THE VISION BEHIND 21 GOLF CLUB

Bringing a lost MacKenzie design to life.

BETWEEN AUGUSTA, GEORGIA, AND AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA: In the Carolina Sand Hills, 21 Golf Club is bringing to life a long-lost concept by one of the greatest architects in golf history. Inspired by MacKenzie’s innovative ideas for a course never built, the project is not about replication—it’s about respecting his philosophy, embracing creativity, and thoughtfully reinterpreting a design ahead of its time.

The Lost Design

For the uninitiated, Alister MacKenzie (1870-1934) was a surgeon-turned-architect whose impact on golf course design remains unparalleled. His work at Cypress Point, Royal Melbourne, Crystal Downs, Lahinch, and countless others established a legacy of strategic brilliance and artistic minimalism.

MacKenzie believed golf should be a thinking player’s game—his designs encouraged bold decision-making, multiple angles of play, and a seamless flow with the land. Much of his philosophy emanated from the lessons he learned studying the Old Course at St. Andrews, where its seven double greens created an interconnected, strategic routing that encouraged creativity and variety.

“MacKenzie’s plans for this course were unlike anything else: nine massive double greens, a routing full of strategic options. It was bold, it was creative, and then it was lost,” expressed Connor Lewis, golf historian and MacKenzie architectural committee member.

In the early 1930s, MacKenzie developed a design that featured an unprecedented layout with nine double greens, each serving multiple holes to create a constantly evolving strategic landscape. It was an approach that blended creativity, variety, and decision-making and embodied his belief that golf should challenge players and be both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.

But due to unknown circumstances, the course was never realized, and the design was largely forgotten. That changed about 20 years ago when the original plans resurfaced, sparking excitement among golf historians, architects, and MacKenzie enthusiasts. The idea of this bold, lost routing captivated those who study golf’s greatest architectural minds—and it became the inspiration for what is now taking shape at 21 Golf Club.

Bringing a Historic Concept to the Sand Hills

21 Golf Club is not recreating MacKenzie’s lost course exactly—it’s reinterpreting its core principles in a setting that naturally fits his design philosophy. The Carolina Sand Hills provide dramatic, undulating terrain reminiscent of the landscapes MacKenzie loved most.

Guiding the project is the MacKenzie Architectural Committee, a group of experts dedicated to ensuring the course remains faithful to MacKenzie’s strategic intent while making thoughtful adaptations for today’s game.

Two of the important members of the Architectural Committee are Brian Zager and Eric Iverson, both highly respected in the world of golf course architecture.

Brian Zager has worked alongside Tom Doak and the Keisers, contributing to projects like The Lido and other acclaimed modern designs. His expertise in topography, routing, and classic design principles has played a key role in adapting MacKenzie’s vision to this site.

Eric Iverson of Renaissance Design is one of the most talented shapers and architects in golf today. His portfolio includes some of the most revered modern courses, such as Tara Iti, The Valley Club of Montecito, Old Macdonald, Cape Kidnappers, Barnbougle Dunes, Sebonack, Ballyneal, and Rock Creek Cattle Company. His ability to sculpt the land in a way that feels entirely natural is invaluable in ensuring that The MacKenzie Course remains true to the artistry of classic golf course design.

“The project has been approached with deep respect for MacKenzie’s ideas. Every decision is guided by his principles and the land itself,” said Zager, golf course architect.

Appreciating the Game’s Best Traditions

21 Golf Club isn’t looking for members but searching for the right people. Those who love the game, respect its traditions and want to be part of something special from the very beginning.

“For me, a great club comes down to the people. From the members to the staff to the guests, it’s all about the people. The golf, the architecture, and the experience will be world-class, but what will make 21 special is our commitment to only invite and involve those who embody and celebrate the values of the game,” stated John Bannon, first president of 21 Golf Club and one of golf’s most beloved and passionate characters.

“This is a place for those who understand that a great club is about more than just great golf. It’s about the experience, the camaraderie, and the people who bring it to life. There’s no need for overcomplication—just a deep appreciation for the game, a respect for its history, and the desire to enjoy it in a setting built around those values,” continued Bannon.

“Golf has given us all so much—more than just a game, it has shaped who we are. This is our way of honoring its impact on our lives and adding to its tremendous history and landscape through a club that stands for and expresses everything we love about the game,” said Farrell.

Membership is by invitation only. To learn more about this remarkable project, please visit 21GolfClub.com.