Discover Writer
While most people associate South Carolina golf with places like Myrtle Beach and the Lowcountry, many fail to realize the myriad of championship courses beyond its coast. From the rolling hills of the Midlands to the picturesque mountain landscapes of the Upstate, South Carolina's diverse topography offers golfers an experience that most states simply can't match.
A Lakeside Golf Retreat
Arrive at Hickory Knob State Resort Park in McCormick. As the only resort state park in South Carolina, Hickory Knob offers a wonderful range of lodging options, including cabins, lodge rooms and 44 campsites all within close proximity to the golf course. From a couple's getaway to a large group of old college friends, Hickory Knob has the accommodations to suit.
Once you've unpacked, it's time to begin your South Carolina golf adventure. Hickory Knob's 18-hole, championship golf course can be found resting along the scenic shores of Strom Thurmond Lake. The layout was designed by legendary course architect, Tom Jackson, and offers something for golfers of all skill levels. You'll quickly get a feel for the Midlands terrain as you play through rolling hills and approach raised and dropped greens throughout your round. The front nine demands a more technical style of play, as you'll need to navigate around the pine forest fairways. The course then clears up to an open field for the back nine.
Once you've sunk your final putt, grab some lunch at the clubhouse, relax by the park pool or even get in some skeet shooting. For dinner, stroll over to Hickory Knob's full-service restaurant, located at the southern end of the Lodge building.
Spend some time improving your short game at Hickory Knob’s chipping and putting areas or perfect your swing at the driving range.
Elevate Your Game at Cherokee Valley
Fuel up with a hearty, Southern-style breakfast from the Hickory Knob clubhouse before heading to Cherokee Valley Golf Club in South Carolina's Upstate.
Cherokee Valley is located in Travelers Rest, about a two-hour drive from Hickory Knob. On the way, stop off in Abbeville for Yoder's Dutch Kitchen. This Mennonite-owned Dutch restaurant was featured on the popular television show "Man vs. Food," and is famous for its home-cooked meals and award-winning pies.
Once you arrive at Cherokee Valley, check in to the club's cottages. Each cottage comes with four bedrooms and a classic Southern porch that's perfect for relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the Upstate.
The championship course at Cherokee Valley is a sight to behold, featuring 18 holes of manicured perfection and immaculate Bermuda greens. The P.B. Dye course is designed to accentuate the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains, showcasing dramatic shifts in elevation from one hole to the next. For that reason, you're going to want a golf cart. is as beautiful as it is challenging, a par-3 with wondrous views of Glassy Mountain. Once you finish filling out your score card, Core 450 is a great place to review your round with a cold beverage from the full-service bar.
If you're feeling adventurous for dinner, Greenville is just 20 miles down the road and features a booming downtown culinary scene. Chophouse '47 is known for its signature cut steaks and fine wines, receiving awards in both categories.
Rev Up Your Trip in Spartanburg
Grab some breakfast at Core 450 onsite or visit Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse, a local favorite in Travelers Rest. Then, it's time to head to your final golfing destination, Edgewater Golf Club in Lancaster, a pleasant two-and-a-half-hour drive from Travelers Rest.
A great place to stop off on your trip is the city of Spartanburg. Car lovers will need to check out the BMW Performance Center, where you can test-drive the latest BMW models around a track and obstacle course. You can also refuel with some coffee from Little River Coffee Bar.
Once you arrive at Lancaster, check in to Kilburnie, the Inn at Craig Farm. Built in 1828, this beautifully restored antebellum home now serves as a bed and breakfast. Here, you'll experience true Southern hospitality, modern amenities and large elegant bedrooms.
Once unpacked, it's time to make your way to Edgewater Golf Course. This championship-caliber course features A1/A4 bent grass greens, complemented by beautiful Bermuda fairways, roughs and tees. It's known as one of the most challenging courses in the region, nestled deeply amid South Carolina's rolling terrain and majestic pines. The sprawling layout creates the unique feeling that your group is the only one on the course, lending the kind of peaceful tranquility to your round that keeps golfers returning on a regular basis.
Once you've finished your round at Edgewater, grab dinner in Lancaster at Wheel-In Restaurant, a local favorite known for having the best cheeseburgers and fresh-cut fries in town. After dinner and an adventurous three days of golf, it's time to head back and relax on the front porch at Kilburnie with a cocktail or Southern tea, before concluding your South Carolina golf adventure.
One of the toughest courses to play, Edgewater Golf Club is also one of the toughest to find. Be sure to check their directions page before you go.
