Charleston Regional Business Journal • December 12, 2024

Beaufort architect to help design first private golf club to be built in 30 years

Joel Newman, Thomas and Denzinger


Greenville, SC – December 12, 2024 – The first private golf course to be built in Greenville in over 30 years has added a designer to the project.


Kawonu Golf Club has selected Joel Newman, a partner in Thomas and Denzinger Architects of Beaufort, to design the clubhouse, lodging, training center and comfort stations, according to a news release. Newman joins renowned golf course architect Andrew Green on the team behind Kawonu.

Newman’s portfolio includes projects such as Chechessee Creek Club in South Carolina, the acclaimed Ohoopee Match Club in Georgia, and Spring Island Club in Okatie near Beaufort, among others, the release stated. With nearly three decades of experience, Newman has earned recognition for his innovative designs that blend functionality with the unique character of their settings.

The strategic partnership marks another significant milestone in Kawonu’s development as it moves toward an anticipated construction start in early 2025, the release stated.

“Joel’s work stands out for its ability to balance practicality and beauty,” said Scott Ferrell, founding partner of Kawonu Golf Club, in the release. “His expertise and vision are instrumental in creating facilities that reflect the high standards and distinctive character we are building at Kawonu.

“This partnership builds on our mission to assemble a world-class team, ensuring that our facilities will not only serve their purpose but also enhance the overall experience for our members.”


Newman’s designs will complement the championship course crafted by renowned golf course architect Andrew Green, further elevating Kawonu’s reputation as a distinguished golf destination, the release stated.

“My goal is to create a harmonious blend of form and function that elevates the Kawonu experience,” Newman said in the release. “Each structure will be thoughtfully designed to enhance the natural beauty of the site while providing comfortable, inviting spaces for members and guests to gather, relax, and celebrate their shared passion for golf.”


Construction of Kawonu Golf Club’s course is set to begin in spring 2025, with an anticipated opening in early 2027, according to the release, marking Greenville’s first private club debut in more than three decades.


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Kawonu Golf Club Is Creating Something New That Feels Old

By Club + Resort Business • February 10, 2026
The new South Carolina private club is under construction, slated to open in the spring of 2027, and will center its hybrid membership around golf. Scott Ferrell, Founding Partner of Kawonu Golf Club, has been in the golf industry for almost 40 years, which eventually led him to Greenville, S.C. He knew that a private club hadn’t opened in the area in over 30 years and started looking into land to open a private, golf-only club. After one piece of land fell through, Ferrell says the current land fell into his lap and he immediately got started by partnering with Barton Tuck who has developed other golf courses over the years. Now, two years into the construction of the project, the club has a little over a year until its grand opening.

Kawonu Golf Club architect Andrew Green receives Golf Digest award

By Upstate Biz SC • January 28, 2026
Green earns Best Renovation of the Year honors as Kawonu prepares for 2027 opening. Kawonu Golf Club, the private golf-only club under construction near Greenville, South Carolina, announced that course architect Andrew Green has been named Golf Digest’s Best Renovation of the Year for his acclaimed work at Chevy Chase Club in Maryland. The national recognition reflects Green’s growing reputation as a leading architect in traditional golf course design and comes as work continues on Kawonu’s 18-hole championship course, currently scheduled to open in 2027. Golf Digest’s annual awards recognize the most exceptional golf architecture projects across the country. Green’s renovation of the historic Chevy Chase Club was praised for its restoration of classic design principles, strategic interest, and thoughtful playability for today’s game. “Andrew has a rare ability to honor the history and character of a property while creating something that feels completely relevant for today’s game,” said Scott Ferrell, founding partner of Kawonu Golf Club. “That approach is guiding every decision at Kawonu. This award is a reflection of the talent and perspective our members can expect when the course opens.” Green is widely known for his sensitive restoration work at some of the most respected clubs in the country, including Inverness Club, Congressional Country Club, Oak Hill Country Club, and now Chevy Chase Club — projects that have earned national acclaim for their authenticity, strategy, and timeless design. At Kawonu, Green is leading the design of an 18-hole championship course routed across rolling terrain, open meadows, and mature hardwood forest. The course follows the site’s natural topography, creating a highly strategic and immersive golf experience that feels deeply connected to the land.  “Working at Kawonu has been incredibly special because the land has such a strong natural character,” said Green. “Our goal is to let the property lead the design — creating holes that feel inevitable, timeless, and fun to play every day. It’s exciting to see that same design philosophy being recognized at Chevy Chase, and I can’t wait for golfers to experience what we’re building at Kawonu.” In addition to the Chevy Chase honor, Green received further recognition from Golf Digest in the Best Transformation category, including a Third-Place finish for his redesign of Vaquero Club in Westlake, Texas, and an honorable mention for his renovation of Karsten Creek Golf Club in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Kawonu Golf Club is a private, golf-only club currently under construction near Greenville, South Carolina. In addition to the championship course, the club will feature a clubhouse and on-site cottages designed by architect Joel Newman, offering dining, gathering spaces, and overnight accommodations for an immersive member experience. Construction is currently underway, with the club targeting a 2027 opening. To learn more about Kawonu Golf Club, visit www.kawonugolfclub.com.