GREENEST GREENS BY PERRY BAKER THE GOLF COURSES PRESERVING SOUTH CAROLINA'S WILD SIDE 1 2 W hen it comes to South Carolina, one word rises to the top: beautiful. From sun-drenched coastlines in the Lowcountry and Grand Strand to the leafy peaks of the Upstate and the winding rivers and lakes of the Midlands, the Palmetto State is rich in natural splendor. For golfers, beauty isn’t just a bonus— it’s essential. Luckily, South Carolina delivers, with more than 350 courses that blend challenging play with unforgettable scenery. From iconic PGA TOUR stops in Hilton Head Island, Myrtle Beach and Greer to hidden gems off the beaten path, there’s a course here for every swing. But there’s something else that sets South Carolina golf apart: a deep respect for nature. Across the state, many courses are part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, a partnership with the Audubon Society and United States Golf Association that champions eco-friendly land management and wildlife conservation. Playing here means teeing off on fairways that not only challenge your game but also protect the plants and animals that make each course uniquely South Carolinian. Whether you’re chasing birdies (and spotting birds) on bucket-list courses or soaking in the serenity of state parks, South Carolina’s greens are "greener" in every sense of the word. 1. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, Hilton Head Island 2. Cheraw State Park, Cheraw 12 DiscoverSouthCarolina.com