
Forest Lake Course
Forest Lake Club



About this course
Forest Lake Club sits in the capital city of Columbia, South Carolina, where its course occupies rolling terrain characteristic of the South Carolina Midlands. The club dates to the early twentieth century, with the original layout designed by Maurice McCarthy, a regional architect active in the Carolinas during that era. Mike Beebe, a South Carolina-based architect known for his work on traditional courses throughout the state, later contributed renovations or modifications that have shaped the current routing and playing characteristics. The course reflects the parkland style common to Columbia-area clubs, with tree-lined fairways and modest elevation changes that provide natural definition to holes. The property's name suggests water features that come into play, likely including ponds or lakes that influence strategy on several holes. The layout balances accessibility for members with enough challenge to host competitive club events and regional amateur tournaments typical of established private clubs in the region. Forest Lake Club functions as a traditional private membership club, serving families and golfers in the Columbia area. The club offers the full range of amenities expected at established Southern clubs, including dining facilities and social programming that extend beyond golf. Its location within the city limits makes it a convenient option for local members while maintaining the character and tree canopy that define older Carolina golf properties.
Rankings
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
Best in USA
Best in SC
Quick facts
- Location
- Columbia, SC, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1927
- Holes
- 18
- Designer(s)
- Maurice McCarthy, Mike Beebe
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,444 yards
- Difficulty
- 77.4/140
- Course Vaults score
- 7.3
Getting there
The journey to Forest Lake Club begins at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, a convenient regional hub just fifteen minutes from the club's gates in the heart of South Carolina's capital. The drive traces a brief path through Columbia's leafy residential corridors, where the urban grid softens into quiet, tree-canopied streets that hint at the enclave to come. As you approach the club's entrance, the transition is subtle but unmistakable - a turn through wrought-iron gates and beneath a canopy of mature hardwoods that have stood watch over this storied property since its founding in the 1920s.

FAQ
Common questions about Forest Lake
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Forest Lake has a Course Vaults score of 7.3 out of 10 based on 18 logged golfers.
Forest Lake was designed by Maurice McCarthy and Mike Beebe.
Forest Lake is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Forest Lake is 72.
Forest Lake plays 6,444 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Forest Lake is 140.



