If you're looking for the best places to golf near Columbia, SC, you’ve got five standout options that combine challenging layouts, scenic views, and accessible locations.
The top picks are Cobblestone Park, Oak Hills, LinRick, Windermere Club, and Northwoods—each offering something unique depending on what kind of round you want.
Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of what makes each course worth a visit.
Cobblestone Park Golf Club – Elevated Play with a College Course Reputation
If you’re after a scenic, high-quality round just outside Columbia, Cobblestone Park Golf Club should be near the top of your list.
With 27 distinct holes, dramatic elevation changes, and a layout crafted by P.B. Dye, it delivers both challenge and beauty in a well-rounded public course experience.
A Layout That Rewards Smart Play
What sets Cobblestone apart is its unique three-nine configuration—Black, Gold, and Garnet—each offering a different feel.
The Black nine is the most challenging, favored by low-handicap players for its length and complexity.
Expect rolling hills, mature oaks lining the fairways, and several spots where the landscape opens up to stunning, wide-angle views.
These natural features don’t just add beauty—they affect your game, especially when wind and slope become factors.
If you're someone who enjoys plotting your way around a course rather than overpowering it, you’ll find that Cobblestone rewards strategic thinking.
Forced carries over water on Par 3s add risk without feeling unfair, while elevation shifts call for thoughtful club selection.
The variety in hole design also makes each nine feel fresh and distinct, offering a different rhythm depending on which set you play.
Recognized Among the Best
Cobblestone isn’t just locally appreciated—it earned national attention by being ranked #4 on GolfPass’s 2021 list of “Top 25 College Golf Courses.”
That recognition speaks to the quality of the design and maintenance, and it’s one of the reasons it remains popular with both casual golfers and those seeking a more competitive round.
Practice and Amenities That Match the Course Quality
Before you even hit the first tee, you’ll notice the commitment to quality.
The driving range is fully grassed and set up with target greens, helping you warm up like you’re already mid-round.
There are also putting and chipping greens if you want to dial in your short game.
And if you forgot anything or want to grab a bite afterward, the on-site clubhouse is more than just functional—it’s stylish and comfortable, with dining facilities that go beyond basic grill fare.
Free range balls are included for players, which is a small detail but a meaningful one.
It makes warming up feel less transactional and more like part of the full experience, which is clearly something the course takes seriously.
Convenient Yet Scenic
Located just 20 minutes north of Columbia in Blythewood, Cobblestone is easy to access without feeling like you’re still in the city.
That short drive gives way to a more relaxed, countryside setting—ideal for clearing your head and focusing on your game.
Is Cobblestone Right for You?
If you’re looking for a public course that plays like a private one, offers a high-end practice setup, and gives you the option of three distinct nine-hole loops, Cobblestone checks all the boxes.
It’s particularly well-suited for:
- Mid to low handicappers looking for variety and challenge.
- Golfers who appreciate elevation and scenic backdrops.
- Players wanting a full-service experience without the country club commitment.
It’s a great pick whether you're squeezing in nine after work or planning a weekend round with friends.
Oak Hills Golf Club – Strategic Play in the Heart of Columbia
Oak Hills Golf Club brings a thoughtfully designed, rewarding course experience right into Columbia’s city limits.
With a layout shaped by Steve Melnyk and PGA Tour legend Davis Love III, it offers a challenging but fair test for players who enjoy using strategy as much as swing speed.
Designed for Smart Golfers, Not Just Big Hitters
Spanning 6,894 yards, Oak Hills may not be the longest course you’ll find, but its difficulty comes from how it forces you to think your way around the layout.
The slope rating of 140 tells you what to expect—tight angles, elevation shifts, and enough hazards to keep you cautious on the tee box.
Water hazards are a constant consideration, requiring you to factor in both placement and trajectory on more than a few approach shots.
It’s a course where you can’t just aim for the center of the fairway and expect good results.
Shot-making and club selection matter here, and the layout encourages a measured approach.
Players who take the time to study the course—especially the green complexes and how they interact with the surrounding terrain—will score better than those trying to overpower it.
A Reputation Backed by Recognition
Oak Hills earned a spot on Golf Digest’s list of “Places to Play,” a nod to both its design and how it’s maintained.
What makes this recognition more meaningful is that it comes from everyday golfers who’ve played it and rated the overall experience highly.
For a public course located in a metro area, that kind of consistent praise speaks volumes.
The greens are well-maintained and offer a true roll, which is key on a course where approach shots often leave you with slippery, contoured putts.
The fairways are generous enough to give mid-handicappers a fair shot, but stray too far offline and you'll quickly pay the price in stroke penalties or awkward recovery angles.
Convenient and Welcoming for Locals
Being located right inside Columbia makes Oak Hills especially attractive for residents looking to squeeze in a quick round after work or plan a weekend tee time without driving far.
You don’t have to carve out an entire day just to play somewhere worth your time—Oak Hills delivers a premium experience without the commute.
The clubhouse adds to the appeal with a laid-back, welcoming vibe. Homemade meals are served daily, and the staff is known for being friendly and accommodating.
Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, it feels like a place where you can settle in quickly and focus on enjoying your round.
Practice Options and Accessibility
While the main attraction is the course itself, Oak Hills also offers solid practice facilities.
A full driving range, putting green, and a chipping area with a sand trap let you warm up properly or work on specific parts of your game.
That mix of convenience, quality, and hospitality makes Oak Hills a favorite for players who want reliable conditions and a fair challenge without the frills.
If you’re someone who enjoys reading the course, picking your spots, and working through risk-reward situations, this one should be on your list.
LinRick Golf Course – Affordable, Friendly, and Surprisingly Scenic
LinRick Golf Course stands out for making quality golf more accessible without sacrificing the experience.
Nestled on 257 acres in North Columbia, it delivers a peaceful, enjoyable round with scenery and conditions that go far beyond what you’d expect for the price.
A Natural Setting with Room to Breathe
The layout at LinRick flows through gently rolling hills, eight ponds, and tree-lined fairways that make each hole feel like its own little world.
Despite being a public course, it doesn’t feel crowded or crammed—there’s space to swing freely, take in the scenery, and enjoy the quiet.
The terrain varies just enough to keep things interesting, offering uphill tee shots, downhill approaches, and a few holes where wind becomes part of the challenge.
What really surprises most first-time visitors is how good the course looks.
The fairways and greens are consistently well-kept, with grooming that rivals much more expensive courses in the area.
It’s a testament to the crew behind the scenes, who clearly take pride in keeping the course playable and visually appealing throughout the year.
Friendly for Newcomers, Fun for Everyone
LinRick is especially welcoming for beginners and casual golfers, thanks to a layout that’s challenging without being punishing.
The course has its tricky spots—especially around water—but there’s a nice rhythm to the round.
You’re not constantly under pressure, which makes it great for improving your game or simply enjoying a laid-back day outside.
That same friendliness carries over into the atmosphere around the clubhouse and pro shop.
Staff are approachable and helpful, whether you’re checking in for a round, grabbing a quick snack, or asking about practice options.
There’s no pretense here—just a straightforward, enjoyable place to play.
Great Value with Useful Amenities
One of the biggest reasons LinRick has a strong local following is the value it offers.
It’s one of the more affordable options near Columbia, making it easy to play regularly without breaking the bank.
But price alone isn’t what makes it stand out—it’s the overall balance of quality and accessibility.
Practice facilities are available on-site, including a driving range and putting green, so you can get some work in before your round or come by just to sharpen specific parts of your game.
The snack bar offers a quick bite when you need it, and the overall setup supports anything from a fast 9-hole loop to a full weekend round with friends.
Who Should Play Here?
If you’re looking for an easygoing, budget-conscious round that still delivers on scenery and course condition, LinRick is a smart choice.
It’s perfect for:
- Beginners learning the game in a no-pressure environment
- Golfers who want a quality round without high fees
- Locals seeking a reliable spot for regular play or practice
You don’t need to travel far or spend big to enjoy a solid game of golf—and LinRick proves that every time you tee it up.
The Windermere Club – A Pete Dye Design That Demands Strategy
For golfers who enjoy thoughtful design and shot-making over sheer distance, The Windermere Club offers a refreshing challenge.
Located just northeast of Columbia, it’s the only course in the Midlands designed by Pete Dye—and it shows in the way each hole forces you to think through your options.
A Course Built on Decisions and Risks
Stretching 6,800 yards from the back tees, Windermere isn’t about length—it’s about placement.
Like many Dye courses, it plays tricks with angles, visual deception, and the classic risk-reward setup.
You’ll face narrow landing zones, strategically placed bunkers, and approaches that tempt you to go for it even when it might not be the best play.
The elevation changes throughout the course keep things interesting, both visually and strategically.
Some holes feel wide open off the tee but quickly tighten as you approach the green.
Others demand accuracy from start to finish. It’s a course where no two holes feel the same, and where a little local knowledge—or careful pre-round planning—can make a big difference.
A Scenic Escape Close to the City
Despite being just 20 minutes from downtown Columbia, Windermere feels like a retreat.
Mature trees frame many of the fairways, and the higher ground gives you some truly scenic vantage points.
Whether you're playing early morning or late afternoon, the lighting and views enhance the experience in a way that makes even tough rounds feel enjoyable.
This makes Windermere a strong choice for a weekend outing or a weekday break when you want to get away without committing to a long drive.
The quiet, natural setting pairs well with the strategic layout, creating a round that’s both mentally and visually engaging.
More Than Just a Golf Course
Windermere also offers a broader range of amenities than most public-access courses.
While it operates as a semi-private club, tee times are available to the public, which means you get access to more than just the course.
Facilities include tennis courts, a Junior Olympic pool, and a modern fitness center—ideal if you’re bringing family or want to turn your round into part of a longer visit.
The clubhouse adds to the experience with dining options and a relaxed atmosphere, giving you a spot to cool down and relive your round after 18.
Is Windermere Right for Your Game?
If you appreciate courses that require precision and reward creative shot selection, Windermere will likely become a favorite.
It’s best suited for players who:
- Enjoy the mental challenge of strategic golf
- Appreciate elevation changes and scenery
- Are looking for a high-quality course with added amenities
- Want a semi-private experience without the commitment of membership
Whether you're chasing a personal best or just want to play somewhere with character and design pedigree, Windermere offers something different—and genuinely memorable.
Northwoods Golf Club – P.B. Dye’s Public Gem with Private Club Vibes
Northwoods Golf Club offers a refined golf experience without the barriers of private membership.
Designed by P.B. Dye, this Northeast Columbia course blends subtle difficulty with a polished feel, making it a reliable favorite for locals and visitors alike.
A Layout That Balances Challenge and Playability
Set up as a Par 72 and stretching 6,800 yards from the back tees, Northwoods delivers a well-balanced round.
The course feels spacious without being wide open and manages to test your game without overwhelming you.
Mature trees line many of the fairways, narrowing sightlines and demanding precision from the tee, while strategic bunkering forces players to plan their landing zones carefully.
One of the more distinctive features—true to the Dye legacy—is the use of railroad ties around water hazards.
These touches not only add to the visual identity of the course but also raise the stakes when it comes to course management.
There are multiple holes where placement is everything, and even shorter hitters can compete if they’re accurate and smart about their positioning.
Premium Conditions Without the Private Price Tag
What surprises many first-time visitors to Northwoods is how well-maintained it is for a public facility.
The greens roll true and fast, and the fairways are consistently in excellent shape, even in the heat of summer or during the shoulder seasons.
The attention to detail across the course gives it a private-club feel—without requiring you to pay private-club fees.
It’s this mix of quality and accessibility that gives Northwoods its appeal.
Whether you’re a low-handicap golfer looking for consistency or a weekend player wanting to enjoy a solid course in good shape, you’ll find what you’re after here.
A Comfortable and Complete Player Experience
Northwoods doesn’t just focus on the course itself—it delivers a full experience that begins the moment you arrive.
The practice range is expansive and well-maintained, perfect for a proper warm-up or focused training session.
There’s also a putting green and short game area, letting you prepare for the kind of shots you’ll face once you’re out on the course.
The pro shop is well-stocked with gear and staffed by friendly, knowledgeable people who are happy to assist without upselling.
After your round, the snack bar offers quick, satisfying options to recharge before heading home or back out for another nine.
Who Will Appreciate Northwoods?
If you’re someone who values the feel of a private club but wants the openness of public access, Northwoods checks all the right boxes. It’s a great fit for:
- Players who want quality conditions at a reasonable rate
- Golfers who enjoy traditional course architecture with modern updates
- Regulars seeking a course with consistency and good pace of play
- Out-of-town visitors who want a dependable round close to Columbia
It’s a course that delivers exactly what it promises—reliability, challenge, and polish—all in an approachable, down-to-earth environment.
Tips for Planning Your Columbia Golf Outing
Planning a golf day around Columbia, SC is pretty straightforward, but a little preparation can make a big difference in how smoothly things go—especially if you’re looking to squeeze in more than one round or maximize your off-course time.
Whether you’re a local planning a solo round or coordinating a group outing, here’s how to make it count.
Consider Drive Times When Booking Tee Times
Several of the area’s top courses, like Cobblestone Park and The Windermere Club, are just about 20 minutes from downtown Columbia.
That short drive makes them great options for a half-day escape, but it’s still smart to factor in local traffic—especially if you’re aiming for a morning tee time.
Booking your round with that buffer in mind helps you avoid rushing and gives you time to settle in and warm up properly.
Make the Most of a Full Day
If you’re looking to play more than one course in a single day—or across a weekend—pairing up nearby options can save time and give you a more varied experience.
For example, you could start the morning at LinRick and head over to Northwoods in the afternoon.
Or, if you're playing Windermere or Cobblestone, plan lunch or dinner around their clubhouse dining facilities so you're not wasting time traveling between rounds.
Confirm Tee Time Availability in Advance
While most of these courses are public or semi-private, availability isn’t always guaranteed—especially at Windermere, which operates as a semi-private club.
A quick call ahead not only secures your spot but can also give you the heads-up on course conditions, maintenance schedules, or special events that might affect pace of play.
Pay Attention to Amenities and Extras
Small details like free range balls at Cobblestone or homemade meals at Oak Hills can enhance your day in ways that go beyond the course itself.
If you value a good warm-up session, make sure the course has the kind of practice setup you prefer.
And if food is part of the plan, checking whether the clubhouse offers more than just grab-and-go snacks can help you plan your breaks more efficiently.
Wrap It All Together
The best Columbia golf outing isn’t just about where you play—it’s about how well the day fits together.
Thinking ahead about commute times, calling for availability, and choosing courses with the right mix of amenities ensures your time on and off the course feels easy and enjoyable.
Whether you're playing one round or two, planning smart will help you focus on the game, not the logistics.
Conclusion
Columbia, SC offers a diverse lineup of public and semi-private golf courses that suit a range of playing styles and preferences.
Whether you're after strategic design, scenic views, or great value, there's a course nearby that delivers.
With a little planning, your next golf outing can be as smooth as it is satisfying.
