ARCHITECTS
Course info
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Course Report
Old Barnwell was inspired by the revered heathland courses of England and set on 575 acres of sandy, rolling terrain—rare for the region—giving it unusual playing qualities for the Carolinas.
About
Old Barnwell, crafted by Brian Schneider and Blake Conant, is a private course inspired by classic English heathland architecture. Set amongst sandy soil, rolling hills, and Carolina pines, its design features strategic bunkering, half-par holes, and firm, fast conditions, offering a nuanced and memorable test close to Aiken, South Carolina.
Caddie Tip
Stay below the hole on approach shots, as firm, fast greens can quickly lead to tricky chips from above. Study the slopes closely, especially on the back nine—missing on the wrong side brings deep bunkers and fast run-offs into play.
The Main Challenge
Old Barnwell’s greatest challenge lies in its unpredictably firm, fast-running fairways and greens. Large, deep bunkers and subtle elevation changes reward strategic play, while aggressive approaches risk denial by cunning contours and native sand areas. Every hole offers tempting options but penalizes poor execution.
The Good
Golfers rave about Old Barnwell’s architectural sophistication: its variety of risk-reward holes, the strategic demands of every shot, and outstanding routing over natural sandy terrain blend for an endlessly interesting and truly memorable golf experience.
The Not So Good
As a new course, the turf and green surrounds are still maturing. Some members suggest minor tweaks to bunker edges for consistency, while others wish for expanded practice areas or minor refinements around approaches to further enhance the short game experience.
Signature Hole:
#
11
The par-3 11th stretches to 235 yards and demands strategic brilliance. With a rolling, well-defended green, players must skillfully bounce their tee shots onto the putting surface, contending with subtle contours and penal bunkers. Its challenge and architectural flair make it a standout among Old Barnwell’s impressive collection.
Clubhouse
The clubhouse offers comfortable locker rooms, dining with scenic course views, a well-curated pro shop, and spaces for gathering pre- and post-round. Service is personable, and amenities are designed with a national membership in mind.
Practice Facilities
Old Barnwell features a full driving range, short-game complex, and ample chipping and putting greens. The facilities are designed to mirror the challenge and conditioning of the course itself, supporting all aspects of game improvement.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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