A classic old Seth Raynor course from 1921, the fairways at the Country Club of Charleston are laid out amongst the marshland of Ashley River.
Country Club of Charleston
A classic old Seth Raynor course from 1921, the fairways at the Country Club of Charleston are laid out amongst the marshland of Ashley River.
A classic old Seth Raynor layout dating back to 1921, the course at the Country Club of Charleston is routed across rather flat, marshy terrain around the Ashley River and Intracoastal Waterway. As one might come to expect from the architect, he managed to incorporate some of his trademark replica short holes into his design.
For instance, you’ll find an Eden green at the 162-yard 3rd, a reverse Redan at the 187-yard 11th and a 145-yard Short at the 17th. Other notable holes include back-to-back short par fours at the 364-yard 13th and 333-yard 14th, as well as a terrific 432-yard par four at the 16th, where an enormous “Lion’s Mouth” bunker fronts the green.
Writing in The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses Tom Doak remarked: “CC of C is one of the most unusual Raynor layouts I’ve seen; some of his go-to templates are conspicuously missing, pushed to the sidelines by holes like the Lion’s Mouth 16th that he rarely used anywhere else. Disappointingly, the club’s one iconic hole, the par-3 11th, whose unbelievable plateau green with an eight-foot high false front was cursed by the likes of Ben Hogan, has been softened. I don’t know what the big deal was: I hit a five-iron to about three feet on my only attempt.”
A trio of architects have played their part in keeping the course true to its original Seth Raynor roots – John LaFoy (1990-1991), Brian Silva (2006) and Kyle Franz (2016-2018).
Three top amateur events are held here every year: the men’s Azalea Invitational (dating back to 1946), the men’s Senior Azalea and the Beth Daniel Junior Azalea for boys and girls. The club also hosted the US Women’s Amateur championship in 2013.
In 2019 the club staged the US Women’s Open, which South Korea's Jeong-eun Lee won. Six is Jeong-eun Lee’s lucky number and she is also the sixth player called Jeong-eun Lee to play on the Korean LGPA Tour, so she changed her name to Lee6. Fittingly her six under total was enough to win the US Women’s Open by two shots.
The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings
California, United States
New Jersey, United States
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
New York, United States
New York, United States
L is for Lion’s Mouth THE ORIGINAL The term “Lion’s Mouth” hails from the famous pot at The Old Course’s No. 13. Ironically enough, that bunker has little to do with the “Lion’s Mouth” template. And yet the 13th, “Hole O’ Cross,” is still considered the origin of the template. Confused yet? Let’s break it down. St Andrews Old Course 13th hole - image courtesy of St Andrews Links Trust/David Cannon Today, a “Lion’s Mouth” bunker is one that is at least partially embedded in the front of the green, so that the player can play a ground approach to the left or right, but certainly not center. The original “Lion’s Mouth” bunker,” however, sits 40 yards out from the massive double green at O’ Cross, which is shared with the 5th hole. More telling in the design of Hole O’ Cross is the fescue-filled trench that cuts into the green, partially dividing the peninsular outcropping of green on the left from the putting surface on the right. This hazard serves to emphasize the importance of pin position, and what the player should do from the tee. If the pin is left, players should stay to the right of the fairway’s notorious “Coffins” bunkers. If the pin is right, the players will want to carry the Coffins and approach from their left side. And, perhaps most importantly, there is plenty of depth to this green. Playing to the center is always smarter than attacking frontward pins (less fun, of course). Both the grass trench and the “Lion’s Mouth” bunker serve a similar purpose in this case: to dissuade a ground approach. The nearness of the trench makes it the signature hazard of a “Lion’s Mouth” template, however. OTHER INTERPRETATIONS Fortunately, Seth Raynor would unify the concepts when creating his own Lion’s Mouth holes during the Golden Age, bringing the bunker back to the green. Fox Chapel Golf Club has recently restored the namesake bunker at No. 9, to a version that creates more factors than just angle of approach. The green is angled from front-left to back-right, bisected by a ridge that separates higher and lower halves. The large triangular bunker offers a far wider runway into the green from the left side, but players must also consider ball control, as that approach will roll downhill to the flag. Flags on the left offer two possibilities: The traditional route would be a loft from the right, but the wider fairway strip to the left of the Lion’s Mouth makes the ground-approach feasible for confident runners. Fox Chapel Golf Club 9th hole - image courtesy of Spencer Hennen The more famous Raynor rendition (perhaps because Fox Chapel’s disappeared for some time) is at the Country Club of Charleston, where it gathered notice during the 2019 U.S. Women’s Open. It is also perhaps the most dramatic example. The title bunker at No. 16 is set almost entirely into the green, with left-and-right entryways that double as false fronts, because the putting surface sits atop a slight ridge (additional bunkers at the front-left and front-right further deter the ground approach). The same logic applies upon aerial approach (attack left-to-right or right-to-left, and always consider playing toward the center of the green), but fairway bunkers complicate finding the correct position for the approach. To end up on the left side of the fairway is relatively simple... play a distance between 250 and 320 yards from the tee. The right side is more complicated, however. Players must decide whether to lay up short of the bunker at 280 yards (creating an approach of 195) or try to get around/over the bunker for a shorter approach. Country Club of Charleston 16th hole - image courtesy of Jon Cavalier @LinksGems Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw opted to go shorter at Sand Hills Golf Club’s No. 8 hole (367 yards), but added an extra challenge to each side of the fairway. As with O’ Cross, the left side of the green stretches out farther than the right. Those teeing off to the right side of the fairway must always carry a pair of bunkers to find the best angle to the left of the green. If the flag is at the front-left, however, they must also balance going too far (and requiring a forced carry of the Lion’s Mouth to reach the flag) and laying up too short (and finding the fairway bunkers). When playing to rightward flags, teeing off too far left may result in a blind shot created by one of the title “Sand Hills.” Sand Hills Golf Club 8th hole - image courtesy of Stonehouse Golf/Pat Drickey Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner doubled-down on the Lion’s Mouth’s strategy when creating a Par 5 version at Rustic Canyon. A “boomerang” green wraps around the central bunker at No.13, as expected, but the decision whether to go for eagle makes this a more complicated equation from tee-to-green. First, players must deal with Lion’s Mouth more similar to the original, before considering the green. From the tee, the centerline bunker (280 yards out) divides the fairway into two routes, wider left and thinner right. To attack a pin on the left side (to attack the right side in two is a pipe dream), the player must thread the bunker and the right rough for the most straightforward route. Those taking the safe three-shot route must still deal with the Lion’s Mouth template’s traditional strategic ploy, finding the correct angle to attack the pin. MAYBE… MAYBE NOT Augusta National has seen many tweaks over the years, and the No. 9 green has changed as much as any hole on the property. Carolina Cherry's green currently features a steep uphill slope from front-to-back with two leftward bunkers, but the original featured one of Alister MacKenzie’s signature “boomerang” greens, which employed a strategy similar to the green at O’ Cross. A bunker cut into the green to separate the left peninsula from the front-right...but then that bunker continued to wrap around the front of the green and around the left side. Does it still count as a Lion’s Mouth if it requires a forced carry? Or, as Lion’s Mouths were designed to require an aerial attack anyhow, was it the next logical step in the Lion’s Mouth’s evolution? Maybe we’ll never know. Augusta National Golf Club 9th hole - image courtesy of Augusta National Inc. The Boomerang-shape green obviously suits a Lion’s Mouth Par 4 well, as there’s a logical location for the placement of the necessary hazard. But the direction of that boomerang is essential. For example, MacKenzie’s famed green at Crystal Downs does not apply, as the bunker is set into the right side of the green, not the front. The difference in flag position here dictates a control of approach distance, and approach angle less so. Likewise, No. 9 at Harbour Town features a green complete inverse to MacKenzie’s No. 9. Land in the wrong corner of Pete Dye’s green and you’ll have a tricky two-putt. But featuring the bunkers at the back means there is less threat to a second shot that comes up short. Dye’s No. 18 at Crooked Stick provides another example of a faux-Lion’s Mouth. The first example of the designer’s frequented Cape closer, there is indeed a small bunker that seems to divide the approach possibilities to the green. But consider the logistics: In order for a player to approach to the left of the greenside bunker, they would need to have driven their tee shot 440 yards. The only options to logically reach this green in GIR are either to the right (between the bunker and the water hazard) or over the bunker. The bunker serves more to ensure there is no safe way home than to direct traffic. It’s a tad too penal for this template’s strategic intent.
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.
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
