Old Barnwell Course
Aiken, SC, USA
Old Barnwell isn’t merely a golf course; it's a reverent echo of classic Southern golf, situated amidst the horse country estates near Aiken, South Carolina. This is a course where a handshake still seals a match and the spirit of Bobby Jones lingers in the Carolina pines. Carved from gently rolling terrain, Old Barnwell evokes a sense of timeless, understated design, while incorporating a few modern elements. Wide fairways encourage bold drives, but strategic bunkering and subtle green contours penalize imprecision. The course favors a strategic player, one who can work the ball and manage their game around doglegs. The design offers both approachable strategic options, as well as challenging shot values when forced to chase a score. While not a championship venue of national renown, Old Barnwell is a club fiercely proud of its tradition and camaraderie. Members, many drawn from the equestrian community and the local business elite, gather as much for the convivial atmosphere as the golf. This is a club where stories are told, and friendships are as much a part of the experience as the golf.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
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Best in USA
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Best in SC
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Golfers say Old Barnwell delivers pure fun through its wide-open layout, varied routing, and exceptional conditioning that make losing a ball rare despite the challenge. Most praise the wildly contoured, undulating greens as the course's defining feature, noting they demand precision with wedges and short game while keeping play engaging across all skill levels. Reviewers highlight standout holes including 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, and 16, and appreciate the strategic variety that makes each round feel different based on pin positions and wind. The membership and club culture receive consistent acclaim for being welcoming and mission-driven, with the understated clubhouse and bonus par-3 course adding to the overall experience. Several consider it among the best modern courses in the United States and express eagerness to return repeatedly.
9.0
133 players
Expansive, big sky and green complexes which are no joke. A very cool round but bring your lag putter.
This is an elite course. The layout is incredible with it being very open allowing players to be aggressive and swing freely. The greens also have severe undulations which makes them difficult. The bunkering is great and strategically placed. This is my second favorite course I’ve played simply because it is a super fun golf course.
What a gem of a golf course!
Fantastic track. ($$$) not a ton of memorable holes, but the course has a fantastic layout. Nothing feels unintentional or misplaced.
The best way to describe this course is pure fun. The contours of the greens, the wide open layout, the unique small touches and terrific conditions lead to an incredible playing experience.
An incredible club. The course has a ton of variety with all very good to great holes. Standout holes are 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, and 16. Bunkers aren’t always viewable from the tee. Would want to play this course again and again. A great yet understated clubhouse.
Old Barnwell is a perfect example of the modern golf club. The course is playable for all handicap levels with wide fairways, but very tricky, undulating greens. It's very easy to play the entire round with 1 ball, but if you get out of position, the course will certainly punish you. The membership is fantastic and welcoming and I'm very excited to see how the next course turns out. Highly recommend Old Barnwell and believe it's fully in the conversation for the 2nd best modern golf course in the United States.
Old Barnwell is a gem. Had a buddy host me out there and it did not disappoint. The greens are a challenge - but not a ton of OB. Its pretty hard to lose a ball here. There is also a par 3 “kids course” which is very different and fun. Also Bradley Cooper was out there not too long after us!!
Unbelievably fun course. Playable from the tee box, but gotta be good with a wedge around the otherworldly green complexes. So many different ways to play this course, and they have an awesome mission/ethos that adds to the vibe
Unique golf course with lots of fun shots and plays different each day based on pins and wind. Would never get bored playing here daily.
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Old Barnwell has a Course Vaults score of 9.0 out of 10 based on 90 explicit golfer ratings.
Old Barnwell was designed by Brian Schneider and Blake Conant.
Old Barnwell is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Old Barnwell is 73.
Old Barnwell plays 7,091 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Old Barnwell is 136.
