Derek Duncan
Derek Duncan
Derek Duncan
Palmetto Golf Club
Palmetto Golf Club
275 Berrie Rd SW
Aiken, SC 29801-4803
United States
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, 2025-'26. Ranked inside the top 30, 2011-'12.
Previous ranking: 10th.
2025-'26 ranking: 12th.
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
“A fun golf course with lots of history. Really enjoyed the creativeness you can have with your approach shots. The green complexes are the teeth of the course as you need to know where not to miss it. Lots of great variety of long and shorts holes with a testy set of par threes. Most fun I've had playing a course in a while."
Read More2026
Review
“Some very interesting greens complexes. Local knowledge is a must. Can be very creative with your approach shots due to the design of the greens. An extremely fun course to play."
Read More2026
Review
“Charming golf course with a lot of history. Tone of the club is laid back and golf focused. Greens are a true test, which was not a surprise going in after all I had heard and read about this course. At every turn it felt like a new experience on the course with great shot options and variety. It was an adventure and all facets of my game were tested. Each shot felt like a unique moment and test. Would like to play here several times in a row and really get to know the course."
Read More2026
Review
“Classic old school course. Great conditioning, diabolical green complexes, plenty of quirk. Very fun to play."
Read More2025
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
