Quick answer: The three top-rated public golf courses near Lexington, SC are Golden Hills Golf & Country Club in Lexington, Cobblestone Park Golf Club in Blythewood, and Northwoods Golf Club (The Spur) in Columbia. All three take public tee times and are an easy drive from Lexington.
Golf is one of the easiest ways to feel at home in Lexington. Year-round weather, a short drive to Columbia, and a handful of great public golf courses near Lexington, SC mean you can book a tee time almost any week of the year. We picked these three using golfer reviews and ratings on GolfPass, plus course details from GolfNow, TeeOff and Golf Digest (ratings as of October 2026).
Top 3 Public Golf Courses Near Lexington, SC at a Glance
| Course | Location | Holes / Par | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Hills Golf & Country Club | Lexington | 18 / Par 71 | Close-to-home rounds and community events |
| Cobblestone Park Golf Club | Blythewood | 27 holes | A premium, highly rated round |
| Northwoods Golf Club (The Spur) | Columbia | 18 / Par 72 | Golfers of every skill level |
1. Golden Hills Golf & Country Club (Lexington)
The hometown favorite, right in Lexington at 100 Scotland Dr. Golden Hills is a Ron Garl design that opened in 1988, with rolling fairways, lakes, Southern pines and TifEagle Bermuda greens. The course sits on more than 300 acres that were once part of the Golden Glow Dairy Farm, and it has been voted Best Golf Course by readers of The State newspaper and Lexington Life Magazine.
It plays 6,461 yards at par 71 with a 134 slope from the back, so it rewards a good round without punishing beginners who move up a tee. Golfers on GolfNow give it a 92% recommend rate across more than 330 reviews.
- Good to know: It’s semi-private, but public tee times are bookable online. Call (803) 957-3355 for rates.
- Bonus: Golden Hills is also a golf community, so it’s a neighborhood worth a look if you want the course out your back door.
Our take: The LexiCo Group team has been to Golden Hills several times for community events and tournaments. The atmosphere is peaceful, clean and enjoyable. The clubhouse sits at the center, so players on the front nine and back nine all come together there. Event traffic does flow through the event space, though, and a few areas don’t work as smoothly for larger gatherings, so plan your setup with that in mind.
Our nemesis: Hole 10. Every tournament, it’s the same story. The par-4 10th plays 361 yards from the gold tees (356 from blue, 311 from green), and it’s rated the fourth-hardest hole on the course for men and the second-hardest for women. Between you and certain victory sits a water hazard. Despite our best efforts, certain victory has never been guaranteed. Bring an extra ball. Or three.
See homes for sale near Golden Hills → Browse active listings within about a mile of the course, updated from the MLS.
Thinking about a home with a fairway view? Golf balls and windows have a funny way of finding each other, usually on someone else’s swing. Before you move in, ask us to connect you with our team’s insurance agent to make sure you have the right protection for your home and your needs. Just call The LexiCo Group at (803) 676-8638.
2. Cobblestone Park Golf Club (Blythewood)
A Midlands favorite, and worth the drive up I-77. Cobblestone Park has 27 holes (Garnet, Black and Gold nines) designed by P.B. Dye, son of legendary architect Pete Dye, and it’s home to the University of South Carolina golf teams.
Golfers rate it 4.7 out of 5 on GolfPass across more than 400 reviews, with a 99.8% recommend rate. Expect big elevation changes, some of the highest ground in the county, and par 3s that carry over water.
- Good to know: Golf Digest lists it as public with rounds around $75; check current rates when you book.
- Bonus: Reviewers often mention the free range balls and grass practice tees.
3. Northwoods Golf Club, The Spur (Columbia)
The friendliest pick for every skill level. Northwoods is another P.B. Dye layout, a par 72 that stretches to 6,800 yards but plays fair, with a 122 slope, tree-lined fairways and little water.
With more than 600 reviews on GolfPass, it’s one of the most-played public courses in the Midlands, and golfers regularly praise the value and friendly staff. Golf Advisor (now GolfPass) named it No. 10 on its 2015 list of the Top 25 Most Improved U.S. golf courses.
- Signature hole: The par-4 14th, with Dye’s classic railroad ties lining a lake beside the green.
- Good to know: A lighted driving range makes it a solid after-work practice stop.
Tee Times and Tips
- Book online through GolfNow or the course site. Weekday and twilight rates are usually the best deals.
- Weekend mornings fill fast, especially in spring and fall.
- Ratings and prices change, so confirm current rates when you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best public golf course near Lexington, SC?
Cobblestone Park Golf Club in Blythewood is one of the best-reviewed, rated 4.7 out of 5 on GolfPass with a 99.8% recommend rate. For a course right in Lexington, Golden Hills Golf & Country Club is the top pick.
Is Golden Hills Golf & Country Club open to the public?
Yes. Golden Hills is semi-private, but the public can book tee times online or by calling (803) 957-3355.
Is the Country Club of Lexington public?
No. The Country Club of Lexington is a private club, so it isn’t included in this list of public courses.
What is the most beginner-friendly golf course near Lexington?
Northwoods Golf Club (The Spur) in Columbia is a great beginner-friendly option, with a 122 slope, tree-lined fairways and very little water.
Can you golf year-round in Lexington, SC?
Yes. All three courses list a year-round golf season.
Moving to Lexington and Love Golf?
Whether you want to live on a course like Golden Hills or just stay close to great tee times, The LexiCo Group can help you land well in Lexington. Call us at (803) 676-8638, and we’ll show you the neighborhoods that fit your game and your life. Or start now and browse homes for sale near Golden Hills. Looking for more to do around town? See our guide to things to do in Lexington, SC, or browse our moving tips.
The LexiCo Group | Century 21 803
Sources
- Best Golf Courses Near Lexington, SC — TeeOff
- Golden Hills Golf and Country Club — GolfNow
- Golden Hills Golf and Country Club — SCGolf.com
- Cobblestone Park Golf Club — GolfPass
- Cobblestone Park Golf Club — Golf Digest
- Northwoods Golf Course — GolfPass
- Golden Hills scorecard — GolfPass
- Golden Hills Golf & Country Club — Lake Murray Country