If you live in Columbia or anywhere around the Midlands, you’re surrounded by more golf options than many people realize. Richland County has quietly built one of the strongest golf scenes in central South Carolina, with everything from county-run public courses to full 27-hole championship facilities and a two-course military complex that’s open to civilian play most days.

Within about a half hour of downtown Columbia, golfers can play rolling hill layouts, traditional parkland courses, and scenic tracks routed through pine forests and wetlands. For local players building a regular rotation—or visitors planning a Midlands golf trip—these five courses consistently come up when people talk about the best golf in Richland County.

Cobblestone Park Golf Club

Just north of Columbia near Blythewood, Cobblestone Park Golf Club is often considered the premier public-access course in the area.

Designed by P.B. Dye, son of legendary architect Pete Dye, Cobblestone features 27 holes of championship golf divided into three nines: Garnet, Black, and Gold. Each combination provides a slightly different round, which is one reason many golfers enjoy playing the course multiple times.

The Garnet nine is especially known for its elevation changes and scenic views across the rolling terrain of northern Richland County. Like many Dye-family designs, the course incorporates bold bunkering, strategic mounding, and several holes that reward golfers willing to take on a little risk.

For many golfers in the Columbia area, Cobblestone serves as the anchor course when planning a full day—or even a weekend—of golf.

LinRick Golf Course

On the north side of Columbia, LinRick Golf Course has built a reputation as one of the best value courses in the Midlands.

Operated by the Richland County Recreation Commission, the course offers a challenging layout at rates that are often lower than many private or semi-private courses nearby. The Russell Breeden design sits on more than 250 acres of rolling terrain, with eight ponds and a par-73 routing that includes five par-5 holes.

The course plays close to 6,900 yards from the back tees, with multiple tee boxes that make it approachable for different skill levels.

Local golfers often mention the elevation changes at LinRick as one of its defining features. Several holes play significantly uphill or downhill, creating a layout that requires thoughtful club selection rather than simply hitting driver on every tee.

For Columbia residents, LinRick is the type of course you can play regularly and still find interesting every time.

Oak Hills Golf Club

Not far from the center of Columbia, Oak Hills Golf Club offers one of the most respected public layouts in the Midlands.

The course was co-designed by Steve Melnyk and Davis Love III, and the routing takes full advantage of the rolling hills and mature trees that frame the property. The layout features Bermuda fairways and smaller greens that reward accurate iron play.

Oak Hills provides a mix of hole shapes, including uphill approaches, doglegs that demand good positioning, and several holes where the natural terrain creates subtle challenges.

For many golfers in Columbia, Oak Hills offers a well-balanced test that feels challenging without being overly punishing.

Fort Jackson Golf Club

Located on the Fort Jackson military installation, Fort Jackson Golf Club is one of the most impressive military golf facilities in the country—and it’s open to the public most days.

The facility includes two full 18-hole championship courses, Wildcat and Old Hickory, giving golfers a chance to experience 36 holes in a single location.

Wildcat winds through pine forests and rolling sandhills, while Old Hickory introduces more water hazards and tighter driving holes that demand accuracy. The complex also includes a large practice range, putting greens, and short-game areas that make it a hub for golf in the Columbia area.

Many golfers visiting the Midlands are surprised to discover just how extensive the Fort Jackson facility is once they see it in person.

The Windermere Club

Near Blythewood, The Windermere Club rounds out the list with a scenic semi-private layout that many Columbia golfers enjoy playing.

The course is routed around lakes and wetlands with several holes offering water views and elevation changes. Multiple tee boxes allow players to choose a distance that fits their game, making the course approachable for both experienced golfers and casual players.

Because it sits near Cobblestone Park, many golfers combine the two courses into a small golf weekend when visiting the Blythewood area.

Planning a Richland County Golf Weekend

One of the advantages of golf in Richland County is how close the courses are to each other.

A typical golf weekend might look like this:

Day One: Start with a championship round at Cobblestone Park.
Day Two: Play LinRick or Oak Hills for a classic Midlands layout.
Day Three: Visit Fort Jackson Golf Club and choose between Wildcat or Old Hickory.

If you're staying near Blythewood, adding Windermere Club gives you another scenic course within a short drive.

Many golfers traveling through central South Carolina also take a moment to check their equipment before a multi-day golf trip. It’s not unusual for players from the Columbia area or surrounding counties to stop by GTR Golf Shop in Heath Springs for grips or accessories before heading out for a weekend of rounds.

Why Richland County Is a Strong Golf Destination

Richland County stands out because of the variety of golf available in one area.

Within a short drive, golfers can:

• Play a 27-hole championship facility at Cobblestone Park
• Experience rolling elevation and value golf at LinRick
• Enjoy a respected public layout at Oak Hills
• Play two full courses at Fort Jackson Golf Club
• Add scenic water holes at The Windermere Club

For golfers in the Midlands—or visitors coming from surrounding counties—this combination of accessibility and course variety makes Richland County one of the most enjoyable places to play golf in central South Carolina.

And for golfers traveling between Columbia and Lancaster County, a quick stop at GTR Golf Shop makes it easy to grab accessories or check equipment before the next round. Check out our location! New & Used Clubs - Golf Accessories - Golf Club Repair

FAQs

What are the best golf courses in Richland County, South Carolina?

Some of the most popular courses include Cobblestone Park Golf Club, LinRick Golf Course, Oak Hills Golf Club, Fort Jackson Golf Club, and The Windermere Club.

Are there public golf courses in Columbia, South Carolina?

Yes. Several Richland County courses are open to the public, including LinRick, Oak Hills, Cobblestone Park, and Fort Jackson Golf Club.

Which Richland County golf course is the most challenging?

Cobblestone Park Golf Club is often considered one of the most challenging public courses in the Columbia area because of its elevation changes and strategic design.

Can civilians play golf at Fort Jackson?

Yes. Fort Jackson Golf Club is located on a military base but public tee times are typically available, allowing civilian golfers to play the Wildcat and Old Hickory courses.

How far are Richland County golf courses from downtown Columbia?

Most courses in Richland County are located 15 to 30 minutes from downtown Columbia, making them convenient for both locals and visitors.