Compre una casa a un precio razonable con un préstamo VA in Kiawah Island, SC

Ah, golf in the Southeast United States.

Where to begin?

With the holy lands that are Augusta National and Seminole? With bold, brawny major venues like Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course or Quail Hollow in Charlotte? Or with what becomes the center of the golfing universe every March: the iconic Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass? And don’t even get us started on the wonders of Pinehurst No. 2, which just last summer showed out as the U.S. Open host site.

The region’s offerings are vast as they are diverse, which made ranking the top 50 golf courses in the Southeast no small task our team of expert raters.

So, how did this magnificent list of courses come together? To produce more detailed local portraits of golf across the country, GOLF created rankings within our rankings by carving the U.S. into four regions and identifying the top 50 courses in each, based on votes cast by our raters in 2024.

We first conducted this regional ranking in 2020, and we liked it so much — as did you — we decided to do it again.

Below you’ll find the top-50 rankings for the Southeast region. To browse the list, keep scrolling.

MORE TOP 50 REGIONAL LISTS: West | Heartland | Northeast

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1. Augusta National, Augusta, Ga.

2. Pinehurst No. 2, Pinehurst, N.C.

3. Seminole, Juno Beach, Fla.

4. Old Town Club, Winston-Salem, N.C.

5. Peachtree, Brookhaven, Ga.

6. Kiawah Island — Ocean, Kiawah Island, S.C.

7. Ohoopee Match Club, Cobbtown, Ga.

8. Yeamans Hall, Hanahan, S.C.

9. TPC Sawgrass — Players Stadium, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

10. Old Barnwell, Aiken, S.C.

11. The Honors Course, Ooltewah, Tenn.

12. Wade Hampton, Cashiers, N.C.

13. Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island, S.C.

GOLF’s other course rankings: Top 100 in the World | Top 100 You Can Play | Top 100 Value Courses in the U.S. | America’s Best Municipal Courses | America’s Best Courses for $100 or Less | Top 100 in the U.K. and Ireland | Top 100 in Asia-Pacific | Top 100 Short Courses in the World

14. Pinehurst No. 10, Pinehurst, N.C.

15. Streamsong — Red, Bowling Green, Fla.

16. McArthur — Backyard, Hobe Sound, Fla.

17. Streamsong — Blue, Bowling Green, Fla.

18. Palmetto, Aiken, S.C.

19. Congaree, Ridgeland, S.C.

20. Pinehurst No. 4, Pinehurst, N.C.

21. Calusa Pines, Naples, Fla.

22. Tobacco Road, Sanford, N.C.

23. Mountain Lake, Lake Wales, Fla.

24. Tree Farm, Batesburg-Leesville, S.C.

25. Cabot Citrus Farms — Karoo, Brooksville, Fla.

A miniature golf course with an onsite restaurant and bar has been proposed for a busy corner on James Island.

The lot at Folly Road and Grimball Road Extension is currently empty and surrounded by a chain-link fence. It's across from Spyglass Seaside, a resort-style apartment complex.

Plans have been submitted to transform the property into a development called Community Corner, which would include a miniature golf course with a restaurant, bar and retail space on nearly three acres. The applicant is Grimball Corner Investments LLC.

The developer is looking to incorporate 114 parking spaces, most of which would be on another parcel across Grimball Road Extension. There is an existing traffic signal at the intersection, and sidewalks would be added to both sides of the property, renderings show.

The area is zoned for limited business, which allows for a variety of commercial uses and services that are compatible with residential areas.

Charleston’s Technical Review Committee, a staff-level look at site plans, considered Community Corner on Jan. 16. The city asked the owner to revise and resubmit plans based on concerns about stormwater runoff, flooding, traffic and other issues.

Charles Wilson of Grimball Corner Investments declined to comment about the development.

Pop-up no more

Think pink. Lots of it, in every shade.

That's what shoppers of Freshfields Village can expect when LoveShackFancy transitions from a pop-up to a permanent boutique at the Kiawah Island retail center.

New York City-based lifestyle brand was founded in 2013 by stylist, designer and creative director Rebecca Hessel Cohen who wanted to revel in the beauty of a rose-colored world.

The new Charleston area store offers an expanded selection of its uber-feminine women’s fashion and accessories, as well as perfume bedding and a children's collection.

In 2018, Cohen opened opened her first Charleston storefront at 218 King St. She now operates 20 stores throughout the U.S., from California to New York, and the United Kingdom.

Nearby in Freshfields Village, Café Eugenia, a to-go café and gourmet market, is expanding to a space next door and will be offering cooking classes and specialty workshops.

StretchLab, an assisted stretching studio, also opened 164 Gardeners Circle in the outdoor retail center. The studio offers help with increased mobility, improved posture and injury prevention through one-on-one stretch sessions for all fitness levels.

The franchise previously held a popup at the shopping center offering 15 minute demonstrations.

Another StretchLab is currently open on 151 Market St. in downtown Charleston.

Bank note

An Alabama lender has cut the ribbon on a new branch at 319 North Cedar St. in Summerville.

The site is the second in the Charleston area for Birmingham-based ServisFirst Bank, which for years has had an office in The Cigar Factory at 701 East Bay St. on the peninsula.

The Flowertown outpost will have 10 employees and features a drive-thru.

Coast-to-coast

Southern California lifestyle brand Jenni Kayne is making its Palmetto State debut on Charleston's busiest retail corridor.

The West Hollywood company said it plans to open its first retail location in the state on April 12 at 364 King St., between Calhoun Street and Burns Lane.

The 2,340-square-foot parcel will stock a full range of Jenni Kayne's coastal-inspired products, including apparel, accessories and décor. The store will also carry Oak Essentials, the founder's clean skincare line.

Drink up

A New Orleans-style restaurant in North Charleston is angling to add beer and liquor to its menu offerings.

The Seafood Pot recently applied to the S.C. Department of Revenue for on-site consumption of adult beverages in its Gas Lite Square location at 5629 Rivers Ave.

Taco 'bout Nexton

The Mexican-style restaurant El Patron Nexton is preparing to open and recently submitted an application to sell beer, wine and liquor at its at future Marketplace at Nexton space at 422 Cross Park Lane.

Premier Building Construction posted a sneak peek of the progress with floor-to-ceiling glazed overhead doors. The 2,900 square-foot restaurant will have indoor and outdoor bars and dining space.

A new chapter

A dark academia-inspired coffee shop and bookstore will officially open April 12 in Mount Pleasant.

Patrons of The Archive can buy a book, sit at the bar and enjoy a cocktail or mocktail, coffee, pastries and more in its corner spot at 700 Shelmore Blvd., near Mathis Ferry Road and the I'On neighborhood.

The store tailors to a subgenre of romance books and thrillers typically set in schools or secret societies, but will have something for everyone, owner Amanda Badeau said.

Enviro-outlet

Tanger Outlets in North Charleston will hold an Earth Day event April 19 from noon-3 p.m. with live music, native plant and bouquets sales, and a free gardening class. There will also be critters from the S.C. Aquarium, local vendors and hands-on workshops about protecting the environment.

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island in South Carolina has much to offer at just $600, including dinosaur-like alligators.

While the Golf course has always been an adventurous place to have crazy animal encounters, coming face-to-face with a crocodile never makes it to the wishlist.

Recently, a video went viral on social media where a huge gator made his mighty presence on the golf course, leaving everybody stunned.

In the viral clip, the monolithic size of the creature enchanted the golfers.

Despite any familiarity with alligators, such as you with Florida’s population, it is crucial to remember that interactions with these prehistoric creatures can be dangerous.

Alligators tend to bite if provoked. It was evidenced by a tragic incident where a woman lost her life attempting to pet an alligator on Kiawah Island.

Massive Crocodile Spotted At Golf Course Was Indeed An Alligator

However, Rick Golfs, an X(formerly Twitter) account that shares everything around golf, has shared the video.

The video caught internet fans’ attention because of the crocodile’s gigantic size.

However, it’s important to clarify that the confusion between alligators and crocodiles is common. Crocodiles are not native to South Carolina, which makes it clear that the animal in the video is indeed an alligator.

Kiawah’s unique environment contributes to the formation of large alligators, often called “prehistoric” due to their size and appearance. The presence of ample prey, including small sharks, redfish, and turtles, likely plays a significant role in their robust growth.

And that makes Kiawah Island home to some of the largest alligators in the country.

While alligators can be a striking part of the landscape, it is critical to remember that they can be dangerous if provoked. Incidents have occurred, such as the tragic case where a woman lost her life after attempting to pet an alligator.

The post VIDEO: Golfers Encounter Rare Massive ‘Dinosaur-Like’ Crocodile During Frightening Encounter On Exclusive $600 Golf Course originally published on Total Pro Sports .

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in South Carolina, find the nearest seafood dive and tuck into a platter of fried shrimp—preferably one served with an ice-cold beer and an unobstructed view of the water. While you can take to Google or a guidebook to determine where to go for steamed oysters or shrimp and grits in the Lowcountry, we decided to consult the folks who care about good Southern seafood as much as we do: our readers. Here are the 10 best seafood spots in South Carolina, as voted by Southern Living readers.

Lee's Inlet Kitchen

When you’ve been around for more than 75 years, you’re bound to be doing something right. At this beloved institution in the fishing village of Murrells Inlet, try not to load up on the hot hush puppies they bring to the table on arrival—though it's awfully tempting. There's still so much more to savor, like the hand-peeled, cold-boiled shrimp pulled from the waters of nearby McClellanville or the thin and crispy onion rings—Lee’s is as famous for those as it is for the seafood.

Order: The Shrimp Salad ($28.95), made with boiled fantail shrimp and Duke's mayo, is another house specialty.

4460 US-17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576; leesinletkitchen.com

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks

It doesn’t get much fresher than this Hilton Head Island mainstay, where 90% of the seafood served comes directly from the surrounding waters. Because of its enviable position on the edge of Port Royal Sound, guests can watch a local fishing fleet (one of only two on the island) unload the day’s loot, which could include anything from white shrimp to soft-shell crab.

Order: From September through April, opt for the steamed local cluster oysters in the shell ($12 for a half bucket); the restaurant farms and harvests them.

1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29926; hudsonsonthedocks.com

Bowens Island Restaurant

Should you find yourself in the Holy City, make the worthwhile dirt-road detour to this family-owned restaurant that’s been a rambling fixture along Folly Creek since 1946. With its graffitied walls and worn-in wood floors, it doesn’t beg for attention, and it doesn’t need to. Deemed an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation in 2006, the Lowcountry seafood joint shovels fresh-steamed oysters onto trays September through the first half of May and dishes fried shrimp and hush puppies year-round. It’s all delicious—and it's made even more so if you snag a seat on the waterside deck.

Order: The shrimp (served boiled or fried) and fried fish platter is served with the seafood-dive-side-dish trifecta: french fries, hush puppies, and coleslaw.

1870 Bowens Island Road, Charleston, SC 29412; bowensisland.com

The Crab Shack

Situated on the main drag of the freewheeling beach town just 12 miles from buttoned-up Charleston, The Crab Shack is as family-friendly and flip-flop casual as its surrounds. Start with the the she-crab soup, but save room: The value seafood baskets—which you can order with flounder, shrimp, or scallops (or a combination of all three)—are generously portioned. Catch them at another location in Charleston as well.

Order: The marquee offering, The Charleston Steamed Seafood Bucket, includes two snow crab clusters, large domestic shrimp, and steamed oysters (market price).

26 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439 and 8486 Dorchester Rd, Charleston, SC 29420; crabshacks.com

Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop

Housed in a reimagined garage on Upper King Street, the Brooks Reitz-helmed restaurant turned 10 in 2024, but it’s been a neighborhood favorite from the start, thanks to a menu of mouthwatering fried chicken, expectedly fresh oysters, and surprisingly craveable salads. Add to the clever mix soft-serve ice cream and buckets of Miller High Life ponies, and you’ve found yourself one of the best meals in this restaurant-proud town.

Order: Even the bivalve-averse crowd may develop a taste for oysters after sampling Leon's char-grilled take, which swim in a melty swirl of lemon and butter and are topped with a generous sprinkle of parmesan. The "old-school" scalloped potatoes are also not to be missed.

698 King St, Charleston, SC 29403; leonsoystershop.com

The Sea Shack

Don’t let inevitable line out the door during summertime scare you off. This treasured counter-service spot with just 40 seats is an area favorite thanks to its wide array of offerings, from conch fritters to flounder sandwiches. It’s all made to order and to your liking—fried, grilled, or blackened. Wash it down with a glass of what they declare to be the best sweet tea on the island, and finish with a slice of strawberry Key Lime pie (when it’s seasonally available) or a cup of banana pudding.

Order: Hearty appetites should try the Shack Attack Combo ($17.95 for lunch, $19.95 for dinner), which combines a crab cake, fish, shrimp, scallops, and oysters on a giant paper platter. Homemade tartar sauce is the traditional accompaniment, but we think the brandy-infused gator sauce makes an even better platter slather.

6B Executive Park Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; seashackhhi.com

Sullivan’s Fish Camp

With its lofted ceilings, lacquered-wood booths, and commitment to retro branding, this Sullivan’s Island joint feels like it’s been there forever. In reality, it’s a newcomer—a spring 2022 top-to-bottom overhaul of a restaurant that had called the same spot home for 30 years. And while the nostalgically striped, umbrella-shaded patio is painfully charming, the takeaway window makes a strong case for a to-go lobster roll savored on the beach just a few blocks away.

Order: The shrimp fried rice ($24) puts a fresh coastal twist on a takeout mainstay. We also love the Key lime pie.

2019 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482; sullivansfishcamp.com

explore Sullivan's Island

The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene

So named for the trawler that was tossed ashore on the same spot during Hurricane Hugo in 1989, this dinner-only, no-reservations establishment on Shem Creek shrugs off formalities in favor of its dynamite views and deliciously simple seafood. The best seat in the house belongs to the wooden dockside bar, where sunset views and local craft beers are just an arm’s length away.

Order: Complete with red rice, coleslaw, a hush puppy, and a fried hominy square, the shrimp platter (from $17.95) is a true taste of the Lowcountry. The deviled crab is also worth a try.

106 Haddrell Street, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; wreckrc.com

Shrimp Shack

This family-owned lunch spot has been an island institution since it first opened its doors in 1978, and its magic belongs to its simplicity. They're only open for lunch, and you order through a carry-out window—though you don't have to take your food home. Snag one of the picnic tables on the porch for an especially satisfying alfresco dining experience.

Order: Given the restaurant's name, it's obvious you can't go wrong with shrimp here, but the shrimp burger ($9.30), served on a bun with tartar sauce and mayo, is a true crowd favorite.

1929 Sea Island Parkway, Saint Helena Island, SC 29920; facebook.com/shrimpshacksc

Mr. Fish Restaurant

There’s something for everyone on the extensive menu at this landmark Grand Strand restaurant and seafood market owned by a fisherman father and his culinary school-trained daughter. Choose a South Carolina classic, like the Lowcountry boil, or make the most of the raw bar and order a sushi roll or two. Stretch mealtime into a full-fledged Mr. Fish experience by reserving a ride to and from dinner in the Mr. Fishmobile, a bright blue school bus that hits all the nostalgic high notes.

Order: The seafood tacos ($15) are made with your choice of mahi, tuna, or shrimp and are topped with chipotle-lime sauce.

6307 North Kings Highway, Suite B, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572; mrfish.com

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South Carolina has seen orange mud gators, ice gators and giant gators … but what about a pollen gator?

Turns out this year’s pollen season is covering more than our cars in a blanket of yellow.

The latest spotting of this “rare yellow alligator” was on Kiawah Island at the Cassique Golf Course.

This gator was completely covered in pollen and spotted by a nearby golfer who snapped these photos:

This year’s pollen season has no doubt felt worse than normal for Lowcountry residents.

“This year has been an aberration weather-wise,” said Dr. Thomas Beller of the Hilton Head Allergy & Asthma Center. “With the influx of warm and cold weather this year, it makes sense that some tree pollen has been more active than normal.”

South Carolina is often ranked as one of the worst states for allergies. The combination of warmer climates and plants blooming earlier results in higher concentrations of pollen, making for a treacherous allergy season.

In the Lowcountry, it’s generally pollen from oak and bayberry trees that cause the most misery for people with allergies.

The marker of the season comes from pine pollen, which is notorious for covering our cars, porches, sidewalks and even gators in a blanket of yellow.

Alligators are cold-blooded creatures, which means their immune systems are easily affected by the temperatures outside.

“We don’t have much research right now that would indicate that pollen affects alligators,” South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Alligator Project Leader, Morgan Hart, said. “But the pollen will stick to them and washes off like normal once they get to the water.”

Springtime is when most alligators become active again. As temperatures steadily warm up, they are more likely to be seen out and about.

According to the SCDNR, young alligators can be seen moving into bodies of water, females enter their breeding period in April and adult alligators are likely to be seen basking in the sun or eating.

With alligators venturing out, more of these pollen gators might be spotted around the Lowcountry soon.

This story was originally published April 5, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

The Island Packet

(843) 626-0211

Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. Originally from Georgia, she has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Anna Claire has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, legal studies and English from High Point University.