
Derek Duncan

Derek Duncan

Derek Duncan
Overview
Golf in Aiken began over a century ago with two in-town courses, Palmetto Golf Club and Aiken Golf Club. Palmetto, founded in 1892, was primarily designed by Herbert Leeds, the builder of Myopia Hunt Club near Boston, with major amendments in 1932 by Alister MacKenzie who was working on Augusta National (just 30 miles away). Ranking comfortably inside our Third 100 Greatest Courses, it’s a polished, jewel-box design draped over up and down topography with one of the country’s great sets of greens full of slick interior movements that slip away into a variety of undulous chipping areas.
About
Awards

Ranking history:
Best in State: Ranked inside the top 10, 1987-'89, 2023-'24. Ranked inside the top 20, 1995, 2013-'22. Ranked inside the top 30, 2011-'12.
2023-'24 ranking: 10th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“fun course built into the features of the property. a walk back in time filled with history."
Read More2024
Review
“Classic course that fits perfectly into the town of Aiken. Short and sporty with challenging greens and nice land movement."
Read More2024
Review
“Short and sporty layout with an intimate feel. Small greens protected by false fronts and rolloffs require accuracy on the approach and creativity with the short game."
Read More2024
Review
“Terrific old Classic course built into the lay of the land. Play if you get invited."
Read More2024
Review
“Great character that radiates a special feeling while visiting. Great variety of yardages for various skill levels. Par 4 hole #15 was a cool risk/reward blind yet drivable par 4 going back past the clubhouse. Quick greens would sure make them challenging."
Read More2024
Review
“One of the oldest clubs in America, this Herbert Leeds/Alister Mackenzie design opened in 1892 is a real gem. The undulating property and the tough greens have allowed this shorter course to stand the test of time. Great southern hospitality from the staff and members makes this a must play if you're ever invited."
Read More2024
Review
“Bring your short game or else!"
Read More2023
Review
“Palmetto is "simply golf." You can feel the course and its unique layout, reminiscent of Myopia Hunt Club. The setting and the atmosphere speak to the focus on golf and the history of Palmetto. The layout makes great use of elevation changes with many false fronts that add to the playing length of the relatively short course. Generous fairways require an understanding as to where to position a tee shot to access heh right position on the often elevated greens, which offer challenging slopes and collection areas. Any putts form above the hole will be treacherous and demanding. The historic small clubhouse and golf shop create an experience that is fun and enjoyable. If Aiken, SC were more easily reached, Palmetto would be even more appreciated. It is truly a fun place to visit and play."
Read More2023
Review
“Scorecard indicates a short, and easy golf course, but this Herbert Leeds design plays anything but short and easy. Undulations abound on this extremely hilly course, with many of the par 4s and 5s play uphill particularly at the landing area. A fair game off the tee with few blind shots and well-appointed hazards and bunkers, the surrounds and greens are where the challenges unfold. Most of the greens are elevated with false fronts that will require precise approaches or strategically placed layups. Almost all greens have a severe slope or are tiered with the slightest miscue or error in yardage leading to yet another tricky shot. These challenges do not take away from the fun of the course as there are many shot options off the tee, and ways to approach many greens. It's also a quick walk/ride as most of the greens are in close proximity to the next tee box."
Read More2022
Review
“History oozes out of of Palmetto, 2nd oldest course in the US outside of Chicago GC operating 18 holes at the same site. Tremendous MacKenzie green complexes that are very challenging yet fair, gives 18 different shape and contour varieties that require great precision for both approach shots as well as short game shots around the greens. Dramatic use of elevation change from start to finish. Majestic pines frame most of the holes but give adequate width in the corridors. Very different visuals hole to hole off the tee. Be sure to check out the room of artifacts and displays just off the pro shop. Recent bunker restoration has helped to bring back the MacKenzie bunkering style. Standout holes include the 7th which is a short par 3 that Bobby Jones called the best medal par 3 in the world and the 12th which is a striking uphill cape hole w/ a severe green sloping front to back. Design of course is attributed to Leeds and MacKenzie, restorations by Doak and Hanse....very few if any courses can boast that combo!"
Read More2022
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