by M. James Ward
The 99th PGA Championship commenced Thursday with Quail Hollow Club serving as host site. Significant changes were made to the course following the 2016 Wells Fargo event – this is the first time the "new" course is unveiled for the world to see.
Acclaimed architect Tom Fazio and his team expedited the changes immediately following the '16 Wells Fargo event. The issue of when courses go through various "changes" can mean a wide array of responses in terms of the finished product. The late Clifford Roberts, long time major domo at The Masters, was quizzed by a reporter regarding specific "changes" made at Augusta National. Roberts furled his brow and corrected the reporter by saying Augusta doesn't make "changes" but makes "improvements."
This is the first return to the Southeast since the PGA was held in 2012 at The Ocean Course at Kiawah in South Carolina.
How will the players react is unknown at this point. Quail Hollow has always been a stern test of golf and whoever emerges as champion will clearly savor the moment in hoisting the Wannamaker Trophy. The architectural panel for this installment weighs in on a variety of topics.
Q1. Quail Hollow added several new holes into its design for this week's PGA Championship specifically – how tough is it architecturally to blend the previous with the new?
JOHN FOUGHT: If you have the same type of property, and you are renovating the entire course it is not difficult. I have worked on several projects in the last few years in which this was accomplished flawlessly. It is much more difficult if you are trying to match a different type of property – open vs treed – or to work with a course where the design motif is not consistent. But overall I think integrating new holes or features is not difficult but it is meticulous work.
JEFF BRAUER: There have sure been some great efforts in the last decade to match styles old and new, whereas 30 years ago, everyone figured you couldn’t really do it, so why try? I visited Inverness in Toledo, OH last year, and that was probably the course that set off the restoration craze, because Fazio’s new holes were completely different than the old Ross holes. Funny thing is, over time, they seem to have blended together pretty well. Initially its always going to look different, but if you get it close, over time course evolution and maybe people’s memory and attention to detail help out the cause.
REES JONES: Every project is different, with a wide range of variables, but blending the old and the new can definitely be challenging. In this specific case, I don’t think it was too difficult. Course owner Johnny Harris and the Fazio group have been remodeling the original George Cobb layout for the past fifteen years. A great deal of work was already completed and a consistent design style already established. These recent changes are simply a continuation and extension of the earlier work.
JEFFREY BLUME: Stylistically speaking, blending the old and new is not that difficult particularly if the work is being done by the same architect or by a past or present associate of the original architect. The task is more difficult if the characteristics of the property for the new holes are different (topo, vegetation, configuration, etc.). Also, if the course is an old classic design where the original architect has passed away, then a tremendous amount of research needs to be done to match the styles, philosophy and architectural expression.
Q2. Given the desire by host organizations (USGA, R&A, PGA of America, Masters) and the respective host clubs when getting ready for the world's best players have we reached a point where it's necessary to have bifurcated rules in equipment so that future clubs do not have to keep adding more and more distance as well as ramping up overall difficulty?
JEFFREY BLUME: I think that the U.S. Open at Merion showed that length is not the only, or most important tactical examination for the best players in the world. At the end of the day, the player that gets the ball in the hole in the fewest strokes wins regardless of his/her relation to par. I am not a fan of bifurcation, and I think one of the great things about our game is that we all play under the same rules.
JEFF BRAUER: Rather than implementing a special tournament ball, I favor the current direction of using newer courses, with suitable length and difficulty. Part of that would be designing for spectators and TV, not unlike the TPC network, which Erin Hills and Chambers Bay might have done better. Another would be adopting a more limited rotation of courses for the US Open and PGA. We all love seeing the classic courses and Jordan Spieth tackling nearly the same course as previous golf greats, but forgoing traditional courses seems better than disfiguring them, at least to me.
REES JONES: It’s been talked about a lot, but I don’t think bifurcation is ever going to happen. The major golf associations don’t seem to be as concerned as they used to be about the final number players shoot under par. Adding length and tightening up the target areas are options, but the course set-up should be transitioned back to an easier set-up after the event to encourage existing players to stay with the game and encourage new ones, especially younger people, to get involved. The key for the future of golf is making sure the game is accessible, affordable and fun to play.
JOHN FOUGHT: While I don’t think the USGA or R&A will bifurcate the rules I think it is what should be done. The alternative is to limit distance for everyone, which they are clearly not willing to do. When golf courses have to be enlarged (lengthened) to accommodate the best players they get more expensive to maintain which makes the overall game more expensive; this is not what we need to do. And many of our great classic courses can’t be lengthen so they have become obsolete for major tournament play. This is sad.
Q3. When people are watching this week's telecast of the PGA Championship or any major event is there something you pay particular attention / notice as an architect more so than the casual viewer?
JEFFREY BLUME: Course conditions and set up are of particular interest to me. I find it fascinating to see how the competition/rules committees respond to differing weather conditions. I also enjoy watching the players adjust to the conditions from day to day and even hole to hole. The design of the course is also interesting, but most of the major championship venues are well known so the small tweaks that are made usually only impact a few holes.
JOHN FOUGHT: Does the course include the need for all types of shots – long to mid irons on par fours. Does it have nice variety – interesting short, medium and long holes? I love strategic design providing options for players. A mix of holes testing a player’s ability to manage their game. Ben Hogan always preached to me to be a successful tournament player you had to learn to think your way around the course. This is the essence of tournament golf at the highest level.
JEFF BRAUER: I am always looking at unique little features, like unusual bunkers or creative slopes. I usually have my doodle pad on my lap, and when I see something I like, I hit rewind, pause, and sketch out those features. I have drawers full of them, and pull them out every so often if I think a situation might benefit from them.
REES JONES: I observe how the players attack the holes. So much has changed, because of the increased distance factor and how proficient the world’s best players are today. We set the stage as architects – but it’s the tournament committees who set the conditions of play. It's more difficult for architects now. In the past, professional events were generally played from the back tees, so our tournament designs were structured with that mindset. Now, the host organizations are introducing more variety with course set-up, throughout the duration of an event, so our designs must continue to evolve and accommodate that accordingly.
Q4. What's the best restoration of a course that has hosted a major?
REES JONES: The Country Club, which hosted the 1988 US Open, really initiated the restoration movement. We essentially removed all of the changes that had been implemented over the years that really didn’t fit and lacked cohesion and brought back to life the original design elements and characteristics that made the course such a great test. Bethpage Black has been another significant restoration that has hosted two US Opens and will soon host a PGA Championship and Ryder Cup event. Our work there re-established the qualities and intent Tillinghast originally envisioned.
JEFF BRAUER: I haven’t seen them all, of course, but was always impressed with Rees work at Brookline.
JOHN FOUGHT: Oakmont. A great historic championship course that removed its debilitating tree cover. Oakmont was never meant to have trees line every fairway. It simply inhibited the original design. The course today is back to being one of the greats and it has led the way for other clubs to restore the shot values through tree removal which has improved the overall golf IQ of the game.
JEFFREY BLUME: Oakmont prior to the U.S. Open Cabrera won. The de-forestation was a radical change resulting in a golf course that played dramatically different. It also made it a little easier on we architects that needed to remove overgrown areas on our projects. “If Oakmont did it, then why shouldn’t you”.
Q5. What's your take on the PGA Championship possibly moving from its traditional August time frame to a May date because of the needs of other such as the PGA Tour and the Summer Olympics?
JOHN FOUGHT: I love the idea of finishing the regular tour schedule by Labor Day thereby not conflicting with football. I also like the idea in having a major in successive months – April, May, June and July. This is logical and makes the Fed-Ex season-ending playoff series even more exciting. The one downside is that the PGA would have to be played in the Sunbelt areas because May is probably too early for places like Minnesota, New York, etc. However, that might also allow some of the better southern venues a new opportunity. Overall I like the idea.
JEFFREY BLUME: Moving the PGA is an interesting idea. On one hand, the move to May might allow other courses in states such as Texas and Florida to host the event before the weather gets too hot. I think it is a shame that two of the most populous states get ignored by the major championships, particularly when so many champions call those two states home. On the other hand, August is traditionally a slow sports month and the PGA is a marquis event in a slow sports news time. If it moved to May, it would have to compete with the NBA and NHL playoffs as well as the early part of the baseball season. It would also be interesting to see how a move would impact the PGA Tour schedule.
REES JONES: I see it being beneficial to all parties, as well as the game itself. I think golf viewership is perhaps strongest in the spring. Moving the Player's Championship back to its original date in March would be very positive. I think by moving the PGA to May and eliminating the current gap month between majors is also a good idea; however, I would have some concern about the PGA in May, due to the potential of a late spring and less than ideal conditions when a more northern course hosts the event. The move also benefits The Tour Championship and ends the season on a high note, as the event no longer would compete with college and pro football. On balance -- I think it makes a lot of sense.
JEFF BRAUER: Everyone here in DFW would be glad to give you the Byron Nelson May dates – it always seems to be raining then. I like it as a permanent idea because I think the British Open will always be well regarded, and it would create more interest in the PGA championship. It might limit venues to southern and mid south locations, although playing in too cool weather would just replace playing in too hot weather in August. I have read that Valhalla might be the permanent home. Not sure I would go that far, but would favor the PGA creating a limited rotation too.
JEFFREY D. BRAUER – Formed his own Arlington, Texas based golf course design firm in 1984. He has since designed or renovated over 100 courses. Among his most noted designs are The Wilderness at Fortune Bay, The Quarry and Legend Courses at Giants Ridge, and the newly renovated Superior National Golf Course, all in Minnesota. He also designed the three top rated public courses in Kansas, Firekeeper, Colbert Hills Golf Club, and Sand Creek Station. Has won three “Best New Course” awards among his other honors. He has been a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects since 1981 and served as President in their 50th Anniversary Year of 1996.
REES JONES – Born into the game of golf. Grew up traveling with his family to golf courses all over the world and worked summers for his father, renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones. After college at Yale and graduate studies at Harvard, went to work in 1965 as a principal in Robert Trent Jones, Inc. In 1974, founded his own design firm, Rees Jones, Inc. Has designed or redesigned more than 225 golf courses in his career. Among his notable recent remodels, renovations and restorations are Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower and Upper Courses), Hazeltine National Golf Club, East Lake Golf Club, City Park Golf Course, among others. Jones has earned the moniker "The Open Doctor" for his redesign of courses in preparation for major championships including seven U.S. Open venues, eight PGA Championship courses, five Ryder Cup and two Walker Cup sites as well as the President's Cup. Among his awards include the ASGCA’s 2013 Donald Ross Award, the GCBAA’s 2014 Don Rossi Award, and the GCSAA’s 2004 Old Tom Morris Award.
JOHN FOUGHT – Former US Amateur Champion PGA tour player. When a spine injury forced him to suspend his player career he turned his passion for golf to designing golf courses. He has been involved with more than 70 golf design projects. His courses has been the host venue to more than 60 national championship events.
JEFFREY D. BLUME – Managing general partner of Jeffrey D. Blume, Limited, a golf course architecture firm based in Houston, Texas. He is the current Vice President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, and a former General Chairman of the Shell Houston Open. Over twenty eight years in the golf course design profession, he has completed commissions both domestically and internationally. Some of his more notable designs include Grand Pines Golf Club at Bentwater, Sterling Country Club, and the renovation of The Golf Club at Texas A&M.
2017 PGA Championship Four holes to watch at Quail Hollow Club by M. James Ward The final major golf championship starts Thursday at a site well known to most players in the field – Quail Hollow Club. The 99th PGA Championship will, however, be contested on a layout since changed from the last time the world's best players competed at the 2016 Wells Fargo event – the annual PGA Tour stop. The original George Cobb layout has been altered over the last 15 years by the work of acclaimed architect Tom Fazio and his design team. For the 2017 PGA Championship several holes were modified adding additional challenges and strategies. Four specific holes bear watching, as they will likely play a major role in determining which player hoists the famed Wannamaker Trophy as champion. *Architect Tom Fazio adds his comments (italic) following the hole description. 7th hole / 546 yards / Par-5 This is the shortest par 5 on the course and most of the players will reach the green in two, making eagle opportunities a real possibility. It is a tight driving hole and tee shots must navigate bunkers on the left, plus a creek that runs down the entire right side. The sloped green is tucked behind water and surrounded by bunkers, making this hole a harder endeavor than it first appears. Play commences from an elevated tee dropping down about 20 feet to a lower fairway. Long drives are common. Players in the fairway able to miss the bunkers left and creek on the right should be within range to reach the green on their second shot. Spectators will see the most birdies and eagles especially if the pin is in the lower level where balls can feed. The hazard that exists to the right of the entire hole does cut in front of the green and protects the far front right pin placement from longer attempts from getting real close. A bunker is placed in front middle of an area that is used to feed the ball into a bowl. With the strong contour of this par-5 green, shots from the bunker left are challenging in attempting to get the ball close to a few of the upper level pin locations. 14th Hole / 344 Yards / Par-4 Hazards abound on this harsh, hilly par-4 where bunkers protrude into the landing area on both sides of the fairway. Players must aim at a long, narrow green while avoiding six bunkers and water all the way down the left side. There are multiple options – from driving the green to laying back with a long iron – but whatever players choose, the range of scoring opportunities will certainly be present. Plays anywhere from 345 yards. to about 300 yards. Those attempting to drive the green need to avoid water to the left of the green. There's ample room right taking the water out of play. A strong slope can propel a ball down toward the front of the green. A bunker front left saves any tee shot from rolling into the water and should make it more appetizing for players to go for it. Balls resting anywhere along the left side of the fairway or near the front of the green have taken water out of play on their next shot and are in a pretty good position to make birdie of you can navigate the 50 yard long and softly crowned green. However, if the drive misses slightly right of that, the second of a 2 bunker complex may prove to be one of the scariest short shots to play. The green is narrow with the lake over the putting surface and a bunker right that can push players towards the water as well. A layup straight away from the tee would be played about 20-30 yards right of a line directly at the green. The first bunker of the complex lays at the end of this layup area at about 270 yards from the tee while another guards the left side of the fairway short at 230 yards. Players will need to dial in the distance control or find one's ball in the water. A couple of areas that fold down toward the lake strengthen pin placements adjacent to the folds or add complexity to long puts rolling through these sloped areas. 17th Hole / 223 Yards / Par-3 The green is nearly an island, forcing a carry of roughly 195 yards, but it can play much shorter if one of the forward teeing grounds is used. With a variety of hole locations it can be a very dangerous hole -- where bogeys or worse can outnumber the number of birdies made. In 2013 the tees on this hole were relocated to the site of the old 16th green. The predominant wind comes from the right -- pushing balls towards the water. A ridge about 1/3 of the way into the green forms a slope towards the tee that allows a ball to stop fairly close to its landing point. A by-product of the ridge also makes a portion of the green slope towards the back forming a valley before it gets to the upslope in the rear third of the green. This makes middle pin locations tough to get near. Playing right to avoid the water may leave you in a low bowled area in a piece of fairway or rough making a challenging chipping exercise to get up and down for par. It is possible a shorter tee will be used for a front left pin. 18th / 494 Yards / Par-4 Last of a three-hole stretch dubbed “The Green Mile” and consistently rated one of the toughest finishing holes in golf. On the tee shot, players must avoid a bunker right, as well as a creek meandering along the entire left side of the narrow fairway. An uphill second shot must avoid hazards on both sides of the green, which is deep and sloped. If a player must birdie this hole to win the Championship, he will definitely have his hands full. This par-4 has a slight right to left angle with a bunker 290 yards on the right and a creek along the left side of the fairway and green. The predominant wind is generally from the left. Since the tee shot requires a slight draw for a right handed player, wind can push the ball flight straight bringing the bunker and trees into play on that side. Because of the slight angle of the fairway the players still need to find the perfect carry point of the creek for their chosen angle, carry distance and curvature. Should the player choose to play away from the creek from the tee, the approach shot from the bunker from 200 yards will have a line that the ball flight can easily be traveling toward the creek left on its way to the green. Balls in the trees will have a narrow fairway to lay into for the last 100 yards. Two bunkers right of the green deter a total bail out. Although bunker shots at times are easily handled by elite players, the green slopes away and hitting a shot near the hole to pins along the creek will be very difficult. With a slight false front the front left pin is well protected with the creek beyond. Images courtesy of Quail Hollow 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.
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
