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Wedding & Event Venue near Aiken, SC

Your wedding day. Without a doubt, it's one of the most significant events you will ever experience - when you and the love of your life officially seal the deal and get married. On this day, your friends and family will gather to celebrate the next step in your life. Photographers will be running around snapping photos, catering plates delicious food for guests to enjoy, and the DJ sets the mood for a night of fun and libation. You've worked extra hard to make everything look perfect and run smoothly. You have examined every moving part down to the tiniest detail. At the center of all your effort is your wedding venue near Aiken, SC.

Your event space can mean the difference between an unforgettable event and an average occasion. Capturing your uniqueness as a couple is paramount to a memorable wedding. But, without the right venue location and staff, your unforgettable event can turn into a painfully average occasion. Fortunately, at Abney Hall, you won't ever have to worry about dingy reception spaces and crummy chow halls.

Constructed in Greenwood SC, in 1962, Abney Hall is 15,000 square feet and sits on 500 acres of land, making it a large wedding venue unlike any other. Abney Hall was originally the home of Mrs. Josephine Abney, a Greenwood native who was a lifelong philanthropist. Mrs. Abney devoted much of her time and effort towards supporting charities, educational institutions, hospitals, and other noble efforts. Today, Abney Hall stands tall as a symbol of love, both in our community and for the couples who choose to get married here.

Abney Hall is an exclusive event experience unlike any other, surrounded by verdant forests and sparkling ponds. Our venue is a natural fit for several occasions, including:

Special Event Space Aiken, SC

Weddings

 Event Venue Aiken, SC

Bridal Showers

 Event Space Aiken, SC

Bridal Portraits

 Rehearsal Dinner Venue Aiken, SC

Rehearsal Dinners

 Bridal Shower Venue Aiken, SC

Corporate Events

 Business Event Space Aiken, SC

Much More!

The Top Wedding Venue near Aiken, SC

The beginning of your life starts at Abney Hall. With our team by your side, we can create the fairy tale wedding you have dreamed about since childhood. Whether you have 100 guests or 1,000, our waterfront ceremony locations and French-inspired courtyard are perfect for your big day. Celebrate in luxurious style surrounded by shady magnolia trees, a private forest, large ponds, and the beauty of Mother Nature. While our venue location and aesthetic have been praised far and wide, so too have the practical aspects of Abney Hall. Looking for a relaxing, comfortable spot for your bridal party to get ready in? We offer an entire floor in the Abney Hall residence to get the bridal party ready. Want to make your groomsman feel extra-special too? We've got a private, plush house just feet from a sparkling pond that is a proper hangout spot for the guys in your group.

To make life easier on you, we also offer Abney Hall as your go-to spot for rehearsal dinners. Why book an expensive restaurant or travel to another location when unmatched beauty and convenience are right at your fingertips? Abney Hall is just the place for that very important dinner the night before your big day. We are also happy to host your bridal shower at Abney Hall. Our venue makes for one of Aiken's most unique bridal shower settings, where your family and friends can gather to give gifts and be merry before you walk down the aisle.

With such a large, magnificent house and a vast property, Abney Hall also makes for an unforgettable location for your bridal portraits and other wedding-related photography needs. Don't take our word for it - book a tour and see for yourself why so many new brides and grooms choose Abney Hall as their wedding venue near Aiken.

 Wedding Space Aiken, SC

What Sets Abney Hall Apart from Other Wedding Venues near Aiken?

You've already found the person you want to spend the rest of your life beside. The next step? Finding the perfect wedding venue for your ceremony, reception, and celebration of your lifelong commitment to one another. Remember, the backdrop for photos, dancing, eating, and all other activities will be at your wedding venue. That's why we work so hard to set Abney Hall apart from our competitors - so you and your guests can focus on love and living your new life while we work with your vendors and photographers to make your magic night a reality.

Here are just a few reasons why guests choose Abney Hall as their wedding venue near Aiken, SC, along with some helpful tips from our experienced wedding venue staff:

Venue Size

Choosing the appropriate-sized venue for your desired guest count is a critical decision. A venue's capacity affects the number of people you need to consider having at your ceremony and reception. As you're first starting out, we recommend having a guest count in mind as you're searching for the right venue. Try to stick with that number. You may fall in love with a particular venue, but if its max capacity can't accommodate your guest count, it may be time to cross them off your list.

 Wedding Venue Aiken, SC
Abney Hall Pro Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

Keep in mind that this is your big day. You shouldn't feel obligated to invite the college roommate you shared a dorm with for one semester. At the end of the day, your wedding venue should be one that can accommodate those closest to you. Abney Hall is equipped for both small and large weddings, consisting of 500 acres of forest, ponds, and lush natural beauty. Whether you want an intimate wedding with only your best friends or a grand ceremony with hundreds of people, we have the right amount of room to make you comfortable.

Location and Nearby Lodging

On your big day, you're likely to have friends and family traveling in from other parts of the state or country. These folks will need a place to stay during and even after your wedding. Accessibility and ease are important factors when it comes to choosing your wedding venue for both you and your guests.

Located near Aiken, SC, Abney Hall is situated in a memorable, natural setting, giving your wedding a private vibe in the midst of Mother Nature. While we pride ourselves on having a secluded wedding event space, our venue is within an easy driving distance of hotels and vacation rentals.

Abney Hall Pro Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

When you contact us for a tour, make sure to speak with our experienced venue manager about nearby hotels and shuttle service options. We understand that your guest's comfort and convenience are important, and we're happy to work with you to figure out the best way to get your guests to Abney Hall.

Venue Staff

At Abney Hall, our staff has earned its reputation as one of the industry's most friendly, accessible teams. We will provide you with a purpose-minded point of contact that can help answer questions relating to timelines, preferred vendors, and every aspect of your wedding. When you tour our wedding venue near Aiken, SC, for the first time, we want you to feel like you have all the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision.

We would be happy to go over:
  • Venue Pricing
  • Ceremony Specifics
  • Reception Specifics
  • Catering Possibilities
  • Decorating Possibilities
  • Entertainment Options
  • Photography and Photo Opportunities
  • Venue Amenities
  • Bridal Party Needs
  • Groomsman Needs

At Abney Hall, our goal is to be your first resource when it comes to setting up and coordinating the details of your wedding day.

Decor

When it comes to your wedding's decor, you probably already have a few ideas in mind. We love it when our brides and grooms have a vision in mind because one of our greatest joys is turning that vision into a reality. At Abney Hall, our team is available to help you and your decorator fit, accent, and accommodate your fairy-tale wedding - whatever that may be.

Are you looking to dress up your wedding with decorations galore? Just want to add a few accents that tie into your preferred color palette? Abney Hall is versatile and ready to help however we are able.

 Corporate Conference Hall Aiken, SC
Abney-Hall-Pro-Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

If you're thinking about bringing in your own greenery, lighting, floral pieces, and more, we recommend discussing your vision with us on your initial tour of our event space. That way, we can get a head start on making your big day exactly how you envision it.

Photo Opportunities

10 years from now, when you and your spouse are celebrating your anniversary, you will pull out photographs from your wedding and will reminisce about the unforgettable time you spent at Abney Hall. Your wedding photos will be with you forever, and as such, we work closely with you and your photographer to suggest extra-special photo op spots that you can only find on Abney Hall grounds.

From the grand staircase and French-inspired courtyard to our manicured gardens and lovely pond, there is no shortage of photo-op locations for your photographer to choose from. As one of the most popular wedding venues near Aiken, SC, we have worked with dozens of photographers over the years.

Our experience has allowed us to cultivate a list of preferred photographers - all of whom have the talent to take your pictures to the next level in a setting they're familiar with. We encourage you to check out our gallery to get a sense of the scope of our wedding venue and gain inspiration from other happy couples.

Abney-Hall-Pro-Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip

The gallery on our website is extensive but be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages as well. We keep our social pages updated with recent wedding photographs, giving you an incredible resource that you can use for your own photography purposes.

 Reception Hall Aiken, SC

The Premier Corporate Event Venue near Aiken, SC

Abney Hall is known across the United States for our stunning weddings, but we also play host to some of the largest corporate events in South Carolina. Why choose a bland, lifeless meeting space when you can enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature coupled with a professional atmosphere? If you have an important team-building event or corporate conference that you have to coordinate, look no further than Abney Hall.

The epitome of class and style, our corporate event space is large, lavish, and chock-full of onsite amenities for you and your co-workers to enjoy. If your team needs a morale boost, don't bring them to the local Olive Garden for a cheap lunch. Treat them to a refreshing experience in our main dining room, where we can work with you to incorporate your catering options with the goals of your event.

When the hard work is done, and your team needs a breather, what better way to relax than with a quick dip in our pool? To burn off a little steam, head over to our brand-new tennis court - the perfect place to get some exercise in an ultra-private setting while you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Don't forget to bring your fishing poles for a couple of hours of fishing. There's even an opportunity to go hunting if you wish.

Special Event Space Aiken, SC

What Our Clients Are Saying

Elegance at Its Finest - Only
a Phone Call Away

If you're ready to learn more about Abney Hall as your wedding venue, don't hesitate to reach out. We would love to hear more about your plans, your vision, and your needs. We know that planning a wedding isn't easy. It takes time, attention to detail, and a whole lot of patience. Our goal is to help provide you with all the info you need to learn more about our venue. Once you decide on a date, we'll work closely with you and your vendors to craft a wedding experience that you will treasure for the rest of your life.

Our available dates for your big day are going quick, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Contact us today for a FREE initial consultation
 Event Venue Aiken, SC

Latest News near Aiken, SC

DOGE terminates leases for federal offices, including in Aiken

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Department of Government Efficiency terminated some leases for federal offices in the Carolinas and Georgia, including the Savannah River Operations Center in Aiken.According to the department’s website, DOGE canceled nearly 800 leases across the country.According to the DOGE website, the Savannah River Operations Center had an annual lease of $42,225, and the move would save the federal government $200,568.The agen...

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Department of Government Efficiency terminated some leases for federal offices in the Carolinas and Georgia, including the Savannah River Operations Center in Aiken.

According to the department’s website, DOGE canceled nearly 800 leases across the country.

According to the DOGE website, the Savannah River Operations Center had an annual lease of $42,225, and the move would save the federal government $200,568.

The agency also says the center is closed due to a true termination.

The closing is part of President Trump’s Cost Efficiency Initiative, which has called for cost-saving measures for the federal government.

Here’s a list of locations in the Carolinas and Georgia:

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL - ATLANTA, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $2,473,060 ($2,060,883 TOTAL SAVINGS)

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION - ATLANTA, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $446,286 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION - ATLANTA, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $223,483 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

ALLOWANCE TO FORMER PRESIDENTS - ATLANTA, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $128,233 ($544,991 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - COLUMBUS, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $51,023 ($25,512 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - GAINESVILLE, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $506,527 ($1,688,423 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - VIDALIA, GA – ANNUAL LEASE: $228,757 ($285,947 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - BRUNSWICK, GA – ANNUAL LEASE: $215,383 ($341,023 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - THOMASVILLE, GA – ANNUAL LEASE: $289,139 ($819,228 TOTAL SAVINGS)

FOREST SERVICE - ATLANTA, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $1,399,770 ($2,799,539 TOTAL SAVINGS)

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE NATIONAL OFFICE - SAVANNAH, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $427,511 ($855,022 TOTAL SAVINGS)

UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE - ATLANTA, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $738,352 (NO INFO ON SAVINGS)

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - ATLANTA, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $634,642 (NO INFO ON SAVINGS)

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION - DULUTH, GA – ANNUAL LEASE: $184,341 ($553,023 TOTAL SAVINGS)

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE NATIONAL OFFICE - MACON, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $241,967 ($282,295 TOTAL SAVINGS)

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION - SAVANNAH, GA – ANNUAL LEASE: $97,739 ($407,246 TOTAL SAVINGS)

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY - NORCROSS, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $559,009 ($1,350,938 TOTAL SAVINGS)

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE - GRIFFIN, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $30,810 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS ADMINISTRATION, WAGE AND HOURLY DIVI - SAVANNAH, GA – ANNUAL LEASE: $39,214 ($163,394 TOTAL SAVINGS)

GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE - ATLANTA, GA – ANNUAL LEASE: $487,199 ($1,908,196 TOTAL SAVINGS)

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY - ATLANTA, GA – ANNUAL LEASE: $77,081 ($160,585 TOTAL SAVINGS)

BUREAU OF PRISONS - ATLANTA, GA – ANNUAL LEASE: $863,726 ($431,863 TOTAL SAVINGS)

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY - ATLANTA, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $665,692 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SAVANNAH RIVER OPERATIONS CENTER - AIKEN, SC - ANNUAL LEASE: $42,225 ($200,568 TOTAL SAVINGS)

DEPT. OF AIR FORCE - NORTH CHARLESTON, SC - ANNUAL LEASE: $725,132 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - GREENWOOD, SC – ANNUAL LEASE: $154,546 ($141,668 TOTAL SAVINGS)

OFFICE OF U.S. ATTORNEYS - COLUMBIA, SC – ANNUAL LEASE: $942,986 ($1,257,315 TOTAL SAVINGS)

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION - GREENVILLE, SC – ANNUAL LEASE: $128,616 ($375,131 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION – NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – ANNUAL LEASE $13,725 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $24,000 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION - GREENSBORO, NC - ANNUAL LEASE: $107,197 ($348,390 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - ELIZABETH CITY, NC - ANNUAL LEASE: $200,937 ($887,470 TOTAL SAVINGS)

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE - GREENSBORO, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $731,294 ($2,376,707 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - FRANKLIN, NC - ANNUAL LEASE: $276,309 ($1,059,184 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - GREENVILLE, NC - ANNUAL LEASE: $374,170 ($997,787 TOTAL SAVNGS)

BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS & EXPLOSIVES - RALEIGH, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $142,636 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT (IG) - RALEIGH, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $64,157 ($74,850 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - GREENSBORO, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $10,928 ($14,571 TOTAL SAVINGS)

CORPS OF ENGINEERS, CIVIL - WILMINGTON, NC - ANNUAL LEASE: $53,011 ($83,934 TOTAL SAVINGS)

FARM SERVICE AGENCY - COUNTY - HENDERSONVILLE, NC - ANNUAL LEASE: $111,756 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS ADMINISTRATION, WAGE AND HOURLY DIVI - RALEIGH, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $122,754 ($480,785 TOTAL SAVINGS)

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE NATIONAL OFFICE - WILMINGTON, NC - ANNUAL LEASE: $319,571 ($239,678 TOTAL SAVINGS)

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE - GOLDSBORO, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $113,418 ($160,675 TOTAL SAVINGS)

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE NATIONAL OFFICE - FAYETTEVILLE, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $154,235 ($38,559 TOTAL SAVINGS)

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION - RALEIGH, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $306,333 ($612,666 TOTAL SAVINGS)

FARM SERVICE AGENCY - COUNTY - WILKESBORO, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $104,475 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY - CHARLOTTE, NC - ANNUAL LEASE: $104,520 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY - CHARLOTTE, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $67,647 ($146,568 TOTAL SAVINGS)

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION - GREENSBORO, NC - ANNUAL LEASE: $24,855 ($16,570 TOTAL SAVINGS)

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

Aiken Triple Crown fashion is bold, bright and no holds barred

The brighter the better. The bolder the better. Prints and bow ties and hats and something wild, something that might have you questioning if you’ll ever put it on again: it's Triple Crown season, and that means it's time to make a statement.“You’ve got to embrace it and dive right in,” Van Smith said. A pause. “But you don’t have to go full throttle. You can do it a little bit at a time.” Another pause. “But there has to be something on your body that’s bright, colorful.”...

The brighter the better. The bolder the better. Prints and bow ties and hats and something wild, something that might have you questioning if you’ll ever put it on again: it's Triple Crown season, and that means it's time to make a statement.

“You’ve got to embrace it and dive right in,” Van Smith said. A pause. “But you don’t have to go full throttle. You can do it a little bit at a time.” Another pause. “But there has to be something on your body that’s bright, colorful.”

Smith is owner of Lionel Smith Ltd. in downtown Aiken, and he’s talking Triple Crown.

Aiken’s spring horse season is already underway and continues March 15 with the 82nd Aiken Trials. Steeplechase follows, on March 22, and Pacers & Polo caps it all off March 29.

Smith’s directive to the gents to don some color is the same advice Teresa Cheek gave the ladies.

Cheek opened Local Threads on Laurens Street in February, a feat that’s put at least a temporary stopper on her own attendance: she’s gone to the Trials for more than 15 years, coordinating her party and trying to guess the weather.

“It's going to be cold probably, and they will wear this,” she said, pulling a light summer dress from the rack. Just add boots: “It’s kind of like ‘chic meets Western,’” she said, and not quite so fancy as the Kentucky Derby. “We kind of put a bit of a Southern spin on it.”

One way to start might be with a hat. Martha Wise at White Rose Eclectics would be your go-to gal for that.

“We try to have every color and every style” this time of year, she said.

Satin, felt and sinamay hats (this latter fabric lightweight, capable of holding its shape well); and styles that run the gamut from Derby to western to 1930s starlet. She’s embellished some of the hats herself and also sells fascinators to attach to them or even to clothing to add some extra flair.

And she’s got something for those who want a little less, too.

“If you don’t like a hat and you don’t like a fascinator but you want to do something, pop you a really cute headband on and you're still dressed up a little bit,” Wise said.

Which comes to the question: Will I wear this again?

“It might be a one-time outfit in a way, but they try to find pieces that would go with something else in their wardrobe,” Smith at Lionel Smith said.

He might be in the business of clothing sales, but still he admitted, “I always think it’s a waste of money just to have a one-trick pony.”

And for the Triple Crown, the general rule is no, you're not repeating an outfit year after year, Local Threads’ Cheek said. But the individual pieces can be worked into your year-round wardrobe.

Cheek pulled a hot pink satin skirt from the rack: pair it with a white tee or a black suit coat after having it with a bold print at Steeplechase, she said.

Back at White Rose, Wise suggested investing in a neutral-hued hat and embellishing it differently or attaching a new fascinator for the next big event.

Another general rule? Shop early.

The outfit then serves as the foundation upon which the whole spread — tent or table — can be built. “I think it’s just gotten bigger and bigger and bigger as time goes on," Cheek said. It all builds into a kind of “fantasy that day, a fairytale.”

Aiken, SC: Augusta National’s neighbor to the north

In my 14 trips to The Masters, I’ve stayed at all kinds of places, but none has been as quaint as this nifty little bungalow attached to a garage in Aiken, South Carolina. It sits on the land for a future retirement home of a good friend, Wayne Talsky, whose sons I have taught the game of a lifetime to for many years.The morning drive from Aiken to Augusta National takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. But that half-hour journey feels like travel...

In my 14 trips to The Masters, I’ve stayed at all kinds of places, but none has been as quaint as this nifty little bungalow attached to a garage in Aiken, South Carolina. It sits on the land for a future retirement home of a good friend, Wayne Talsky, whose sons I have taught the game of a lifetime to for many years.

The morning drive from Aiken to Augusta National takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. But that half-hour journey feels like traveling between two different worlds. Augusta, with its bustling tournament atmosphere, gives way to Aiken’s genteel Southern charm – a place where horse-drawn carriages still clip-clop down oak-lined streets, and locals greet you with genuine warmth that feels increasingly rare in our hurried world.

“Aiken is a town; thus, it retains all the charm and warm, neighborly vibes,” Wayne tells me as we chat back in Orlando before my trip. It has that unique Southern charm and character. Basically, it’s the folks that make it special.”

He’s right. While Augusta becomes the center of the golf universe for one glorious week each April, Aiken maintains its unhurried pace, offering Masters patrons a peaceful retreat from the tournament crowds. The town’s rich history as a winter colony for wealthy Northerners in the late 19th century has left it with stunning architecture, manicured gardens, and a deep appreciation for equestrian pursuits that rivals its love for golf.

Hopelands Gardens exemplifies this heritage with its 14 acres of meandering paths, ancient oaks, and a serene labyrinth tucked away for quiet reflection. Walking these grounds, you’d never know you’re just miles from one of sport’s most electrifying events. The contrast is part of what makes an Aiken-based Masters experience so special.

Downtown Aiken centers around The Alley, a charming pedestrian area that comes alive during tournament week. “If you are in town for the week, I would visit The Alley, located in downtown Aiken,” Wayne suggests. “The area hosts incredible eateries and a few fantastic local watering holes.”

The Alley Downtown Taproom offers 48 taps of craft beer, cider, wine, and more, with a pay-by-the-ounce system that allows you to sample widely. Nearby restaurants deliver food directly to your table, creating a communal atmosphere where golf stories flow as freely as the beverages.

For those seeking more refined accommodations, The Willcox stands as Aiken’s crown jewel. “I highly suggest getting a cocktail or dinner at The Willcox, the only 5-star hotel in the area,” Wayne says. “The main lounge/bar is one of the swankiest hangs in Aiken!”

This historic hotel has hosted presidents and celebrities since 1898. Its white-columned facade and rocking chair-lined porch embody Southern hospitality at its finest. During Masters week, you might find yourself sharing the lobby with golf royalty, seeking refuge from Augusta’s spotlight.

Of course, many visitors can’t resist playing a round themselves while in the area. “In terms of golf, obviously, after walking the grounds of ANGC, most courses can’t compare,” Wayne acknowledges. “The choices for golf in and around Aiken and Augusta are still fantastic.”

For those with connections, the private options are exceptional. Palmetto Golf Club, designed by Alister MacKenzie (who also designed Augusta National), offers a glimpse into golf’s golden age with its strategic bunkering and subtle greens. Sage Valley provides a modern masterpiece with Augusta-like conditions, while Augusta Country Club sits literally adjacent to Augusta National, sharing a property line with its famous neighbor.

Two newer additions to the private scene have golf aficionados buzzing: Tree Farm and Old Barnwell. Both showcase contemporary minimalist design that works with the natural sandhill terrain rather than against it.

For public access, Wayne recommends Aiken Golf Club, a historic gem dating to 1912 that underwent a loving restoration. Mount Vintage and Cedar Creek offer solid alternatives with distinctive layouts that showcase the region’s rolling topography.

The future looks bright for golf in the area as well. “There are also some cool soon-to-come offerings,” Wayne mentions, “including The 21 Club and a resort to be built in SC on the Savannah River designed by Tom Watson.” The latter, known as Cypress Shoals, sits just 4.5 miles from Augusta National and promises to be another jewel in the region’s golfing crown.

For those enchanted by Aiken’s blend of sporting heritage and small-town charm, the real estate market offers everything from historic downtown cottages to sprawling horse properties. Danny Minolfo at ERA Wilder Realty specializes in helping newcomers find their piece of this unique community.

As another Masters week is now here, I look forward not just to the roars at Amen Corner but also to the quiet evenings in Aiken, where the pace slows, the tea is sweet, and the hospitality is genuine. In a world of increasing homogeneity, this corner of South Carolina remains refreshingly, defiantly itself – the perfect complement to its more famous neighbor to the south.

PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out this week’s “The Starter” on RG.org.

Editor’s note: “My Take” is an ongoing series where Brendon shares his thoughts and opinions on various aspects of the game and industry. These are Brendon’s opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of GolfWRX, its staff, and its affiliates.

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'A rare tapestry': 21 Golf Club underway in Jackson, will join area's growing list of private clubs

JACKSON — If you build it, they will come.That seems to be the mantra these days as Aiken County becomes a mecca for high-end, private golf courses.The latest venture is the 21 Golf Club, located in Jackson not far from the Savannah River Site nuclear reservation and a drag strip that has been in operation for nearly seven decades.If all goes well, 21 Golf Club will follow the model of Sage Valley, Old Barnwell and The Tree Farm: a world-class golf course with luxury accommodations and amenities on the grounds....

JACKSON — If you build it, they will come.

That seems to be the mantra these days as Aiken County becomes a mecca for high-end, private golf courses.

The latest venture is the 21 Golf Club, located in Jackson not far from the Savannah River Site nuclear reservation and a drag strip that has been in operation for nearly seven decades.

If all goes well, 21 Golf Club will follow the model of Sage Valley, Old Barnwell and The Tree Farm: a world-class golf course with luxury accommodations and amenities on the grounds.

Those, of course, were inspired by the granddaddy of private clubs: Augusta National Golf Club, home of this week’s Masters Tournament.

And the latest course plans to draw inspiration from Alister MacKenzie, who co-designed Augusta National with Bobby Jones.

According to plans on file with the Aiken County Planning and Development Department, the 21 Golf Club will feature two courses and a practice range. Work is currently underway.

Buildings include a clubhouse, hospitality house, cabins for member use and an amenities area.

According to Aiken County land records, 21 Club LLC purchased 481 acres from WFC Timber LLC for $3,815,920 on Sept. 10, 2024.

King Collins Dormer Golf Course Design is the architect for the project. According to the club’s website, 21 Golf Club will have two 18-hole courses.

The first to be built will be The MacKenzie. Inspired by the famed architect’s original plans for a course in Argentina, it will feature nine double-green complexes. It was known as El Boquerón, and the plans were thought to be lost after his death, but have since been rediscovered.

“We understand the responsibility that comes with undertaking a project like this,” said founder Wes Farrell in a January news release. “Our goal is to honor Alister MacKenzie’s vision while adapting it thoughtfully to our site.”

Connor Lewis, who founded the online Society of Golf Historians, is a member at 21 Golf Club and deeply interested in The MacKenzie project.

“I feel like El Boquerón was designed before its time,” Lewis said. “If you look at all the pressures that golf has now, footprint is definitely one of them. Maintenance, man hours, all those different things. Like St. Andrews sitting on a smaller site and using less resources. It’s just phenomenal to me.”

Lewis said that El Boquerón won’t be exactly duplicated, but the new layout will draw heavily from MacKenzie’s philosophy. The club has formed a MacKenzie Architectural Committee to oversee the project.

“El Boquerón was designed around the same time as Augusta National,” he said. “I feel, without overstepping, that El Boquerón vis a vis now The MacKenzie was a culmination of his thoughts on St. Andrews, his history in camouflage, utilitarian design. I can’t get over nine shared greens and how they will play strategically different. It seems to fit the needs of golf today.

The other will be a dedicated match play course known as the Hammer. According to the description, “the course will allow players to choose from several teeing areas to alter each hole’s routing on the fly. The unique design allows for dozens of configurations, routings and loops, and angles, yardage, or par can all be adjusted to whatever best suits the moment.”

There are also plans for an additional reversible three holes — hence the name 21 Golf Club — to be added to the design and can be used to decide matches not settled after 18 holes.

According to a master plan on the website, the Hammer Course will play to a par of 72 and will be 6,825 yards from the back tees.

“Opportunities of this stature in the world of golf course architecture are precious few,” said Rob Collins, one of the architects, in a statement on the website. “The land upon which 21 Golf Club sits is a geologic anomaly in the Southeastern United States.

“The combination of the boldness of the terrain with its deep, deep sandy soils and the seemingly endless and uninterrupted views offer a rare tapestry for our team. We plan to deliver one of the most exceptional and distinctive experiences in American golf.”

Aiken is on the western edge of South Carolina’s Sandhills region, which stretches across the state to North Carolina.

Jackson is close to the Savannah River and features plenty of farmland on its rolling terrain.

Jackson Mayor Gurney Wiggins said he hasn’t received a whole lot of information about 21 Golf Club, but knows that its construction entrance is located off McElmurray Farm Road.

“I think it’s an awesome opportunity,” Wiggins said. “Not only for our constituents, but to bring in people from outside and take advantage of our restaurants and recreation opportunities.”

For decades, golf in Jackson was synonymous with Jim and Lilie Golf Club. Located off S.C. Highway 125, it was a public 9-hole course that played just under 3,000 yards. Golfers could play two loops to make up an 18-hole round.

Now permanently closed, Jim and Lilie was located not far from where Jackson STEM Magnet Middle School now exists.

Wiggins said 21 Golf Club is being built on a tract that was previously a timber operation.

“Kind of hilly terrain, building a golf course would be a challenge,” he said.

And while locals might not be the target audience for 21 Golf Club, there’s no doubt that Jackson will see some benefits.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for our community,” Wiggins said. “I look forward to it.”

When private clubs come into an area, there is a perception that it can hurt the public access courses.

Not so in Aiken.

“Golf is on fire right now,” said Jim McNair Jr., who owns Aiken Golf Club.

He said that 21 Golf Club is “moving dirt right now,” and that will help him in the long run.

“That’s going to bring in a little bit of a worldwide clientele because of the MacKenzie plan,” he said.

At private courses such as Palmetto Golf Club, it’s not uncommon to see vans from other private courses dropping off guests to play at the area’s oldest course.

“It’s great for us, it’s great for the area,” said Brooks Blackburn, general manager at Palmetto.

Ditto for Aiken Golf Club.

“Nick Schreiber and I talked the other day, and he said ‘I’m thinking about building a public access at Old Barnwell. Will that hurt you?’” McNair said. “I laughed. I said what you and Zac Blair (The Tree Farm) have done for play at Aiken Golf Club is amazing. We do get a lot of overflow.”

Another new club, Cypress Shoals, was announced in early 2023 for the North Augusta area along the Savannah River. Two-time Masters winner Tom Watson was linked to the new development as an architect of one of the courses.

Plans called for Cypress Shoals to offer two 18-hole golf courses, a hunting and fishing preserve, and private condos. But no updates have been offered since the 2023 Masters.

While the private clubs will offer on-site housing and dining amenities when fully built, that isn’t the case right now.

“The Tree Farm has cottages now, but Old Barnwell doesn’t,” Blackburn said. “Everyone who comes in to play Old Barnwell still has to have restaurants, hotels, Airbnb, all of that.

“So the impact with 21 will be the exact same thing. They’re going to come to Aiken, these restaurants are going to stay busy, the hotels are going to stay booked.”

Electric vehicle maker bringing 100-plus jobs to in Aiken County

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - More than 100 new jobs are coming to Aiken County, thanks to the Columbia Vehicle Group.The electric car maker’s first South Carolina location is in Aiken County.The automotive group also received a tax incentive last year from the Aiken County Council.With construction already in progress, we checked in on the next steps to bring those jobs to the countyColumbia Vehicle Group is now inside what is known as the Old Phelon Plant on University Parkway.Construction and upgrades ...

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - More than 100 new jobs are coming to Aiken County, thanks to the Columbia Vehicle Group.

The electric car maker’s first South Carolina location is in Aiken County.

The automotive group also received a tax incentive last year from the Aiken County Council.

With construction already in progress, we checked in on the next steps to bring those jobs to the county

Columbia Vehicle Group is now inside what is known as the Old Phelon Plant on University Parkway.

Construction and upgrades are already underway and could be done sooner than you think.

Masters Table braces for increased need during tournament week

For years now, people who have been living full-time in hotels and motels find themselves out on the streets during tournament week.

“We’re a manufacturer of electric vehicles,” said Sean McNally, Columbia Vehicle Group marketing director.

The company produces things like golf carts, e-bikes, utility and maintenance vehicles.

New business also means new jobs.

“The investment’s about $12 million, and they’re planning on bringing in 180 jobs,” said Gary Bunker, Aiken County Council chairman.

They say they’re excited to bring the community along for the ride.

“Everything from engineers, assembly workers, welders, powder coating tool and die sales engineering, production support and buyers,” said McNally. “So there’s a wide variety of needs, even some accountants.”

And they’re keeping an eye on their neighbors just down the road.

“These jobs provide employment for Aiken Tech kids, but Aiken Tech also helps bring these jobs in the 1st place,” said Bunker. “So the relationship is very close, and it feeds on each other.”

Carolina Forest wildfire now 44% contained as gusty winds create challenges

Strong winds are coming to the Grand Strand as the massive wildfire in Carolina Forest continues to burn.

Bunker says this is a sign of growth in the county.

“We got Bridgestone, we got Kimberly-Clark, we have these smaller manufacturers coming in, and this is something that is changing our local economy significantly,” said Bunker.

And nearby businesses say this is a positive.

“I think it’s a good thing,” said Catherine McKevie, owner of the Lemonade Stand. “The more jobs they bring, the better. It’s not far from my business, so hopefully, I get some of their business.”

McKevie says she’s already seeing an increase in business.

“Some of the HR has been in. It’s been great,” said McKevie. “Everybody’s been great.”

Columbia Vehicle Group says it has already filled about 40 positions, and it’s looking to fill more.

“We’ve been very appreciative of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and all the colleges and tech schools who’ve reached out and made us feel very welcome and offered to help us help us find candidates to fill our openings,” said McNally.

To apply, you can visit columbiausa.com or tomberlinusa.com and click the careers tab to see current openings.

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