Arthur Hills Golf Course in Aiken: 18 Holes Through Lowcountry Pines

What You'll Find at Arthur Hills Golf Course

Arthur Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course in Aiken designed by the architect Arthur Hills, known for routing courses through natural terrain rather than bulldozing it flat. The course sits on about 160 acres of longleaf pine, native grasses, and wetlands in the Aiken area, roughly 15 minutes from downtown. You play from five sets of tees, so the course plays different lengths depending on which set you choose—the back tees stretch to over 7,000 yards, while the front tees sit around 5,200 yards.

The layout emphasizes shot-making over sheer length. Water comes into play on roughly half the holes, but not as a gimmick—it's part of the natural drainage on the property. Fairways are generous enough that you don't need to thread a needle off the tee, but the greens are small and sloped, so approach shots matter. The course opens with a relatively forgiving par 4, then builds in difficulty through the front nine, with the back nine mixing easier holes with several demanding par 4s and a pair of testing par 5s.

Key Takeaways

• Arthur Hills designed the course to work with the existing landscape, so you'll play through native longleaf pine and wetlands rather than manicured rough.
• Five tee boxes mean golfers of different skill levels can find an appropriate distance, from around 5,200 yards to over 7,000 yards.
• The course is walkable and cart-friendly, with most holes playable in under four hours for a foursome at a moderate pace.
• Aiken's year-round mild climate means the course is open and playable most of the year, though late spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions.

Course Layout and Hole-by-Hole Character

The front nine introduces you to the course's philosophy: work with the land, not against it. Holes 1 through 4 are relatively open, giving you a chance to settle in. Hole 5, a par 3 over water, is the first real test. By hole 7, a dogleg-left par 4 with water guarding the left side, the course is asking you to commit to your shot shape. The ninth hole, a par 5, offers a birdie opportunity if you can thread two good shots through a narrow corridor of trees.

The back nine shifts tone. Holes 10 and 11 are both par 4s that demand accuracy more than length. Hole 12, a par 3 playing downhill to a green surrounded by bunkers, is one of the most photographed holes on the course. The 15th and 16th holes form a difficult stretch—both par 4s with water and out-of-bounds stakes that punish wayward shots. The 18th, a par 5 that doglegs right around a lake, gives you a chance to finish strong if you've kept your composure through the back nine.

When to Play and What to Expect Weather-Wise

Aiken sits in the upper Midlands, so winters are mild compared to northern states but cooler than the Lowcountry coast. January and February can see frost on the greens in early morning, which affects how the ball rolls, but courses typically open by mid-morning. Spring—March through May—is ideal: temperatures in the 60s to 75 degrees, low humidity, and consistent daylight until around 8 p.m. Summer heat and humidity peak in July and August, making early tee times essential if you play then.

Fall, September through November, rivals spring for comfort. Temperatures drop into the 50s and 60s by late October, and the native grasses turn golden. The course can be wet in late summer after afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in July and August but rare by October. Winter play is possible most years, though occasional ice or snow can close the course for a day or two. Plan your visit for March through May or September through November if you want the most predictable conditions.

Amenities and What's Nearby

The clubhouse includes a pro shop, a small restaurant or café (hours and menu vary by season), and a practice range with both grass and mat stations. You can rent clubs if you didn't bring your own. The course does not have overnight lodging on-site, but Aiken has several hotels within 10 to 15 minutes, including chain properties and smaller inns. Many golfers stay downtown and drive out to the course in under 20 minutes.

Aiken itself is worth a day trip beyond golf. The Aiken Horse Park, Hopeland Gardens, and the Aiken Center for the Arts are all within a few miles. Restaurants downtown range from casual to upscale, and the town has a walkable historic district with shops and galleries. If you're combining golf with other activities, you can easily structure a weekend around the course and the town.

How to Get There and Practical Details

Arthur Hills Golf Course is located on Whiskey Road in Aiken, about 15 minutes from downtown and roughly 90 minutes from Columbia. If you're flying in, the nearest commercial airport is Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), about an hour away by car. From there, take I-20 east toward Aiken, then follow local roads to Whiskey Road. Parking is ample and free in the lot adjacent to the clubhouse.

The course is open year-round, though hours and tee-time availability vary by season. You can call ahead to reserve a tee time or check availability online through the course website. Walking is permitted, though most players use carts. The course is relatively flat, so it's manageable on foot if you prefer, but cart rental is standard and included in most rate packages. Bring plenty of water, especially in warm months—the course has water stations but not on every hole.

Rates and What to Budget

Green fees vary by season and day of the week. Peak season (spring and fall) rates are higher than summer or winter rates. Weekday rounds are typically less expensive than weekend rounds. Cart rental is usually included in the green fee, though walking rates may be slightly lower. Rates change seasonally, so call the pro shop or check the website for current pricing before you plan your visit.

Many courses in the Aiken area offer package deals if you're playing multiple rounds over a weekend. Some local hotels have partnerships with the course and may offer discounted rates as part of a golf package. If you're a member of a golf club elsewhere, ask whether Arthur Hills has reciprocal agreements that might reduce your rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Walking is permitted, and the course is relatively flat and walkable. Most players use carts, and cart rental is typically included in the green fee. If you prefer to walk, ask about walking rates when you book your tee time—some courses offer a small discount for walkers.

What's the best time of year to play?

March through May and September through November offer the most comfortable temperatures and lowest humidity. Summer is playable but hot and humid, so plan an early tee time. Winter is mild but can have occasional frost or ice that affects play.

Do I need to bring my own clubs?

No. The pro shop rents clubs, so you can play without bringing your own. Rental rates are typically included in package deals or charged separately—ask when you book.

How long does a round usually take?

A foursome typically plays in three and a half to four and a half hours, depending on pace and skill level. The course is not overly difficult, so rounds move at a reasonable pace.

Is there food and drink at the course?

The clubhouse has a pro shop and a small restaurant or café. Hours and menu options vary by season, so call ahead if you're planning to eat there. Aiken has many restaurants downtown if you prefer to eat before or after your round.