South Carolina Golf Scene Thrives with New Rankings

News Summary

South Carolina’s golf scene is gaining national recognition with a new ranking of its best golf courses. The list includes two new contenders, The Tree Farm and Old Barnwell, both making an impressive debut. Additionally, Congaree maintains its status as a top course while anticipation builds for upcoming courses like Broomsedge and 21 Golf Club. The rankings reflect a commitment to golf heritage and accessibility, making South Carolina a prime destination for golfers of all skill levels.

South Carolina’s Golf Scene on the Rise: New Rankings and Exciting Courses Ahead!

Golf enthusiasts, gear up! South Carolina’s golf scene is thriving like never before, earning recognition that puts it squarely on the national map. With new rankings popping up and fresh courses making their debut, there’s plenty to talk about for both serious players and casual weekend golfers alike.

New Additions Shine in Rankings

This year, South Carolina rolled out its 2025-2026 Best Golf Courses to Play list, showcasing a lineup that’s sure to excite anyone with a passion for the game. New to the spotlight are two stunning courses: The Tree Farm and Old Barnwell, which have made quite an impression by debuting in the top five of the state’s best courses. Their impressive designs and playable layouts have captured the attention of the South Carolina Golf Course Rankings Panel, which is made up of around 125 golf enthusiasts from varying backgrounds.

It doesn’t stop there! Both The Tree Farm and Old Barnwell also made their mark on America’s Second 100 Greatest Courses, showing that they are not just local favorites but contenders on the national stage. What’s especially exciting is that they rank closely to each other, highlighting the exceptional quality found in South Carolina.

Congaree’s Continued Ascension

Since its debut, Congaree has been a hot topic among golf fans, maintaining its status at No. 2 in the state since it first hit the scene. Not only did Congaree snag the Best New Course award back in 2018, but it has continued to elevate the standard for what golfers can expect from a premier golfing experience.

Upcoming Courses and Expectations

Broomsedge, designed by talents Kyle Franz and Mike Koprowski, is raising a lot of eyebrows. Another addition to watch for is the 21 Golf Club, which will feature two stunning new courses by the acclaimed King Collins design team. Meanwhile, construction is underway on Kawonu Golf Club, designed by Andrew Green, and early buzz suggests this course is set to be something truly special.

A Goldmine for Golf Lovers

With ongoing developments in its lineup of golf courses, South Carolina is solidifying its reputation as one of the premier golf destinations in the U.S. Many of the ranked courses are nestled in tourist-friendly areas like the Grand Strand and Lowcountry, closely associated with popular resort destinations. This focus on accessibility means that not only seasoned golfers but also newcomers can enjoy these scenic playgrounds.

A Celebration of Golf Heritage

The latest rankings embrace a celebration of golf heritage and innovation in course design in both South Carolina and neighboring states. Many classic course designs, including those by the legendary Donald Ross and modern master Tom Fazio, continue to enrich the golfing experience in the region. In the latest rankings, Ross has contributed designs to 12 courses, while Fazio has added his touch to 11, ensuring that golfers always have something exciting and beautiful to explore.

Ranking Criteria: More Than Just Numbers

What goes into the rankings? They’re not just about numbers; they consider routing, variety, strategy, and aesthetics, all wrapped up in the overall golfer experience. This thoughtful approach ensures that every golfer can find a course that suits their style, whether they’re playing for fun or honing their competitive edge.

Access for All

Importantly, many of the courses included in the rankings are designed with accessibility in mind, making them predominantly available for public play. This encourages golfers from all walks of life to hit the fairways and enjoy the sport.

So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, South Carolina’s growing golf scene is sure to delight – and offers even more reasons to grab your clubs and hit the links!

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