For golf enthusiasts, the perfect group tour pairs challenging courses with stunning scenery and nearby accommodations that cater to relaxation and camaraderie. From the rolling hills of South Carolina to the historic charm of Virginia, the Southeastern United States is famous for its array of picturesque golf destinations, each blending world-class fairways with luxurious resorts to create an unforgettable experience for golfers of all skill levels.
The Ocean Course on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, is legendary for more than its scenic beauty. Known as one of the most challenging courses in the country, it was designed by Pete Dye and is set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, where sea breezes and rolling dunes create visual drama and potentially challenging playing conditions. Golfers can test their skills on the Ocean Course or at the property’s four other courses. Groups staying on Kiawah Island can enjoy luxury accommodations, including villas and resort rooms designed to accommodate larger parties. Off the greens, activities like biking or walking the pristine beaches add to the area’s appeal.
For groups with an appreciation for history, The Cascades course in Hot Springs, Virginia, is a timeless mountain golf experience that includes the country’s oldest first tee in continuous use. Situated on the grounds of the Omni Homestead Resort, this 1923 William S. Flynn design winds through the contours of the Allegheny Mountains and offers lessons and club rentals. The historic resort offers spacious rooms, several upscale dining options, and an array of amenities, including mineral-fed hot springs.
For a more laid-back experience, The Cliffs is a series of golfing communities, each with its own unique scenery and activities. In the Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina, The Cliffs at Glassy golf course in Landrum has breathtaking panoramic views from every hole. This mountaintop course is renowned for its dramatic elevation changes, particularly at the 13th hole, where beautiful vistas stretch for up to 75 miles on a clear day. Groups visiting The Cliffs can enjoy elegant accommodations at The Cliffs at Glassy community or nearby resorts, making it an ideal hub for multiday tours exploring the region’s natural beauty. Not far away, The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards in Sunset, South Carolina, balances its mountain views with a stunning lakeside backdrop. Designed by Tom Fazio, this course meanders along the shores of Lake Keowee, incorporating challenging bunkers and immaculate greens. Fazio even claimed the 17th hole is the most beautiful in the state of South Carolina. In addition to golf, the Keowee Vineyards community is a great place for groups to explore miles of hiking trails and go horseback riding.
No roundup of Southeastern golf destinations would be complete without highlighting the Tournament Players Club of Myrtle Beach. This coastal South Carolina course, part of the PGA Tour’s network, is another Tom Fazio masterpiece that challenges golfers of all skill levels with its water features, marshes, and strategic layout. The Myrtle Beach area brims with tried-and-true, group-friendly accommodations, from oceanfront resorts to golf-specific lodges catering to tour groups and even some mini-golf. After a day on the course, groups can wander Myrtle Beach State Park or enjoy entertainment and dining around the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade.
By Katherine Lawless
Main Image: Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island, South Carolina; Credit: Kiawah Island Golf Resort
