Savannah's golf scene stretches from $19 municipal rounds to PGA TOUR-caliber championship courses, with over 20 distinct venues serving everyone from weekend warriors to scratch golfers. The coastal Georgia city offers year-round golf with 216 sunny days annually, combining historic Donald Ross designs from the 1920s with modern Greg Norman and Tom Fazio layouts, all set against a backdrop of Spanish moss-draped oaks and tidal marshlands.
The championship courses that make pros sweat (and you might too)
The Club at Savannah Harbor stands as Savannah's premier public-access championship venue, and it's got the credentials to prove it. This Robert Cupp design collaborated with Sam Snead himself back in 1999, stretching 7,288 yards from the championship tees with a course rating of 74.8 and slope of 138… numbers that translate to "bring extra balls" for most of us.
Located on Hutchinson Island directly across from Savannah's Historic District, the course hosted the PGA TOUR Champions from 2003 to 2013, attracting legends like Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Lee Trevino. The signature 660-yard 7th hole features a peninsula green that'll make your palms sweat harder than August in Georgia. Green fees range from $44 to $124 using dynamic pricing, so booking early through their website or calling 912-201-2240 can save serious cash.
The amenities justify the price tag though. Picture this: a driving range with a vertical shipping container as a target (because regular flags are so yesterday), the Champions Grill for post-round sustenance, and the Heavenly Spa by Westin featuring 21 treatment rooms… perfect for working out those shanking-induced muscle knots.
When you want to feel like a member (but keep your money)
The Landings Club on Skidaway Island operates six championship courses, making it essentially golf heaven if golf heaven required an initiation fee. The crown jewel? The Tom Fazio-designed Deer Creek course, which hosts the Korn Ferry Tour's Club Car Championship with its million-dollar purse and ranks #35 nationally according to Golf Digest.
While primarily private, they do offer limited non-property owner memberships… capped at 100, so you'll need to sweet-talk your way in or know someone who knows someone. The club also features two Arnold Palmer courses and an Arthur Hills layout, because apparently one championship course just wasn't enough.
Public courses that won't destroy your retirement fund
Sometimes you just want to play golf without taking out a second mortgage, and Savannah delivers beautifully in this department.
The people's champion: Bacon Park
Bacon Park Golf Course emerges as Savannah's best value proposition at just $19 for 18 holes. Yes, you read that correctly… less than a decent lunch downtown. This isn't some cow pasture either; it's a genuine Donald Ross design from 1926 that's currently undergoing restoration to its original layout.
The par-71 course plays 6,418 to 6,481 yards from the back tees with strategic bunkering and those signature Donald Ross undulating greens that'll have you three-putting with style. Located just 10 minutes from downtown at 1 Shorty Cooper Drive, the course also includes a 9-hole "Legends" course for 27 total holes. The walkable layout winds through tree-lined fairways adorned with Spanish moss, and they've even preserved Civil War earthen berms… because nothing says "historical golf" like teeing off near 160-year-old fortifications.
Henderson Golf Club: Where two personalities collide
Henderson Golf Club, managed by Chatham County, offers championship-caliber golf at municipal prices in the $40-50 range. Designed by Mike Young in 1995, this par-71 layout stretches up to 6,700 yards with a course rating of 72.4 and slope of 136.
Here's what makes Henderson special:
- Front nine plays links-style and open
- Back nine transforms into tree-lined corridors
- Five tee combinations for all abilities
- Lighted driving range for night practice
- Home to Savannah Golf School
- Full-service clubhouse with restaurant
Recent reviews consistently praise the improving conditions under new county management, proving that government-run doesn't have to mean neglected.
Crosswinds: The quirky course that works
Crosswinds Golf Club near Savannah/Hilton Head Airport presents a unique challenge with its unusual configuration of five par-5s and five par-3s. Playing 6,736 yards from the tips, green fees range from $40-70 depending on season and time.
The facility recently upgraded with TopTracer technology and covered hitting bays, while a separate 9-hole par-3 course offers illuminated night golf. Monthly memberships starting at $35 provide value for frequent players, making this the perfect spot for working on your game without working over your wallet.
Hidden gems that locals hope you won't discover
Every golf destination has those courses that fly under the radar, delivering exceptional experiences without the crowds or inflated prices.
Black Creek Golf Club in Ellabell, about 25 miles west of Savannah, consistently earns praise as the area's best-kept secret. This Jim Bevins design from 1994 offers military discounts as low as $20 for cart and green fee combined. The front nine features links-style open fairways while the back nine tightens through tree-lined corridors, culminating with an island green par-3 15th hole.
Family-owned and operated, the course receives exceptional reviews for staff friendliness, with locals calling it the "best bang for your buck around Savannah/Hilton Head area." JoAnn in the pro shop apparently deserves her own fan club based on the reviews.
Southbridge Golf Club offers semi-private Rees Jones design excellence from 1989. Playing 6,922 yards at par 72, the course weaves through dense Georgia woodland with strategic water features. Currently offering 18 holes starting at $50 due to ongoing improvements, the club provides multiple membership options:
- Social membership: $35/month
- Unlimited platinum access: $235/month
- Various levels in between
Recent TripAdvisor reviews note dramatic improvements, with one reviewer stating the course has "improved so much" and is now beautiful and fun to play.
For those willing to drive an hour south, Sapelo Hammock Golf Club in Shellman Bluff delivers spectacular coastal marsh views rivaling expensive resort courses. This Rusty Simmons design stretches 6,887 yards with over two miles of marsh-front play. Wildlife sightings including deer, foxes, and alligators add to the natural beauty, while the course rating of 72.8 and slope of 134 provide adequate challenge for skilled players.
When to play: Dodging heat, crowds, and your in-laws
Timing your Savannah golf trip can mean the difference between perfect conditions and feeling like you're playing inside a sauna while wearing a wool sweater.
The Goldilocks seasons
The optimal windows fall in April-May and September-October, when temperatures range from 75-85°F with minimal humidity. These months deliver:
- Perfect course conditions
- Comfortable playing temperatures
- Reasonable tee time availability
- Hotels at moderate prices
March brings the busiest crowds despite cooler 51-70°F temperatures, apparently because everyone else read the same "best times to visit" articles.
Summer: Hot deals, hotter weather
June through August sees highs reaching 88-90°F with oppressive humidity, but offers the year's best deals. Hotel rates drop to $198-206 per night compared to $203-255 during peak seasons. The trade-off? You'll experience 12-16 rainy days per month with afternoon thunderstorms practically scheduled like clockwork.
Summer golf survival tips:
- Book earliest possible tee times
- Bring extra water and towels
- Wear moisture-wicking everything
- Accept that you'll be drenched regardless
- Embrace the discounted green fees
Winter golf for the weather-sensitive
December through February presents mild conditions with 45-64°F highs and the year's smallest crowds. The area averages just 6-8 rainy days per month during winter, making it perfect for heat-sensitive golfers seeking value. Hurricane season officially runs June 1 through November 30, with peak risk from August to October, though Savannah's geographic position provides more protection than other coastal cities.
Getting around Savannah's courses (without getting lost)
Transportation logistics can make or break your golf trip, and Savannah offers surprising variety in getting to the first tee.
The Club at Savannah Harbor scores major points for accessibility via the free Savannah Belles Ferry service to Hutchinson Island. The DOT Express Shuttle provides free transportation throughout the Historic District from 7am-7pm weekdays, though it won't get you to most golf courses.
For broader course access:
- CAT bus: $1.50 one-way with transfers
- Route 100X: Airport express to downtown
- Rental car: Essential for multiple courses
- Uber/Lyft: Available but adds up quickly
Most courses are 15-20 minutes from downtown, making a rental car the most practical option for serious golfers planning to play multiple rounds.
Course etiquette and practical stuff nobody tells you
Dress codes remain fairly consistent across Savannah courses, with collared shirts required at most facilities. No jeans, cutoffs, or tank tops… basically, if you'd wear it to mow the lawn, leave it at home. Private clubs and resort courses enforce stricter standards, often requiring tucked-in shirts because apparently untucked shirts affect your swing.
Practical considerations that matter:
- Club rentals: $20-75 per set
- Pace of play: 4:20 peak season
- Cart included at most courses
- Walking allowed at select courses
- Advance booking essential for weekends
- Group rates available for 12+
Standard amenities across most courses include practice facilities, pro shops, and some form of food service, though quality varies dramatically from "gas station hot dog" to "legitimate restaurant" levels.
Where champions play (and you can too)
Savannah's tournament pedigree adds legitimacy to its golf scene. The annual Club Car Championship at The Landings Club's Deer Creek course brings Korn Ferry Tour action with a million-dollar purse. The Club at Savannah Harbor's history hosting PGA TOUR Champions events established the region's credentials for professional golf.
For corporate events and tournaments, several courses excel:
- Club at Savannah Harbor: 22,000 sq ft clubhouse
- The Landings: Palmer's Steakhouse fine dining
- Crosswinds: Convenient airport proximity
- Southbridge: Comprehensive event planning
Booking strategies that actually save money
Dynamic pricing means booking strategies matter more than ever. The Club at Savannah Harbor adjusts rates based on demand, making advance online booking through GolfNow or TeeOff essential for securing best rates. Many courses offer better deals booking directly through their websites.
Money-saving approaches:
- Book weekday afternoons
- Take advantage of twilight rates
- Consider monthly memberships if playing multiple rounds
- Look for hot deals on booking platforms
- Check for military or senior discounts
- Ask about replay rates
Stay-and-play packages through providers like Tee Times USA combine multiple rounds with lodging at over 250 area hotels, often providing better value than booking separately.
The bottom line on Savannah golf
Savannah's golf scene reflects the city itself: deeply rooted in history yet thoroughly modern, accessible yet sophisticated, and always infused with genuine Southern hospitality. From the $19 Donald Ross classic at Bacon Park to championship layouts hosting professional tournaments, each course contributes something unique.
Budget-conscious players should start with Bacon Park or Black Creek's military discounts. Those seeking championship experiences will find The Club at Savannah Harbor delivers PGA TOUR pedigree at public-access prices. Monthly memberships at Crosswinds or Southbridge provide excellent value for extended stays.
The sweet spot for weather hits in April-May and September-October, while summer offers the best deals if you can handle the heat. Winter provides comfortable conditions with minimal crowds. Transportation requires planning, with free ferry service to Hutchinson Island but rental cars needed for most other courses.
Whether you're a single-digit handicapper or someone who counts successful contact as a victory, Savannah's courses deliver memorable experiences across every price point and skill level. Just remember to stay hydrated, book early, and maybe skip that second helping of shrimp and grits before your round… the Georgia heat waits for no one.
