Pastoral scenes of the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains mingle with earthy red clay in Upstate South Carolina. Here you can escape the heat of the coastal areas and enjoy some southern hospitality where life lives at a slower pace. So whether you are renting your clubs or packing them, here are our top five picks for golfing in the Greenville area.
Conveniently located between Greenville and "twin city" Spartanburg, Willow Creek offers a fun course for golfers of any skill level. This championship Tom Jackson design features generous fairways and greens. A few holes have drop-offs into wooded areas to keep you on your toes.
205 Sandy Run
Greer, SC 29651
(864) 848-4999, (864) 476-6492
Green Fees: $19 - $48
This combination links and parkland Gary Player design is one of the more challenging courses in the area. Water and grass hazards abound and tight driving holes with elevation changes leave little room for error. The rolling hills and lush greenery attract wildlife such as geese, ducks, woodpeckers, turtles and great blue herons so you might get in a few sightings during your round.
100 Player Boulevard
Duncan, SC 29334
Phone: (864) 433-9192
Green Fees: $32 - $55
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this course sits on 100 acres of old farmland. It is known for both its affordability and natural beauty. Here you will find pear trees from the original orchard as well as natural water hazards. Plus, you'll get a gorgeous view of the countryside on the signature hole number 6.
13921 Asheville Highway
Gramling, SC
(864) 472-2411
Green Fees: $22 - $42
Seamless routing and a beautiful natural setting make the Walker Course a fun one to play. The back nine takes advantage of amazing views along Lake Hartwell. Across the course you'll encounter elevation changes, tree-lined fairways and rolling hills that will challenge you. And of course there is the signature hole whose bunkering forms a tiger paw in honor of the University's mascot.
230 Madren Center Drive
Clemson, SC 29634
(864) 656-0236
Green Fees: $17 - $70
This lushly scenic and challenging course is one of the top rated in the area and has hosted the Greater Greenville Classic nine times. William C. Byrd carved the course from thickly forested land. Natural water hazards and small greens are demanding but you will also be able to enjoy the abundance of naturalized areas that create habitats perfect for wildlife signings of wild turkeys and hawks.
650 Verdae Boulevard
Greenville, South Carolina 29607
(864) 676-1500
Green Fees: $24 - $59
