By Anita Draycott

Genuine southern hospitality, gracious antebellum mansions, pecan pralines and world-class golf resorts are just a few of the reasons why Charleston charmed the number two spot away from New York on the list of best U.S. cities to visit from Conde Nast Traveler magazine's Readers' Choice Awards in 2008.

Kiawah Island, just a few kilometres from Charleston, offers an arsenal of first-rate golf courses. Of the five championship tracts, Pete Dye's Ocean Course is the top gun. Golf Digest named The Ocean Course the "Number One Golf Course in South Carolina" and "America's Toughest Resort Course." It is one of only 17 "five-star" courses in North America in Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play" reader's poll.

With unobstructed views of Kiawah's Atlantic coastline from every hole, the links-style layout meanders up, down and around a ribbon of pristine sand dunes with the back nine playing alongside the ocean.

For its grand debut the Ocean Course hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup. It's also home of the 2007 Senior PGA Championship as well as the 2012 PGA Championships.

Apparently Mr. Dye was fed up watching the pros play tournament courses with a driver and a wedge. From the whites it's tough, demanding long straight drives to narrow landing zones and second shots that must carry water and hip-high sea oats to sliver greens backed by dunes and more water. From the 7,937 tips it's earned its moniker, "War on the Shore." And let's not forget the ever-present gale-force winds.

Fortunately you'll find sanctuary at the Kiawah's newest hotel by the same name. Built like a grand seaside mansion with soaring ceilings and a sweeping staircase where you might expect to see Scarlett O'Hara making an entrance, The Sanctuary with its 24-hour concierge service, luxury spa, grand dining rooms and handmade mattresses is just the place to seek solace after your battle with the Ocean Course. Besides, Kiawah's four other championship courses will boost your ego: Cougar Point designed by Gary Player, Turtle Point by Jack Nicklaus, Oak Point by Clyde Johnston and Osprey Point by Tom Fazio. Still in a swinging mood? Some of the Charleston area's best courses include: Charleston National with its challenging carries on the back nine over marshlands and lagoons; Dunes West, an Arthur Hills design; Legend Oaks that has been compared to Pinehurst No. 2; the three nines created by Dr. Michael Hurdzan at Wescott Plantation. Charleston Check List When it's time to give those golf muscles a break, y'all simply must allow a day or two to explore historic Charleston. Here are my recommendations: Curb Appeal The gorgeous white Queen Anne Victorian mansion sits under sprawling live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. With its wrap-around porch, Tiffany stained glass window panels and rich oak paneling, the Two Meeting Street Inn has such curb appeal that Barbara Streisand knocked on the door and asked proprietor Jean Spell if she could have a visit. A southern-style breakfast of Bananas Foster and Sausage Wellington might be taken on the verandah or garden. After a day of sightseeing guests can indulge in afternoon tea and traditional Charleston sweets. There are nine antique-filled rooms each decorated with a different theme.

Turtle Point Two Meeting Street Inn Clip Clop

Clip Clop
Take a horse-drawn carriage tour along the cobblestone streets in the historic centre. Many of Charleston's mansions were built by early British colonists in the Caribbean style with high ceilings and broad piazzas on each level to catch the sea breezes. You'll notice that many are long and narrow, built at right angles to the street, because buildings were taxed according to frontage length.

Something Fishy?
You'll find Low Country cookin' and the finest seafood at The Boathouse at Breach Inlet. I recommend the Alaska King crab legs and shrimp and grits laced with Tabasco sauce. For a real Southern vegetarian treat, try the fried green tomatoes with black-eyed pea salsa. There's an award-winning wine list to wash it all down.

Boo!
At night when the gaslights flicker and a fog blows in from the harbour, take a walking tour called The Ghosts of Charleston. With so much history, the place is crawling with ghouls, from the old bridges to the graveyards.

Where the Civil War Began
On April 12, 1861 the first shot of the Civil War was fired by Confederate forces on Union troops on the man-made island Fort Sumter in the middle of Charleston Harbour. History buffs will want to take a boat ride and a tour.

Winging It
Claiming to serve the best wings south of Buffalo, this casual eatery in the heart of the market area is the place for a bucket of beer and your choice of 33 flavours of wings from honey ginger to ranch. Warning: you'll need lip balm and a fire extinguisher when you bite into the Habnero Hots.

Market Days
Open every day until about sunset in the heart of the historic district, vendors at the covered stalls sell everything from old silver to hand-woven sweet grass baskets. If you've got a sweet tooth, try the chocolate/pecan/caramel pralines.

For more information about Charleston's outstanding golf packages and sightseeing in Low Country, visit www.charlestongolfinc.com.

Anita Draycott is managing editor of GolfStyle magazine.