Congaree Golf Club is a private Tom Fazio-designed championship course in Ridgeland, South Carolina, consistently ranked among the top golf courses in America for its pristine natural setting, meticulous conditioning, and challenging yet fair layout.
The club offers members and select guests access to world-class facilities, including exceptional practice areas, refined dining, and a playing experience that showcases the best of Lowcountry golf.
Keep reading for complete details on the course layout, amenities, access policies, and everything you need to know about playing this acclaimed facility.
What Makes Congaree Golf Club Special
Congaree opened in 2017 on a historic 18th-century rice plantation spanning over 2,000 acres in South Carolina's Lowcountry.
Located about 30 minutes north of Savannah and roughly an hour inland from Hilton Head, the course sits in Ridgeland within Jasper County—one of the state's most rural areas.
Tom Fazio designed this championship layout, and many consider it among his finest work.
The recognition came quickly: Golf Digest named it Best New Private Course in 2018 and Best Course Built This Decade (2010-2019).
The course debuted at #39 on Golf Digest's America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses in 2021-22 and currently ranks #40 nationally and #2 in South Carolina.
What sets Congaree apart is its unique philanthropic structure.
Founders Dan Friedkin and the late Bob McNair created a new membership model—the club has only one official member (Friedkin), but more than 200 “ambassadors” who share the club's mission to support youth education and golf opportunities through the Congaree Foundation.
The natural setting influenced Fazio's design philosophy.
He worked with abundant sand deposits, longleaf pine forests, wetlands, and majestic live oaks draped in Spanish moss.
The result resembles Australia's famed Sandbelt courses—wide fairways bordered by sharp-edged bunkers and expansive waste areas that create a links-like playing experience uncommon in the American Southeast.
Fazio himself calls Congaree his “lowcountry version of Shadow Creek.”
The course has already hosted two PGA Tour events—the 2021 Palmetto Championship (won by Garrick Higgo) and the 2022 CJ Cup (won by Rory McIlroy)—and will host the 2025 Arnold Palmer Cup.
Course Layout and Design Details
Congaree plays to a par 71 and stretches to nearly 7,700 yards from its longest configuration.
The course features no traditional tee markers—players choose their starting point on each hole, which encourages match play and removes any stigma about playing forward.
This flexibility lets the layout accommodate everyone from tour professionals to recreational players on the same holes.
The routing takes advantage of roughly 30 feet of elevation change across the property, though Fazio's shaping work makes the terrain feel far more dramatic.
He stripped away topsoil to expose two deep sand deposits separated by lowcountry wetlands, then sculpted ridgelines and contours that amplify what was originally flat ground.
The signature 8th hole stands out as the course's most demanding par 4.
Players navigate around two massive waste areas that squeeze the fairway and threaten both the tee shot and approach.
The finishing stretch delivers four consecutive par 4s, culminating in a challenging 18th where you'll face an approach over water and sand to a narrow green.
Melbourne-style bunkering defines the visual character.
Sharp, finely-edged bunkers sweep directly into fairways and greens with no transition—wayward shots that drift even slightly can tumble from closely-mown surfaces into deep sand.
These aren't traditional American bunkers with graduated edges.
The drops are sudden and severe, creating compelling risk-reward scenarios throughout.
The greens run large and undulating with open fronts that welcome ground game approaches.
Firm conditions and receptive surfaces mean you can bounce shots in rather than flying everything to the pin.
Closely-mown runoff areas surround most greens, collecting approach shots and leaving you with delicate recovery options where elevation and green contour dictate your next play.
Width defines the playing corridors.
Fazio cleared thousands of pine trees and relocated more than 75 mature live oaks to create generous fairway landing areas.
This openness contradicts typical tree-lined American parkland courses.
Instead, expansive waste areas border the short grass—natural sand zones where you can ground your club but face challenging lies and recovery angles.
The course intentionally minimizes rough.
You'll find fairway, green, or sand—not thick grass to slow down errant shots.
This design philosophy, combined with sand-capping throughout the property, produces firm, fast playing surfaces that keep balls rolling.
The grasses were specifically selected to thrive in the hot, humid lowcountry climate while maintaining these conditions.
Water appears strategically rather than dominantly.
The wetland corridor running through the property influences several holes, and you'll encounter ponds and natural water features that force carries and frame approach shots.
But sand remains the primary hazard—vast waste areas that look imported from Australia's sandbelt courses.
The Playing Experience at Congaree
Tour-quality conditioning sets the standard here.
Greens run fast and true with speeds that exceed what most players experience at their home courses.
Combined with firm fairways that were sand-capped during construction, the playing surfaces produce speeds rarely found outside professional tournaments.
Balls don't stop—they keep rolling, especially on approach shots and putts that catch slopes.
This firmness creates a links-like experience where ground game matters.
You'll need to calculate bounces and releases rather than expecting shots to stick where they land.
The challenge intensifies on the massive, undulating greens where reading contours becomes more difficult as speeds increase.
Miss the fairway and you'll face recovery shots from firm sand or closely-mown areas with minimal cushion under the ball.
Weather dramatically alters the course character.
During the 2021 Palmetto Championship, eight inches of rain fell in the days before the tournament, softening conditions and producing winning scores around 11-12 under par.
In typical firm, fast conditions with drier weather, the course plays much tougher.
Heat and humidity affect ball flight and stamina, while afternoon thunderstorms can roll through during summer months.
The layout tests players across skill levels differently.
Better players appreciate the strategic options and risk-reward decisions on every hole—aggressive lines over waste areas versus conservative plays to wider landing zones.
Higher handicappers can enjoy the course from forward positions, though the firm conditions and penal bunkering still demand respect.
Width helps, but the sharp edges into sand punish even marginal misses.
Playing Congaree for the first time presents unique challenges.
Without knowing what lies ahead on each shot, you'll struggle to pick proper lines and club selections.
The waste areas, hidden contours, and green complexes reveal themselves only after you've hit.
Second rounds produce noticeably better scores once you understand the angles and hazards.
Strategic approach beats power.
Course knowledge and smart decisions matter more than distance.
You'll need to think through each hole—identifying bailout areas, understanding how slopes feed balls toward or away from trouble, and recognizing when to attack versus when to play safe.
The removal of traditional rough means you can't rely on thick grass to stop wayward shots before they reach bunkers.
A caddie program operates at Congaree with experienced loopers who know the course intimately.
Their local knowledge proves invaluable for first-time visitors navigating the layout's subtleties.
They'll read greens, suggest lines off the tee, and help you understand how conditions affect play.
Beyond the golf itself, the natural setting creates a memorable atmosphere. Spanish moss hangs from transplanted live oaks that frame holes.
Alligators inhabit water hazards—you'll spot them sunning on banks or gliding through ponds.
The restored plantation buildings visible throughout the round connect you to centuries of history.
Native vegetation, longleaf pines, and the expansive sandbelt-style landscape make this feel distinctly different from typical southeastern courses.
The combination of world-class golf and pristine lowcountry scenery delivers an experience that stays with you long after the round ends.
Clubhouse Facilities and Amenities
The main clubhouse, known as The Lodge, frames the backdrop of the 18th hole and ranks among Golf Digest's Top 30 Greatest Clubhouses in America.
The design philosophy deliberately keeps this modern building secondary to the property's centerpiece—the restored plantation house dating to the 1800s.
That historic structure serves as the primary gathering space for drinks, dining, and relaxation, with period furnishings and original architectural details preserved throughout.
Southern hospitality defines the service style.
Staff in The Lodge's pub and fireside lounge create a welcoming atmosphere that balances refinement with comfort.
The culinary experience matches the facility's world-class golf—quality dining that satisfies after a demanding round without feeling overly formal.
At the turn, a small white building offers complimentary refreshments including signature meat pies and an extensive selection of snacks and beverages.
This midround stop provides quick fuel without disrupting pace of play.
Lodging integrates seamlessly into the property.
Former plantation buildings have been carefully restored and converted into guest cottages surrounding the main house.
Modern amenities and fittings blend with exposed 19th-century beams, original fireplaces, and historic stonework.
A 12-bedroom inn provides additional accommodations.
The cottages offer ambassadors and their guests a complete retreat experience where you can stay on property and immerse yourself in the Congaree environment rather than commuting from off-site hotels.
You'll approach the main plantation house through a traditional “avenue of oaks”—mature trees creating a canopy over the drive.
This entrance sets the tone for the entire property, connecting modern golf facilities with centuries of lowcountry history.
Practice facilities support serious preparation.
The property includes areas for working on all aspects of your game before heading to the first tee, though the focus remains on the course itself rather than elaborate training complexes.
The pro shop carries merchandise befitting the club's status, while locker room amenities provide the comforts you'd expect at a facility hosting PGA Tour events.
Event spaces and private dining areas accommodate groups, though the club's primary mission centers on its philanthropic work rather than conventional event hosting.
The entire facility reflects a thoughtful balance—providing luxury and modern convenience while respecting the property's historic character and maintaining focus on what matters most: exceptional golf in a remarkable natural setting.
Access, Membership, and Guest Policies
Congaree operates under a membership structure unlike any other major American golf club.
The facility has exactly one official member—founder Dan Friedkin—following co-founder Bob McNair's passing in 2018.
This isn't a club you join through traditional initiation fees and dues.
Instead, the club functions through an ambassador model built around its philanthropic mission.
More than 200 ambassadors hold playing privileges—prominent business leaders, industry executives, and influential individuals who share the club's commitment to youth education and golf opportunities.
These ambassadors contribute time and financial support to the Congaree Foundation rather than paying conventional membership dues.
Getting access requires an invitation.
Ambassadors are selected based on their ability to support and advance the foundation's work.
You can't simply apply or buy your way in.
The club seeks individuals whose involvement will create meaningful impact for the young people the foundation serves through programs like the Congaree Global Golf Initiative.
An additional 100+ professional ambassadors include PGA and LPGA players like Nick Price, Tom Watson, Mark O'Meara, and Morgan Pressel, along with teaching professionals and golf industry leaders.
These professionals provide additional support and help promote the club's mission nationally and internationally.
Business leaders among the ambassador roster include figures such as Dermot Desmond, Jim Crane, and Jim Pallotta.
The common thread connecting all ambassadors isn't wealth alone—it's a demonstrated commitment to using golf as a vehicle for positive social impact.
No public or resort access exists.
Congaree doesn't operate as a daily fee facility, offer corporate outings in the traditional sense, or maintain reciprocal agreements with other private clubs.
You won't find tee times available through public booking systems or resort packages.
The most realistic path for most golfers to experience Congaree involves either receiving an invitation from an ambassador or reaching the top tier of professional golf—the course has hosted PGA Tour events, giving tour players temporary access during competition weeks.
The ultra-private nature reflects the founders' vision.
Friedkin and McNair built Congaree not as a business venture or exclusive playground, but as a platform for meaningful philanthropy.
The golf course serves as the draw that brings together influential people willing to support underprivileged youth through education and golf opportunities.
Financial details regarding ambassador contributions remain private, as do specific policies around guest privileges for ambassadors.
The club maintains this discretion intentionally, keeping focus on its mission rather than on exclusivity for its own sake.
Planning Your Visit to Congaree
If you've secured an invitation to play Congaree, timing your visit around South Carolina's lowcountry weather patterns will enhance the experience.
Spring (March through May) and fall (October through November) offer the most comfortable conditions—mild temperatures, lower humidity, and stable weather that lets the course play firm and fast as intended.
Summer brings heat and afternoon thunderstorms that can soften conditions, while winter remains playable but cooler with occasional rain.
The course's firm, fast playing style shows best during drier periods when the sand-capped surfaces produce the bouncing, rolling shots that define Congaree's character.
Wet conditions, while still yielding an exceptional round, diminish some of the strategic elements that make the layout special.
On-site lodging provides the ideal accommodation option.
The restored plantation cottages and 12-bedroom inn let you stay directly on the property, eliminating commute time and allowing you to fully experience Congaree's atmosphere.
For additional lodging, Hilton Head Island sits roughly 40 miles southeast with extensive hotel options, while Savannah offers upscale accommodations about 30 minutes north.
Ridgeland itself is a small, rural community without significant hotel infrastructure.
The nearest airport options include Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (approximately 30 minutes away) and Charleston International Airport (roughly 70 miles northeast).
Both provide convenient access with reasonable drive times.
Traditional golf attire applies—collared shirts, golf slacks or shorts of appropriate length, and soft-spike golf shoes.
The clubhouse maintains standards befitting a facility that hosts PGA Tour events and attracts high-profile ambassadors.
Pack layers for variable conditions and consider bringing rain gear during summer months when afternoon storms develop quickly.
Arrive with ample time before your round.
The property's entrance, winding through oak-lined drives to the historic plantation buildings, deserves unhurried appreciation.
You'll want time to visit practice areas, get comfortable with the facility, and potentially meet with a caddie to discuss the day's strategy.
First-time visitors especially benefit from this preparation given the course's complexity and the advantage local knowledge provides.
Making the most of your experience requires the right mindset.
Accept that you'll face unfamiliar challenges—waste areas that look closer than they are, green contours you can't read from the fairway, and firm conditions that demand creativity.
Don't let a tough front nine discourage you. The course reveals itself gradually, and understanding improves with each hole played.
The lowcountry setting offers attractions beyond golf.
Historic Savannah provides rich architecture, dining, and culture within easy reach.
Hilton Head Island delivers beach access and additional golf options.
The area around Ridgeland itself showcases natural beauty—marshlands, Spanish moss-draped oaks, and wildlife that define South Carolina's coastal region.
Photography opportunities abound, though policies defer to your host's guidance.
The dramatic bunkering, plantation buildings, and natural scenery create compelling images.
Respect any restrictions around photographing other guests or sensitive areas of the property.
Since access comes through ambassador invitation rather than public booking, coordination typically flows through your host.
They'll handle logistics, timing, and any specific arrangements.
This personalized approach reflects Congaree's intimate scale and mission-driven focus—you're experiencing a philanthropic facility rather than a commercial golf destination.
Conclusion
Congaree delivers a golf experience that ranks among America's finest, combining Tom Fazio's visionary design with tour-quality conditioning and a stunning lowcountry setting.
The club's unique ambassador structure means access requires an invitation, but those fortunate enough to play will find a layout that rewards strategy and creativity while testing every aspect of your game.
Beyond exceptional golf, you'll be participating in a facility whose core mission centers on creating opportunities for young people through education and the game itself.
