North and South Carolina are among the most golf-rich states in the USA. Between them they offer sandy pine-forest golf in the Sandhills, mountain courses in the Blue Ridge, hundreds of courses along the Grand Strand, and elegant resort golf on the islands of the Lowcountry. The climate allows golf for most of the year, and the variety means you could take a dozen trips and never repeat yourself. Here is how to plan one.
North Carolina
The Sandhills
The area around the towns of Southern Pines and Aberdeen, in the middle of the state, is often called the home of American golf. The sandy soil drains quickly, and the courses run through longleaf pine forests with sandy waste areas and native wiregrass. Many greens are domed or "crowned", so shots that miss the centre roll off into hollows and require a deft short game.
- Best for: golf purists, golf history and walking golf.
- Good to know: the area is a well-known golf destination, so the best-known courses are expensive and booked well ahead. There are many more affordable courses nearby.
The mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, around Asheville, Boone and the High Country, offer cooler summer temperatures, dramatic elevation changes and stunning autumn colour.
- Best for: escaping summer heat, golf with hiking and scenic drives.
- Good to know: the season is shorter at higher elevations. Read how to play uneven lies.
The coast
The North Carolina coast, from the Outer Banks to Wilmington and the Cape Fear coast, has resort and links-style courses near beaches and marshes.
The cities
Charlotte and the Raleigh-Durham area (the Triangle) have plenty of public and private courses, useful for a golf break combined with a city visit.
South Carolina
The Grand Strand and Myrtle Beach
The Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of coast centred on Myrtle Beach, is one of the world's best-known golf destinations, with a huge number of courses, accommodation for every budget and competitive golf packages. Read about it in our guide to warm-weather golf destinations in the USA.
- Best for: group trips, variety and value.
- Good to know: spring and autumn are busy with golf groups; summer is family beach season.
Charleston and the barrier islands
Charleston's historic charm and food scene combine with nearby barrier-island resorts, offering coastal courses among dunes, marshes and live oaks draped with Spanish moss.
Hilton Head Island
The island at the southern tip of the state has many courses, beaches, bike paths and a relaxed resort atmosphere. Courses wind through marshes and lagoons.
The Midlands and Upstate
Aiken, Columbia, Greenville and the Upstate offer quieter, good-value golf, with the Blue Ridge foothills in the background.
Comparing the regions
| Region | Golf style | Best seasons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandhills | Sandy, pine forest, crowned greens | Spring, autumn | History and purist golf |
| North Carolina mountains | Mountain, elevation changes | Summer, early autumn | Cool summer golf |
| Grand Strand | Huge variety, resort and public | Spring, autumn | Group trips and value |
| Charleston and islands | Coastal, marsh and dunes | Spring, autumn | Resort golf and food |
| Hilton Head Island | Island resort | Spring, autumn | Relaxed family trips |
When to go
| Months | Coast and Sandhills | Mountains |
|---|---|---|
| March to May | Peak season, ideal weather | Spring arrives later; good from May |
| June to August | Hot and humid, afternoon storms, lower prices | Ideal: warm days, cool nights |
| September to November | Peak season, warm and dry | Autumn colour, cool mornings |
| December to February | Mild with cold spells; good value | Cold; many courses closed or limited |
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November. Take out travel insurance and watch the forecast in late summer and early autumn.
Playing tips
- Bermuda grass: many coastal and Sandhills courses use Bermuda grass, with grain on the greens. Read how to read greens.
- Crowned greens: in the Sandhills, aim for the centre of the green and practise chipping and putting from tight lies around the greens. Read chip or putt? How to choose.
- Sandy waste areas: often part of the general area rather than bunkers; check the local rules. Read parts of a golf course explained.
- Coastal wind: read how to play golf in the wind.
- Wildlife: alligators live in Lowcountry lagoons. Keep your distance and never retrieve a ball from the water's edge.
- Overseeding: some courses overseed in autumn, with temporary restrictions. Check before booking.
Costs and booking
- Packages are excellent value on the Grand Strand, and common elsewhere.
- Book early for spring and autumn, especially for the best-known courses.
- Summer and winter rates are lower.
- Twilight rates offer savings.
Read how to play golf on a budget and how to choose a golf resort.
Practical tips
- Rent a car; courses are spread out.
- Walk where you can in the Sandhills; many courses welcome walkers. Read walking vs riding.
- Heat: drink plenty of water in summer. Read what to eat and drink on the golf course.
- Combine regions: the Sandhills are within a few hours' drive of both the coast and the mountains.
Sample trip ideas
- Grand Strand group trip (five days): a round a day on different courses, with seafood dinners.
- Sandhills pilgrimage (four days): classic courses, walking with a caddie, and the village's golf history.
- Lowcountry escape (one week): Charleston and the islands, combining golf, food and beaches.
- Mountain summer break: cool golf around Asheville with hiking and scenic drives.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for golf, North or South Carolina?
Both are excellent. North Carolina offers the Sandhills and mountain golf; South Carolina offers the Grand Strand and Lowcountry island golf.
When is the best time for a Carolinas golf trip?
Spring and autumn for most areas; summer in the mountains.
Are the Sandhills expensive?
The most famous courses are, but there are many more affordable courses in the area.
Can I walk the courses?
Many Sandhills courses welcome walkers, often with caddies. Resorts and coastal courses usually use carts.
The bottom line
The Carolinas offer a remarkable variety of golf: historic pine-forest courses, mountain golf, hundreds of courses on the Grand Strand and elegant island resorts. Travel in spring or autumn, choose a region to suit your group, and leave time for the food, beaches and scenery. For more US destinations, read golf in Florida and how to plan a golf trip.