
Northwoods Course
Northwoods Golf Course
About this course
Northwoods Golf Course in Columbia, South Carolina, represents Pete Dye's work in the state capital's sandhills region. The course occupies rolling terrain characteristic of the South Carolina midlands, where natural elevation changes and sandy soils provide the foundation for Dye's architectural approach. The property features stands of mature pines and hardwoods that frame holes and define playing corridors through the landscape. The design incorporates signature Dye elements adapted to the site's natural features. Players encounter strategic bunkering, undulating greens, and thoughtful use of the property's topography to create variety in shot requirements. The routing takes advantage of the natural movement in the land, with holes playing through wooded areas and across more open sections where the sandy subsoil influences playing conditions and maintenance characteristics. Northwoods serves the Columbia golf community as an accessible daily-fee facility that brings Dye's design philosophy to public play. The course provides a test of golf that reflects the architect's emphasis on strategic options and visual interest without the severe difficulty level found at some of his championship venues. Its location in South Carolina's capital city makes it a regular option for local golfers familiar with the challenges of sandhills golf, where firm conditions and strategic design reward thoughtful course management.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in SC
Quick facts
- Location
- Columbia, SC, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1990
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Pete Dye
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,800 yards
- Difficulty
- 72.9/129
- Course Vaults score
- 5.5
Getting there
The journey to Northwoods Golf Course begins at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, a convenient gateway just fifteen minutes northeast of the city center. From the terminal, a brief drive southwest along Interstate 26 transitions quickly into the residential fabric of Columbia's northern suburbs, where the urban grid softens into tree-lined neighborhoods. The course sits tucked within this quiet enclave, its wooded perimeter offering a serene retreat from the capital's bustle - an accessible escape that feels worlds removed from the statehouse dome visible just miles to the south.

FAQ
Common questions about Northwoods
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Northwoods has a Course Vaults score of 5.5 out of 10 based on 26 logged golfers.
Northwoods was designed by Pete Dye.
Yes. Northwoods is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Northwoods is 72.
Northwoods plays 6,800 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Northwoods is 129.



