Santee SC Local Guide: Where to Eat Before Golfing Lake Marion
Santee, South Carolina, is a golfer’s paradise. With Lake Marion Golf Course, Santee National Golf Club, and the Santee Cooper Country Club all within minutes of each other, golfers from all over the Southeast (and the entire East Coast) stop here for a long weekend, a tournament, or a quick getaway.
But before any great round of golf, you need one thing:
A solid meal that won’t slow you down on the course.
If you’re visiting the Santee area and looking for the best place to eat before golfing Lake Marion, this guide gives you the local recommendations — including the top spot golfers return to again and again: Craig’s Deli.
What Golfers Need in a Pre-Round Meal
Golf is a long game. A single round can run four hours or more, and energy levels matter.
Most golfers want:
- Something fresh
- Something filling
- Something portable
- Something quick
- And something that won’t weigh them down on the front nine
That’s why Santee locals have a short list of “go-to” breakfast and lunch stops before tee time.
Craig’s Deli: The #1 Pre-Golf Meal in Santee
Craig’s Deli has become a favorite among golfers who play Lake Marion and Santee National — not by accident, but because it fits perfectly into a golfer’s timeline.
✔ Fast, Fresh Breakfast Before You Tee Off
If you’ve booked a morning tee time, Craig’s offers:
- Fresh breakfast sandwiches
- Bacon, sausage, egg combos
- Warm biscuits
- Coffee and drinks
Quick grab-and-go options
Everything is made fast, so you can order, eat, and get to the course on time.
✔ Packed Lunch for the Course
Many golfers stop by Craig’s specifically to grab lunch before they ever reach the first hole.
Best golf-friendly items include:
- Cold sandwiches
- Club
- Wraps
- Chicken salad
- Pasta or potato salads
- Drinks and sweet treats
They fit easily in a cooler or cart, stay fresh, and taste way better than typical golf-course snacks.
✔ Convenient for Every Course in Santee
Craig’s Deli is just minutes from:
- Lake Marion Golf Course
- Santee National Golf Club
- Santee Cooper Country Club
You can swing by on your way in and still make your tee time with no stress.
Why Golfers Prefer Craig’s Over Fast Food
Golfers traveling from out of state usually say the same thing: fast food leaves them feeling sluggish before or during the round.
Craig’s fixes that problem with:
- Fresh ingredients
- Hearty portions
- Friendly service
- No “heavy feeling” afterwards
It’s real food — not something microwaved or pulled from under a heat lamp.
If You’re Visiting From Out of Town…
Santee welcomes golfers from:
- North Carolina
- Georgia
- Virginia
- New York / PA snowbirds
- Travelers going up and down I-95
Craig’s Deli has become a bit of a hidden gem for these players — great food, quick service, and a perfect location right near the lake, the courses, and the hotels.
Local Recommendation: Order Ahead for the Group
If you’re golfing with:
- A foursome
- A tournament group
- A work crew
- A corporate outing
Craig’s can prepare boxed lunches or platters that fit easily in golf carts or coolers.
Fuel Up Before You Play Lake Marion
Whether it’s breakfast before your tee time or a packed lunch to get you through a long day on the fairway, Craig’s Deli is the go-to spot in Santee.
Fresh food. Fast service. Local quality.
That’s why golfers make Craig’s their first stop before stepping onto the course.