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21 Club
Architect: King Collins Year: Under Construction Aiken, SC Phone: (803) 761-9040 Course Access: Private https://21golfclub.com/ |
21 Club
The 21 Golf Club is an invitation-only, private golf club under development in the South Carolina Sand Hills, approximately 15 miles from Aiken, South Carolina, and about an hour from Augusta, Georgia. Positioned in a region known for its rumpled landscape and prehistoric sand dunes reaching over 150 feet high, the club aims to become a world-class golf destination, following the model of elite regional courses like Sage Valley, Old Barnwell, and The Tree Farm. The project has garnered significant attention for its ambitious vision, particularly its homage to legendary golf course architect Alister MacKenzie.
Location
Geographical Context: Located in the Sand Hills near Jackson, South Carolina, the site is characterized by dramatic elevation changes and sandy terrain, ideal for golf course design. Its proximity to Aiken and Augusta places it in a golf-rich area, close to Augusta National, home of the Masters.
Accessibility: The club is just a few minutes from the cities of Aiken and Augusta, making it accessible for members and guests traveling from regional hubs.
Golf Courses
The 21 Golf Club is planning two 18-hole golf courses, each with distinct design philosophies and inspirations.
1. The MacKenzie Course
Inspiration: This course is inspired by Alister MacKenzie’s unbuilt design for El Boqueron, a bold concept envisioned nearly a century ago. MacKenzie, renowned for courses like Augusta National and Cypress Point, left behind plans that the 21 Golf Club is bringing to life.
Design Details: The MacKenzie Course aims to honor MacKenzie’s architectural principles, emphasizing strategic play, natural contours, and aesthetic beauty. The sandy, dune-laden landscape complements MacKenzie’s style, which often incorporated natural features.
Construction Status: Groundbreaking occurred prior to January 2025, with construction ongoing. The course is slated for completion in 2026, though an exact date remains unspecified.
Significance: The revival of a “lost” MacKenzie design has generated excitement among golf historians and enthusiasts, with some calling it “golf’s most unique new course.”
2. The Second Course (King-Collins Design)
Designer: King-Collins Golf, known for innovative designs like Sweetens Cove, is creating the second course, tentatively referred to as “The Hammer” in early announcements.
Purpose: This course is dedicated to match-play competition, a format that emphasizes head-to-head strategy over stroke play.
Status: Planning for this course has begun, but it is in earlier stages than the MacKenzie Course. No specific completion date has been confirmed.
Design Philosophy: King-Collins is noted for pushing boundaries and redefining modern golf architecture, suggesting a bold, creative layout that leverages the site’s dramatic topography.
Membership
Exclusivity: The 21 Golf Club operates as an invitation-only private club, limiting access to a select group of members.
Initiation Fee: The club has accepted several founding members, with reports indicating a six-figure initiation fee, reflecting its high-end positioning.
Advisory Team: The club has enlisted PGA Professional Bob Ford, a celebrated figure in golf, to serve in an advisory role, underscoring its commitment to elite standards.
Amenities
Luxury Accommodations: Following the model of nearby clubs like Sage Valley and Old Barnwell, the 21 Golf Club plans to offer luxury accommodations and amenities, enhancing the member and guest experience.
Club Facilities: While specific details about clubhouses, dining, or other facilities are not yet public, the club’s vision includes comprehensive amenities typical of world-class private golf destinations.
Significance in South Carolina’s Golf Landscape
Emerging Golf Hub: South Carolina, particularly the Aiken-Augusta area, is becoming a premier golf destination. The 21 Golf Club joins other high-end courses like The Tree Farm, Old Barnwell, Broomsedge, and Congaree, contributing to the state’s reputation as a “must-visit” golf state alongside New York, California, and North Carolina.
Regional Impact: The club’s development is part of a broader trend of new, innovative golf projects in the Carolina Sandhills, with its proximity to Augusta National adding prestige.
Architectural Innovation: By reviving a MacKenzie design and incorporating a modern King-Collins course, the 21 Golf Club bridges golf’s historical and contemporary elements, appealing to purists and modern enthusiasts alike.
Development Timeline
December 2023: Plans for the 21 Golf Club were unveiled, highlighting its invitation-only model and two-course vision.
Early 2024: Further details emerged about the MacKenzie Course and King-Collins involvement.
January–February 2025: Groundbreaking on the MacKenzie Course was announced, with construction actively underway. Bob Ford joined the advisory team.
April 2025: The club gained attention during the Masters season, with reports of founding members and growing anticipation.
Current Status (June 2025): Construction of the MacKenzie Course continues, with completion expected in 2026. Planning for the second course is ongoing.
Sentiment and Reception
Industry Buzz: Posts on X and golf media reflect strong enthusiasm, with users calling the project “incredible” and “mind-boggling” for its boldness. The involvement of MacKenzie’s legacy and King-Collins’s reputation fuels excitement.
Historical Value: The MacKenzie Course is seen as a historic endeavor, with one X user noting it as “making #GolfHistory.”
Regional Pride: South Carolina’s golf community views the 21 Golf Club as part of a wave of elite courses elevating the state’s profile.
Critical Considerations
Exclusivity and Accessibility: The invitation-only model and high initiation fees may limit access, potentially drawing criticism in a sport increasingly focused on inclusivity.
Environmental Impact: While not explicitly addressed, the construction of two courses in a sensitive Sand Hills ecosystem could raise environmental concerns, a common issue for new golf developments.
Unverified Claims: Information from X posts, such as the name “The Hammer” for the second course, should be treated as inconclusive until officially confirmed by the club.
Sources
Information in this report is drawn from reputable golf websites, industry publications, and posts on X, with citations provided for transparency. Key sources include:
21 Golf Club’s official website and social media
Golf media outlets like Golf Digest, Golf.com, and Sports Illustrated
Conclusion
The 21 Golf Club is poised to be a landmark addition to South Carolina’s golf scene, blending historical reverence with modern innovation. Its MacKenzie Course, inspired by a lost Alister MacKenzie design, and the forthcoming King-Collins match-play course promise a unique golfing experience. Set in the dramatic Sand Hills, with luxury amenities and an exclusive membership model, the club aims to rival the region’s best. While construction continues toward a 2026 opening for the first course, the project’s ambition and early reception suggest it could redefine high-end golf in the Southeast. For the latest updates, visit the club’s official website (21golfclub.com) or follow their Instagram (@21golfclub).
Location
Geographical Context: Located in the Sand Hills near Jackson, South Carolina, the site is characterized by dramatic elevation changes and sandy terrain, ideal for golf course design. Its proximity to Aiken and Augusta places it in a golf-rich area, close to Augusta National, home of the Masters.
Accessibility: The club is just a few minutes from the cities of Aiken and Augusta, making it accessible for members and guests traveling from regional hubs.
Golf Courses
The 21 Golf Club is planning two 18-hole golf courses, each with distinct design philosophies and inspirations.
1. The MacKenzie Course
Inspiration: This course is inspired by Alister MacKenzie’s unbuilt design for El Boqueron, a bold concept envisioned nearly a century ago. MacKenzie, renowned for courses like Augusta National and Cypress Point, left behind plans that the 21 Golf Club is bringing to life.
Design Details: The MacKenzie Course aims to honor MacKenzie’s architectural principles, emphasizing strategic play, natural contours, and aesthetic beauty. The sandy, dune-laden landscape complements MacKenzie’s style, which often incorporated natural features.
Construction Status: Groundbreaking occurred prior to January 2025, with construction ongoing. The course is slated for completion in 2026, though an exact date remains unspecified.
Significance: The revival of a “lost” MacKenzie design has generated excitement among golf historians and enthusiasts, with some calling it “golf’s most unique new course.”
2. The Second Course (King-Collins Design)
Designer: King-Collins Golf, known for innovative designs like Sweetens Cove, is creating the second course, tentatively referred to as “The Hammer” in early announcements.
Purpose: This course is dedicated to match-play competition, a format that emphasizes head-to-head strategy over stroke play.
Status: Planning for this course has begun, but it is in earlier stages than the MacKenzie Course. No specific completion date has been confirmed.
Design Philosophy: King-Collins is noted for pushing boundaries and redefining modern golf architecture, suggesting a bold, creative layout that leverages the site’s dramatic topography.
Membership
Exclusivity: The 21 Golf Club operates as an invitation-only private club, limiting access to a select group of members.
Initiation Fee: The club has accepted several founding members, with reports indicating a six-figure initiation fee, reflecting its high-end positioning.
Advisory Team: The club has enlisted PGA Professional Bob Ford, a celebrated figure in golf, to serve in an advisory role, underscoring its commitment to elite standards.
Amenities
Luxury Accommodations: Following the model of nearby clubs like Sage Valley and Old Barnwell, the 21 Golf Club plans to offer luxury accommodations and amenities, enhancing the member and guest experience.
Club Facilities: While specific details about clubhouses, dining, or other facilities are not yet public, the club’s vision includes comprehensive amenities typical of world-class private golf destinations.
Significance in South Carolina’s Golf Landscape
Emerging Golf Hub: South Carolina, particularly the Aiken-Augusta area, is becoming a premier golf destination. The 21 Golf Club joins other high-end courses like The Tree Farm, Old Barnwell, Broomsedge, and Congaree, contributing to the state’s reputation as a “must-visit” golf state alongside New York, California, and North Carolina.
Regional Impact: The club’s development is part of a broader trend of new, innovative golf projects in the Carolina Sandhills, with its proximity to Augusta National adding prestige.
Architectural Innovation: By reviving a MacKenzie design and incorporating a modern King-Collins course, the 21 Golf Club bridges golf’s historical and contemporary elements, appealing to purists and modern enthusiasts alike.
Development Timeline
December 2023: Plans for the 21 Golf Club were unveiled, highlighting its invitation-only model and two-course vision.
Early 2024: Further details emerged about the MacKenzie Course and King-Collins involvement.
January–February 2025: Groundbreaking on the MacKenzie Course was announced, with construction actively underway. Bob Ford joined the advisory team.
April 2025: The club gained attention during the Masters season, with reports of founding members and growing anticipation.
Current Status (June 2025): Construction of the MacKenzie Course continues, with completion expected in 2026. Planning for the second course is ongoing.
Sentiment and Reception
Industry Buzz: Posts on X and golf media reflect strong enthusiasm, with users calling the project “incredible” and “mind-boggling” for its boldness. The involvement of MacKenzie’s legacy and King-Collins’s reputation fuels excitement.
Historical Value: The MacKenzie Course is seen as a historic endeavor, with one X user noting it as “making #GolfHistory.”
Regional Pride: South Carolina’s golf community views the 21 Golf Club as part of a wave of elite courses elevating the state’s profile.
Critical Considerations
Exclusivity and Accessibility: The invitation-only model and high initiation fees may limit access, potentially drawing criticism in a sport increasingly focused on inclusivity.
Environmental Impact: While not explicitly addressed, the construction of two courses in a sensitive Sand Hills ecosystem could raise environmental concerns, a common issue for new golf developments.
Unverified Claims: Information from X posts, such as the name “The Hammer” for the second course, should be treated as inconclusive until officially confirmed by the club.
Sources
Information in this report is drawn from reputable golf websites, industry publications, and posts on X, with citations provided for transparency. Key sources include:
21 Golf Club’s official website and social media
Golf media outlets like Golf Digest, Golf.com, and Sports Illustrated
Conclusion
The 21 Golf Club is poised to be a landmark addition to South Carolina’s golf scene, blending historical reverence with modern innovation. Its MacKenzie Course, inspired by a lost Alister MacKenzie design, and the forthcoming King-Collins match-play course promise a unique golfing experience. Set in the dramatic Sand Hills, with luxury amenities and an exclusive membership model, the club aims to rival the region’s best. While construction continues toward a 2026 opening for the first course, the project’s ambition and early reception suggest it could redefine high-end golf in the Southeast. For the latest updates, visit the club’s official website (21golfclub.com) or follow their Instagram (@21golfclub).