
Palmetto Course
Palmetto Golf Club

About this course
Palmetto Golf Club, a sanctuary of Southern golf, remains defined by Alister MacKenzie's fleeting, yet profound, influence. Its architecture, largely the work of James Whigham, reflects a classic early American style, while MacKenzie's touch β evident in bunkering strategies and green complexes β elevates the playing experience for discerning golfers. The sandy terrain of Aiken, South Carolina lends itself to firm, fast conditions, rewarding strategic play over brute force, though some of the fairways are narrow with tricky dog legs, and the course favors a creative approach game. While Palmetto has not hosted major professional championships, its understated prestige lies in its enduring appeal to a membership valuing tradition and camaraderie. This is a course where the echoes of bygone eras linger, the pace is relaxed, and the spirit of the game is paramount. Famed golfer Bobby Jones, who summered in Aiken as a child and later became a member, often stated that Palmetto's greens were among the finest he'd ever putted on. The club's modest clubhouse embodies Southern hospitality, where members gather to recount rounds and share stories. Palmetto eschews elaborate displays of grandeur, instead fostering a genuine, unpretentious atmosphere that welcomes players from all walks of life. It's a step back in time, offering a pure golfing experience, a testament to the sport's enduring allure.
Rankings
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
Best in USA
Best in SC
Quick facts
- Location
- Aiken, SC, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1892
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Alister Mackenzie
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 6,695 yards
- Difficulty
- 73.7/143
- Course Vaults score
- 8.8
Getting there
The journey to Palmetto Golf Club begins at Augusta Regional Airport, just across the Savannah River in Georgia and a mere twenty minutes from Aiken's historic downtown. Columbia Metropolitan and Charlotte Douglas serve as alternative commercial gateways, each roughly an hour's drive through the rolling Piedmont countryside. The final approach into Aiken feels like slipping back in time - tree-canopied streets give way to the winter colony's stately estates and horse country lanes, until you arrive at Palmetto's understated entrance, where the club has quietly welcomed members since 1892 with the same discretion that defines the town itself.

FAQ
Common questions about Palmetto
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Palmetto has a Course Vaults score of 8.8 out of 10 based on 88 logged golfers.
Palmetto was designed by Alister Mackenzie.
Palmetto is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Palmetto is 71.
Palmetto plays 6,695 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Palmetto is 143.



