. Accuracy is what this course is about.
Wedge play is at a premium for everyone. The greens will hold when you hit them. Distance control and accuracy are important in order to score well. You’ll also need to be able to putt, but that is universal.
There are not too many hazards. A few long waste areas and a few sand traps strategically placed but none you are forced to carry. There are no water hazards to speak of.
The course defends itself with pin placements. The greens can be tricky. The first tip I received at the clubhouse was on the first five holes, the greens break toward the railroad tracks. It is like breaking toward the water or the mountains. Believe the tip. Pay attention on the greens. The slopes are not all apparent, perhaps because the course is hilly and the greens appear more flat in comparison.Tip. Walk the line of your putt to the hole to get a feel for the slope.
Do not get past the flag. All downhill putts are fast and tricky. There are a few that if you pass the flag you’ll be lucky to keep your putt on the green. Over the green is also tough because you are chipping downhill.
Some pin placements are near the edge. If you are off the green, either left or right, chipping can be intimidating. There isn’t much room to land and plenty of slope. Tip: Keep the ball straight and in front of the green. Chasing pins, even with short chips, can put you in challenging spots.
Number nine does not come back to the club house but there is a snack shack and restrooms at the intersection of number eight and number 14.We played from the back tees. The only significant difference was on the par three’s. All played over 160 – 200 yards from the back. The other tees were much closer.
PRIVATE AND PUBLIC GOLF COURSES NEAR AIKEN SC

Looking for more golf courses? Here is a list of private and public golf courses near Aiken SC. If you’ve played any of these courses and have tips – leave us a comment and let us know.
Woodside Country Club is located in the heart of Aiken, where you can enjoy world-class golf, tennis and pickleball facilities, a resort-style swimming pool, or a casual meal in Mulligan’s grill. With 36 holes of championship golf and a nine-hole par-three course,golf pros and novices alike will enjoythis course.
Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken is a par 71 layout and plays at 6,695 yards from the championship tees. What the course may lack in length it more than makes up for with its small elevated and undulating greens, and clever bunkers.
The Reserve Club at Woodside Plantation course in Aiken was named by Golf Digest as one of the “Top Ten Best New Private Courses in America in 2003.” The course offers a 6,995-yard layout with rolling terrain, plush fairways and beautiful views.
Houndslake Country Club this course in Aiken offers an 18-hole Championship golf course. This course was designed to be a versatile course for both the weekend golfer and the professional.
Cedar Creek Golf Club in Aiken has two large practice greens and a driving range for members to hone their game before taking on this course.
The River Golf Club is a semi-private facility conveniently located across from downtown Augusta, Ga in North Augusta, SC. The course offers a fantastic layout with a spectacular views to create a golfers’ paradise.
Mount Vintage Golf Club is a semi-private club in North Augusta, SC that offers golfers of all abilities a 27-hole championship golf course.
Carolina Golf Range in downtown Aiken is a course designed for golfers of all skill levels.
Midland Valley Golf Club in Graniteville, SC offers a golf course with practice facilities, a driving range, pro shop and a Grill & Sports Bar.
Sage Valley Golf Club in Graniteville, SC offers an 18-hole course with rolling hills, beautiful azaleas, pine trees, and sparkling waters. There is also a 9-hole par three course, added in 2019. You can actually play this course in the evening when itsilluminated by more than 100 Musco lights!
WHERE TO STAY IN AIKEN
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR TRIP TO SOUTH CAROLINA:
- SOUTH CAROLINA VACATION
- AIKEN: 10+ SENSATIONAL THINGS TO DO IN AIKEN SC THAT ARE CHARMINGLY SOUTHERN
- GREENVILLE:29+ THINGS TO DO IN GREENVILLE SC FOR FAMILIES
- MYRTLE BEACH:49+ THINGS TO DO IN MYRTLE BEACH (IT’S NOT WHAT YOU ARE THINKING!)
- COLUMBIA:15 FAMILY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN COLUMBIA SC AND LAKE MURRAY COUNTRY
- SOUTH CAROLINA BEACHES:17 ALLURING SOUTH CAROLINA BEACHES BEGGING YOU TO VISIT
AIKEN FAQ
What is Aiken, South Carolina known for?
Aiken, South Carolina is known for being Thoroughbred Country and ishome to first-class polo and racing.
Is Aiken County getting a new golf course?
Yes, Aiken County is getting a new golf course! Old Barnwell, is slated to fully open in the fall of 2023. A clubhouse and an 18-room lodge are also planned.
Who designed Aiken Golf Club?
Aiken Golf Club was originally built in 1912, with a portion of its design attributed toJohn Inglis. It is one of the oldest courses in the nation.
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Sue Rodman
Co-Founder at 365 Atlanta Traveler
Sue came to Atlanta after finishing the Walt Disney World College Program where she was a tour guide then guest relations hostess (and no she did not moonlight as Snow White). Sue spent 25 years in PR before adding freelance travel writing to her resume. Prior to 365 Atlanta Traveler, Sue published an award winning family travel blog called Field Trips with Sue for eight years, and produced a TV segment with the same name on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta. Her favorite place to visit is anywhere with her husband and three sons. Sue believes anytime is a good time for dessert and there are no bad field trips, just better stories.
Latest posts by Sue Rodman (see all)
- SEAWORLD ORLANDO: 39+ SECRETS FOR AN AMAZING VISIT - 03/14/2023
- 10+ SENSATIONAL THINGS TO DO IN AIKEN SC THAT ARE CHARMINGLY SOUTHERN - 03/13/2023
- - 03/11/2023
FAQs
How many golf courses are in Aiken? ›
Aiken, South Carolina Golf Courses
There are 11 golf courses in Aiken, South Carolina and 0 are municipal courses. There are also another 4 golf courses within 20 miles of Aiken, including 3 public, 0 municipal and 1 private courses.
GOLF. Both Rees Jones and Bob Cupp have applied unique imagination in building two signature courses indelibly inscribed upon the beauty of the natural terrain.
How many golf courses does SC have? ›South Carolina is home to more than 350 golf courses, including many impressive public courses along with resorts and private courses.
How many golf courses are there at Hilton Head South Carolina? ›Today, Hilton Head Island is home to more than 23 championship courses, both public and private, designed by renowned golf architects like Robert Trent Jones Sr., Pete Dye, and Jack Nicklaus.
What is Kevin Kisner home course? ›Kevin Kisner notched only a half-point for the U.S. at Quail Hollow, and because of that, a few U.S. faithfuls personally sent the world No. 27 a piece of their minds to Kisner's home course — Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken, South Carolina.
Where is Zac Blair Golf Course? ›AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - An old tree farm in Aiken has become a golf course and will be open to members for a preview next week. Zac Blair has golfed at a lot of courses in his career but he's always dreamed of having one of his own.
How big is Woodside Plantation Aiken SC? ›Just minutes from gracious and charming Aiken, South Carolina lies Woodside Plantation, a carefully planned, 2,800-acre gated community with many unique amenities. Woodside Plantation is dedicated to wellness, encouraging its residents to live active and full lives.
How many golf courses are in Sea Pines Plantation? ›With three world-class courses and a generous selection of accommodations, there's no better place than The Sea Pines Resort for your golf group or special event.
What city in South Carolina is noted for its golf courses? ›Each year millions head to the golfing playground of Myrtle Beach where there are more than 120 courses to choose from. It is therefore no surprise that the state tourist board flaunts South Carolina as the No. 1 golfing state in America.
Why is SC first in golf? ›In 1786, the South Carolina Golf Club was founded in Charleston, and thus American golf was born. The club, formed by a group of Scottish merchants, started shortly after the first golf clubs and balls arrived to the states.
How many golf courses are in Free State? ›
The Free State Golf Union is the governing body for amateur golfers who are in membership of the 37 clubs in the Free State province.
What two fruits are South Carolina known for? ›THE STATE FRUIT
The Peach was designated as the official State Fruit by Act Number 360 of 1984. South Carolina grows over thirty varieties of peaches and ranks second in fresh peach production in the United States behind California. Peaches have been commercially grown in South Carolina since the 1860's.
Discover why The Sea Pines Resort is Hilton Head's premier golf destination, loved by PGA TOUR pros and golf enthusiasts alike.
Is South Carolina famous for golf? ›South Carolina is one of the leading golfing states in the nation, in terms of courses, participants, and tournament play. The Grand Strand area alone, anchored by Myrtle Beach, has over one hundred courses, most of which offer vacation packages for tourists.
What is the big golf tournament in Hilton Head SC? ›#PLAIDNATION CENTRAL. The Heritage Classic Foundation is excited to announce that the 54th annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing will take place April 10-16, 2023. Each year, the golf world tunes into the RBC Heritage which is played at the Harbour Town Golf Links, within The Sea Pines Resort.
Does Tiger Woods have a home golf course? ›To answer this, yes, Tiger Woods does own a 4-hole golf course in his Florida mansion. The $40 million approximated mansion is situated in Florida near his mother's property. Last year, an aerial photo of Woods' house went viral, showing three to four greens under construction.
What golf course did Bob Hope own? ›After his death, true to his wishes, his private course became the O'Donnell Golf Club, and to this day, offers members a spectacular setting in the shadow of Mt. San Jacinto to enjoy both the game of golf and social amenities associated with a private club.
What golf course is the Rocket Mortgage? ›Changes for the PGA Tour Event On October 11, 2010, the Detroit Golf Club bid for the Rocket Mortgage Classic on the PGA Tour. The event has been hosted on the North course from 2019 through 2022. To prepare several of the holes were lengthened, and trees around the greens and tee boxes have also been removed.
What small golf town in South Carolina warms to glow of Masters Halo? ›Bloomberg features Aiken “Small Golf Town in South Carolina Warms to Glow of Masters' Halo” "Golf pro Zac Blair has been trying to build a golf course under his Buck Club brand for years. But he found no success until summer 2020 when he purchased a sandy spot in Aiken", S.C.
Where is LIV Golf going to be played? ›Rather than repeating the team championship at Trump National Doral, LIV has decided to take its team championship international to Royal Greens & Country Club in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Where is LIV Golf being played? ›
Dates | tournament | purse |
---|---|---|
Apr 21 - 23 | LIV Golf Invitational Adelaide The Grange Golf Club - Adelaide, Australia | $25,000,000 |
Calhoun Mansion, South Carolina
The mansion has a total of 35 rooms with 14-foot-high ceilings and was built in 1876.
Located in the heart of Aiken, South Carolina, the Hitchcock Woods is one of the largest urban forests in the nation. With 2,100 acres of forestland and 70 miles of sandy trails, the Woods are a haven for hikers, equestrians, dog walkers, runners, bird watchers and nature lovers and history buffs.
What is the biggest pond in South Carolina? ›Langley Pond, located in Aiken, South Carolina, is considered the largest “pond” in the United Sates. With its tree-lined banks and long, narrow water body, it provides a perfect venue for water events.
How do you get into Sea Pines for free? ›You can access the trolleys from many points in Sea Pines or at a parking lot near the Sea Pines main gate and travel around the resort for free. This will allow you to leave your car at “home” or in an uncrowned lot, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and avoid parking stress.
Who owns Sea Pines SC? ›Sea Pines changed hands many times in the decade of the 1980s. The Heizer Corporation purchased it in 1982. It was then transferred to an independent investor named Bobby Ginn with the Ginn family.
Who is the owner of Sea Pines? ›Sea Pines founder Charles E. Fraser established the Heritage Classic in 1969 with Arnold Palmer winning the inaugural tournament and giving Pete Dye's Harbour Town Golf Links national recognition.
Where is the golf capital of the US? ›Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has earned the nickname “Golf Capital of the World,” and is home to over 80 award-winning golf courses set along more than 60 miles of Carolina coastline.
In what SC city was the first game of golf in the US played? ›It is thought that the first organized golf played in America was on Harleston Green, undeveloped pastureland near the corner of Pitt and Bull streets. In 1743, Charleston merchant David Deas received a shipment of 432 golf balls and ninety-six clubs from Scotland.
What city in Georgia is the location of a famous golf course? ›Come springtime, there's no doubt that the golfing world revolves around Georgia and its most famous course, Augusta National. Home of The Masters, Augusta National is one of the most exclusive and renowned golf courses in the world with some of the most iconic holes and moments in golf history.
What is the first shot in golf called? ›
Drive. A drive is a type of shot. It describes the first shot taken from the tee box for each hole on the golf course.
What does the letter S mean on a golf club? ›The S on a golf club stands for a sand wedge, sometimes labelled SW. Golfers will use this club to hit shots out of a bunker and to hit chips and pitches onto the green.
Who should hit first in golf? ›When starting a hole, generally the player with the lowest score on the previous hole plays first. After starting a hole, the ball farthest from the hole is usually played first.
What state has the most golf tournaments? ›New York. Just as New York has hosted the U.S. Open in tennis since 1924, it's hosted more U.S. Opens in golf than any state, dating back to the second year of the tournament's existence in 1896.
How many golf courses does the U.S. government own? ›There are currently 2,458 government-owned courses in the U.S. This number represents 15 percent of all courses and 21 percent of all public courses. The first 18-hole municipal golf course in the United States opened in 1895 in Van Cortland Park, in New York City. Van Courtland Golf Course remains in operation today.
How many golf courses in the U.S. are private? ›According to the National Golf Foundation, in 2020, there were roughly 16,100 courses at 14,100 facilities in the U.S. Of that total, 75 percent are open to the public: 2,500 municipal and 7,900 daily-fee. That leaves approximately 4,025 courses labeled as private.
What is the most famous food in South Carolina? ›Shrimp & Grits
Undoubtedly one of South Carolina's most iconic dishes, shrimp and grits, once a budget-friendly Lowcountry staple, has become a menu darling across the state.
Benne wafers are traditional American cookies originating from Charleston, South Carolina. They are made with a combination of butter, sugar, flour, eggs, baking powder, and benne – the Bantu word for sesame seeds. In the past, they were a good-luck parting gift for guests at plantation parties.
Can anyone go to Hilton Head? ›All of the beaches, from the ocean to the high tide water mark, on Hilton Head Island are public, but it's the access to the beach that is private.
How do people get to Hilton Head? ›Two airports service the Hilton Head Island area: Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH), located approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) from all Island resorts, and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), located approximately 45 miles (72 kilometers) south of the Island.
Why are people moving to South Carolina? ›
Many people like to come south for the weather, cheaper cost of living, and the laid-back atmosphere. The study is part of a yearly report by United Van Lines, in fact, this is the 46th annual National Movers Study the company has conducted.
Why do people love South Carolina? ›South Carolina is known for its warm temperatures, white sand beaches, parks, festivals, and golf – the things that usually draw people to our beautiful state – but it's our famed southern hospitality, rich culture, flavorful cuisine, and slow living (long before it was a lifestyle movement) that inspires them to ...
What alcohol is South Carolina known for? ›South Carolina: Sweet tea and vodka
Continue reading to see other signature drinks in your region.
Presented by Yamaha & Mobipaid. (Hilton Head, SC) – Amateur, Jack Faraci, of Long Island, NY, came out on top to win the 67th South Carolina Open, presented by Yamaha and Mobipaid.
What is the purse for Hilton Head golf? ›It's the sixth designated event of the 2022-23 PGA Tour season and once again, big bucks were up for grabs. A $20 million total purse and a $3.6 million first-place prize were on the line at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
What is the new golf tournament in South Carolina? ›The 2022 event begins next week at Congaree Golf Club, Oct. 19-23. RIDGELAND, South Carolina – Featuring a field of 53 PGA TOUR winners, THE 2022 CJ CUP in South Carolina is set to begin at Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland, South Carolina from October 19-23.
How many golf courses are in the state of Kansas? ›State | Location quotient | Establishments |
---|---|---|
Kansas | 0.99 | 121 |
Nebraska | 0.97 | 141 |
Virginia | 0.96 | 215 |
California | 0.95 | 632 |
There are 9 golf courses in Augusta, Georgia and 1 is a municipal course. There are also another 25 golf courses within 20 miles of Augusta, including 12 public, 0 municipal, 3 PL and 10 private courses.
How many golf courses are there in the state of Massachusetts? ›There are 289 golf courses in or near Massachusetts.
How many golf courses are in Virginia? ›With a moderate climate and more than 200 public golf courses, Virginia offers exceptional year-round golfing experiences.
How many golf courses does the US government own? ›
There are currently 2,458 government-owned courses in the U.S. This number represents 15 percent of all courses and 21 percent of all public courses. The first 18-hole municipal golf course in the United States opened in 1895 in Van Cortland Park, in New York City. Van Courtland Golf Course remains in operation today.
How many PGA Tour golf courses are there? ›In this collection, we rank the 38 U.S. courses across 19 different states that will host a PGA Tour event this season, based on the scores from our 1,900 course-ranking panelists.
How much does it cost to be a member at Augusta? ›The Augusta National membership fees are relatively low for a club of its reputation. The initiation fee is estimated to be in the range of $40,000 - $200,000, but the official figure is unknown. And the yearly dues are assessed at “a few thousand” dollars annually, in the field of $7,000 to $10,000.
How much does it cost to play a round at Augusta? ›Although Augusta National is a private club, the general public is able to play the course by paying a daily fee. The Augusta National Golf Course round price is about $525 + tax. This fee includes the green fee and caddy fee. There are no refunds for unused rounds.
Can the public play Augusta course? ›Augusta National Golf Club is a private club and is only accessible to club members and their guests. The public may visit the course only during the Masters Tournament and only with the proper ticket or badge.
How many golf courses are in Pebble Beach? ›Pebble Beach has seven 18-hole golf courses, and one 9-hole course. Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill and Peter Hay Golf Course are owned by Pebble Beach Company and are all public courses.
Does Massachusetts have a top golf? ›The first Topgolf venue near Boston will swing open its doors in late 2023. This will be the first Topgolf to serve the state of Massachusetts after a few pop-up experiences in Fenway Ballpark in previous years. Construction efforts in Canton, where the venue will open in 2023, are well underway.
How many major golf tours are there? ›The PGA has four Major Golf Tournament events that take place during the season — The Masters Tournament, The U.S. Open, The Open Championship and The PGA Championship.
How many 9 hole golf courses are there in the US? ›The nine-hole version thrived for most of the history of golf in the U.S. in fact, until 1974, there were more nine-hole golf facilities in the U.S. than 18 holers. Currently, there are 3,777 nine-hole golf course in the U.S., which accounts for about 26% of the total supply (NGF).
How many golf courses have closed in the US? ›An estimated 800 golf courses have closed in the last decade, freeing up vast swaths of green space and a new "golf course gold rush" for developers and loss of public courses for golfers. ARI SHAPIRO, HOST: There are more golf courses in the U.S. than anywhere else - about 2 million acres of green space all told.
How many golf ranges are there in the US? ›
There are 58,137 Golf Driving Ranges & Family Fun Centers businesses in the US as of 2023, an increase of 0.8% from 2022.