South Carolina - Golf at its Charming Best

South Carolina is, to put it simply, a golfer's paradise. With 368 golf courses, the Palmetto State boasts more golf holes per capita than anywhere else in the US.

The 200-mile coastline is where the most famous of the courses are located and is split into three major golfing and tourism destinations; Myrtle Beach in the north, the Charleston area featuring Kiawah Island around the centre and further south, Hilton Head.

At the heart of a 60-mile stretch of wide sandy beaches known as the Grand Strand lies Myrtle Beach.

"Myrtle beach is quite unique to the golfing world," says Gary Edwards, Coastal South Carolina managing director, who points out that you could play a different course here for three months – there are over 100.

A highlight is Barefoot Resort, which boasts four courses designed by Greg Norman, Pete Dye, Tom Fazio and Davis Love III.

Drive south from Myrtle Beach for around two hours and you reach the historic town of Charlestown and the iconic Kiawah Island, scene of the infamous War on the Shore at the 1991 Ryder Cup and more recently, Rory McIlroy's record-breaking US PGA Championship win in 2012.

Designed by the great Pete Dye, the stunning Ocean Course is renowned as a true test of links golf.

Dye, says Kiawah Island Resort president Roger Warren, "should be recognised as one of the geniuses of golf's architects".

While the Ocean Course is the big draw, Kiawah Island boasts a further four championship golf courses.

"This is a place that's so special ... the people that don't know about it deserve to know about it, because they're missing something," adds Warren.

Moving on down the coast brings you to Hilton Head Island, home to more than 25 golf courses, including the famous Harbour Town links, home to the Heritage Tournament on the PGA Tour.

"I think it's one of the most popular golf courses we play on the PGA Tour, it's one of the classic golf courses," says Luke Donald, who enjoys the qualities of the Pete Dye design.

There is even more on offer in the area, with Country Club at Hilton Head featuring a championship course designed by Rees Jones, while just up the road is the superb Robert Trent Jones Palmetto Dunes.

With courses to suit every taste and ability, a tradition steeped in golf and some wonderful modern resorts, South Carolina remains a golfing destination like no other.

www.SouthCarolinaGolf.com