Palmetto Golfer • July 15, 2025

New Upstate Course Breaks Ground

Kawonu Golf Club, an invitation-only private club near Simpsonville, has begun construction on its championship 18-hole course designed by architect Andrew Green.

Nestled on 290 acres, Kawonu derives its name from the Cherokee word for duck and is the Greenville area’s first new private club in over three decades.

Founding partners Scott Ferrell and Barton Tuck joined more than 150 members and founders on the site to celebrate the groundbreaking in April. Ferrell says the groundbreaking represented the “beginning of a vision to create one of America’s truly great golf clubs.”

This article was originally written + published by the Palmetto Golfer on July 15, 2025 — shared here with full credit to the original source.

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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 24, 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

Construction Continues on Kawonu Golf Club in the Greenville Area

Construction Continues on Kawonu Golf Club in the Greenville Area

By Post and Courier • September 23, 2025

Work continues at Kawonu Golf Club, the new private course designed by Andrew Green. Originally published by Post & Courier.

FROM THE FAIRWAYS TO YOUR FEED

FOLLOW US on instagram @KAWONUGOLFCLUB

“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

Finding the right land for Kawonu was a collective effort—driven by vision, patience, and purpose. When we walked this property for the first time, we knew it had the potential to become something truly special. Now, that vision is taking shape.

#KawonuGolfClub #GolfCourseArchitecture #AndrewGreen #GolfDesign

Finding the right land for Kawonu was a collective effort—driven by vision, patience, and purpose. When we walked this property for the first time, we knew it had the potential to become something truly special. Now, that vision is taking shape. #KawonuGolfClub #GolfCourseArchitecture #AndrewGreen #GolfDesign

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.

@jacobbridgeman1 we enjoyed cheering you on this past weekend and wish you luck at the Arnold Palmer Invitational this week!

@jacobbridgeman1 we enjoyed cheering you on this past weekend and wish you luck at the Arnold Palmer Invitational this week!

We're proud to call Greenville, SC, home! Thanks to TOWN Magazine for showcasing Greenville and the Upstate of South Carolina in such an exceptional way. We're honored to be represented in the March issue!

Click the link in our bio to read the full article.

We're proud to call Greenville, SC, home! Thanks to TOWN Magazine for showcasing Greenville and the Upstate of South Carolina in such an exceptional way. We're honored to be represented in the March issue! Click the link in our bio to read the full article.

To hear the origin of Andrew's quote, click the link in our bio.

To hear the origin of Andrew's quote, click the link in our bio.

Andrew Green and Scott Ferrell had the privilege to tag-team and share the Kawonu story with Al Lunsford and Joe Passov on the LINKS Golf Podcast, Episode 193.

Thanks to the exceptional team at LINKS Magazine for your support!

See the link in our bio.

Photo credit to @look.collective.

#linksmagazine #linksgolfpodcast #bestofgolf

Andrew Green and Scott Ferrell had the privilege to tag-team and share the Kawonu story with Al Lunsford and Joe Passov on the LINKS Golf Podcast, Episode 193. Thanks to the exceptional team at LINKS Magazine for your support! See the link in our bio. Photo credit to @look.collective. #linksmagazine #linksgolfpodcast #bestofgolf

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." To read more, click the link in our bio! @KawonuGolfClub @Green_GCA

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..." To read more, click the link in our bio. #kawonugolfclub #green_gca

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!

We are thrilled to see Kawonu Golf Club highlighted in Al Lunsford's World Round-Up article in the Winter Edition of @linksmagazine!

The next chapter for Kawonu is about to begin! See the link in our bio for the complete story.

We are thrilled to see Kawonu Golf Club highlighted in Al Lunsford's World Round-Up article in the Winter Edition of @linksmagazine! The next chapter for Kawonu is about to begin! See the link in our bio for the complete story.

See what @green_gca has to say about the 8th hole at Kawonu by clicking on the link in our bio.

See what @green_gca has to say about the 8th hole at Kawonu by clicking on the link in our bio.

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!

Happy Holidays from the Kawonu Golf Club Family!

Happy Holidays from the Kawonu Golf Club Family!

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!

"I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new." Ralph Waldo Emerson

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!

#kawonugolfclub #green_gca

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! #kawonugolfclub #green_gca

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. #kawonugolfclub #green_gca

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. #kawonugolfclub #green_gca #linksmagazine

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!

#kawonugolfclub #moohogzbbq #cloverphotovideoaudio

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! #kawonugolfclub #moohogzbbq #cloverphotovideoaudio

A late summer morning @kawonugolfclub

A late summer morning @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

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

"The chief object of every golf architect or green keeper worth his salt is to imitate the beauties of nature so closely as to make his work indistinguishable from Nature herself." Alister MacKenzie, Golden Age Golf Course Designer We couldn't have said it better, and that's exactly what Andrew Green has designed for Kawonu Golf Club. We're proud to embrace the philosophies of the Golden Age of golf course design and honor these deep roots of golf history.

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...

#green_aca #yeahthatgreenville

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... #green_aca #yeahthatgreenville

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