Broomsedge Golf Club

Until recently, most international golfers had never heard of Aiken, South Carolina. That's changing rapidly as this charming Southern town establishes itself as one of America's most exciting golf destinations. What makes Aiken special isn't just the golf—though with courses like Old Barnwell setting new standards for modern design, the golf is exceptional. It's the combination of world-class courses, authentic Southern culture, and strategic location that creates something truly memorable. Here's why Aiken deserves serious consideration for your next American golf adventure: • Unmatched variety: Play legendary Alister MacKenzie & Donald Ross courses alongside revolutionary new designs that are reshaping modern golf • Strategic location: One hour from Augusta, two and a half hours from Pinehurst—perfect for a comprehensive Southeastern golf tour • Exceptional value: Mix premium experiences with accessible local courses for trips that suit any budget • Authentic culture: Experience genuine Southern hospitality in a town where golf and equestrian traditions run deep Championship Golf in Aiken Aiken's premier courses represent both golf's golden age heritage and its innovative future. These are the must-play experiences that serious golfers travel thousands of miles to enjoy. Most require member introductions or careful planning to access when visitor play is permitted. Old Barnwell Golf Club stands as perhaps the most revolutionary course built in decades. This Brian Schneider and Blake Conant creation brilliantly blends Walter Travis-inspired features with modern minimalism, creating something genuinely new in golf architecture. The result feels both timeless and cutting-edge. Palmetto Golf Club remains the area's crown jewel, a Donald Ross & Alister MacKenzie masterpiece that has challenged golfers since 1892. This intensely private club epitomises everything wonderful about golden age architecture, with Ross's trademark crowned greens and strategic bunkering perfectly suited to the sandy terrain. Access requires proper introductions through members. Sage Valley Golf Club brings Tom Fazio's modern resort-style architecture to Aiken's sandy soil. Built with significant investment and meticulous attention to conditioning, Sage Valley offers the polished experience many golfers expect from premium American courses. Broomsedge Golf Club represents the newest entry into Aiken's championship tier. Kyle Franz's design features green complexes reminiscent of Harry Colt's work set within a minimalist framework. The course uses the natural topography brilliantly, particularly on holes five through eighteen where the design really finds its rhythm. Currently in preview play with public access planned for select days monthly. Tree Farm rounds out the modern championship offerings with a course that showcases exceptional conditioning and ambitious design concepts. The Tree Farm delivers memorable golf on outstanding terrain with Kye Goalby, PGA Tour Player Zac Blair and Tom Doak all playing a rol. 21 Club represents the newest addition to Aiken's championship tier, currently under development with claims of being based on Alister MacKenzie's legendary missing design from Argentina. The site itself offers exceptional potential for world-class golf. Expected to open in the coming years, adding another premium option to the region's already impressive lineup. Aiken's Best Kept Golf Secrets Beyond the headline courses, Aiken offers exceptional golf experiences that are publicly accessible with advance planning. These represent the preferred choices if the championship venues prove inaccessible, delivering outstanding value and authentic local character without compromising on quality. Camden Country Club represents the area's best-kept secret—a classic Donald Ross design that flies completely under the radar despite being every bit as good as more famous Ross courses. The green complexes showcase the master's strategic thinking while the tree-lined layout provides a different character from Aiken's sandy courses. Quixote Club underwent extensive renovation by Kris Spence roughly five years ago, transforming it into one of the region's standout experiences. Spence's green complexes are particularly noteworthy, offering challenging but fair pin positions throughout. Aiken Golf Club provides the area's historical foundation, having anchored local golf culture for generations. While not as architecturally significant as its famous neighbours, this traditional layout offers an authentic glimpse into Southern golf culture at very reasonable rates. Sample Itinerary: 7-Day Aiken Golf Adventure This itinerary assumes access to Aiken's premier private clubs through member introductions or during limited visitor periods. If Old Barnwell, Sage Valley, Quixote Club, Broomsedge, Tree Farm, or 21 Club prove unavailable, substitute any courses from Aiken's publicly accessible options detailed in the "Best Kept Secrets" section—these provide excellent golf while maintaining the week's quality and flow. Day 1 - Arrival & Warm-Up Arrive in Aiken, settle into accommodation, and play Cedar Creek or Woodside for an easy introduction to local conditions. Evening exploring downtown Aiken's dining scene. Day 2 - Ross Heritage Morning round at Camden Country Club to experience authentic Donald Ross architecture. Afternoon exploring Aiken's equestrian culture or visiting local historical sites. Day 3 - Modern Masterpiece Old Barnwell Golf Club with caddie—allow extra time to absorb this revolutionary design. Day 4 - Championship Experience Sage Valley Golf Club for the full premium American golf experience. Afternoon rest or exploring Aiken's shopping and cultural attractions. Day 5 - Traditional Excellence Quixote Club to experience Kris Spence's renovation work. This provides nice contrast between modern and traditional approaches to course design. Day 6 - Local Discovery The Reserve Club for a more relaxed round, followed by exploration of surrounding areas or day trip to nearby attractions. Day 7 - Farewell Round Final round at Broomsedge (if accessible) or return to favourite course from the week. Departure or continuation to Augusta/ Pinehurst. Seasonal Variations: September through November offers ideal conditions with changing foliage. March through May provides excellent weather before summer heat arrives. Avoid Masters week when courses become inaccessible and prices surge. Aiken Travel Logistics Getting There Augusta Regional Airport sits one hour away, with direct connections to major American hubs. Charleston International Airport (two hours) offers more international flight options. Rental cars are essential as public transport is virtually non-existent between courses. Weather & Packing Summer months (June-August) see many courses close for 6+ weeks due to extreme heat and humidity. Ideal visiting seasons run September-November and March-May. Pack layers for variable spring/autumn conditions. Summer visits require early morning tee times and serious sun protection. Local Transportation Courses spread across roughly 60-minute radius. Factor driving time between venues and accommodation when planning daily schedules. Cultural Considerations Golf cart culture predominates at most courses except Old Barnwell (walking with caddies) and Broom's Edge (walking encouraged). Pace of play generally relaxed compared to British standards. Where to Stay for Aiken Golf Upscale Southern Hospitality The Willcox and Carriage House represent Aiken's premier accommodation options, delivering authentic Southern hospitality with luxury amenities. These historic properties place guests in the heart of Aiken's cultural district while providing the refined service and attention to detail that serious golfers appreciate. Historic Downtown Options Beyond the flagship properties, Aiken's charming downtown district offers additional boutique inns and historic properties that provide an authentic Southern atmosphere. These locations put you within walking distance of restaurants and cultural attractions while maintaining reasonable access to golf courses. Golf Resort Accommodation Several properties cater specifically to golf groups, offering package deals that include rounds at accessible courses. These typically provide shuttle services to partner courses and golf-specific amenities like club storage and early breakfast options. Extended Stay Properties For week-long visits, furnished apartments and extended stay hotels offer value and convenience. These work particularly well for groups wanting to prepare some meals and maintain flexible schedules. Luxury Estate Rentals Large groups often find exceptional value in renting entire properties, particularly historic estates that showcase Southern architecture and hospitality. Many feature private grounds and entertainment areas perfect for post-round gatherings. Budget-Conscious Choices Chain hotels on Aiken's outskirts provide clean, reliable accommodation at reasonable rates. While lacking character, these options allow more budget allocation toward golf experiences and dining. Aiken's Culinary Scene Breakfast Culture Southern breakfast represents the region's culinary highlight. Expect chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, and other hearty fare designed to fuel long days. Local diners often provide the most authentic experiences at excellent value. Barbecue Traditions Carolina barbecue features vinegar-based sauces quite different from Texas or Memphis styles. The tangy approach may surprise visitors expecting heavier, sweeter sauces. Local establishments take fierce pride in their unique recipes and cooking methods. Fine Dining Despite its small-town character, Aiken supports several restaurants offering sophisticated cuisine. These establishments often feature locally-sourced ingredients prepared with techniques that would impress in much larger cities. Booking Golf in Aiken Championship Course Access Old Barnwell, Palmetto, and Sage Valley require advance planning and proper introductions. Industry connections help significantly, though Old Barnwell offers limited charity play opportunities around Masters time. Seasonal Availability Book 6-12 months ahead for autumn visits when conditions peak. Spring bookings (March-May) need similar planning. Summer availability increases dramatically as demand drops due to weather conditions. Weather Contingencies Build flexibility into schedules—afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer months. Many courses offer rain checks or rescheduling options for weather-affected rounds. Explore Beyond Golf Equestrian Heritage Aiken's horse culture rivals its golf reputation. Thoroughbred training facilities, polo grounds, and racing venues offer fascinating glimpses into another Southern sporting tradition. Many Canadian trotting horses winter here for training. Natural Beauty & Recreation The Trails at Hitchcock Woods provide exceptional hiking and equestrian experiences through one of the largest urban forests in America. These pristine trails showcase the natural beauty that first attracted wealthy Northerners to winter in Aiken. Hopeland Gardens offers stunning botanical displays and peaceful walking paths, particularly spectacular during spring blooming seasons and autumn colour changes. Historical Significance The region played crucial roles in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Nearby Sumter claims one of the Civil War's first battles, while various historical sites provide context for America's founding struggles. Regional Adventures Atlantic beaches lie two hours southeast, while the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains rise three hours northwest. Day trips easily incorporate coastal relaxation or mountain scenery. Downtown Charm Aiken's historic downtown rewards leisurely exploration. Antique shops, local boutiques, and tree-lined streets showcase small-town American charm at its finest. Cultural Activities Seasonal festivals celebrate everything from steeplechase racing to local arts. These events provide authentic glimpses into Southern community life beyond tourist attractions. Insider Local Knowledge Avoid Common Mistakes Don't underestimate summer heat—even morning rounds become gruelling by July. Respect private club protocols and dress codes, which remain stricter than many international destinations. Book dining reservations well ahead, particularly weekends. Local Advantages Southern hospitality extends genuine welcomes to international visitors who show proper respect for local customs. Golf professionals often provide valuable course management advice—listen carefully to their suggestions. Cultural Etiquette Pace of play tends more relaxed than British standards, but maintain reasonable progress. Tipping culture important for service staff. Appreciate the genuine friendliness without assuming excessive familiarity. Strategic Planning Combine Aiken with Augusta or Pinehurst visits for comprehensive Southeastern golf experiences. Flying into Charleston provides coastal experiences before inland golf adventures. Equipment Reality Quality rental clubs available at premium courses, though bringing personal equipment recommended for extended stays. Club shipping services work well for multi-destination tours. Budget Planning & Travel Value Aiken represents golf tourism at its finest—combining world-class courses with authentic American culture in a destination that remains refreshingly uncommercialized. Whether you're drawn by revolutionary new designs like Old Barnwell or timeless classics like Palmetto, Aiken delivers experiences that justify the journey from anywhere in the world. This charming Southern town proves that sometimes the best destinations are the ones you haven't heard of yet.

Every architect knows the informal 'dogmas' of modern golf course design: avoid parallel holes if you can; more land is better; don't put two par 3s in a row; 18 green sites for 18 holes; prioritise visibility and minimise blind shots; avoid out-of-bounds wherever possible; don't make par 3s too long or too short; keep hazards visible; don't put two driveable par 4s close together in the routing; get a slope rating for your scorecard; and countless more. And then there are the conventions of modern golf development – primarily, the common sense proposition of making sure you have the money for course construction, or least a likely pathway to getting it, before you start. The newly acclaimed Broomsedge Golf Club in Rembert SC apparently never paid attention to any of these. Designed by architects Mike Koprowski and Kyle Franz, Broomsedge proves that great golf doesn't come from the rules – it comes from knowing which ones to break and then breaking them with confidence. Perhaps as much as any other design in the modern era, Broomsedge broke nearly every rule in the book, leading to one of the most varied, surprising, and authentic experiences in all of golf. Dogma 1: More Land is Better In an era when modern golf developers pursue thousands of acres of raw land and architects sprawl across it, Mike Koprowski secured a measly 197 acres with an agricultural loan. After subtracting out infrastructure, wetlands, car park, and a driving range, the 7,500 yard golf course would have to sit on just 156 acres – an exceedingly small field for the modern game. 'Scale is cool', said Koprowski. 'But so is intimacy. Sometimes you can build a better golf course on a small footprint than you can on a big footprint. Acreage is not an unequivocal good.' Photos provided by Broomsedge Golf Club Photos taken by Andy Johnson - The Fried Egg Dogma 2: Parallel Holes Are to Be Avoided Broomsedge opens with four consecutive holes that run parallel with each other in close proximity. 'Usually, avoiding a bunch of parallel holes in sequence is a good rule of thumb', said Kyle Franz. 'But not when you have topography as diverse as Broomsedge.' The first hole traverses gentle up-and-over terrain, not unlike many holes at Pine Needles. The second, which the golfer cannot even see from the first hole despite running parallel to it, falls aggressively sideways into a deep chasm not unlike the 6th at Eastward Ho! The third then navigates a shallower valley and slowly rises to a strange, spiney ridge upon which a long, skinny green sits. And then the fourth hole dangles off the side of a slope with OB smack against the entire right boundary of the hole. 'Nobody would ever believe that this diversity of big, long holes exists in a section of property that is about 500 yards long and 280 yards wide', said David McFarlin, co-founder of Broomsedge. Dogma 3: Out of Bounds Is to Be Avoided Whenever Possible In American golf, the dreaded OB is typically utilised to keep golfers out of someone's backyard. But in the UK, OB is often used as a strategic design feature. At Broomsedge, two holes – 4 and 15 – have linear boundary lines hard against the very right edge of the fairway and green. On the 4th, one inch off the fairway to the right is OB, but there is plenty of fairway and an occasional bunker to the left, a la 'Hogan's Alley' at Carnoustie but in reverse. Cleverly, the convex bunkerless green at the 4th only accepts approach shots that come in from those brave (or foolish?) enough to challenge the OB down the right side of the fairway – a classic links-style scheme where the line of charm requires challenging the daunting white stakes. The 15th, a driveable par 4 with the green inches away from the boundary fence down the right, features a split fairway. For those confident off the tee, playing alongside the right boundary line opens an easier approach shot into the mouth of this Road Hole-y shaped green. For those who bail out to the generously wide left fairway – far away from the OB – the approach to the green becomes nightmarishly small with a cavernous bunker short and OB just over the green's edge. Perhaps alongside Coore & Crenshaw's Talking Stick, Broomsedge features more boundary line propositions than any other modern American design. Photos provided by Broomsedge Golf Club Photos taken by Andy Johnson - The Fried Egg Dogma 4: Avoid Back-to-Back Par 3s and Make Sure They Aren't Too Short or Too Long At Broomsedge, the 5th and 6th holes are back-to-back par 3s, and they couldn't be more different. The 5th features burly Crumpian bunkers and a green site benched into a hillside that kicks hard left-to-right. Six features two greens that alternate day-to-day, which will be discussed later. Eight is over 300 yards from the tips but is positioned 40 feet below the player in a dramatic, natural half pipe in the land – low stingers will chase 40-50 yards down the hill into this enormous 10,000 square foot green which is open in front. And one 'postage stamp' green on 11, also discussed later, often plays less than 100 yards. The variety of Broomsedge's par 3s is striking and yet the golfer is finished with all of them after just 11 holes. Dogma 5: 18 Greens for 18 Holes The par 3 6th hole over the central lake features a 180-degree tee box arrangement and two distinct, alternating green sites – one located in a natural punchbowl which requires an all-aerial shot and one located along a natural Redan-esque ridge which kicks the ball into the green. The par 3 11th also features two green sites that alternate – one is a devilish 2,700 square foot shelf green like the 6th at Dornoch or 7th at Palmetto, while the other sits down in a valley on what is sometimes the lower green on the 13th hole. The par 4 13th features alternating greens too – one green that sits 30 feet high atop a wall of bunkers and one green that sits much lower at the toe of the ridge. When the upper green is used on 13, it frees up the lower green to be played on 11. Ultimately, 20 greens exist for 18 holes. The permutations are endless, which is why Broomsedge does not currently have a slope rating on its scorecard – it's too complicated to calculate! Dogma 6: Blind is Bad Because they can move earth easily, player visibility is given much more attention by modern architects. Classical architects, of course, didn't have the luxury of a bulldozer. As such, blind shots are an integral part of classical golf courses, particularly in the UK. In true Old Tom fashion, Koprowski/Franz didn't move any earth to promote visibility. Instead, they utilise simple aiming poles on 1, 10, and 18 to show players where to go. 'Aiming poles cost $5 at Home Depot', said Koprowski. 'Moving big earth is so expensive, and it doesn't always lead to more compelling shots anyway. So in a lot of cases, why bother? Blind shots create a special type of uncertainty that tests a player's physical and mental game.' Dogma 7: Keep Hazards Visible Well, that's up to you at Broomsedge. Take the risk-reward par 5 18th hole, for example. 'You have two choices off the tee – hit at the aiming pole down the left to the blind fairway, or hit to the generous visible part of the fairway down the right', Franz said. 'If you pull off a brave drive over the aiming pole, then you can get home in two, and you have total visibility of the lake that runs diagonally across the left side of the green. But if you bail right off the tee into the sea of fairway, then you have a much longer shot into the green and the water is made invisible by a principal nose (ish) bunker arrangement, which makes for a brutally uncomfortable layup. So whether you can see the water hazard on your approach on 18 depends entirely on your bravery off the tee. A lot of Broomsedge is about whether you want to take a risk now or defer it until the next shot, which allows players to play to their strengths.' Dogma 8: Spread Out the Driveable Par 4s Not at Broomsedge. 14 and 15 are both driveable depending on wind conditions and tee box placements. It makes for a thrilling sequence of holes before the beefier home stretch. 'On most other courses, I usually find myself doing the same thing day-to-day on a particular driveable par 4', said Trevor Murphy, head pro at Broomsedge. 'I've either decided it's always in my interests to go for it, or it's always in my interests to lay up. I already know what I'm going to do before I drive into the car park. But that's not the case at Broom. Because 14 and 15 are back-to-back and because they're late in the round, I find myself doing different things day-to-day. Maybe I'm down in a match and need to make up major ground, so I go for both of them. Maybe up I'm way up in a match and I play conservative on both. Or maybe I split the difference and go for one and lay back on the other depending on wind conditions or pin placements. There is also enough tee box elasticity where Shawn [the superintendent] can decide on any given day to make one longer than the other, which also affects strategy.' Dogma 9: Pars Are Defined by Yardage, and a Par 4 Shouldn't be Longer than a Par 5 Who says? Par is simply the number of strokes it should take to complete a hole, and yardages only tell part of that story. On some days at Broomsedge, if the tees are placed back on the par 4 2nd hole, it can exceed the yardage of the same tees on the par 5 1st hole. Why? Because the 2nd hole features a massive speed slot down the left side which should propel a ball 50-70 yards forward, whereas the first hole is uphill to the landing area and then features a blind approach shot. On other days, members can play the par 3 8th at upwards of 280 yards while the par 4 15th hole can play as short as 275 yards for the same players. Why? Because a ball will release 40-50 yards down a slope into the 8th green which is massive, open in front, and has sideboards, whereas the 15th hole is uphill and the tiny repellant green is flanked by a horribly deep bunker and OB. Dogma 10: You Should Have Money Before Constructing a Golf Course Not at Broomsedge. Koprowski began rough shaping green complexes at 5, 6, 9, 16, and 18 with a rental excavator while the LLC had less than $5,000 in the bank and no major investors in sight. Fortuitously, the insolvent rough shaping effort helped convince the first big investor that the land, indeed, held real promise. In the end, Broomsedge ultimately built a world-class golf course for relative pennies compared to most present-day projects. And much of it had to do with their willingness to break the rules. 'I suspect if we had followed conventions, the golf course wouldn't have been built, would've been less interesting, and would've been more expensive to build', said Koprowski. Edited by Jasper Miners Photos provided by Broomsedge Golf Club Photos taken by Andy Johnson - The Fried Egg

Old Sawmill Golf Club — Tyler Rae's First Solo Design The new golf course building revolution in South Carolina continues to sprint along. Amidst the high-profile new offerings of Old Barnwell, The Tree Farm, and Anson Point, the maiden solo effort from architect Tyler Rae flies a little under the radar at Old Sawmill Golf Club. Tyler Rae is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and has extensive work experience with notable architects Ron Pritchard, Keith Foster, Coore and Crenshaw, Tom Doak, and Bruce Hepner, amongst others. His experience in the field of restorations of Ross, Raynor, Flynn, and Tillinghast has enabled him to access a vast array of styles upon which he can draw for this first solo project. Old Sawmill is located about 30 miles northwest of Charleston, near the town of Ridgeville, and about two hours from the rising mecca of South Carolina golf, Aiken. The course is built on former farmland, and the business model is once again an exclusive private club with high-end initiation fees and predominantly national memberships that have thrived in the post-COVID golf boom era. The Old Sawmill site, previously farmland, is in no way laden with striking natural features or topography, which is in no way a disclaimer for what Tyler Rae has created, quite the opposite. It is more of an homage to what he has been able to lay out for the golfer. The final product reflects an old-school Golden Age layout and presents a finished landscape somewhat reminiscent of the Chicago Golf Club. First impressions upon arrival are underwhelming, and it’s hard to see how this land can create an interesting course. That feeling is soon changed as the course progresses. Tyler Rae has obviously absorbed all of the fabulous experiences from his restoration projects of that Golden Age period, because whilst playing Old Sawmill, one is constantly reminded of the likes of Ross, Raynor, and even Pete Dye as your eyes feast on the product laid out before you. The delightfully intimate routing is so reminiscent of Donald Ross, as the holes turn and meander in every direction to all four corners of the property. The sparse landscape of native grasses and the spectacular green sites that one will play later creates an atmosphere of anticipation. It is a very walkable experience, with any elevation changes masterfully utilised to perfection in the routing. Ample fairway playing lanes — but often with Dye-like visual illusions — create a wonderfully inviting playing experience. The pièce de résistance of the course, however, are the green complexes and beautiful bunkering, both in the fairways and greenside. In fact, the bunkering is quite stunning: wonderful contouring, but without being overdone in any shape or form. It is often accompanied by steep grass-faced bunkers and elevated greens that combine to create exciting visual approaches. Selecting favourite holes is not easy. The stretch from holes 2–8 is all you can handle, and is really the least of the course as far as the scorecard is concerned. The 2nd is a stunning Raynor-like par three, playing from 150–200 yards to a rectangular green with gorgeous step bunkers to the right, followed by a series of three tough par fours ranging from 370–495 yards — all wonderful holes. The par-five 8th is very cool, said to be the first hole created on the course and based upon a hole Tyler designed as a teenager. A huge mountain of a mound guards the right side approach to the green and creates the most wonderful strategic hazard to be negotiated — simply brilliant design. On the back nine, a creek runs through the property and is strategically used by Rae, starting as a hazard to be crossed in front of the spectacular 11th green. It comes into play again on the 12th hole Punchbowl. The 13th is a drivable Cape par four that combines the visual language of Dye with the aforementioned Cape template — again, quite brilliant. A wonderfully designed golf course. Massive kudos to Tyler Rae on his first solo design. On the evidence of Old Sawmill, his name is going to be mentioned extensively in the future. Contributed Words - Michael Wharton Palmer Edited - Jasper Miners