James Haefner Photography, Inc.
The view from behind the 3rd green at Congaree.
James Haefner Photography, Inc
Edward C Robinson III
Edward C Robinson III
Congaree Golf Club
Ridgeland, SC • Private
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
“Really outstanding experience. Great layout and an incredible property which they got full use of. Creative use of short and long 3,4 and 5’s. Well conditioned but not green and lush. Wonderful place."
Read More2025
Review
“Loved the green complexes. Very difficult to two putt if on the wrong side. So Penal if you miss the green. fantastic condition. Greens perfect, very firm and fast. Bunkering terrific. Could play here everyday and not tire of the course!"
Read More2025
Review
“Interesting 'Ultra-Modern' layout....great difficulty for the best players yet playable for all from the proper tees. Conditioning is outstanding. The par 5's emitomize the variety throughout the course in that each one has risk-reward options with commensurate penalties for the the degree of mistakes made, while good or great shots leave makeable putts."
Read More2025
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
“Played Congaree for the second time on my birthday weekend. It really helps the score card to have palyed this amazing course several years earlier. One of my favorite Fazio courses, the layout, bunkering and green complexes are spectacular. Shot options with significant risk reward are available on virtually every hole. This is a wonderfully fair / brute of a golf course with good recovery options around the large / hard to hold greens. The Par 3's are ALL challenging due to the firmness of the greens even though they are fairly short. Aesthetics of the course reflect the natural beauty and use of the old plantation land that the course is built upon. So much sand, hanging moss, running water hazards (with alligators), and native birds make this an amazing walk for playing the game. Congaree was in such excellent condition that the fairways were puttable from 50-70 yards out! In my opinion this course is deserves a spot in the Top 25."
Read More2023
