A Quick Nine: Best Charleston, S.C.-area public golf courses

Next week, the best golfers in the world head to breathtaking Kiawah Island, S.C., just outside Charleston, for the season's final major -- the PGA Championship.

Hopefully we'll see you there! While you're in the area, chances are you'll want to play some golf of your own.

With that in mind, we reached out to PGA.com Facebook Nation to give you some help. This week we asked: What are the best public golf courses to play in the Charleston area?

Hopefully this list will help you plan your itinerary, whether it's for next week, or down the road. Also, if you'd like to learn more about any the courses below, or leave a review, please click the course's name and visit the course page.

9. Patriot's Point Links, Mount Pleasant, S.C. Here is the course description from its website: Situated on the edge of Charleston Harbor and offering spectacular views of the city, Fort Sumter, and ships arriving from all over the world, Patriots Point has been for years a favorite place to play for local Charleston golfers and resort guests. It's located in Mount Pleasant at the foot of the Cooper River Bridge and just five minutes from downtown. Any golf trip to South Carolina's historic city of Charleston is not complete without a round at this memorable harbor side golf course.

Facebook fan quote:

"Patriot's Point Links." -- Tommy Harris

8. RiverTowne Country Club, Mount Pleasant, S.C. Here is the course description from its website: A beautiful coastal Carolina country club, located in Mount Pleasant on the Wando River and surrounded by miles of marsh views, RiverTowne Country Club features the best of Arnold Palmer's signature designs and low country hospitality. Recently the host of an LPGA Tour event, this semi-private golf club offers both a top resort golf experience and traditional memberships.

Facebook fan quote:

"RiverTowne CC. Great Palmer course." -- Joseph McGinley

7. Crowfield Golf and Country Club, Goose Creek, S.C. This beautifully manicured course plays just under 7,000 yards from the back tees and features a number of stunning views.

Facebook fan quote:

"Crowfield in Goose Creek." -- T.j. Watson

6. Dunes West Golf Course, Mount Pleasant, S.C. Here is the description from its website: Steeped in the history and beauty of the South Carolina low country, Dunes West Golf and River Club is Charleston's premier golf destination. Less than 20 minutes from historic downtown Charleston, Dunes West combines a masterful Arthur Hills designed course, a charming clubhouse overlooking Wagner Creek and some of the area's most spectacular scenery into a truly world-class and one of a kind experience.

Facebook fan quote:

"Dunes West is a fun and player friendly layout. Normally in pretty good condition. If money doesn't matter then play Turtle Point." -- Gabe Jolly

5. Daufuskie Island Resort, Hilton Head, S.C. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Melrose Course at Daufuskie Island opened in 1991.

Facebook fan quote:

"Melrose on Daufuskie Island. It's a drive from Charleston, but 100 percent worth it. One of the coolest places I've played." -- Ben Jablonski

4. Legend Oaks Golf Club, Summerville, S.C. Legend Oaks was named the 2010 South Carolina Golf Course of the Year as selected by the Golf Course Owners Association.

Facebook fan quote:

"Legend Oaks." Chandler Lunny

3. Shadowmoss Golf Club, Charleston, S.C. You can play this course on weekends for less that $50. Where else can you do that?

Facebook fan quotes:

"Shadowmoss Country Club. Some of the best greens in Charleston and best value." -- Ryan Stonaker

"Shadowmoss Country Club...West Ashley. Great public course." -- Dillon Inabinett

2. Wild Dunes Golf - Harbor Course on Isle of Palms, S.C. Featuring 36 holes of signature golf designed by Tom Fazio, Wild Dunes was identified as one of the best courses in the state of South Carolina by Golf Digest.

Facebook fan quotes:

"Wild Dunes Harbor Course." -- John Duvall

"I've only gotten to play one in the Charleston area, but if was a great one... Wild Dunes Resort - Links Course." -- Daniel Reedy

1. The Links at Stono Ferry, Hollywood, S.C. How about this for the course description?: Traveling to Charleston for the 2012 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island? If so, bring your sticks and enjoy a round at The Links at Stono Ferry. The club is the closest course off Kiawah and is the current South Carolina Golf Course of the Year. You will find the golf challenging and beautiful and the rates very affordable.

Facebook fan quotes:

"Stono Ferry, best price and great back 9." -- Jim Ray Cobb

"Stono Ferry." -- Valerie T West

"Stono Ferry will give you a true Low country experience." -- Brad King

"Stono Ferry is solid." -- Keith Weaver