Golf in the Coastal Empire
Few regions combine natural beauty and golf history quite like coastal Georgia. Savannah is home to one of the oldest golf organizations in the United States, and its courses wind through salt marshes, tidal creeks, and moss-draped forests. The mild climate allows for comfortable play nearly every month of the year, with spring and fall offering especially pleasant conditions. From exclusive private clubs to budget-friendly municipal tracks, the area caters to every skill level and budget.
This list considers course design, conditioning, scenery, amenities, accessibility, and overall golfer experience. Some are private and require membership or a member invitation, while others welcome daily-fee players.
1. The Club at Savannah Harbor
Set on Hutchinson Island directly across the river from downtown, The Club at Savannah Harbor offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Savannah River. The championship course, designed with input from notable golf architects, has hosted professional senior tour events. Wide fairways, wetlands, and strategic water hazards make for a memorable round, and its connection to a luxury resort makes it a favorite for visiting golfers who want a premium experience close to the historic district.
2. Savannah Golf Club
With roots tracing back to the late eighteenth century, the Savannah Golf Club is widely recognized as one of the oldest golf clubs in America. The private course features rolling terrain, historic earthworks, and mature trees that give it a distinctive character. Its clubhouse and grounds embody Southern tradition, and the club remains a treasured institution in the local golf community.
3. The Landings Club
Located on Skidaway Island, The Landings Club is one of the largest private golf communities in the country, featuring six championship courses designed by renowned architects including Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazio, and Arthur Hills. Each course has a different personality, from marsh-side challenges to wooded, strategic layouts. Members enjoy extensive practice facilities, multiple clubhouses, and a vibrant social calendar.
4. The Ford Plantation
South of Savannah in Richmond Hill, The Ford Plantation is a private sporting community set on the former winter estate of Henry Ford. Its Pete Dye designed course weaves through rice fields and waterways, offering a secluded, beautifully maintained experience. Known for exceptional service and conservation-focused land management, the club is among the most exclusive golf destinations in the region.
5. Savannah Quarters Country Club
Located in Pooler, Savannah Quarters Country Club features a Greg Norman signature course that blends lakes, native grasses, and generous landing areas. The club is part of a large master-planned community and offers a lively membership experience with tennis, dining, and social events. The layout rewards thoughtful shot-making while remaining playable for golfers of varying abilities.
6. Wilmington Island Club
East of downtown, the Wilmington Island Club features a classic course originally designed by Donald Ross, with later updates that preserved its traditional feel. Tree-lined fairways and marsh views create a peaceful atmosphere, and its proximity to Tybee Island makes it a convenient option for visitors staying near the beach.
7. Crosswinds Golf Club
Crosswinds Golf Club near the airport is a popular public facility offering an 18-hole championship course along with a nine-hole par-three course and a large practice area. It is known for being welcoming to beginners, families, and experienced players alike. Frequent clinics, junior programs, and affordable rates make it one of the busiest public courses in the area.
8. Henderson Golf Club
Henderson Golf Club on Savannah's south side is a well-regarded daily-fee course with tight, tree-lined holes and water in play on many shots. It is appreciated for its consistent conditioning, reasonable green fees, and friendly staff. Local leagues and tournaments make it a hub for the area's recreational golf community.
9. Bacon Park Golf Course
Bacon Park is a public course operated for the community, offering an accessible and affordable place to play. Its layout is friendly to newer golfers while still providing enough challenge to keep regulars engaged. A practice range and lessons make it a good place to learn the game or sharpen skills.
10. Mary Calder Golf Course
Mary Calder Golf Course is a nine-hole public course with a long history in Savannah. It offers a relaxed, low-pressure environment ideal for quick rounds, practice, or introducing children to golf. Its affordability and convenient location make it a beloved neighborhood course.
How to Choose the Right Course
Your choice depends on your goals. Visitors seeking a signature experience often prioritize The Club at Savannah Harbor, while those with access to a member invitation should not miss The Landings or Savannah Golf Club. Budget-minded golfers and beginners will find excellent value at Crosswinds, Henderson, Bacon Park, and Mary Calder. Consider pace of play, walking policies, and dress codes before booking, and note that coastal breezes can change how a course plays from morning to afternoon.
Best Times to Play
Spring and fall are prime seasons, with comfortable temperatures and courses in peak condition. Summer rounds are best played early in the morning to avoid heat and afternoon thunderstorms. Winter golf is often surprisingly pleasant, with cool, crisp days and fewer crowds. Many courses overseed their Bermuda grass in fall, so check conditions if you plan to play during that transition.
Trends in Savannah Golf
Golf participation has grown steadily in recent years, and Savannah courses have responded with upgraded practice facilities, simulator bays, and expanded junior and women's programs. Environmental stewardship is also a priority, with many clubs pursuing wildlife habitat certifications and water conservation practices that protect the fragile coastal ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
Savannah's golf courses offer a rare combination of history, natural beauty, and variety. Whether you are chasing a birdie on a championship layout or enjoying a relaxed nine holes with friends, the courses of the Coastal Empire deliver an experience worth savoring.