Next to its beaches and historic districts, South Carolina is best known for its golf courses. The Pee Dee Region is home to nearly a dozen of them, most of which were designed by pros and famed course architects like Ron Garl, Tom Watson, and Ellis Maples, among others.
Many of the Pee Dee’s golf courses boast a long history, with some being around for more than 100 years. It’s safe to say that golf has been a well-loved sport in our region for generations!
Whether historic or more modern, each of our area’s courses offer their own unique challenges and beautiful scenery to go along with it. You’re sure to enjoy whichever ones you choose to play.
There are, however, four Pee Dee golf courses in particular that are highly rated and stand out from the rest: The Country Club of South Carolina, The Traces Golf Club, the Wellman Golf Club, and the City of Dillon Municipal Golf Course.
Read on to learn more about these premier courses and why they draw visitors from near and far to South Carolina’s Pee Dee Country.
The Country Club of South Carolina: A Tournament Hot Spot
Perhaps the most well-known course in the Pee Dee, The Country Club of South Carolina in Florence is an award-winning, championship golf course that was once home to a regular Nike Tour tournament. Many South Carolina Golf Association events are still held there today.
Photo credit: The County Club of South Carolina Facebook Page
This semi-private course was designed by Ellis Maples in the mid-60s and features pristine greens and a picturesque lake. Though the course certainly has its challenges, making it a popular venue for tournaments over the decades, the layout is beginner-friendly and suitable for golfers of all skill levels.
Warm up before your tee time at the practice facilities, which include a driving range, a putting green, and a short game practice area equipped with a bunker and green. Better yet, hone your golf skills with lessons from the course’s pro golfer.
Before you head to the next great Pee Dee golf course, stop in The Country Club of South Carolina’s pro shop and pick up some swag to take home.
The Traces Golf Club: 27 Holes of Fun
Another golf course favorite in the Florence area, The Traces Golf Club has been voted the best golf course in the Pee Dee for the last four years (2019-2023). The Traces features three immaculate nine-hole courses, each with varying levels of challenges.
Photo credit: The Traces Golf Club Facebook Page
Originally designed by famed course architect Ron Garl, The Traces’ courses are marked by forest-lined fairways; rolling hills; large, undulating Bermuda greens; and a healthy mix of sand and water challenges.
Before hitting the greens, get some practice swings in at the golf club’s well-kept driving range.
After enjoying a full round of 27 holes, head into the clubhouse to shop the fully equipped pro shop and refuel with a delicious meal from the on-site bar and grill.
The Wellman Golf Club: Restored to Glory
New to the list of top Pee Dee golf courses is the newly restored and enhanced Wellman Golf Club in Johnsonville.
Photo credit: Wellman Golf Club Facebook Page
For more than 40 years, the Ellis Maples-designed course was a local golf hot spot before closing in 2010. Ten years after closing, Florence County bought the Wellman and worked with renowned architects Rees Jones and Bryce Swanson to bring new life to the old golf grounds and create an 18-hole championship course.
After a lot of planning and hard work, the course reopened in June 2023 and has since become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The new course features a classic, pre-Depression-era design with bunkers in various locations, “graceful routing, cleverly contoured greens, and a terrific boomerang par 5,” (Tim Gavrich, Senior Writer at GolfPass).
Visitors have noted the new course offers just the right amount of challenge for seasoned golfers while also staying friendly enough for those who are newer to the sport.
Check out the course guide here.
The City of Dillon Vivian Johnson Memorial Golf Course: A Hidden Gem
Tucked away in the quaint community of Dillon County, the City of Dillon Vivian Johnson Memorial Golf Course offers golfers a serene place to play just off the beaten path.
Photo credit: City of Dillon Vivian Johnson Memorial Golf Course
This charming course features new greens and two ponds that make for a fun challenge while also adding to the property’s scenic beauty.
Though the course has been described by players as a “tight course that will test your game,” its tough-yet-friendly design makes it a great choice both for beginners looking to improve their game and seasoned pros looking for a challenging course.
Once you’ve played these four premier courses, make a return visit or two to put your skills to the test at the other eight great golf courses in the Pee Dee Region!
An unforgettable golf getaway awaits in Pee Dee Country. Start planning your trip by finding the perfect place to stay!
