Introduction

The Country Club of Charleston is a championship-caliber golf course designed by the legendary Seth Raynor in 1923. The club has a rich legacy of hosting premier amateur events, including the prestigious Azalea Invitational and the 2019 U.S. Women’s Open.

As someone who’s played many rounds at Fox Chapel Golf Club in my hometown of Pittsburgh, it’s always a treat to experience other Raynor designs. When I received an invitation to attend the 2024 Masters, we planned our trip through Charleston, South Carolina—and what better way to kick things off than with a round at this Golden Age gem?

Thanks to a friend who attended college in Charleston, we were able to connect with a member and begin our trip in unforgettable fashion. Here are five highlights from that experience.

1. Best Holes: Reverse Redan & Lion’s Mouth

While I expected similarities to Fox Chapel, I was blown away to find two standout Raynor template holes at Country Club of Charleston: the Reverse Redan (11th) and the Lion’s Mouth (16th).

At Fox Chapel, the Reverse Redan is found on the 6th hole and features a similarly severe false front and dramatic left-to-right-to-left slope. Missing the green—especially short—is basically a guaranteed bogey.

The Lion’s Mouth 16th is often considered CC of Charleston’s signature hole. It’s a long par 4 with a green protected by a prominent bunker cut directly into the front—creating the “mouth.” It reminded me of the restored version at Fox Chapel, where the Fazio team rebuilt the green and reinstated the central bunker. While Fox Chapel’s version is larger, both holes demand precise approaches and showcase Raynor’s brilliance.

2. Commitment to Championship Golf

The club’s devotion to tournament golf is evident. It hosts the Azalea Invitational annually, one of the most respected amateur events in the country. Since 1925, it has also hosted 27 state amateur championships and multiple USGA events, including:

• The 2013 U.S. Women’s Amateur
• The 2019 U.S. Women’s Open

Notably, two accomplished names associated with the club include:

• Beth Daniel, Hall of Famer and Charleston native
• Henry Picard, Masters champion and former head professional

It’s clear that championship golf is embedded in the club’s identity.

3. Renovation & Restoration Work

The club was founded in 1900 and relocated to its current site in the early 1920s. The Olmsted Brothers—famed landscape architects—recommended Seth Raynor design the new layout along the scenic Ashley River.

In preparation for the 2019 U.S. Women’s Open, Kyle Franz led a restoration based on aerial photos from 1923. His work focused on restoring Raynor’s original bunkering and adjusting for the demands of modern equipment, all while respecting the intent of the original design. Franz’s restoration was widely praised and has reinvigorated the course’s Golden Age character.

4. The Land & Routing

Located on James Island, the course plays like a coastal links, with wind often influencing play. While distance isn’t the primary challenge, the course’s large, sloping greens are its strongest defense.

The front nine runs along marshland and offers stunning low-country vistas, while the back nine plays more inland and residential—creating a unique balance in the routing.

5. Overall Experience: A Golf-Centric Club with Rich Character

Though it’s a full-service country club, the vibe at Charleston is all about serious golf. The professional staff greeted us on the first tee like we were about to tee off in a championship match. The clubhouse and men’s grill are rich with history, featuring memorabilia from past champions, including Henry Picard’s green jacket from his 1938 Masters win.

From the history and architecture to the club culture and layout, Country Club of Charleston delivers a classic golf experience that few clubs can match.