I love the game of golf—but I also know that around Greenville, SC, it can get expensive fast. That’s why I put together this list: the five most affordable 18-hole courses near Greenville, based on weekday rates at noon (riding). I’ve either played these courses myself or done some serious research and talked to people I trust who have.

All of these are full 18-hole tracks—no hybrids—and I’m leaving out twilight pricing to keep things consistent. This list is for those of us who want to get in a solid round without spending a fortune. So here’s my personal breakdown of the five cheapest golf courses near the Upstate.

Weekday Rate (Riding): $42

Carolina Springs has a special place in my heart. I wouldn’t say I grew up playing here, but I did start playing golf during the pandemic, after coming home from playing college basketball—and this is where my dad, my brother, and I really got into it together.

It’s actually a pretty big course for how affordable it is—par 72, nearly 6,800 yards from the tips, 72.9 rating, 135 slope—so it’s no pushover. The par threes in particular are tough. They’re long, unforgiving, and will definitely keep you on your toes. You’ve got OB on some, water on others—it’s a full test.

What I love about Carolina Springs is how well it’s designed. The holes feel like they all belong together, and the layout just flows. It’s always been well kept every time I’ve been out there, including my last round about a month and a half ago. It's also a tournament host, which says something.

It might not get the attention it deserves—maybe because it’s down in Fountain Inn and not right in Greenville—but it’s really only about 20–25 minutes out. If you haven’t played it, I highly recommend giving it a shot. This is the course that got me hooked on golf, and it’s still one I’ll go back to any chance I get.

Weekday Rate (Riding): $42

Southern Oaks is a course I’ve played quite a few times with my father-in-law, who probably knows this place like the back of his hand. It’s not far from my house, and even closer to Greenville—just off I-85—so it’s super convenient.

It plays about 6,500 yards, 72.5 rating and 132 slope from the tips, and I’d call it more approachable than Carolina Springs. There’s definitely some challenge, though—like hole three, where you’re hitting over water into a pretty small landing area. You’ll see water come into play on more holes than you’d expect for this part of South Carolina.

The vibe here is laid-back. The clubhouse is nestled back in the woods a bit, and while the holes don’t always feel like they belong to the same course (it jumps around stylistically), it’s still a really fun track to go play.

Southern Oaks earns its spot just above Carolina Springs for me because of accessibility. If you’re coming from downtown Greenville, it’s probably a 15-minute drive, max. And for $42, it’s a great value for a course you can get on and enjoy without too much planning.

Weekday Rate (Riding): $40

Okay, I haven’t actually played Greer Golf yet—but it’s high on my list. I’ve heard a ton about it lately from people I trust, and what keeps coming up is this: it might be the best-conditioned public course in the area.

This course is owned by the City of Greer, and apparently their rec department has been investing heavily into improving it. For $40, that's pretty exciting.

It’s about 6,200 yards, par 72, with a 71.0 rating and 133 slope, so definitely on the shorter side. But from what I’ve been told, it’s a course where condition and playability shine, especially for the price.

Also, I love when a course starts off with a par five—you get a chance to open up with the driver, and Greer gives you that right off the bat. You don’t see your first par three until hole four, which gives you some warm-up before the accuracy game starts.

If the buzz is true, this might be the course to check out if you want great conditions without dropping $60+. I’ll be playing it soon, for sure.

Weekday Rate (Riding): $35

Lakeview is one I’ve become really familiar with—it’s less than 10 minutes from my house. It’s not a fancy place. There’s no driving range. The putting green doesn’t even have holes. And it’s cash-only (so bring some greenbacks).

But when you get out on the course? It’s just solid golf for a great price.

From the blues, it’s a par 72, about 6,500 yards, 70.0 rating, and 110 slope—so one of the easier courses on paper. But don’t let that fool you. Some of these holes are weird in the best way. You’ll stand on a tee box and have no idea where you’re supposed to hit it. It’s what my dad calls “helmet golf”—tight, quirky, and you better be paying attention.

That said, I was surprised by how good of shape the course was in when I played it about a month ago. No, it’s not Augusta. But for $35? That’s a fun round with a lot of character. If you want a chill, low-budget round that still gives you some creative golf, Lakeview is a great pick.

Weekday Rate (Riding): $33

Taking the top spot for me is Rolling Green in Easley. I’ve only played it once, but it left an impression.

It’s one of the few remaining 27-hole golf courses in the area—most others have downsized to 18. That variety alone is a big reason it tops this list. Depending on which nine you pair up, you get different setups and experiences every time you play.

In the 10–27 hole setup (which is their standard weekday rotation), it’s a par 70, just under 5,800 yards, with a 68.5 rating and 124 slope. Shorter than the rest, for sure, but still a solid challenge. The par threes are around 150 yards, and the par fives average about 480 yards—scoreable, but not easy.

What I remember most is how tree-lined the course is. You rarely see more than one hole at a time, and it gives the place a quiet, tucked-in feel. The conditions are similar to Lakeview—not perfect, but for $33, you’re getting a really enjoyable round. The extra nine holes and layout flexibility give Rolling Green a slight edge, especially in a time where so many local courses are scaling back.

If you’re looking to stretch your golf budget around Greenville, these five courses should be at the top of your list. They’re not going to win awards for luxury, but they’re fun, affordable, and full of character. And most importantly, they’re courses that people like you and me can actually go play without overthinking it.

If you do check any of them out, I’d love to hear what you think. And when you roll up to the clubhouse, go ahead and let them know you heard about it from Grayson Reames at Sweet Tees.

Got another list idea you want me to tackle? Drop me a line—I’m always down to explore more golf around the Upstate.

Until next time,
Grayson Reames
Sweet Tees Golf