Best Golf Courses in Greenville SC

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Best Golf Courses in Greenville SC

Paul LiberatorePaul Liberatore


Paul Liberatore

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Obviously, we’re on a Carolina kick when it comes to course guides here at Golfer’s Authority.  I don’t know if it’s the warm weather that has everyone excited, or the fact that this week is the RBC Heritage at Harbor Town on Hilton Head. 

Whatever the case may be, it’s great to see our readers getting so excited for the golf season.  Obviously, everyone is antsy to get out and put a peg in the ground.

One of our most loyal readers, Adam, reached out and wanted to know about the best public courses in Greenville, South Carolina.  It sounds like he’s going to visit his in-laws soon.  I don’t know about you, but this trip is one that you might not always look forward to, but you have to get through as part of being married.

Being the smart guy he his, Adam plans on escaping to the golf course while he’s there.  So, it’s in his honor that we’ve put together a list of the best courses anyone can play in Greenville area.

1

The Preserve at Verdae Golf Club

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One of the premier courses in Greenville, the Preserve at Verdae Golf Club was designed by area legend, Willard Byrd.

Even though the Preserve is located in the heart of Greenville, it sits on more than 100 acres of lush forest land.  As you play, you’ll be taken aback by the beauty of the verdant trees and quiet brooks that subtly announce their presence on every hole.  Here, the motto is “Striving for Harmony Between Golf and Nature”.

The layout features a wide variety of holes, each of which are memorable.  Unlike a lot of courses where holes seem to blend together, golfers say it’s the opposite at the Preserve.

One of Greenville’s finest, don’t miss a chance to play here.

 

2

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The Links O’Tryon presents a breath of fresh air in a land of courses many.  This is a classic Scottish Links layout. 

The vision of Tom Jackson, Links O’Tryon is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Iconic stonework can be found throughout the course, giving you the feel that you’re playing a centuries old course across the pond. 

The course winds it’s way over rolling hills, and the fairways and green openings are generous.  You’re encouraged to hit shots along the ground. 

Be wary of the penal bunkers, however.  Like any true links course, these are the real trouble and can add strokes to your score in a hurry. 

Fun and challenging all at once, you won’t forget a day spent at Links O’Tryon.

 

 

3

The Club at Brookstone

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Another Tom Jackson design, the Club at Brookstone is heralded as one of the top courses in Upstate South Carolina.  With that said, this track is also one of the best values you’ll find.

A traditional parkland layout, holes are lined by trees and ask you to hit every club in your bag.  The shot values are outstanding.

When you get to the greens, you’ll be putting on some of the truest surfaces around.  That’s largely in part due to a $2 million renovation that took place in 2016.  During the project, the greens were resurfaced with Champion Bermuda that’s a lot less grainy than other Bermuda strains.  Today, the surfaces putt like a dream.

A high-end experience at an affordable price, I hope Adam gets a chance to play the Club at Brookstone.

4

Village Greens Golf Club

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Village Greens Golf Club has been around for a minute, 1969 to be exact.  

Designed by Russel Breeden, this classic design isn’t going to kill you with length.  Instead, it’s narrow fairways and small greens require accuracy and precision.

Built on 100 acres of what was formally an orchard, you’ll be reminded of yesteryear on the 10th hole where pear trees still stand to this day.

Locals love this place because they feel like family when they show up.  The Gaines and Gramling families still operate the place and know most everyone by first name.

Downhome, affordable, and fun to play, Village Greens sounds like my kind of place.

5

Rolling Green Golf Course

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Hands down, one of the best values in the Greenville area is Rolling Green Golf Course.

Three distinct nine make up this property, and each offers its own unique set of challenges. 

Rolling terrain and undulating greens can be found throughout.  Expect some uneven lies and challenging putts. 

Plenty of options and a great value, Rolling Greens is a can’t miss.

6

The Rock Golf Course and Resort

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If you’re looking to get away for a few days, the Rock Golf Course and Resort is the place to be.

The golf course is set amidst an old growth forest that butts right up against the fairways.  Straight is more important than long.

Elevation changes can be found on a number of holes.  This makes club selection important as missing short or long can be costly.

There’s plenty of other activities to partake in besides golf too.  Water adventures and miles of scenic and historic hiking trails await.

7

River Falls Plantation Golf Course

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River Falls Plantation is located halfway between Greenville and Spartanburg. 

The rolling zoysia fairways of this Gary Player design are bordered by the South Tyger River.  This is one of the more scenic courses in the area. 

This course has elevation change throughout.  Not only does this allow for some creating shot making, it makes for a workout too.  If you aren’t looking to burn all your calories from breakfast, taking a cart might be a good idea.

River Falls Plantation is both fun and challenging.  Not be missed.

8

Paris Mountain Country Club

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Paris Mountain is one of the oldest courses in the Greenville area.  A J.P. Traynham design, it dates all the way back to 1938.

Full of character is how locals describe this course.  Some of the holes are a little quirky, but that’s part of the charm that makes this place so special.  Expect some funky bounces and to hit shots you don’t normally hit anywhere else. 

If you’re thinking about joining somewhere, Paris Mountain is worth considering.  The dues are reasonable and the amenities first class.

9

Furman University Golf Club

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I’ve always been a fan of guys that are great putters.  Maybe it’s because I struggle with the flatstick so much.  One of the greatest putters of the modern era is Brad Faxon.  His alma mater is Furman University, and I was fortunate to play the school’s course with him a long time ago.

Ok, enough with my story… I’m a big fan of this track that’s been voted the “Best Public Course in Greenville” and “No. 17 Best Campus Courses”. 

Even though the course was designed to challenge upper echelon players, it’s playable for everyone.  Five sets of tees give you plenty of options.

I have fond memories of the Furman University Course and I bet Adam will too.

10

Pebble Creek Golf Course

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Pebble Creek is another 27-hole facility that’s not to be missed. 

The layout ventures through a native dogwood forest that’s dotted with mountain-fed creeks and idyllic ponds.

Don’t get too caught up in the natural beauty though.  Pebble Creek demands your best from tee to green.  While there’s no guessing where to hit it, there’s plenty of trouble waiting to eat up errant shots. 

If you have time, I suggest playing all three nines.

Conclusion

I love the Greenville area and all that it has to offer.  While my heart certainly goes out to Adam for having to spend a week with his in-laws, it could certainly be in a place less desirable than this part of Upstate South Carolina.  He’s smart for taking his clubs.

I can’t take all the credit for putting this guide together.  As always, I relied heavily on input from our readers, many of whom can empathize with Adam’s situation.  Thank you all.

If you’ve got additional tips you’d like to share with Adam, or anyone visiting the Greenville area, let us know in the comments.