South Carolina is located in the Southeastern United States and is bordered by North Carolina to the north, by Georgia across the Savannah River to the south and west and by the Atlantic Ocean to the east. South Carolina has several major lakes covering more than 683 square miles. Lake Keowee, which hosts several golf communities and lakefront communities, is the state’s fifth largest at more than 18,000 acres. Lake Marion is the largest at 110,000 acres and is also a location for golf communities. If you are looking at a top choice outside of Florida, South Carolina may be perfect.
Warm Summers / Mild Winters
South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate, although high-elevation areas in the upstate area are cooler. In summer South Carolina is hot and humid, with daytime temperatures averaging between 86 – 93 °F in most of the state. Overnight lows average 70 – 75 °F on the coast and from 66 – 73 °F inland. Coastal areas of the state have very mild winters, with high temperatures averaging around 60 °F with overnight lows in the 40s °F. For this reason, you will find many highly regarded, world-class South Carolina golf communities located there.
Great Tax Benefits
South Carolina has one of the lowest per capita tax rates in the country, according to the U.S. Bureau of the Census. That fact that has put the Palmetto State in, or close to, Kiplinger’s rankings of the Top 10 Best States for retirees on a regular basis. South Carolina’s income tax structure follows federal income tax laws, allowing many of the same adjustments, exemptions and deductions with only a few modifications. In fact, the starting point for calculating one’s state tax liability is one’s federal taxable income. South Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits or railroad retirement income. South Carolina also allows special exemptions for retirees and senior adults in homestead and other tax areas.
South Carolina is a bit more convenient to the Northeast for those wishing to snowbird to a second home compared to South Florida locations. In many regions of the state price points are also more attractive than more southern locations. With so many middle-aged consumers wanting to buy now before retirement, value, location, and availability have made South Carolina a great choice. And as far as golf is concerned, the state is home to some of the most spectacular golf courses in the country, with a full 10-12 month season for play.
Eight Great Golf Communities in South Carolina
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Kiawah Island comprises several luxury communities, including the esteemed Cassique and Ocean Park neighborhoods. Residents are able to become a Member of the Kiawah Island Club where they can enjoy further use of exclusive amenities and experiences. On the Island are a total of seven premier golf courses, including the legendary Ocean Course, host of the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championship. Several pro shops and a Golf Learning Center complete the golfing experience.
Berkeley Hall Club in Bluffton, South Carolina
Situated along the Okatie River is the ever so charming Bluffton, South Carolina. This all-American town is home to several of the best golf communities in the state, but there is one community that stands out among the rest. Berkeley Hall Club is an established neighborhood with great focus on the golfing lifestyle many South Carolina residents seek out. With two Tom Fazio golf courses and a Golf Learning Center, residents are able to participate in a robust golf program as soon as they move in.
Brays Island Plantation in Sheldon, South Carolina
Brays Island is a sporting community with a passion for hunting, shooting, horsemanship, fishing, water recreation, and of course, golfing. This quaint community is home to just a few hundred families, meaning there’s never a wait at its Ron Garl championship-level course. With such a close-knit community, Brays Island is known as being one of the best golf communities in South Carolina.
Colleton River Club in Bluffton, South Carolina
Home to both a Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye golf course is the Colleton River Club. All 36 holes on each course offer sweeping views of the lush Lowcountry landscape. Of course, no golf community such as this is complete without its own golfing practice park. The park features a driving range, learning center, short game area, and private golf instruction to better you’re playing level.
Daniel Island Club in Charleston, South Carolina
The town of Daniel Island sits on a 4,000-acre private island situated just outside of downtown Charleston. Daniel Island Club appeals to luxury homeowners looking to live somewhere with access to great golf amenities but not be too far from an excellent nightlife. Daniel Island is just a mere 15 minutes away from Mt. Pleasant and 20 from downtown Charleston. Play a round of golf in the morning and end the day with dinner and drinks at your favorite restaurant in the French Quarter.
Haig Point on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
Haig Point is by far one of the most unique golf communities in South Carolina. Just south of Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie Island is one of the only car-free communities in the country. To get to the Haig Point community, you must take a ferry ride from Hilton Head to the community. The residents here soak in the calm and peaceful ambiance the car-free island provides. Within Haig Point you will find a Rees Jones golf course and elegant equestrian center.
Hampton Hall in Bluffton, South Carolina
This private community’s golf course was designed by Pete Dye, who also designed Kiawah’s Ocean Course. Hampton Hall’s golf course meanders through the community’s entirety, butting against blue lagoons and elegant homes. Golf events are often held here to encourage camaraderie between the island’s residents and foster a stronger sense of community. Players of all levels can learn to swing like a pro at their premier practice facilities.
The Cliffs at The Lake Region
Along the shores of Lake Keowee are a cluster of Cliffs communities in Upstate South Carolina, referred to as The Lake Region. The Cliffs at Keowee Falls, Keowee Springs, and Keowee Vineyards are three luxury communities, each donning its own signature golf course. As the name suggests, these communities are also focused on both golf and lake living. Cliffs members from any community are able to access all the events and venues at any of the seven total communities.
