5 Best Country Clubs in Clemson, SC

Clemson, South Carolina, nestled in the Upstate region, is not just a collegiate town known for its vibrant campus life and spirited football games. It's also a community that prides itself on offering a lifestyle of leisure, luxury, and outdoor activities, much of which centers around its prestigious country clubs. These establishments provide more than just great golf — they are hubs of social activity, fine dining, and entertainment, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and Lake Hartwell.

If you’re interested in what life in Clemson has to offer, read on. This guide will take a closer look at the best country clubs and golf courses in and around Clemson, SC, each offering a unique blend of amenities, activities, and the pinnacle of Southern hospitality.

Starting with the gem in Clemson’s own backyard, The Walker Course at Clemson University is more than a golfer's paradise; it's a great point of pride for the community. This 18-hole championship course, named after John E. Walker, Sr. and designed by DJ DeVictor, blends the challenge of a top-tier golf course with the beauty of the Upstate landscape.

Featuring the signature “Tiger Paw” 17th hole that runs along Lake Hartwell, the course offers stunning views and a challenging game for golfers of all levels. Beyond golf, The Walker Course hosts a pro shop, a full-service driving range, a putting and chipping green, group lessons, and a clubhouse that serves as a gathering spot for members to dine and socialize, making it a cornerstone of Clemson’s recreational life.

Just a short drive south of Clemson, in the neighboring town of Pendleton, Boscobel Golf & Country Club offers a fantastic club experience. The 6,500-yard course is renowned for its well-maintained fairways, strategic layout, and fast, true greens that cater to both the serious golfer and those looking for a leisurely round. The course is scheduled to be featured in major upcoming golf tournaments like the 2024 Club Championship, 2024 Member Guest, Texas Two Man, the 17th Annual Harvey Brock Orange Jacket Classic, and the 2024 Budweiser Classic Championship. Members can also take lessons from acclaimed instructor and South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame inductee Mike Lawrence.

Off the course, Boscobel's amenities include a snack bar, a pro shop, and a clubhouse where members can enjoy casual dining and social events. The club's friendly atmosphere and variety of membership options make it a popular choice for many golfers in the Clemson area.

Nestled in the scenic foothills of Seneca, a mere 20 minutes west of Clemson, Cross Creek Golf Club presents a prestigious private club experience on 500 acres of gorgeous foothill scenery. This P.B. Dye-designed 18-hole course is a masterpiece that offers both beauty and challenge, with rolling hills, lush fairways, and impeccably kept greens.

Beyond golf, members can access a stately clubhouse that offers fine dining, a bar and lounge, and banquet facilities. The club also boasts a swimming pool and a vibrant calendar of social activities, ensuring that there's always something new on the horizon at Cross Creek.

Situated along the shimmering shores of Lake Keowee to the north of Clemson, Keowee Key is a prestigious lakeside community that doubles as a resort-style country club. While not in Clemson proper, its proximity makes it a desirable option for those seeking an active lifestyle.

Keowee Key’s George Cobb-designed golf course features an 18-hole, par 72 layout that provides panoramic views of the lake and promises challenging play. The course has recently been renovated by Richard Mandell. The community also offers a wide range of amenities beyond golf, including an event center, a member library, tennis courts, a fitness center, walking trails, and five dining venues. With its focus on health, sociability, and wellness, Keowee Key stands out as a comprehensive lifestyle club perfect for active individuals.

A bit further afield but well worth the journey, The Reserve at Lake Keowee is a private community in Sunset, just 20 miles north of Clemson, that epitomizes luxury country club living. Its Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course is the centerpiece, offering members a premier golfing experience with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Lake Keowee.

The Reserve goes beyond golf, offering a rich array of amenities that include a marina, fitness and wellness centers, tennis courts, and several dining venues that range from casual to gourmet. The club’s vibrant social calendar and commitment to preserving the natural splendor of its surroundings make it an idyllic retreat for those looking to indulge in the finer aspects of country club living.

The country clubs and golf courses in and around Clemson, SC, are more than just top venues for golf — they are centers of community life, offering a blend of recreational pursuits, social events, dining experiences, and much more. If you’re ready to begin the next chapter and get started in Clemson real estate, Daniel Sanders at Daniel Sanders & Co. is prepared to guide you through a streamlined home search. Connect with Daniel today!