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Dogwood Hills Golf Course in Summerville: 18 Holes Through Lowcountry Pines

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

A public course with tree-lined fairways and water hazards near Charleston

Dogwood Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole public course in Summerville, about 25 miles northwest of Charleston. The layout winds through pine forests and wetlands typical of the Lowcountry, with water in play on roughly half the holes. You can walk or ride, book a tee time online or by phone, and play as a single, pair, or foursome. The course sits at 6,400 yards from the back tees and plays to a par of 72, with multiple tee boxes so golfers of different skill levels can find their distance.

Summerville itself is known for its azalea gardens and historic homes, and Dogwood Hills fits into that landscape—the course was built in the 1960s and has been a fixture for local and visiting golfers ever since. It's not a championship layout or a resort destination, but a straightforward public course where you can play a full round without the premium price tag of courses closer to Charleston.

Key Takeaways

  • Dogwood Hills is an 18-hole public course open to anyone; you book a tee time in advance and pay the daily green fee.
  • The course runs through pine and cypress wetlands with water hazards on many holes, so bring extra balls and expect to use them.
  • Multiple tee boxes let you choose your yardage—back tees play 6,400 yards, forward tees are shorter for newer or casual golfers.
  • You can walk the course or rent a cart; both options are available when you book your tee time.
  • Summerville is a 25-minute drive from downtown Charleston, making Dogwood Hills an easy half-day outing from the city.

What to expect on the course

The front nine at Dogwood Hills plays through open fairways lined with mature pines, with water coming into play on several holes but not dominating the routing. The back nine tightens up—fairways narrow, trees close in, and water hazards become more frequent. Holes 14 through 17 are where the course shows its teeth; they're set in wetland areas where accuracy matters more than distance.

The greens are small to medium-sized, and they slope more than they appear from the fairway. Wind can be a factor, especially on the more open holes, and the Lowcountry humidity means the ball doesn't carry as far as it would inland. Rough is thick enough to lose a ball in, so staying in the fairway pays off. The course is well-maintained but not manicured to resort standards—it's a working public course that gets played hard and kept playable.

Tee times and green fees

You can book a tee time online through the course website or by calling the pro shop directly. Tee times are available seven days a week, and you can usually find an opening within a few days unless there's a tournament or league play scheduled. Peak times are weekend mornings and weekday late afternoons, so if you want a quieter round, aim for a weekday morning or late afternoon slot.

Green fees vary by season and day of the week—weekday rates are lower than weekend rates, and rates drop in summer. Cart rental is separate from the green fee. Walking is permitted and can save you money if you prefer to carry your own bag or use a push cart. The pro shop rents clubs if you don't have your own, and they sell balls, tees, and snacks.

Getting there from Charleston

Dogwood Hills is located on Summerville's north side, about 25 minutes from downtown Charleston via US 17 North or I-26 West. From downtown, take I-26 West toward Summerville, exit onto US 17 North, and follow signs to the course. Parking is free and plentiful at the clubhouse.

If you're staying in Charleston and want a day trip, you can play Dogwood Hills in the morning, grab lunch in Summerville's historic district, and be back in the city by evening. The drive is straightforward enough that you don't need to plan around traffic or complicated directions.

Summerville as a golf destination

Summerville has several other courses within a short drive—Old Dorchester Golf Club and Summerville Golf Club are both nearby—so if you're planning a golf weekend, you can play multiple courses without long drives. The town itself is worth exploring: the Azalea Festival runs each spring, the historic district has galleries and restaurants, and Magnolia Cemetery is one of the most beautiful burial grounds in the South.

Dogwood Hills is also close to other Lowcountry attractions like Cypress Gardens, a 163-acre nature preserve with boardwalks through cypress swamps, and Middleton Place, a historic plantation with gardens and a museum. So you can combine golf with sightseeing if you're visiting the area.

What to bring and what to know

Bring more golf balls than you think you'll need—water hazards and thick rough claim balls regularly. Sunscreen and a hat are essential; there's shade from the pines on some holes, but many are exposed. The course can be buggy in summer and early fall, especially near the wetland areas, so insect repellent helps. Wear golf shoes or sneakers with good grip; the terrain is uneven in places and can be wet even when it hasn't rained recently.

The pro shop has a small selection of snacks and drinks, but if you want a full meal, plan to eat in Summerville before or after your round. The course does not have a restaurant, though you can bring your own cooler if you want to carry drinks and snacks in your cart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a member to play Dogwood Hills?

No, Dogwood Hills is a public course open to anyone. You pay a daily green fee and book a tee time. Membership is available if you want to play regularly, but it's not required for a single round.

Can I walk the course, or do I have to rent a cart?

You can walk if you prefer. Cart rental is optional and costs extra. Many golfers walk on weekdays when the course is less crowded, and it's a good way to save money and get exercise.

What's the best time of year to play Dogwood Hills?

Fall and spring offer the most comfortable weather—mild temperatures and lower humidity. Summer is hot and humid, and bugs can be thick near the wetlands. Winter is playable but can be wet. Rates are usually lowest in summer and highest in spring.

How long does a round usually take?

A typical round takes four to four and a half hours for a foursome, or three to three and a half hours for a twosome. Pace depends on how busy the course is and how experienced the players are. Weekday mornings tend to move faster than weekend afternoons.

Is there a driving range or practice area?

The course has a small practice area near the clubhouse where you can warm up before your round. It's not a full-size range, but it's enough to loosen up and work on your short game.