Charming in Charleston: Stono Ferry, Shadowmoss a mix golf and history

If you a history buff and golfer, Charleston is a place that has you covered. From the terrific variety of golf courses to the historical stories that go with some of the courses, Charleston is a history lesson and terrific golf opportunity all rolled together.

From places like Shadowmoss Golf Club to Stono Ferry Golf Links, Charleston is a place where you can tee it up near the Atlantic Ocean and learn about some U.S. history.

A sign that sits on one of the holes at Stone Ferry and talks about the Battle of Stono Ferry on June 20, 1779, a battle that was part of the revolutionary war between the Americans and British. It was a battle that killed President Andrew Jackson’s older brother Hugh. The area is chock full of that kind of history plus some great golf.

• Stono Ferry Golf Links is a place where history really comes out. Part of the course was battlefield in 1779 between the Americans and British as 300 soldiers lost their lives. An old railroad line between Savannah and Charleston ran right where the golf course is today in the late 1850’s and was the main lifeline between the two cities. But don’ forget about the golf.

Stono Ferry is ranked among the top courses in the area for a reason. There was plenty of challenging holes and plenty of holes with some water views. The finishing hole is a par-4 with an island green.

The course was voted the course of the year in 2011 in South Carolina, which means plenty since the area is full of award winners.

• Shadowmoss is another Charleston golf treat. The course has been voted as the “best golf value in Charleston” and located 12 minutes from downtown. The course has been around for 40 years in the Charleston area and a change to Champion Bermuda greens in 2003 has been a big improvement to the putting surfaces.

The course is a treat for visitors and the locals. There are plenty of challenges along the way including a narrow creek that crossed the fairway short of the green on the par-5 fifth hole and a lagoon system that parallels, crossed then parallels again the fairway of the 8th hole.

And along the way, you might spot an alligator or two at one of these courses.

There’s plenty to like in Charleston.