Greenville News • April 14, 2025

What to Know About Kawonu’s 290-Acre Members-Only Course

Greenville's newest member-only golf resort will soon begin construction.

Kawonu Golf Club will soon introduce an 18-hole resort near a historic site, which will include lodging, food and beverage services, and highly regarded architecture.

The first dig at SC’s first private golf club in over three decades will take place at the course at 4 p.m. today, in a groundbreaking event open to around 150 private members. The course is located near Highway 418 and Fork Shoals Road in Simpsonville and is anticipated to open in early 2027.

This article was originally published by Greenville Online / Greenville News on April 14, 2025 — shared here with full credit to the original source.

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The Most Unique Country Club Upgrades Tempting Grandparents, Parents and Kids Alike

By Kiplinger • October 12, 2025

Young country club members expect more from their fees than access to a golf course. Scott Ferrell is an industry veteran who is helping lead the creation of Kawonu Golf Club outside Greenville, South Carolina. While they will feature golf only, Ferrell says the pressure to provide top-notch facilities away from the course is real and imminent. Aside from golf simulators that can be used as teaching bays — a must-have in the market these days — the amenity Ferrell is focused on is food and beverage, as, he says, "historically private clubs have had mediocre dining outlets.” Because Kawonu will have a mix of local and national members traveling from afar, Ferrell says they will make dining a primary focus of the experience.

Kawonu Golf Club Taking Shape in Southern Greenville County — via Greenville Journal

Construction Begins on Kawonu Golf Course in Southern Greenville County

By Greenville Journal • September 23, 2025

Kawonu Golf Club is taking shape in southern Greenville County. Course architect Andrew Green gave a tour of the progress. Originally published by Greenville Journal

FROM THE FAIRWAYS TO YOUR FEED

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Scott Ferrell, Kawonu Founding Partner and former President of Gary Player Design, reflects on his fifteen-year career working alongside the legendary Gary Player and how that experience shaped Kawonu’s guiding principle: “Anything is negotiable except quality.”

Scott Ferrell, Kawonu Founding Partner and former President of Gary Player Design, reflects on his fifteen-year career working alongside the legendary Gary Player and how that experience shaped Kawonu’s guiding principle: “Anything is negotiable except quality.”

“There’s a level of destiny to this project.”

– Andrew Green, Course Architect

It was meant to be. The land at Kawonu Golf Club is truly a gift, providing a natural canvas for a course that feels like it has been here forever.

“There’s a level of destiny to this project.” – Andrew Green, Course Architect It was meant to be. The land at Kawonu Golf Club is truly a gift, providing a natural canvas for a course that feels like it has been here forever.

As we progress in our golf course construction phase, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the continued support and momentum. Seeing the land transform is truly incredible. Happy Thanksgiving!

As we progress in our golf course construction phase, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the continued support and momentum. Seeing the land transform is truly incredible. Happy Thanksgiving!

Guided by Green | Hole 1

Tap to hear renowned architect Andrew Green guide you through the opening hole at Kawonu Golf Club, a graceful yet challenging introduction to the course.

Guided by Green | Hole 1 Tap to hear renowned architect Andrew Green guide you through the opening hole at Kawonu Golf Club, a graceful yet challenging introduction to the course.

Course Architect Andrew Green on the interconnected relationship between the ground and the game of golf.

Course Architect Andrew Green on the interconnected relationship between the ground and the game of golf.

A front-row seat as we transform these 290 acres into a championship experience.

A front-row seat as we transform these 290 acres into a championship experience.

Before the first tee is even laid, the land at Kawonu is already telling its story. From rolling hills to natural water features, the site offers the kind of variety that makes for an instantly classic design.

Before the first tee is even laid, the land at Kawonu is already telling its story. From rolling hills to natural water features, the site offers the kind of variety that makes for an instantly classic design.

Every sunrise brings us closer to opening day at Kawonu Golf Club.

Every sunrise brings us closer to opening day at Kawonu Golf Club.

The mass clearing phase at Kawonu is not about taking away, but about revealing the natural soul of the property. We are unearthing the contours and strategic possibilities that will define South Carolina’s next great course.

The mass clearing phase at Kawonu is not about taking away, but about revealing the natural soul of the property. We are unearthing the contours and strategic possibilities that will define South Carolina’s next great course.

“There can be trends in different industries, but they’re just that. They’re trends. We’re trying to make decisions that stand the test of time. We want to create a culture at Kawonu where the traditions of golf that we all have grown to love are cherished and protected.”

— Scott Ferrell, Founding Partner

“There can be trends in different industries, but they’re just that. They’re trends. We’re trying to make decisions that stand the test of time. We want to create a culture at Kawonu where the traditions of golf that we all have grown to love are cherished and protected.” — Scott Ferrell, Founding Partner

Beyond the beauty, the water features at Kawonu are integral to the strategic genius of Andrew Green’s design. They demand thought, precision, and offer a perfect blend of risk and reward.

Beyond the beauty, the water features at Kawonu are integral to the strategic genius of Andrew Green’s design. They demand thought, precision, and offer a perfect blend of risk and reward.

Highlights from last week’s Hard Hat Tour: Architect Andrew Green shares the evolving vision for Kawonu Golf Club, with aerial views of holes 3 and 4 revealing the transformation underway.

Highlights from last week’s Hard Hat Tour: Architect Andrew Green shares the evolving vision for Kawonu Golf Club, with aerial views of holes 3 and 4 revealing the transformation underway.

Kawonu Golf Club’s first Hard Hat Tour.

Yesterday, members enjoyed an exclusive walking tour led by renowned architect Andrew Green. The experience offered a behind-the-scenes look at the course’s progress, design vision, and strategic features—a memorable day on the future fairways.

Kawonu Golf Club’s first Hard Hat Tour. Yesterday, members enjoyed an exclusive walking tour led by renowned architect Andrew Green. The experience offered a behind-the-scenes look at the course’s progress, design vision, and strategic features—a memorable day on the future fairways.

A glimpse of what’s to come: the water’s edge meets the green on Hole 9.

A glimpse of what’s to come: the water’s edge meets the green on Hole 9.

Before the green, there’s the grit. Thoughtfully clearing the path for something extraordinary.

Before the green, there’s the grit. Thoughtfully clearing the path for something extraordinary.

Capturing history in the making with Kawonu Golf Club’s founding partner, Scott Ferrell.

Capturing history in the making with Kawonu Golf Club’s founding partner, Scott Ferrell.

Sunshine and fresh dirt—our fleet continues to make great progress in preparation for a world class experience.

Sunshine and fresh dirt—our fleet continues to make great progress in preparation for a world class experience.

A look back at Andrew Green’s first visit to the Kawonu site. His parting comment was, “You need to buy this property.” We’ve come a long way since then.

A look back at Andrew Green’s first visit to the Kawonu site. His parting comment was, “You need to buy this property.” We’ve come a long way since then.

Every great course starts with the ground. This is where the journey for Hole 3 begins.

Every great course starts with the ground. This is where the journey for Hole 3 begins.

It’s a passion. #kawonugolfclub

It’s a passion. #kawonugolfclub

Congratulations to Kawonu Golf Club members Carson Young and Jacob Bridgeman on their T5 finish at the John Deere Classic on the PGA Tour! Both shot 268 to finish 16 under par over four days.

Congratulations to Kawonu Golf Club members Carson Young and Jacob Bridgeman on their T5 finish at the John Deere Classic on the PGA Tour! Both shot 268 to finish 16 under par over four days.

We’re proud to share that several courses associated with Kawonu team members, including Andrew Green, Joel Newman, and David Barrett, are featured in Golf Digest’s 2025–2026 ranking of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses. This achievement reflects the expertise and dedication our team brings to the craft of course design and restoration, helping shape some of the most celebrated courses in the country. Golf Digest also recently named Kawonu Golf Club one of its courses to watch in South Carolina — a testament to the talented team shaping what’s ahead!

#KawonuGolfClub #GolfCourseArchitecture #ChampionshipGolf #SouthCarolinaGolf

We’re proud to share that several courses associated with Kawonu team members, including Andrew Green, Joel Newman, and David Barrett, are featured in Golf Digest’s 2025–2026 ranking of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses. This achievement reflects the expertise and dedication our team brings to the craft of course design and restoration, helping shape some of the most celebrated courses in the country. Golf Digest also recently named Kawonu Golf Club one of its courses to watch in South Carolina — a testament to the talented team shaping what’s ahead! #KawonuGolfClub #GolfCourseArchitecture #ChampionshipGolf #SouthCarolinaGolf

Every course begins with a decision: where to build, and why. At Kawonu, the answer was clear. We chose land that moves, reveals, and challenges—terrain with character, not convenience. The groundbreaking was more than a ceremony; it was the first step toward something lasting, shaped by vision and rooted in place. And this is only the beginning!
#KawonuGolfClub #GolfCourseArchitecture #ChampionshipGolf

Every course begins with a decision: where to build, and why. At Kawonu, the answer was clear. We chose land that moves, reveals, and challenges—terrain with character, not convenience. The groundbreaking was more than a ceremony; it was the first step toward something lasting, shaped by vision and rooted in place. And this is only the beginning! #KawonuGolfClub #GolfCourseArchitecture #ChampionshipGolf

We’re proud to welcome David Barrett as Kawonu Golf Club’s Director of Agronomy.

A veteran of the industry with more than 20 years of experience, David will lead course maintenance, management, and long-term agronomic strategy for our championship-caliber layout. He joins us from Congaree Golf Club—ranked No. 40 on Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses—where he oversaw construction and tournament prep for events like the Palmetto Championship and CJ Cup. His career also includes leadership roles at Pine Valley and Diamond Creek, two of the most respected clubs in the country.

At Kawonu, David will play a critical role in shaping the course alongside architect Andrew Green, ensuring every detail reflects our vision from the ground up.

A huge welcome to David and his family as they join the Kawonu community—we’re thrilled to have you on the team.

#KawonuGolfClub #GolfCourseArchitecture #ChampionshipGolf #SouthCarolinaGolf

We’re proud to welcome David Barrett as Kawonu Golf Club’s Director of Agronomy. A veteran of the industry with more than 20 years of experience, David will lead course maintenance, management, and long-term agronomic strategy for our championship-caliber layout. He joins us from Congaree Golf Club—ranked No. 40 on Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses—where he oversaw construction and tournament prep for events like the Palmetto Championship and CJ Cup. His career also includes leadership roles at Pine Valley and Diamond Creek, two of the most respected clubs in the country. At Kawonu, David will play a critical role in shaping the course alongside architect Andrew Green, ensuring every detail reflects our vision from the ground up. A huge welcome to David and his family as they join the Kawonu community—we’re thrilled to have you on the team. #KawonuGolfClub #GolfCourseArchitecture #ChampionshipGolf #SouthCarolinaGolf

Wishing Kawonu Golf Club member @jacobbridgeman1 the best as he competes in the PGA Championship this weekend. We’re proud to have one of the game’s rising talents in the Kawonu family and will be cheering him on every step of the way.

Wishing Kawonu Golf Club member @jacobbridgeman1 the best as he competes in the PGA Championship this weekend. We’re proud to have one of the game’s rising talents in the Kawonu family and will be cheering him on every step of the way.

It’s an exciting day breaking ground at Kawonu Golf Club! We look forward to the day we walk the fairways with our members!

It’s an exciting day breaking ground at Kawonu Golf Club! We look forward to the day we walk the fairways with our members!

Creating a hidden short loop of six par-3 holes using the existing golf holes around the large lake offers tremendous variety, challenge, and excitement. The Old Hundred Loop at Kawonu Golf Club delivers just that!

By playing these holes from different angles, you are presented with fresh lines of play, rewarding creativity, and shot-making skills. The setup provides a quick, fun alternative for special events, extra holes after the round, a wonderful short game practice session on the course, or a perfect golf experience when time is limited.

Creating a hidden short loop of six par-3 holes using the existing golf holes around the large lake offers tremendous variety, challenge, and excitement. The Old Hundred Loop at Kawonu Golf Club delivers just that! By playing these holes from different angles, you are presented with fresh lines of play, rewarding creativity, and shot-making skills. The setup provides a quick, fun alternative for special events, extra holes after the round, a wonderful short game practice session on the course, or a perfect golf experience when time is limited.

Course Architect Andrew Green on the highly anticipated Kawonu Golf Club.

Course Architect Andrew Green on the highly anticipated Kawonu Golf Club.

In the February issue of Kawonu's newsletter,

In the February issue of Kawonu's newsletter, "The Roost", Andrew Green provides a glimpse into how he incorporated the property's many lakes into the design of the course. "These lakes, serving as sanctuaries for waterfowl, enhance the natural aesthetic and provide a tranquil yet dynamic element to the landscape. Each lake contributes to the golf journey in unique and memorable ways. The opening tee shot is framed by water views that guide the hole around a gentle curve in the terrain, creating a visually stunning but forgiving start."

In the December issue of Kawonu's newsletter, “The Roost”, Andrew Green writes,

In the December issue of Kawonu's newsletter, “The Roost”, Andrew Green writes, "Golf course design is both a science and an art. The artistry of uneven lies in golf is an often-overlooked element that adds depth, challenge, and intrigue..."

It was a privilege introducing Columbia golf enthusiasts to Kawonu last night! We enjoyed an in-depth Q&A where @scott_ferrell1 shared plans for the club's cabins, culture, and more. A room full of great people sharing lots of laughter, conversation, and a love for golf made it a truly wonderful experience. It's a taste of what's to come at Kawonu!

A huge shout-out to Mike and the crew @terraweco for partnering with us to create a terrific event!

It was a privilege introducing Columbia golf enthusiasts to Kawonu last night! We enjoyed an in-depth Q&A where @scott_ferrell1 shared plans for the club's cabins, culture, and more. A room full of great people sharing lots of laughter, conversation, and a love for golf made it a truly wonderful experience. It's a taste of what's to come at Kawonu! A huge shout-out to Mike and the crew @terraweco for partnering with us to create a terrific event!

What a wonderful evening introducing Kawonu Golf Club to Atlanta! We truly enjoyed connecting with so many passionate golfers and sharing our vision for a private, golf-only experience here in the Upstate. The warm welcome from Atlanta's golf community made the night even more special. A big thank you to @intowngolfclub for their incredible hospitality and for helping make this an unforgettable event!

What a wonderful evening introducing Kawonu Golf Club to Atlanta! We truly enjoyed connecting with so many passionate golfers and sharing our vision for a private, golf-only experience here in the Upstate. The warm welcome from Atlanta's golf community made the night even more special. A big thank you to @intowngolfclub for their incredible hospitality and for helping make this an unforgettable event!

What was a dream in 2023 began to take shape in 2024. Now, in 2025, construction of Kawonu's golf course will begin, and we can't wait to see what the rest of the year holds in store!

Best wishes to everyone for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

What was a dream in 2023 began to take shape in 2024. Now, in 2025, construction of Kawonu's golf course will begin, and we can't wait to see what the rest of the year holds in store! Best wishes to everyone for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

We had a great time introducing Kawonu Golf Club to Charlotte, NC. The golf community there is excited about the @green_gca renovation at @charlottecountryclub. Thanks to @palmrestaurant and their incredible staff for a wonderful night!

We had a great time introducing Kawonu Golf Club to Charlotte, NC. The golf community there is excited about the @green_gca renovation at @charlottecountryclub. Thanks to @palmrestaurant and their incredible staff for a wonderful night!

We're pleased to announce that Joel Newman of Thomas and Denzinger Architects will design our clubhouse and other facilities! He has an impressive portfolio of golf clubs he's designed such as Chechessee Creek Club in South Carolina and the Ohoopee Match Club in Georgia. We're proud to be added to that list!

We're pleased to announce that Joel Newman of Thomas and Denzinger Architects will design our clubhouse and other facilities! He has an impressive portfolio of golf clubs he's designed such as Chechessee Creek Club in South Carolina and the Ohoopee Match Club in Georgia. We're proud to be added to that list!

We’ve said it before. When you marry the Kawonu property with the instincts and innate talents of Andrew Green, the foundation for Kawonu Golf Club could not be better.

As our latest video with additional footage from Andrew’s September 3rd visit shows, it’s a powerful and awe-inspiring foundation that we can’t wait to build on.

We’ve said it before. When you marry the Kawonu property with the instincts and innate talents of Andrew Green, the foundation for Kawonu Golf Club could not be better. As our latest video with additional footage from Andrew’s September 3rd visit shows, it’s a powerful and awe-inspiring foundation that we can’t wait to build on.

Kawonu's 16th is a par 5 with an uphill drive starting the journey around a ravine on your left that drops severely toward the Reedy River. Your second shot demands a risk/reward decision – do you navigate safely around the ravine or hit over it toward the green? A bold decision may result in a birdie or better, but it may also ruin a good round with a double bogey or worse!

Kawonu's 16th is a par 5 with an uphill drive starting the journey around a ravine on your left that drops severely toward the Reedy River. Your second shot demands a risk/reward decision – do you navigate safely around the ravine or hit over it toward the green? A bold decision may result in a birdie or better, but it may also ruin a good round with a double bogey or worse!

Following yesterday's post, here's part two of Andrew Green's answer to why Kawonu is one of the first

Following yesterday's post, here's part two of Andrew Green's answer to why Kawonu is one of the first "from scratch" projects he's accepted.

At Kawonu Golf Club's Unveiling, a member posed a question to Andrew Green about his interview with LINKS Magazine last year. When asked why he hadn't yet accepted an offer to build a project

At Kawonu Golf Club's Unveiling, a member posed a question to Andrew Green about his interview with LINKS Magazine last year. When asked why he hadn't yet accepted an offer to build a project "from scratch", Andrew told Links the right project hadn't come along yet. Our member wanted to know, "Why Kawonu?" Here's the first part of Andrew's answer.

Kawonu hosted its members on property yesterday. They made one of many trips they'll make through this 294-acre tract of land. It was a great glimpse of what's ahead for Kawonu Golf Club!

Kawonu hosted its members on property yesterday. They made one of many trips they'll make through this 294-acre tract of land. It was a great glimpse of what's ahead for Kawonu Golf Club!

A late summer morning at Kawonu Golf Club.

A late summer morning at Kawonu Golf Club.

While the natural beauty of Greenville County, SC, attracts visitors from around the world, residents understand that the real inspiration comes from the strong sense of community fostered by the people who live here.

The response of the Upstate community to the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene is truly inspiring, humbling, and in many cases, heroic. From workers restoring electricity to officials organizing assistance, from neighbors helping each other clear driveways and streets to people opening their homes and gathering supplies for those most affected, and from the nonprofits and businesses facilitating relief efforts, we are truly embodying the spirit of commUNITY.

We are proud to call Greenville County home.

Here are ways to provide support to Upstate residents:
https://greenvillejournal.com/community/how-you-can-help-donation-volunteer-opportunities-following-hurricane-helene/

@yeahthatgreenvillesc @visitgreenvillesc @cityofgreenvillesc @gvljournal @greenvillenews
@uwgreenvillesc @homesofhopesc @harvesthopeupstate @unitedministriessc @loavesfishesgvl
@VanzeppelinAerial @kawonugolfclub

While the natural beauty of Greenville County, SC, attracts visitors from around the world, residents understand that the real inspiration comes from the strong sense of community fostered by the people who live here. The response of the Upstate community to the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene is truly inspiring, humbling, and in many cases, heroic. From workers restoring electricity to officials organizing assistance, from neighbors helping each other clear driveways and streets to people opening their homes and gathering supplies for those most affected, and from the nonprofits and businesses facilitating relief efforts, we are truly embodying the spirit of commUNITY. We are proud to call Greenville County home. Here are ways to provide support to Upstate residents: https://greenvillejournal.com/community/how-you-can-help-donation-volunteer-opportunities-following-hurricane-helene/ @yeahthatgreenvillesc @visitgreenvillesc @cityofgreenvillesc @gvljournal @greenvillenews @uwgreenvillesc @homesofhopesc @harvesthopeupstate @unitedministriessc @loavesfishesgvl @VanzeppelinAerial @kawonugolfclub

See what @green_gca has to say about @kawonugolfclub during an interview with @scott_ferrell1.

See what @green_gca has to say about @kawonugolfclub during an interview with @scott_ferrell1.

Andrew Green Presents the Kawonu Golf Club Property

Andrew Green Presents the Kawonu Golf Club Property

The Kawonu Golf Club team is on site with Andrew this morning working through more course details. We look forward to wrapping up this beautiful day with our members and guests tonight in downtown Greenville, SC.

The Kawonu Golf Club team is on site with Andrew this morning working through more course details. We look forward to wrapping up this beautiful day with our members and guests tonight in downtown Greenville, SC.

For those whose love of golf has become a way of life, we’re proud to introduce you to Kawonu Golf Club in Greenville County, SC. Follow us to witness one of Andrew Green’s first full golf course designs come to life as this exclusive private golf-only club begins taking shape.

Watch as history unfolds and enjoy the privilege of hearing this great story from the beginning. We’re just getting started.

KAWONU IS CALLING...

For those whose love of golf has become a way of life, we’re proud to introduce you to Kawonu Golf Club in Greenville County, SC. Follow us to witness one of Andrew Green’s first full golf course designs come to life as this exclusive private golf-only club begins taking shape. Watch as history unfolds and enjoy the privilege of hearing this great story from the beginning. We’re just getting started. KAWONU IS CALLING...

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