Aiken Golf Club

Been hearing the buzz about this place for quite some time, so I added it to the front end of a Reynolds Oconee weekend.

I never played the course before the overhaul, so I can’t provide a lot of context about the difference. But what is there now is reminiscent of something out of the Southern Pines area in South Carolina’s sister state. Sprawling natural waste areas dot the course. Roughed in bunkers are framed by long natural grasses. Loblolly pines frame the holes and there are even some random railroad ties sprinkled in.

The best compliment I can give Aiken GC is that it is comfortable in its’ own skin. It’s not trying to be Sweetens Cove, or Mid-Pines or Pine Needles. It is simply a course wildly popular with locals and caddies from nearby Sage Valley, that offers a charming golf experience for roughly $40 with a cart.

The opening hole offers a Scottish feel as one can play as far right as they want off the tee into a fairway that seeps into the par-3 18th’s footprint. The approach is played to a double green that is shared with the 17th. Standout holes were the par-4 eighth, with a lovely reveal after cresting the hill in the fairway, and the par-5 10th, which is home to one of the most memorable green complexes I’ve seen in all my travels. The hour-glass shaped putting surface is on the bias, with the back half being a lowered shelf that can’t be 10 paces wide. It makes Harbour Town’s smallish greens seem roomy by comparison.

Take the time to play the putting course in front of the clubhouse.

No joke. AGC is a golf destination for anyone who appreciates great Ross design at a casual, affordable course operated by the friendliest people in golf. Every hole is unique. I urge anyone who loves the game for the game to play AGC.

This is a very pretty course and overall I enjoyed playing it because it was in excellent condition. The tee markers on the tee boxes are all stone so just an FYI that there is no color distinction for the "Medal, Mid, or Forward" tees.
KEY TIP from Pro Shop Staff: Keep your ball below the hole on the greens. This is a great tip because the greens are tricky! Many of them roll back to front and are fast downhill if you are above the hole.
Tee to Green the course is pretty easy. It has some bunkers and elevation changes but no water or unreasonable forced carries.
As the title of the rating states, I would give it 5 stars if the par 3 holes (on the back nine) were reasonable distances. They are too long for an average golfer choosing to play forward. Here are the yardages for the Par 3s on the back nine:
Hole 11: 166
Hole 16: 145
Hole 18: 163
And add to the stated total yardages on some holes due to the fact that they are elevated greens. All this translates to requiring a hybrid, wood, or even driver for shorter hitters to reach the greens in regulation. It's just not good course design for Par 3s.
I do recommend this course and would play it again.
Locals say the grill is good but I could not really rate it because it was closed due to COVID 19.

Aiken golf club is a course soaked with character. Quite short at about 5800 yards from tips, but don't mistake that for easy. The historic architecture requires great thought for every shot. Interesting well-manicured greens. Would be fun for golfers of all handicaps. Extremely friendly staff. Sad I don't live nearby, but I will definitely be going back when in the area.

Today was the first time I have played this course. I LOVED the course layout, the history of the course, etc. I loved everything about the course except the bunkers and the crazy bugs that were everywhere. Make sure to take some bug spray when you play the course, the gnats will drive you crazy. However, the course was in great shape (bunkers were not good at all because they just received heavy rain two days before and the sand had all washed to the bottom of the bunkers The greens were in Great condition and the course was super fun. The course is just dripping with history and neatness.
The Putting Course right by the clubhouse is very unique and fun for some practice putting.
The course is not long at all, but if you have not played the course, make sure to give it a try. I am sure you will have a great time and see a VERY FUN course with tons of history.

I've played this course a number of time and it has never disappointed. The friendliest staff around the course is just in magnificent shape. I went after it rained for two days straight and the course drained the water very good. Very enjoyable course and definitely one of my favorites in Aiken County

This course oozes history. Micheal Bamberger( Golf Mag) called this course the most " charming" course in America! I agree! This 105 yr old course winds thru old Aiken neighborhood, with every hole special. This will be will be the most unique golf course you may ever play, with great greens complexes and pinehurst sandy waste areas. I love this course! It is by far my favorite course I've ever played...

This is an old course and you can tell from the second you park. The clubhouse and locker room are so cool with all kinds of golf history and memorabilia. Staff were extremely helpful and kind. The course is in excellent shape. Reminded me of Augusta, Pinehurst as far as some aesthetics and stylings of the course, of course in a much less high profile manner. Just soil and greens, sandy rough areas; really memorable green complex on each hole. Each hole offered a good chance to score, but also memorable shots and green complexes on every single hole. Really a steal--definitely walk if you can.

Wow! This course is absolutely beautiful! The grounds keepers work really hard and their work has paid off! The fairways are beautiful and the greens roll true. This course is not long at all but if you find the rough off the tee, it is tough to stick one close even with the short yardage. Such a great course and I hope to be back very soon! You must play The Aiken Golf Club!

No matter the time of year the course is kept pristine, I have played up and down the east coast and always find myself comparing all other course to the Aiken Club.It is not a long course,rough isn't penal and fairways are generous…. BUT bring your short game!!!
the joy of scoring well at TAGC is tremendous…greens are firm fast and undulating

This is a gem of of a course hiding in the middle of downtown. Everything about this place is tops. I have nothing to say bad about it. Recently Club purchased new club car carts. Pro shop is great the food is great the beer is cold. Great prices for this course. Well worth to play if your in town.

What a little Gem!!

A beautiful old golf course in the heart of Aiken. Not long, but tricky all the same!! Great design, small, undulating, fast greens and overall a fun challenge all round!! (Stay clear of “Tough Man” days as you’ll do well to get with ten of your handicap!!).