South Carolina's capital city market spans Richland, Lexington, and Kershaw counties with 40+ public-access courses set in the Midlands' Sandhills terrain. Green fees range from $22 at city-operated Richland County layouts to $90at upscale daily-fee clubs in Lexington and Irmo. Across the Broad River, Lexington County's competitive mid-tier at $45–80 — anchored by Lake Murray-adjacent courses — delivers the best value in the Columbia market. The University of South Carolina's student population keeps weekday tee sheet availability strong at most courses.
Columbia SC Green Fees by Tier (2026)
| Course | Weekday 18 | Weekend 18 | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington Golf Club | $19 | $26 | 4.4 ★ |
| Linrick Golf Course | $21 | $29 | 4.2 ★ |
| Spring Lake Country Club | $44 | $52 | 3.7 ★ |
| Oak Hills Golf Club | $45 | $65 | 4.3 ★ |
| Country Club of Newberry | $48 | $55 | 4.1 ★ |
| Ponderosa Country Club | $60 | $75 | 4.6 ★ |
| Mid Carolina Club Inc | $65 | — | 4.6 ★ |
Verified from course websites · Showing 7 courses with published pricing · Verify before booking
City Courses: The Affordable Tier
Trenholm Park Golf Course and Owens Field Golf Course(City of Columbia, $22–30) are the most affordable access points. Richland County Recreation Commission operates additional courses in this range. All allow walking and offer senior/junior discounts through city programs.
Lexington County and Lake Murray
The Lake Murray corridor — Timberlake Country Club (Chapin, $45–65), Coldstream Country Club, and Lexington Country Club(semi-private access) — defines the best value in the metro at $45–75. Lake Murray proximity adds scenic backing to courses that already punch above their price point. Woodcreek Farms Golf Club ($60–85) in Elgin (Kershaw County) is the upscale daily-fee leader in greater Columbia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest public golf course in Columbia SC?
Trenholm Park Golf Course and Owens Field Golf Course (City of Columbia, $22-30 for 18 holes) are the most affordable. Richland County Recreation courses are in the same range. All allow walking and are well-positioned for central Columbia residents.
What is the best public golf course in Columbia SC?
Woodcreek Farms Golf Club (Elgin, $60-85 weekday) is the upscale leader. For the best value, Timberlake Country Club (Chapin, $45-65) and Columbia Golf Club ($40-60) deliver excellent conditioning relative to price. Lake Murray-area courses offer the most scenic setting.
Are Lexington SC golf courses cheaper than Columbia city courses?
Lexington County courses are generally mid-tier ($45-75) rather than budget tier — they're more expensive than city courses but deliver meaningfully better conditions. The cross-river drive from downtown Columbia is 15-20 minutes.
When is the best time to play golf in Columbia SC?
March-May and September-November are ideal. Summers (June-August) are hot and humid — early morning rounds before 9am are recommended. Golf is playable year-round; winters are mild with only occasional frost closures.