As a golf state, South Carolina has much to offer in addition to Atlantic coast

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – The final round on a weeklong press trip through South Carolina culminated with a crisp sunny day at Harbour Town Golf Links at Sea Pines Resort. It doesn’t get much better.

This Pete Dye mainstay, site of the PGA Tour’s Heritage Golf Classic, remains an enjoyable, challenging test, full of tradition and great scenery at the end. The rest of the Low Country golf scene, including courses at Palmettos Dunes and Edisto, are pretty special as well.

We started this trip (aboard Merle Haggard’s old tour bus, no less) on the western side of the state in Greenville/Spartanburg area. What we learned is that there is far more to South Carolina golf than what’s on the coast. There are several distinct regions in South Carolina and all of them have their own unique charms and terrain.

From the Walker Course at Clemson University to the River Golf Club of North Augusta, S.C. (just minutes from you-know-where in Augusta, Ga.) to the Plantation Course at Edisto, there’s no shortage of interesting golf, great local dining and Southern hospitality.

 In short, South Carolina would make a heck of a buddy trip, especially in a tour bus.