MACKENZIE RISING AT 21 GOLF CLUB
The grass is growing, and so is the anticipation.
BETWEEN AUGUSTA, GEORGIA, AND AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA: Construction is well underway on the MacKenzie Course at 21 Golf Club in the dramatic Carolina sand hills, located in Aiken County, South Carolina, just across the river from Augusta, Georgia. This fall, members and guests will get their first look at the vision through an 18-hole experience made possible by 11 completed holes. Thanks to the routing—essentially two courses in one, with both a shorter and a championship option—every hole of the journey will be distinct. The full 18-hole championship course will follow next fall, with a grand opening scheduled for 2026.
“When God called me to attempt to create this place, my greatest dream was that it would bring joy to people’s lives,” said Wes Farrell, founder of 21 Golf Club. “That it could be a force for good, bringing people together through the game we love. We never anticipated being able to create something of this nature. The work and thought that have gone into studying MacKenzie’s strategy and philosophy have been essential to shaping a modern interpretation of his concept on this incredible and unique site. The reality has exceeded even my wildest expectations—the strategy, the fun, the feel of every shot is better than I imagined. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed along the way.”
The MacKenzie Course’s routing is inspired by architect Alister MacKenzie’s 1930 drawings for El Boquerón, a course commissioned by an Argentine family but never built. Considered one of his boldest designs, the plan featured nine double greens. It could be argued that this was MacKenzie’s tribute to the Old Course at St. Andrews, his favorite course and the foundation of much of his thinking on strategy and architecture.
21 Golf Club’s version will be a modern interpretation, offering players two distinct paths: a 5,500-yard layout inspired by MacKenzie’s original concept, and a championship routing stretching nearly 7,000 yards, a par-71 that takes full advantage of the property’s sweeping dunes and elevation.
The design team includes Brian Zager, who helped bring the famed Lido back to life, and Eric Iverson of Renaissance Golf, who has had a hand in shaping some of the finest modern courses and greens built in recent decades, alongside historian Connor Lewis and Farrell. Together, they have created a course that honors history while testing the modern game.
“This land is perfectly suited to MacKenzie’s imagination,” said Zager. “The sandy dunes, some reaching 100 feet high, provide an unparalleled canvas. Every round will play differently. It’s fun, it’s strategic, and it rewards creativity—exactly what he believed golf should be.”
Golf is the stage, but the people define the culture. Farrell emphasizes that building a great course is only part of the vision; building a great community is what will make 21 enduring.
“We are humbled by the outpouring of support,” Farrell said. “Our founders understand the game—its traditions, its architecture, its spirit—and they know how to have fun. The club will be what they make it. We’ve also been fortunate to receive guidance from some of the greatest minds in golf, including Bob Ford and Dennis Satyshur, who serve on our advisory board.”
The MacKenzie Course is just the beginning. Ultimately, 21 Golf Club will feature two courses, with the second being the King-Collins-designed Hammer Course, alongside a suite of thoughtful amenities:
Membership at 21 Golf Club is intentionally limited and guided by alignment with the mission and vision of the club. “We are not simply seeking more members; we are welcoming those who share a passion for the game, respect for its history, and a desire to be part of the culture we are creating,” added Farrell.
The founding phase of membership has been completed. In the months ahead, invitations for regular golf memberships will begin. Those who align with the values and spirit of 21 will help write the next chapter of the story.
To learn more, visit: 21golfclub.com/join-the-story.