Savannah Sports: A Rich History and Plenty of Ways to Get in the Game

When you think of Savannah, Georgia, sports two things often come to mind. Either a leisurely round of golf on a championship course or the entertaining antics of the Savannah Bananas, baseball’s answer to the Harlem Globetrotters. But Savannah’s sporting heritage goes well beyond fairways and baseball diamonds. From Olympic sailing and professional auto racing to hockey, tennis and pickleball, the Hostess City has a long history of competition, recreation and good old-fashioned fun.

A Brief History of Sports in Savannah

Savannah’s sporting history stretches back more than 200 years, beginning with horse racing, golf and sailing. In fact, the Savannah Golf Club, which traces its origins to 1794, claims to be the oldest golf club in America.

Savannah’s coastal location also made sailing a natural pastime, with the Savannah Yacht Club establishing roots in the 19th century. That tradition is alive and well at The Landings, which offers two full-service, deep-water marinas and plenty of easy access to both the Atlantic Ocean and inshore fishing areas.

As Savannah grew, so did its reputation as a sporting destination. Golf flourished, while basketball, tennis, soccer and college athletics expanded opportunities for players and fans alike. In 1996, Savannah stepped onto the world stage as the host of sailing competitions during the Atlanta Summer Olympics.

Today, Savannah’s sports scene is as diverse as ever. Add in a growing enthusiasm for pickleball, tennis, running, cycling and water sports – all available right from your front door at The Landings – and there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the action.

3 Ways to Enjoy Popular Sports in Savannah

Whether you’re cheering from the stands, watching world-class athletes compete or getting into the game yourself, Savannah offers something for sports enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.

1. Find a Team, Become a Fan

Savannah’s professional sports scene offers plenty of opportunities to support the home team. From fast-paced hockey to exciting soccer matches and the arrival of indoor football, there’s always something worth cheering about:

• Savannah Ghost Pirates: Established in 2022, the Ghost Pirates bring professional ECHL hockey to Enmarket Arena. An affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers, the team has quickly become a favorite among local sports fans.
• Savannah Leprechauns: Savannah’s newest professional sports franchise is preparing to take the field in 2027. The Leprechauns will compete in the Indoor Football League, bringing high-energy, arena-style football to Enmarket Arena.
• Savannah Clovers FC: Founded in 2016, the Clovers began as an amateur soccer club before entering professional competition in 2023. Following a hiatus, the team has announced plans to return in 2027, competing in the United Premier Soccer League with a renewed focus on local talent and community involvement.

And Then There Are the Savannah Bananas

Perhaps deserving more than a bullet point, the wildly popular Savannah Bananas have grown from a local baseball team into a national sports entertainment phenomenon. Founded in 2016 by Jesse and Emily Cole, the Bananas began as a summer collegiate team playing at historic Grayson Stadium. Their bright yellow uniforms, choreographed dances, outrageous promotions and fan-focused entertainment quickly earned a devoted following, along with three Coastal Plain League championships.

The team eventually introduced Banana Ball, a faster-paced version of baseball featuring unconventional rules, a two-hour time limit and plenty of spectacle. In 2022, the Bananas shifted their focus entirely to Banana Ball, embarking on nationwide tours and selling out major stadiums.

2. Watch Some of the Best Athletes in Action

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy high-level athletic competition. Throughout the year, Savannah hosts sporting events that bring talented athletes and enthusiastic fans to the region.

Golf takes center stage each spring with the Club Car Championship at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club. Part of the PGA TOUR’s Korn Ferry Tour, the tournament showcases rising professional golfers competing on The Landings’ championship Deer Creek course. It’s an opportunity to watch some of the game’s future stars in a beautiful coastal setting.

Tennis fans have their own event to look forward to with the Savannah Challenger, an annual ATP Challenger Tour tournament held at The Landings’ Franklin Creek Sports Complex. The event has welcomed notable players such as John Isner, Nick Kyrgios and Kei Nishikori, giving spectators an up-close look at world-class tennis and the sport’s emerging talent.

The excitement extends beyond the golf course and tennis courts. The Savannah Hockey Classic brings collegiate club hockey teams to town, while Enmarket Arena hosts the SEC Women’s Volleyball Tournament, featuring some of the country’s top college programs. Savannah also welcomes running events throughout the year, including the Savannah Women’s Half Marathon and 5K, offering opportunities to compete or simply cheer on the participants.

3. Get Out and Play

Of course, one of the best things about Savannah’s sports scene is that you don’t have to be a spectator. Whether you’re an experienced athlete, a weekend enthusiast or simply looking for a new way to stay active, there are plenty of opportunities to join in.

Golf has long been a local favorite, with numerous public and private courses throughout the Savannah area. Tennis and pickleball are also popular, with courts, clubs and organized leagues welcoming players of different ages and skill levels. For those drawn to the water, Savannah’s coastal setting provides countless opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, sailing and paddleboarding.

Prefer team sports? Local parks, recreation centers and community organizations offer leagues and programs for soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball, kickball and flag football. Whether you’re looking for friendly competition or a chance to meet new people, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved.

And if running, walking or cycling is more your speed, Savannah’s scenic parks, historic streets and waterfront trails provide an inviting setting for staying active. Running clubs, community races and group fitness activities make it easy to turn exercise into a social occasion. Residents of The Landings enjoy more than 30 miles of nature trails, perfect for biking, walking, or training for that half-marathon.

It’s Always More Fun at The Landings

For residents of The Landings on Skidaway Island, many of these opportunities are even closer to home. With six championship golf courses, tennis and pickleball facilities, fitness programs, swimming pools and access to coastal waterways, The Landings offers a wealth of ways to pursue favorite activities or discover new ones.

From championship competition to a friendly game among neighbors, Savannah proves that a great sports town isn’t just about the teams you cheer for. It’s also about the games you play, the friendships you make and the many ways you can enjoy an active coastal lifestyle.

Ready to get your game on? Book a Discovery Visit today!