The view from behind the 3rd green at Congaree.
James Haefner Photography, Inc
Edward C Robinson III
Edward C Robinson III
Congaree Golf Club
Congaree Golf Club
384 Davant Dr
Ridgeland, SC 29936-3806
United States
Overview
Tom Fazio has designed countless compelling golf courses on sites that weren't. But at Congaree, 30 minutes inland from Beaufort, S.C., he at least had great material: sand, in the form of two deep sections of it separated by a lowcountry wetland area. The sand made it easy to scoop and shape long ridgelines, creating significant movement across an otherwise level property—and dozens of stately live oaks, carefully transplanted for effect—further outline the design. Finely edged Melbourne-style bunkers sweep up to the edges of fairways and into greens, catching shots that drift too far and leading to challenging hi-lo recovery situations. Congaree hosted the 2022 CJ Cup after making its debut as a tour venue for the previous year's Palmetto Championship, which replaced that year's Canadian Open.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 2021-'22.
Highest ranking: 39th, 2021-'22.
Previous ranking: 42nd.
2025-'26 ranking: 40th.
Best in State: 2nd since its debut.
2025-'26 ranking: 2nd.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Incredible golf course with firm and fast sandy soil that creates speeds that are rarely experienced. The layout in challenging with bold bunkers and heavily contoured greens. This is one of Fazio's finest designs and one of the best courses in the US."
Read More2025
Review
“Beautiful, natural and massive property. Hilly for something near the "low country". The course was in near perfect condition with firm, fast fairways and greens that were also very receptive. Waste areas abound as do collection areas around most of the greens. Most provide the option to run up. A few dog legs going different directions call for some shot shaping, but the par 3's generally play at similar lengths. Oh...make sure to get the meat pies at the halfway house."
Read More2025
Review
“Conditioning was immaculate. We had a lot of rain during our trip and it still played firm and fast. A ton of shot options, especially off the tee which can lead to varying ways for how to approach the green. A lot of risk and reward throughout the round. Good variety of hole/shot shapes, and longer and shorter holes. Pick your own tee adds to the fun, but this course can be quite a challenge for the mid-to-high handicapper, especially the bunkering."
Read More2024
Review
“A can't miss experience. Excellent variety of shot options so choose tees properly. Difficulty comes from length of course combined with firm, fast greens and tons of sand everywhere if you miss."
Read More2023
Review
“Condition special, very playable (pick your tee spots), variety of hole design, pleasurable, and memorial. A lot of sand and some water."
Read More2023
Review
“What an amazing golf course, Mr. Fazio created a gem on an old rice plantation in Ridgeland South Carolina. Fantastic bunkering, a wonderful layout with numerous twists and turns. The natural aesthetics compliment your time on the course by using the original sand, hanging tree moss, water hazards (with alligators) and local wildlife. Beauty abounds on every hole! Fast fairways and even faster greens will force you to think your way around the course. Playing it the first time is almost unfair since you really don't know what lies ahead of you until you hit the shot. Your second round will produce better results if you are paying attention. The cottages offer a special retreat after a fun day on the course. The staff, food, and gated grounds are a special retreat for anyone fortunate enough to be invited. Congaree is a special place and a must-play for all golf fans."
Read More2023
Review
“Great all around experience. Terrific conditioning fast firm greens, great layout"
Read More2023
Review
“Played Congaree the weekend before the Masters. Arrived to find PGA pro's on the range / putting green getting ready for the Masters. Greens/ Fairways were so fast and true, the head pro guessed that the greens were running at 15! One of the best courses I've ever played, this is Mr. Fazio at his very best. The layout, bunkering and green complexes are spectacular. Shot options with significant risk reward are available on virtually every hole. I rated this course slightly lower on Challenge when compared to Shinnecock, but not by much. This is a wonderfully fair / brute of a golf course with good recovery options around the large / hard to hold greens."
Read More2023
Review
“The entire experience is top notch. Service, conditions, and amenities were first class!!!!"
Read More2022
Review
“Fantastic course and a fantastic experience. Very playable off the tee but the hole becomes more difficult the closer to green (and once on the green) you get. A peaceful walk though the woods with short, tempting par fours like holes 3 and 15, as well as long challenges like holes 12 and 17. Par 3 fifth is stunning as is the tee shot on the par 5 seventh. Overall, its a round that you never want to end."
Read More2022
