Golf in Aiken

The Masters

As we approach the first full week in April, residents of both Aiken, South Carolina and Augusta Georgia prepare for The Masters, one of golf’s four major championships and the first major of the year. For many living within range of the Augusta National, The Masters is synonymous with spring. Blooming azaleas, green rolling hills, perfect shorts weather, a view of the world’s greatest golfers crossing Rae’s Creek, Augusta National’s iconic egg salad and pimento cheese sandwiches. That’s The Masters. 

About 30 minutes from the Augusta National, the city of Aiken, South Carolina has a long history with golf. Known as the “Sporting Capital of the South,” Aiken’s temperate climate, sandy footing, and wide open spaces lend itself perfectly to outdoor sports like equestrian and golf.

Let’s look at more information and options for enjoying golf in Aiken:

Established in 1892, Aiken’s famed Palmetto Golf Club is reported to be the oldest, continually operated eighteen hole golf course in the Southeast and the second oldest course in the United States. Palmetto was founded by Thomas Hitchcock, a prominent sportsman from Long Island, New York. He and his wife attracted many wealthy families from the Northeast who established a Winter Colony in Aiken. These winter residents created several recreational facilities for polo, fox hunting, horseback riding, and tennis. Several large estates were constructed in the heart of Aiken in the vicinity of the Palmetto Golf Club, many of which continue to exist. The Palmetto Golf Club is private, though open to the public during Masters Week with tee times for $1400 including cart, range balls, lunch and all taxes.

The Aiken Golf Club was founded in 1912. Located just off center of downtown Aiken, this 18 hole links style course weaves in and out of Highland Park – one of Aiken’s finest neighborhoods, and borders the 2100 acre Hitchcock Woods. Known as “the best course you’ve never heard of” Aiken Golf Club is a challenging, fun, low key golf experience that can be enjoyed for as little as $25.

The Sage Valley Golf Club in nearby Graniteville, South Carolina, is a private course designed by Tom Fazio in 2001. The course and clubhouse are set on 9,500 acres of rolling hills and preserved Southern pine forest. A super exclusive experience,  Sage Valley Members and their guests have access to a 7,344-yard beautifully manicured golf course along with an illuminated 9 hole Par 3 Course, practice facilities, 35,000-square foot clubhouse, superior dining and wine selection, full-service spa, private chapel and 19 well-appointed cottages to accommodate overnight lodging.

Houndslake Country Club, in Aiken, SC spans over three hundred acres of beautiful lush greens, thousands of colorful Azaleas and majestic Dogwoods. Three beautiful courses wind through a quiet residential community.  Our resident golf and tennis professionals offer clinics and tournaments in addition to private lessons for all ages and abilities. Houndslake has golf specials during Masters Week.

Close to downtown Aiken, SC is Woodside, a thoughtfully planned and masterfully developed gated community. Woodside offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere, where social events and club amenities are never in short supply and new neighbors become old friends. Since its inception in 2002, The Reserve Club has been an outstanding addition to the Woodside community offering members world-class amenities in their own neighborhood. Breathtaking golf courses, fine dining, a spectacular clubhouse, and state-of-the-art sports facilities combined with a friendly atmosphere and full social calendar. The Reserve Club offers VIP and Club Packages during the Masters.

There are a couple of exciting new golf projects in the Aiken area:

PGA Golf Pro Zac Blair is currently building The Tree Farm, a by invitation golf club in New Holland, SC with designers Tom Doak, Kye Goalby and Zac Blair himself. Tree Farm will include an 18 hole course, a clubhouse and a handful of cabins, allowing few people to stay on site at any one time. It will never be crowded. 

Old Barnwell Golf Club is the brainchild of entrepreneur Nick Schreiber. Barnwell’s mission statement is both simple and noble: “Bring people together through golf.” At one end Old Barnwell will stand as a private club boasting sought-after national and tiered memberships, while at the other end it will be a retreat for a broad range of younger members, families, collegiate golfers and those who aspire to a professional career in the game. With plans to open in the fall of 2023, Old Barnwell will be a twin course complex. The golf course designers, Brian Schneider and Blake Conant, have helped renovate some of the best courses in the world. This will be their first solo project.

Golf course homes in Aiken

If you’re interested in spending more time golfing in Aiken, check out homes located on golf courses, or in golf communities on our site. Our real estate partners can help you find the perfect home to live your Best Life in Aiken! Contact us for more information.