12 Most Exclusive Golf Retirement Communities in South Carolina

South Carolina added 27,000 retirees last year. They now make up 18.6% of the state's 5.19 million residents, drawn by tax breaks and a cost of living roughly 6% below the national average.

Residents in South Carolina's golf retirement communities tend to live 7–10 years longer than those aging in place. These communities offer championship golf courses alongside other amenities. Monthly costs typically run $1,500 to $4,000, depending on location and what's included.

South Carolina's best golf retirement communities span from the coast to the mountains. Each has quality courses and strong amenities. Year-round golfing weather is a major draw for active retirees.

• The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards
  • Golf course design and features
  • Membership exclusivity and requirements
  • Lakefront living amenities
  • Real estate options and pricing
• Kiawah Island Golf Resort
  • Championship golf courses overview
  • The Ocean Course legacy
  • Luxury residential communities
  • Private club membership benefits
  • Beachfront lifestyle advantages
• Hilton Head Plantation
  • Multiple golf course access
  • Coastal living experience
  • Community amenities beyond golf
  • Property types and investment value
• Daniel Island Club
  • Tom Fazio and Rees Jones signature courses
  • Membership structure and privileges
  • Charleston's premier golf community
  • Waterfront properties
• Dataw Island Club
  • Historic Lowcountry setting
  • Tom Fazio and Arthur Hills designs
  • Island lifestyle and amenities
  • Membership tiers and benefits
• The Reserve at Lake Keowee
  • Jack Nicklaus signature golf experience
  • Lakefront community features
  • Membership exclusivity
  • Real estate options
• Woodside Plantation
  • Multiple championship courses
  • Country club amenities
  • Aiken's equestrian connection
  • Property types and pricing
• Colleton River Club
  • Dual signature courses by Nicklaus and Dye
  • Lowcountry luxury living
  • Private club experience
  • Waterfront real estate options
• Belfair Plantation
  • Tom Fazio's East and West courses
  • Exclusive membership structure
  • Coastal community amenities
  • Property investment potential
• Haig Point Club
  • Rees Jones signature course
  • Car-free island living
  • Ferry-access exclusivity
  • Daufuskie Island lifestyle
• The Dunes Golf and Beach Club
  • Robert Trent Jones oceanfront course
  • Tournament history and legacy
  • Membership categories
  • Myrtle Beach's most prestigious address
• Palmetto Bluff
  • May River Golf Club experience
  • Conservation-focused community
  • Luxury amenities and services
  • Waterfront property options
• Comparison table
• Conclusion
• FAQs

The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards

The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards covers 2,400 acres along Lake Keowee in Sunset, South Carolina. Muscadine grape vineyards dot the property, and residents can choose between mountain or lakefront living.

Golf course design and features

Tom Fazio designed the championship course, which features eight holes along Lake Keowee's shoreline. Golf Digest ranks it among the state's best. The course has Bermuda grass tees and fairways, with Champion Ultra-dwarf Bermuda greens maintained to tournament standards.

Fazio calls the par-3 17th hole "the most picturesque hole in the state of South Carolina." This 250-yard hole drops toward the lake. In 2005, the Nationwide Tour named it the toughest par-3 on its circuit. Five holes have Blue Ridge Mountain views, and five more border Sumter National Forest.

Membership exclusivity and requirements

Property ownership at The Cliffs unlocks membership eligibility. Options include:

• Golf Membership: $50,000 initiation, access to all seven courses with 30-day advance tee times. Monthly dues: $726–$908
• Sports Membership: $35,000 initiation, $369–$462 monthly. Includes wellness centers, dining, and marina access
• Wellness Membership: $20,000 initiation, $325 monthly
• Social Membership: $20,000 initiation, $163 monthly. Covers dining and outdoor activities

Lakefront living amenities

The full-service marina has boat storage, wet and dry slips, a fuel dock, and rentals. The Lakehouse Restaurant overlooks the lake from its dining room, wraparound porch, and open-air pavilion. The Equestrian Center connects to 200 miles of riding trails with maintained stables.

The community also has a 10,000-square-foot wellness center, outdoor pool, tennis courts, and trails that lead to natural waterfalls.

Real estate options and pricing

Property prices median around $1,979,000, averaging $542 per square foot. Homes start at $700,000 and can exceed $5 million for premium locations.

The community offers waterfront properties, mountain view residences, and exclusive homesites in the Gary Player Estates. Resale inventory includes custom-built homes throughout the property.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Kiawah Island Golf Resort is one of South Carolina's most prestigious waterfront retirement communities, sitting on a barrier island near Charleston. It's known as one of the most thoughtfully developed barrier island communities in the country, with championship golf and coastal luxury.

Championship golf courses overview

The resort has five championship courses:

• The Ocean Course (Pete and Alice Dye design): Ten oceanfront holes
• Turtle Point (Jack Nicklaus): Small greens and tight fairways
• Osprey Point (Tom Fazio): Water features on fifteen holes
• Cougar Point (Gary Player): Original design, renovated in 2017
• Oak Point (Gary Player): Scottish-style bunkers, built on a former indigo and cotton plantation

All five courses use Paspalum grass, which provides excellent playing conditions and ball response.

The Ocean Course legacy

Golf Digest ranks the Ocean Course 25th among America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses, and the USGA gave it the country's highest course rating. The 7,876-yard, par-72 layout is one of only four courses nationwide to host all PGA of America major championships. It has hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup ("War by the Shore"), the 2007 Senior PGA Championship, and PGA Championships in 2012 and 2021. It will host the 113th PGA Championship in 2031.

Luxury residential communities

Kiawah's master plan manages property values through controlled development, balancing higher-density areas with protected environmental zones. Strict architectural covenants preserve neighborhood character and natural vegetation.

Private club membership benefits

The Kiawah Island Club offers three membership tiers available to property buyers—either unsold homesites or resale properties from current members. Members access private golf, exclusive dining, and premium recreational amenities.

Beachfront lifestyle advantages

The island has ten miles of beaches, often ranked among the world's best. Residents can swim, kayak, or explore the saltwater marshes. The maritime forest is home to bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead sea turtles.

Hilton Head Plantation

Hilton Head Plantation spreads across 4,000 acres on Hilton Head Island's northern tip. It's one of South Carolina's largest established retirement communities, combining coastal living with recreational amenities and preserved natural landscapes.

Multiple golf course access

The plantation has four championship courses. Gary Player designed Dolphin Head Golf Club in 1974 as the community's first course, built with minimal environmental impact. Rees Jones added the Country Club of Hilton Head (13 doglegs, many water hazards) and Oyster Reef Golf Club, now recognized among "The Top 20 Courses in the Carolinas." His third design, Bear Creek Golf Club, has no-tee-time play.

Coastal living experience

The community has two miles of beaches along Port Royal Sound, with beautiful water views. The Intracoastal Waterway runs along the eastern edge. Six miles of trails wind through oaks, palms, and southern pines. Residents often see dolphins from Pine Island's private, mile-long beach.

Community amenities beyond golf

The Spring Lake Recreation Area (built in 2016) features a zero-depth entry pool, lazy river, and splash pad. Twelve Har-Tru tennis courts, bocce and shuffleball facilities are available. The 137-acre Whooping Crane Pond Conservancy protects 75 plant species and 100 wildlife species. Skull Creek Marina accommodates vessels up to 200 feet with deepwater access.

Property types and investment value

Single-family homes start at $600,000; townhomes at $350,000. In February 2025, the median sale price was $849,000. Properties often feature granite countertops, modern appliances, and coffered ceilings. Hilton Head's popularity as a tourist destination makes properties attractive for investment.

Daniel Island Club

Daniel Island Club is the only private club in America with two championship courses by different designers sharing a single clubhouse. It sits minutes from historic Charleston, offering Lowcountry golf with upscale amenities.

Tom Fazio and Rees Jones signature courses

Beresford Creek (Tom Fazio design) is a 7,195-yard, par-72 course that winds through marsh and waterways. Ralston Creek (Rees Jones design) is a 7,446-yard par-72 course bordering saltwater marsh and tidal creeks. Both courses host major tournaments and rank among South Carolina's best.

Membership structure and privileges

The club offers tiered membership options:

• Daniel Island Golf Membership: $85,000 initiation. Exclusive to Daniel Island Park property owners; memberships are permanent and transferable
• Invitational Membership: $70,000 initiation. Requires member sponsorship
• National Membership: $30,000 initiation. For residents beyond 75-mile radius
• Sports Membership: $15,000 initiation. Excludes golf privileges
• Social Membership: Automatic for Daniel Island Park residents

Golf members can use both courses, practice areas, dining facilities, two resort pools, 16 tennis courts, and fitness centers.

Charleston's premier golf community

The club opened in 2001 as the anchor for Daniel Island Park's country club neighborhood. A 65,000-square-foot clubhouse houses Harry's Restaurant & Bar and The Dover Grill, hosts weddings and social events. The Ron Cerrudo Golf Learning Center offers instruction with digital video analysis.

Waterfront properties

Daniel Island's waterfront listings average $3,076,583, ranging from $499,900 to $11,287,450 across 21 properties. The Waterfront development offers Wando River views, community docks with valet service, Charleston ferry access, and Kingstide restaurant. Twenty-five miles of trails overlook marsh and river landscapes.

Dataw Island Club

Dataw Island Club occupies 860 private acres three miles from the Intracoastal Waterway. Real Estate Scorecard named it "Best South Carolina Community"; ideal-LIVING Magazine recognized it as "Best Island Community."

Historic Lowcountry setting

Spanish explorers reached the island in 1514, calling it "Datha Island" (Muskogean for "green wood"). Eighteenth-century tabby ruins—made from sand, lime, water, and oyster shells—remain from the plantation era. Archaeological digs have uncovered 6,000-year-old artifacts, now protected by the Dataw Historic Foundation.

Tom Fazio and Arthur Hills designs

Dataw has two championship courses. Tom Fazio's Cotton Dike Course uses antebellum plantation dikes along Jenkins Creek. Arthur Hills designed the Morgan River Course with Scottish-inspired challenges and strategic fairways. Both courses were renovated in 2012 and rank among South Carolina's top 50 layouts.

Island lifestyle and amenities

Carolina Sportscare runs the fitness center, offering personal training, aerobic classes, and therapeutic services. The community has eight Har-Tru tennis courts, championship croquet lawns, and two pools. The marina offers 75 wet slips and 200 dry storage spaces. A 40,000-square-foot clubhouse serves as the community hub, with several dining venues.

Membership tiers and benefits

Property ownership requires club membership. Owners pay $482 monthly (improved property) or $155 semi-annually (lot owners). Membership includes swimming, community center access, dining privileges, and dock usage. Sports packages add golf, tennis, and croquet. Non-residents choose Country Club memberships or Renter Memberships at $550 monthly.

The Reserve at Lake Keowee

The Reserve at Lake Keowee has 30 miles of shoreline with Blue Ridge Mountain views. This 3,900-acre community in upstate South Carolina offers luxury amenities and natural preservation for retirees seeking a mountain-lake lifestyle.

Jack Nicklaus signature golf experience

The 7,112-yard Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course opened in 2002 as the community's recreational centerpiece. Nicklaus used the existing terrain, weaving through mature hardwoods and pines while maximizing lake views. Three par-five holes challenge players with creek crossings before the greens. Golf Magazine ranks it among South Carolina's finest courses.

Lakefront community features

The community invested $100 million in amenities. The 20,000-square-foot Orchard House clubhouse overlooks the Great Lawn. A 200-slip marina, tennis facilities, dining venues, a fitness center, two pool pavilions, and a guest house are available. Conservation efforts protect 1,400 acres of natural landscape.

Membership exclusivity

Premier Membership requires a $60,000 refundable deposit plus $457 monthly dues, giving access to unlimited golf and all community amenities. The Legacy Membership program extends privileges to multiple generations without additional fees.

Real estate options

Golf course homesites start in the mid-$200,000s; waterfront properties begin at $300,000. Completed homes typically cost over $500,000. Styles include English Country Manor, Arts & Crafts, and Traditional Craftsman. The location offers seclusion while staying 20 minutes from Clemson University and 50 minutes from Greenville.

Woodside Plantation

Woodside Plantation in historic Aiken, South Carolina, combines championship golf with southern traditions. Founded in 2002, this gated community attracts residents seeking luxury amenities in Aiken's unique cultural setting.

Multiple championship courses

There are 36 holes of championship golf across two courses. Rees Jones and Bob Cupp designed courses with distinct styles. Towering pines, 60 acres of lakes, native dogwoods, and flowering plants frame the layouts. A Nicklaus Design course was recognized in Golf Digest's "Top Ten Best New Private Courses." Clyde Johnston's Hollow Creek Course borders the Hollow Creek Nature Preserve.

Country club amenities

The clubhouse has men's and ladies' locker rooms, a golf shop, and dining venues. The Charleston Dining Room serves elegant meals; Mulligan's Grill offers casual fare. A resort-style pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and a fitness center with group classes and personal training are available. The Invited Network connects members to 300 additional country clubs nationwide.

Aiken's equestrian connection

Aiken transformed from a 19th-century health resort into a "Winter Colony" with a strong equestrian tradition. Residents can attend the Spring and Fall Steeplechase, the Aiken Horse Show, and Sunday polo at Whitney Field—America's oldest active polo grounds.

Property types and pricing

Anderson Farms neighborhood has community gardens and riding trails. Current listings start at $527,990 for 2,641-square-foot homes with three bedrooms. The Village at Woodside offers southern cottages and Charleston-style residences near shops and restaurants.

Colleton River Club

Colleton River Club sits on a private peninsula between the Colleton and Chechessee Rivers. It ranks among the Lowcountry's most exclusive communities, balancing natural preservation with recreational amenities.

Dual signature courses by Nicklaus and Dye

The Jack Nicklaus Course winds through oak forests and marshlands and was restored in fall 2017 to highlight its Lowcountry character. Golf Digest named it "Best New Private Course in America" in 1993. Pete Dye's links-style course features small, undulating greens guarded by pot bunkers. Unobstructed views of Port Royal Sound and the Atlantic Ocean set the Dye Course apart. Both courses appear in Golf Digest's Best Courses in South Carolina rankings.

Lowcountry luxury living

The community encourages architectural diversity so homes reflect owner preferences. Properties sit on the golf course, riverfront, or marsh. The community protects its natural landscapes and residents' privacy.

Private club experience

Two clubhouses anchor the community's social life, with dining and relaxation spaces overlooking the water. A tennis complex with six courts, an aquatics center, and a community boat dock are available. The Member Experience Package lets prospective residents try out the community through golf cottage stays, access to the signature course, and full facility privileges.

Waterfront real estate options

Colleton River's custom-built waterfront homes give it coastal character. The peninsula location provides water views throughout the property. Waterfront residents can boat, fish, crab, and kayak along the shoreline.

Belfair Plantation

Belfair Plantation spans 1,100 acres in Bluffton, known for its Avenue of Oaks entrance. This waterfront community offers championship golf and a Lowcountry lifestyle.

Tom Fazio's East and West courses

Belfair has two courses by Tom Fazio. The West Course (built 1995) offers classic Lowcountry golf with rolling terrain, ancient live oaks, and elevated greens. The East Course (built 1999) is a links-style layout with naturalized sand areas and open landscapes inspired by Scotland. Both courses hosted the 2019 PGA Professional Championship for 312 competitors.

Exclusive membership structure

To own property, you must have a Belfair Family Membership, which costs $100,000 in initiation fees. Annual dues are $22,916, paid semi-annually. Seventy-five percent of members live at Belfair full-time. Initiation fees go to the Capital Reserve Fund for community maintenance and improvements.

Coastal community amenities

The 21,000-square-foot Sports & Lifestyle Campus has pickleball courts, tennis facilities, and dual pools with a children's splash pad. A 32,000-square-foot clubhouse provides dining, meeting spaces, and locker facilities with steam rooms. Members gather for social events throughout Belfair's manicured grounds.

Property investment potential

Real estate options include existing homes and custom build sites. The community reported 49 property sales last year. Proximity to Hilton Head Island beaches and Belfair Towne Village shopping makes properties appealing for investment in Bluffton's expanding retirement market.

Haig Point Club

Haig Point Club is a bridgeless community on Daufuskie Island, separated from Hilton Head Island by the Calibogue Sound. This car-free area offers a secluded coastal setting with amenities.

Rees Jones signature course

Rees Jones, known as "The Open Doctor," designed the club's 29-hole layout in 1986. A 2007 renovation updated the two configurations: Calibogue and Haig. Seven oceanfront tees and greens offer coastal views. Golf Digest included it in "America's 100 Greatest Courses"; Golf Magazine ranked it in "Top 100 in the World."

Car-free island living

Golf carts are the only transportation, making neighborhoods traffic-free. Standard rebuilt carts cost $11,000; premium models with weather protection cost up to $15,000. Residents say the quiet environment improves retirement living.

Ferry-access exclusivity

Seven vessels—including double-decker ferries and water taxis—connect the island to mainland amenities. The fleet makes 18 daily round trips from Hilton Head's Embarkation Center. Twenty-four-hour water taxi service reaches Harbor Town. POA fees cover transportation for members and guests.

Daufuskie Island lifestyle

Membership options range from Signature Golf for property owners to National/International plans for distant residents. The community has the Carolinas' longest private beach, fiber optic connectivity, and full concierge services.

The Dunes Golf and Beach Club

The Dunes Golf and Beach Club was founded in 1948 as Myrtle Beach's second-oldest golf club. Originally exclusive, it has become an important destination for retirees in South Carolina.

Robert Trent Jones oceanfront course

Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s first solo design shaped coastal dunes into a notable course. It features Bermuda grass tees and fairways with Champion Ultra-dwarf Bermuda greens. Holes 11–13, known as "Alligator Alley," have water hazards. The finishing hole, converted from par-5 to par-4, has a pond guarding the green.

Tournament history and legacy

The club has hosted three USGA championships: the 1962 U.S. Women's Open, the 2017 U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball, and six Senior Tour Championships. It also hosted the 1973 PGA Tour Q-School finals, where Ben Crenshaw won medalist honors. The PGA Tour's Myrtle Beach Classic is now held here.

Membership categories

Family memberships cover spouses and children under 21, plus college students through age 30. Members either purchase stock shares or pay combined initiation and capital fees. Professionals aged 21–42 can get Executive Memberships with age-based dues reductions. Board approval takes 60–90 days.

Myrtle Beach's most prestigious address

Seven hundred fifty members—including business leaders and multi-generational families—call this oceanfront club home. The property offers ocean views and numerous amenities, ranking among Myrtle Beach's top private clubs.

Palmetto Bluff

Palmetto Bluff covers 20,000 acres between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, with 32 miles of riverfront. It balances residential development with environmental preservation.

May River Golf Club experience

Jack Nicklaus designed the May River Golf Course, which opened in 2005 as a main community draw. The 7,171-yard course winds through ancient oaks and uses eco-friendly Paspalum turf. The Palmetto Bluff Conservancy earned it Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status. Wide fairways suit all skill levels while still offering championship challenges. King-Collins recently added Crossroads, a nine-hole course for additional shot-making options.

Conservation-focused community

The Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, a nonprofit organization, leads wildlife protection and habitat management. Controlled burns maintain ecological balance and enhance wildlife environments. Thousands of acres of live oaks and marshlands remain untouched despite ongoing development.

Luxury amenities and services

Wilson Village has southern charm with cobblestone streets and May River views. Moreland Village offers coastal living with modern amenities. The Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club and Longfield Stables' 173-acre equestrian facility provide additional recreational options.

Waterfront property options

Moreland Forest properties overlook protected wetlands and a 7-mile inland waterway. Headwaters encompasses 600 acres of marshfront and maritime forest. Waterfront homes have private docks, tiered patios, and screened porches designed for Lowcountry sunsets.

Comparison table

Community Name

Golf course features

Membership costs

Notable amenities

Property price range

Location characteristics

The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards

Tom Fazio design, 8 holes on Lake Keowee

Golf: $50,000 init. + $726–908/month

Full-service marina, wellness center, equestrian center

$700K–$5M+

Lake Keowee shoreline, mountain views

Kiawah Island Golf Resort

5 championship courses including The Ocean Course

Available with property purchase

10-mile beach, private club facilities, exclusive dining

Not mentioned

Barrier island near Charleston

Hilton Head Plantation

4 championship courses (Player, Jones designs)

Not mentioned

Spring Lake pool complex, 12 tennis courts, marina

$350K–$849K median

4,000 acres, 2 miles of beaches

Daniel Island Club

2 courses: Beresford Creek (Fazio) & Ralston Creek (Jones)

Golf: $85,000 init.

65,000 sq ft clubhouse, 16 tennis courts, pools

$499K–$11.2M

Near Charleston, waterfront setting

Dataw Island Club

Cotton Dike (Fazio) & Morgan River (Hills) courses

$482/month (property owners)

Fitness center, marina, tennis courts, pools

Not mentioned

860 acres near Beaufort

The Reserve at Lake Keowee

Jack Nicklaus Signature Course

$60,000 deposit + $457/month

200-slip marina, tennis center, pools

Mid $200Ks–$500K+

30 miles of shoreline, mountain views

Woodside Plantation

36 holes across multiple courses

Not mentioned

Resort-style pool, tennis/pickleball courts

Starting at $527,990

Located in historic Aiken

Colleton River Club

Nicklaus Course & Dye Course

Not mentioned

Two clubhouses, tennis center, aquatics complex

Custom builds

Peninsula setting with river views

Belfair Plantation

Two Tom Fazio courses (East & West)

$100,000 init. + $22,916 annual

21,000 sq ft sports campus, 32,000 sq ft clubhouse

Not mentioned

Bluffton area, Avenue of Oaks entrance

Haig Point Club

29-hole Rees Jones design

Multiple tiers available

Private ferry service, car-free environment

Not mentioned

Daufuskie Island location

The Dunes Golf and Beach Club

Robert Trent Jones Sr. design

Age-based pricing

Oceanfront location, championship venue

Not mentioned

Myrtle Beach oceanfront

Palmetto Bluff

Jack Nicklaus Signature Course + 9-hole Crossroads

Not mentioned

Shooting club, equestrian facility, conservation areas

Custom waterfront estates

20,000 acres, 32 miles of riverfront

Conclusion

South Carolina's golf retirement communities offer championship courses and preserved natural settings. The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards excels at mountain-lake living, while Kiawah Island Golf Resort has five excellent oceanfront courses.

Property costs vary significantly by community and market segment. Hilton Head Plantation's $350,000 townhomes appeal to value-conscious retirees; Daniel Island Club's multi-million-dollar estates serve luxury buyers. Membership structures differ widely. Belfair Plantation charges $100,000 in initiation fees plus annual dues, while other communities have entry points below $20,000.

Several communities stand out for conservation. Palmetto Bluff preserves thousands of acres of natural land. Haig Point Club's car-free setting protects Daufuskie Island's character. Protected wildlife habitats, ancient oak canopies, and miles of waterfront create living environments distinct from typical retirement communities.

Recent facility upgrades show these destinations are growing. Thoughtful design, strong recreational options, and natural beauty mean South Carolina's golf retirement communities will continue attracting retirees.

FAQs

Q1. What makes South Carolina attractive for golf retirees? South Carolina offers year-round golfing weather, favorable tax policies, and a cost of living below the national average. The golf communities feature championship courses, high-quality amenities, and scenic settings, drawing thousands of retirees yearly.

Q2. How much do memberships cost? Membership costs vary widely. Belfair Plantation charges around $100,000 initiation plus annual dues; others offer tiered memberships starting below $20,000. Many communities include membership with property purchase.

Q3. What amenities are available? Beyond golf, most communities offer resort-style pools, tennis courts, fitness centers, marinas, and clubhouses with dining. Some, like Palmetto Bluff, add shooting clubs and equestrian facilities.

Q4. Are there waterfront properties? Yes. The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards has lakefront homes. Kiawah Island Golf Resort and The Dunes Golf and Beach Club offer oceanfront options.

Q5. How do communities balance development with conservation? Many prioritize conservation. Palmetto Bluff maintains thousands of acres of live oaks and marshlands. Haig Point Club's car-free setting on Daufuskie Island preserves the natural environment.