Scott Ferrell • January 13, 2025

The Rise of Golf-Only Clubs

A Return to the Roots of the Game

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT FERRELL

A View of St. Andrews Course by Simon Edge

As someone who has spent decades immersed in the world of golf and high-end golf course development, I’ve been fascinated to see the resurgence of golf-only clubs. These exclusive spaces, focused solely on the game, are making a strong comeback, offering something uniquely pure and deeply connected to the roots of golf.


What Is a Golf-Only Club?


When people think of private golf clubs, they often picture full-service facilities that include tennis courts, swimming pools, banquet halls, and an extensive food and beverage operation. At their core, though, these clubs have always revolved around the golf course, which serves as the anchor and main attraction.


A golf-only club takes that concept and distills it down to its essence. There are no tennis courts, no pools, no large-scale catering operations—just golf. It’s a singular focus on the game itself, and for many golfers, that’s exactly what they’re looking for.


Golf’s Historical Roots


To understand the appeal of golf-only clubs, you have to go back to where it all began: Scotland, the birthplace of golf. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews is perhaps the purest example of this concept. Founded nearly two centuries ago, it has always been about the game and nothing else.


Over time, clubs began adding amenities to broaden their appeal, turning into multi-purpose facilities that catered to families and social activities. That shift made sense for a lot of reasons, but for me, this return to golf-only clubs feels like a throwback to the roots of the game—a focus on the course, the camaraderie, and the experience of playing.


Why Golf-Only Clubs Are Growing in Popularity


There’s no single reason for the rise of golf-only clubs, but I see it as a combination of practical and emotional factors.


From a business perspective, golf-only clubs make financial sense. In traditional country clubs, amenities like pools and tennis courts are often financial drains. They don’t generate revenue, and the costs of maintaining them are covered by membership dues. By focusing exclusively on the golf course, you remove those financial liabilities while retaining the primary revenue driver.


On the emotional side, golf-only clubs appeal to those who are deeply passionate about the game. Golf has a unique way of getting into your blood, and for many of us, it’s more than just a hobby—it’s a way of life. When people have the means to build or join a golf-only club, it’s often about fulfilling that passion.


COVID-19’s Unexpected Impact


I can’t talk about this trend without mentioning the impact of COVID-19. The pandemic brought a surge of interest to golf. It was one of the few activities people could safely enjoy outdoors, and as a result, the number of players and rounds played skyrocketed. For the first time in years, new golf courses are being built, and existing ones are undergoing significant renovations. COVID didn’t just reignite interest in the game—it redefined its role in many people’s lives.


Designing for the Passionate Golfer


At Kawonu Golf Club, we’re embracing the golf-only concept fully. Our course, designed by Andrew Green, reflects the minimalist, pure approach that today’s passionate golfers crave. We’re fortunate to have an exceptional site, and Andrew’s philosophy of letting the land dictate the design is a perfect fit for what we’re creating.


Golf-only clubs also tend to attract highly skilled players, which can influence course design. While Kawonu will be accessible to a range of players, it will naturally appeal to lower-handicap golfers who appreciate a more challenging course. The absence of residential real estate—another hallmark of many traditional clubs—frees us to focus entirely on creating an unforgettable golf experience.


A Sense of Community and Camaraderie


One of the things I love most about golf-only clubs is the sense of community they foster. Golf is a game of camaraderie, and these clubs provide a space where people can bond over their shared passion for the sport. Whether it’s a group of friends traveling to play historic courses in Scotland or a foursome coming together at Kawonu, the connections forged on the course are unlike anything else.


The Future of Golf-Only Clubs


The rise of golf-only clubs is more than just a trend—it’s a reflection of the evolving priorities of golfers. In the past, clubs often relied on celebrity architects or real estate development to attract members. Today, the focus is shifting back to the course itself and the quality of the experience it offers.


At Kawonu, we’re embracing that shift. We’re not just building a golf course; we’re creating a place where people can immerse themselves in the game they love. For me, that’s what golf has always been about—unforgettable experiences, shared with others who feel the same way about the sport.


If you ask me why this trend is gaining traction, I’d say it’s because golf-only clubs speak to something fundamental about the game. They strip away the distractions and bring us back to what matters most: the challenge of the course, the beauty of the surroundings, and the joy of playing a game that truly lasts a lifetime.

15 Minutes With Scott Ferrell of Kawonu Golf Club

By TALK Greenville • August 12, 2026
Scott Ferrell has been shaping golf experiences around the world for 35 years. His newest project is the development and opening of Kawonu Golf Club, Greenville’s first new private golf club in more than 30 years. Located along the Reedy River, the club is named for the Cherokee word for “duck,” honoring the heritage of the people who once called these lands home. Billed as a course for true golf enthusiasts who value the simple joy and traditions of the game and the camaraderie that comes with it, Kawonu was designed by Andrew Green, one of the most prominent names in golf course architecture. The club will feature member lodging for extended stays, a clubhouse with food and beverage offerings and a state-of-the-art training facility. Scott took a few minutes to talk about his vision for Kawonu and the unique experience the club will offer its members. TALK Greenville: Thank you for taking some time to talk with us. You’ve been creating golf experiences around the world for the last 35 years. When did you know it was time to create something of your own in the Upstate? Scott Ferrell: Our family moved to Greenville 18 years ago when I was working with the Gary Player Group. The Cliffs brought us here to develop a golf course associated with a residential community. Living here for almost two decades and remaining close to the golf scene gave me a unique insight into the opportunity and I felt it would be a success. There hasn’t been a private golf club opened here in over 30 years. Coming out of COVID, golf is in a really good place, so the timing seems right. TG: Kawonu is already getting wide acclaim as one of the most significant private golf developments in the Southeast. What is your vision for this project? SF: The vision is to create a place that honors the traditions of golf and focuses on the experience of playing the game. At its best, golf brings people together over time, and that’s a big part of what we’re trying to create at Kawonu. We want it to be a traditional experience that respects the game. TG: Has an opening date been set? SF: We are targeting the opening for Spring of 2027. Our construction has made great progress. We could be fully grassed this summer, which will give us ample time for grow-in and to prepare for opening. By September, it should look ready for play. TG: The development’s land along the Reedy River has a rich history. How did the heritage of the property influence the course design? SF: Great golf courses come from working with the land rather than imposing on it. From the beginning, the property’s rolling topography, lakes, open meadows and hardwoods shaped the direction of the course. Our goal has always been to create something that feels native to the landscape — as if it has been here for generations. TG: Kawonu is being described as intentionally “golf‑only.” Why was this important to you? SF: We didn’t want the distractions of tennis, swimming, or pickleball. The goal is a singular golf experience – the best it can possibly be. TG: You’ve worked everywhere from the PGA Tour to Gary Player Design to the Cliffs. How are those experiences shaping Kawonu? SF: I’ve spent more than 50 years around the game and have been exposed to the world’s top golf courses. Those experiences teach you what truly matters and what doesn’t. At Kawonu, we are focused on the fundamentals: a great golf course, exceptional conditioning and an environment where relationships and traditions can flourish. The simplicity of the golf-only concept is one of the essentials that will make Kawonu great. TG: How would you describe the atmosphere of Kawonu? SF: Traditional and natural. The property allows the course to blend seamlessly into the landscape without feeling forced. From the beginning, the goal was to create something new that looks and feels as if it has always been here. TG: What kind of experience are you hoping members will have the first time they step onto the course? SF: I want them to feel like they’ve stepped onto a world-class golf course, both in design and conditioning. We’ve hired a highly qualified Director of Agronomy and he will prepare the golf course each day to world-class condition. We want every first impression to reflect the care and attention that has gone into each detail of the project. TG: This project is already drawing attention from across the country. What is it about Kawonu and the Upstate that makes it special? SF: We’ve done a good job of building a brand with a clear, disciplined vision that golfers respond to, and we’ve done a good job of communicating that brand across various formats and channels. Greenville is a huge asset to us because the city and the Upstate have drawn national attention. TG: What plans do you have for Kawonu’s opening? SF: I’m going to keep it simple. No fireworks. No balloons. We’ve spent years honoring this land and we don’t want to get in the way of that on opening day. After all the time we’ve put into dreaming about it and building it, what I really want is to bring a special group of people to a very special place and let the golf course speak for itself.

The Story of South Carolina's Next Great Golf Club

By The Hole Story Podcast • July 6, 2026
Scott Ferrell joins us to share the journey of developing Kawonu Golf Club in Greenville, South Carolina, from land selection to design with architect Andrew Green, and the vision for a golf-only, community-focused experience. LISTEN HERE.