Most Affordable Public Golf Courses in Colleton County, South Carolina: Budget-Friendly Options for Every Golfer

Golf fans in South Carolina’s Lowcountry have some great options that won’t empty your wallet. Colleton County mixes public and semi-private golf spots, so there’s something for every skill level and budget.

You can find affordable public golf in Colleton County that delivers solid value for both casual and serious golfers. The area has everything—historic 9-holers to big championship layouts from well-known designers.

If you know where to look, you can squeeze in more rounds all year in this beautiful coastal part of South Carolina.

1) Old South Golf Links

Old South Golf Links sits just minutes from Hilton Head Island in Bluffton. Renowned architect Clyde Johnston designed this course, and it really shows off the natural charm of the Lowcountry.

Golf Digest named it one of the “Top Ten New Public Courses” back in 1992. When you play here, you’ll wind through live oaks, rolling land, and catch views of island greens right by the marshes of McKay’s Creek.

Wildlife is everywhere—wood storks, hawks, deer, and even alligators might show up during your round. The course holds both GEO Certification for sustainability and Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status for smart environmental planning.

It’s close to Hilton Head, so it’s easy for visitors to get to. The staff leans into Southern hospitality, whether you’re new to golf or have been at it for decades.

Rating: 4.5 (457 reviews)
Location: 50 Buckingham Plantation Dr, Bluffton, SC 29910
Contact: (843) 837-7155
Website: Visit Website

2) The Plantation Course at Edisto

The Plantation Course at Edisto offers pretty views and challenging play for an affordable price. This 18-hole, par-70 course stretches a little over 6,100 yards through oaks and palmettos.

Water comes into play on 14 holes, so club choice actually matters here. The course has small greens and generous landing spots, which makes it friendly for different skill levels.

The layout winds through salt marshes, tidal ponds, and coastal grasses. It’s easy to walk, and the Lowcountry scenery is honestly hard to beat.

Designer Tom Jackson struck a nice balance between beauty and strategy. Coastal winds and sneaky doglegs mean you have to think through your shots, but it’s still fun for everyone.

Rating: 4.6 (248 reviews)
Location: 19 Fairway Dr, Edisto Island, SC 29438
Contact: (843) 869-1111
Website: Visit Website

3) Dogwood Hills Golf Course

Dogwood Hills Golf Course gives you a unique golfing experience right by the Great Swamp Sanctuary. This 9-hole public course goes all the way back to 1933, designed by Donald Ross and Russell Breeden.

Originally, this spot was private, but now Colleton County Parks and Recreation owns it. So, you get to play a piece of Lowcountry history.

Dogwood Hills offers golf and even venue rentals. The course stays open Tuesday through Sunday, from sunrise to sunset.

You’ll find the pro shop right on Dogwood Lane in Walterboro. Easy place to pick up gear and get started.

Rating: 4.2 (50 reviews)
Location: 1 Dogwood Ln, Walterboro, SC 29488
Contact: (843) 538-8316
Website: Visit Website

4) Colleton River Club

Colleton River Club isn’t public—it’s a private club, so you’ll need a membership or an invite to play.

It’s at 60 Colleton River Drive in Bluffton, surrounded by marshes and those classic Live Oak trees draped in moss.

Members here get both golf and plenty of social activities. Jason Sutton, the Director of Instruction, has even worked with pro golfers.

The club offers privacy but you’re still close to other Lowcountry attractions. If you’re thinking about joining, you’ll have to reach out to them for membership info.

Rating: 4.7 (79 reviews)
Location: 60 Colleton River Dr, Bluffton, SC 29910
Contact: (843) 836-4400
Website: Visit Website

5) The Landing at Pleasant Point

The Landing at Pleasant Point gives you a full-service golf experience on mostly flat fairways with big, rolling greens. The course plays 6,602 yards from the back tees and 4,705 from the forward, par 72.

The signature hole is the 9th—a 185-yard par 3 with water hugging the green. Bunkers on both sides make it a real test for your tee shot.

You’ll hit four par-threes in your round, all different lengths and every one with water in play. Keeps you on your toes and sharpens your short game.

The design leans toward strategy, not just brute difficulty. Flat land makes it easy to walk, but the greens are tricky enough to keep things interesting.

Rating: 3.9 (27 reviews)
Location: 8 Barnwell Dr, Beaufort, SC 29907
Contact: (843) 986-9432
Website: Visit Website

6) Island West Golf Club

Island West Golf Club brings a scenic golf experience to Bluffton. You get 18 holes surrounded by natural beauty.

During your round, you might spot coastal water birds, alligators, and huge mossy oaks. Palmetto and palm trees are everywhere, adding to that southern vibe.

There are some challenging holes too, like the 16th—a par 5 that stretches 613 yards from the back tees. It’s a public course, so you can just show up and play.

The pro shop opens at 7:30 am and closes at 5:00 pm. On rainy days, give them a call to check if they’re open.

Rating: 3.7 (164 reviews)
Location: 40 Island W Dr, Bluffton, SC 29910
Contact: (843) 689-6660
Website: Visit Website

7) Pinecrest Golf Club

Pinecrest Golf Club is tucked away in the peaceful Lowcountry near Bluffton. It’s just a short drive from Hilton Head Island.

This public course offers great value, with daily play and reasonable lesson rates.

The practice facilities are solid—double-sided driving range, two big putting greens, and a chipping green. Good spot to work on your game.

Extra perks? The Parkway Pub serves up lunch and happy hour specials. The golf shop is well-stocked, so you’re covered if you forget something.

Rating: 3.8 (414 reviews)
Location: 1 Pinecrest Way, Bluffton, SC 29910
Contact: (843) 757-8960
Website: Visit Website

8) Links At Stono Ferry

Links At Stono Ferry brings affordable public golf to Hollywood, South Carolina. It’s right on Stono Links Drive and gives you a good round without costing a fortune.

Locals and tourists both show up for a solid game here. The layout keeps it interesting but doesn’t punish you for being human.

Conditions are pretty good for a public course—fairways and greens are usually in nice shape. You can expect a friendly vibe from the staff too.

A lot of golfers keep coming back because it’s great value. The team here works hard to make everyone feel welcome.

Rating: 4.4 (487 reviews)
Location: 4812 Stono Links Dr, Hollywood, SC 29449
Contact: (843) 763-1817
Website: Visit Website)

9) Colleton River Club

Colleton River Club sits tucked away on Oak Tree Road in Bluffton. It’s a private golf course, so you’ll need a membership to get through the gates.

The club’s setting is classic Lowcountry—think marshes, moss-draped Live Oaks, and the occasional wildlife sighting. It’s got that peaceful, natural vibe that makes golf feel like a retreat.

Members can get golf instruction from Jason Sutton, their Director of Instruction. PGA golfer Brian Campbell (his parents are members) has had good things to say about the coaching here.

But Colleton River Club isn’t just about golf. There are social events, sports, and all the perks of a gated community if you’re into that kind of privacy.

Rating: 4.7 (41 reviews)
Location: 17 Oak Tree Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910
Contact: (843) 836-4400
Website: Visit Website

Factors That Influence Golf Course Affordability

How much you pay to play at public courses in Colleton County depends on a few things. Membership type, the time of year, and what’s bundled with your green fees all matter.

Membership Options and Daily Fees

Public courses have a bunch of payment setups that can affect your wallet. Most charge daily green fees for walk-ins, usually somewhere between $25 and $75, depending on the course’s reputation and location.

If you play a lot, annual memberships might make sense. Unlimited play memberships usually run from $800 to $1,500 per year.

Some places sell punch cards—prepay for multiple rounds and get a break on the price.

Daily fee options include:

• Walking rates (cheapest)
• Cart rental (tack on $15-25)
• Twilight rates (cheaper afternoons)
• 9-hole vs 18-hole pricing

Monthly memberships are handy if you’re just around for a season. They’re typically $75 to $150 per month and let you play as much as you want during that time.

Understanding these pricing factors can help you pick what works for your budget and schedule.

Seasonal Pricing and Discounts

Golf prices bounce around through the year. South Carolina’s peak season is March to May and September to November—when the weather’s just about perfect.

During summer, it gets hot and sticky, so courses usually drop their rates. Winter brings even cheaper pricing as temperatures dip and days get shorter.

Discounts you might find:

• Seniors (10-20% off for 55+)
• Military (15-25% off with ID)
• College student rates
• Group deals for 12 or more

Weekdays are a bargain—rates can be 20-40% less than weekends. If you can swing a Tuesday or Thursday round, you’ll save more.

Early bird and twilight specials are worth checking out. Tee off before 8 AM or after 2 PM and you’ll probably get a deal.

Amenities Included in Green Fees

Not all green fees are created equal—what’s included can vary a lot. Usually, you get course access, tee markers, and a scorecard.

Some spots toss in range balls, but others charge $3-8 extra for them. Sometimes you get free driving range time before your round, sometimes not.

Standard stuff:

• Course upkeep
• Restrooms and water fountains
• Basic amenities
• Scorecard and pencil

Extras might be:

• Cart rental ($15-25)
• Practice facility access
• Clubhouse perks
• Food and drink minimums

Some fancier public courses roll cart fees into their green fees, which can actually make them a better value even if the base price looks higher. Always add up the total cost before deciding what’s “affordable.”

Pro shop discounts and food specials sometimes sweeten the deal. Occasionally, you’ll find combo packages—green fee, cart, and a meal for one set price.

Tips for Saving Money on Public Golf in Colleton County

You can definitely shave down your golf costs if you’re a little strategic about when and how you book. Colleton County’s public courses have some pretty good deals if you know where to look.

Best Times to Book Tee Times

Weekday mornings are usually the cheapest. Most courses drop rates by 30-40% compared to weekends.

Twilight hours—those late afternoon slots—are another solid way to save. They typically kick in a couple hours before sunset and cost less than peak times.

If you don’t mind cool weather, December through February is the sweet spot for savings. Green fees can be half-price or even less.

Shoulder seasons, like late fall or early spring, are also good bets. The weather’s still decent, but prices haven’t spiked.

Sometimes, you can score last-minute deals if you call the course on the day you want to play. It’s worth asking about any same-day specials or cancellations.

Group Rates and Local Resident Discounts

If you’re a local, bring proof of address—municipal courses like Dogwood Hills Golf Course often knock 20-30% off for residents.

Booking as a group helps too. Most courses give 10-15% discounts if you’ve got a foursome or more, and even better rates for bigger groups.

Seniors (usually 62+) can almost always get a weekday discount. Military discounts are common too, and some places extend them to families and veterans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Golfers always have a few burning questions—mostly about price, course difficulty, or family options. Here’s what folks usually want to know about public golf in Colleton County.

What are the green fees for public golf courses in Colleton County?

Green fees shift depending on the course and time of year. Dogwood Hills Golf Course is usually the most affordable since it’s county-run.

Most public courses charge $25-60 for 18 holes. Weekends always cost more.

Twilight rates usually chop 20-30% off the regular price. Senior and military deals are pretty common.

Which public golf courses in Colleton County offer the best value for money?

Dogwood Hills Golf Course stands out for value—it’s a 9-hole public course with some fun challenges winding through the Great Swamp Sanctuary.

The Plantation Course at Edisto is another good pick. You get rolling fairways, water hazards, and solid course conditions without having to pay top dollar.

Old South Golf Links is well-maintained and easy on the budget. It’s a good mix of quality and affordability.

Can you recommend a family-friendly public golf course in Colleton County?

Dogwood Hills Golf Course is great for families. The 9-hole layout includes two par-threes, so it doesn’t drag on for younger or newer players.

It’s a nice mix—2 par-threes, 5 par-fours, and 2 par-fives adding up to 3,129 yards. There’s enough variety to keep everyone interested.

County-run courses usually have more flexible family policies. You’ll often find better junior rates and sometimes family packages.

Are there any public golf courses near Colleton River that are affordable?

The Landing at Pleasant Point is open to the public and close to the Colleton River area. It’s a much more affordable option than the private clubs nearby.

Colleton River Club is private and has championship courses, but you’ll need a membership. Public golfers should look elsewhere.

You can find budget-friendly courses with nice water views just a short drive from the river.

What are the most popular public golf courses in Colleton County for beginners?

Dogwood Hills Golf Course is a favorite for beginners. The 9-hole format keeps things simple and the vibe is pretty relaxed.

With a par-35 layout from the back tees, it’s not intimidating and you can finish a round in about 2-3 hours.

Old South Golf Links is another good spot for new golfers. The fairways are forgiving and the staff is happy to help you get started.

How do seasonal changes affect rates at public golf courses in Colleton County?

Peak season rates usually hit their high point from March through May in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. You’ll probably notice the green fees go up during these months.

When summer rolls in, prices tend to drop. The heat and humidity chase off a lot of players, so courses start tossing out special deals in July and August.

If you’re all about saving money, winter’s your best friend. Colleton County’s mild climate lets you play year-round, and rates are at their lowest then.