Tee Off at Two Newly Renovated South Carolina State Park Golf Courses

Golfers have two more reasons to hit the fairways at South Carolina State Parks! Cheraw State Park and Hickory Knob State Resort Park have completed significant golf course improvements, offering fresh playing surfaces, upgraded course features and the same beautiful natural surroundings that make each destination special.

Renowned South Carolina golf course architect Tom Jackson designed both 18-hole courses, offering distinctive experiences for golfers who want a round surrounded by nature.

 

Fresh Improvements at Both Courses

Cheraw State Park Golf Course and Hickory Knob State Resort Park Golf Course have both undergone significant renovations over the past year to enhance playing conditions, upgrade essential infrastructure and support long-term course maintenance. While both courses have their own unique character, golfers will find several improvements in common.

Renovations at both courses include:

  • Greens: All greens have been replaced with new TifEagle turf, with crowns rebuilt where needed and root zones improved to create faster, truer and smoother putting surfaces. Green collars have also been replaced with Tahoma 31 Bermuda.

  • Bunkers: Bunkers have been completely reshaped with new liners, fresh sand, improved drainage and rebuilt lips for more consistent play and easier maintenance.

  • Tee Boxes and Fairways: Tee boxes have been newly sodded, and both tee boxes and fairways have been aerified to encourage healthy turf growth and provide improved playing surfaces.

  • Irrigation: New irrigation systems have been installed on every green to support healthier turf and improved course conditions.

With these improvements complete, both courses are open for play and ready to welcome golfers back for a refreshed experience.

 

Golf Along the Shores of Lake Juniper

At Cheraw State Park, golfers can enjoy a peaceful round through towering pine forests and along the shores of Lake Juniper. The 18-hole course combines a challenging layout with a quiet woodland setting, offering a memorable experience for golfers of varying skill levels.

There's plenty to enjoy beyond the golf course, too. The park offers opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, paddling and wildlife watching, with Lake Juniper providing a scenic backdrop for outdoor recreation.

For those looking to extend their stay, Cheraw State Park offers nine fully equipped cabins, including options with views of Lake Juniper. The park also has 17 campsites for visitors looking to enjoy a little more time outdoors.

The improvements are part of a larger investment in the park's future. Construction is underway on five new lakefront golf villas featuring four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen and living area, and a covered back porch with outdoor living space. Designed with accessibility in mind, the villas will offer convenient access to the golf course and views of Lake Juniper and the surrounding pine forest. They are expected to be completed in early 2028.

Cheraw State Park is also offering golfers 20% off weekday cabin stays (Monday through Thursday) during November and December 2026. Learn more about the golf and cabin offer.

A Lakeside Golf Experience at Hickory Knob

Located along the shores of Lake Thurmond in McCormick, Hickory Knob State Resort Park offers a golf experience with scenic reservoir views from every hole. The course winds through a peaceful, forested landscape with little surrounding development, making it a great destination for golfers looking to enjoy a relaxing getaway.

Following its reopening on September 21, 2026, the 18-hole championship course features restored greens, renovated bunkers, improved tee boxes and other upgrades designed to enhance playability. Golfers can also take advantage of the park's golf facilities, including a clubhouse, practice green, driving range, pro shop and lounge.

There's more to enjoy beyond the fairways. Hickory Knob offers a variety of overnight accommodations, including lodge rooms, cabin and campsites, making it easy to turn a round of golf into a longer getaway. The park also features opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking and other outdoor recreation along Lake Thurmond.

For golfers looking to make the most of their visit, Hickory Knob offers a Stay & Play package that includes lodging, breakfast and golf. 

 

Whether you're planning a weekend golf trip or looking for a new course to explore, these two South Carolina State Parks offer the opportunity to enjoy a great round of golf surrounded by some of the state's most beautiful natural settings.

Ready to tee off?

Explore the courses, plan your visit and book your next round:

 

November 2026