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.

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.

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

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