In the past few years, South Carolina has become the state where the most exciting golf design is taking place. Six new courses have opened since early 2024 (including one that’s a major transformation of an existing property), and six other 18-hole courses are in different stages of constructions with five expected to open in 2027.
Two new courses that opened in early 2026 demonstrate the range of architecture being explored in South Carolina. Old Sawmill, an hour northwest of Charleston near the town of Ridgeville, is the first new solo design from Tyler Rae. Rae has been one of the most prominent renovation specialists in the business over the last half dozen years with notable remodels of 1920s classics like Lookout Mountain in Georgia (our Best Renovation winner for 2023), Wakonda in Iowa and Detroit Golf Club. His expertise working in the vernacular of early American architecture comes through in the design of Old Sawmill.
The profound verticals at Old Sawmill punch up a stark site.
Derek Duncan…