Congaree Course
Ridgeland, SC, USA
Congaree Golf Club isn't merely a place to play; it's a philanthropic endeavor disguised as a world-class golf experience, born from the vision of billionaires Dan Friedkin and the late Bob Congel. The course occupies a sprawling landscape just inland from the South Carolina coast, once fertile rice fields, that now embody a unique blend of Lowcountry beauty and strategic challenge. Designed by Tom Fazio, Congaree plays with a firm, fast, and open feel characteristic of the Sandbelt region of Australia. Wide fairways encourage aggressive play off the tee, yet subtle undulations and cleverly placed bunkers—Fazio hallmarks—demand shrewd approaches to the green. A gentle breeze always seems to be in play here, adding another layer to the strategic equation. While not a traditional links course, its expansive scale and creative bunkering provide a similarly strategic test of skill. Hosting the 2021 Palmetto Championship (a one-off PGA Tour event), and the 2024 PGA Tour's The CJ Cup Byron Nelson, Congaree has swiftly gained notoriety on the professional circuit. More significantly, however, its standing is cemented by its elite membership and the club’s unwavering commitment to the Congaree Foundation, which supports youth golf initiatives globally. This course offers a distinctive flavor of southern hospitality and high level golf.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
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Best in USA
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Best in SC
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Golfers say Congaree delivers an exceptional experience from arrival to final putt, with many calling it a special or even unbelievable destination. Reviewers consistently praise the firm, fast-playing fairways and impeccable conditioning, noting the course is challenging yet fair with features like fairways running directly into bunkers without rough transitions. Most highlight the secluded, quiet atmosphere—some groups report being the only players on property—and appreciate the outstanding hospitality, Michelin-level food, and signature sunken bar overlooking the 18th. The course's connection to a youth-focused nonprofit adds meaningful context to the visit, making the experience feel both exclusive and rewarding.
9.2
46 players
Off the charts great. Wonderful hospitality and conditioning.
It’s a special place
Love the fairways that run into bunkers with no rough line. Challenging but fair course. Conditions are incredible. If given the chance, you should go. The staff is incredible and I love the sunken bar for a post round cocktail.
This place is unbelievable, the day I was out here my group and I were the ONLY players on property (that we saw the entire day). The golf course is challenging but fair and is SO much fun. Not much more to say you just gotta go play it, can’t imagine golf gets much better
A club that doesn’t have a membership but a donation invite is one of a kind. A secluded Top 100 course I think, and if it’s not one anymore it should be again, hidden in one of the least desirable counties in SC. It’s so quiet out there it’s almost eerie. Great course, layout, and practice area, with overnight cabins for youth camps and some lucky others. The course being based around a non profit that helps underprivileged youths makes the experience that much more rewarding.
As soon as you pull in the gate the feeling completely changes, firmest fairways you might ever play on. Food is Michelin level good and the sunken bar overlooking the 18th green and fairway should be a must. Congaree shows you what royalty is like.
The course is mint. Great all around experience from the moment you get on property. Friends I brought with me still say “Bury me at Congaree”.
Public courses closest to Congaree.
The journey to Congaree Golf Club begins at Charleston International Airport, roughly fifty miles to the southeast, or Savannah/Hilton Head International for those approaching from the south. Private arrivals often favor Hilton Head Airport, a discreet gateway just thirty minutes away through the Lowcountry's tidal marshes and moss-draped live oaks. The drive north from Charleston traces the edge of the ACE Basin before turning inland, where the landscape shifts to dense pine forests and blackwater swamps - a hushed, primordial corridor that feels worlds removed from civilization, befitting one of America's most deliberately secluded golf sanctuaries.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Congaree has a Course Vaults score of 9.2 out of 10 based on 29 explicit golfer ratings.
Congaree is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Congaree is 72.
Congaree plays 7,790 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Congaree is 155.
Congaree is a 18-hole course.
