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
“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
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
