Unless you’re a pro golfer, a U.S. President or our very own Ben Walton, odds are that you’re not going to play Augusta National. It's probably the most coveted invitation in all of golf, and yet it's one of the toughest to obtain. But for those who might be looking for other quality golf options in the shadows of Augusta, there’s a new development worth being excited about.
Less than five miles away from Magnolia Lane, Cypress Shoals is a new proposed residential community on more than 1,700 acres in North Augusta, dubbing itself “America’s Next Great Masterpiece.” Those are lofty goals, but you know what they say: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll at least have a property with two 18-hole signature golf courses, one designed by Tom Watson.”
Bordering the Savannah Rider on the Sumter National Forest, plans call for not just golf but outdoor activities such as 30 miles of hiking trails to a 624-acre hunting and fishing preserve, including a private lodge, gunroom and on-site gunsmith to equestrian facilities to conservation preserves on private islands. Plans also call for a destination spa and wellness center. No word yet on what color the jackets will be if you win the club championship.
All we know so far is that it’s coming soon (so they say) and that it’ll be between West Martintown Road, Interstate 20 and the Savannah River, in case you want to camp out in advance. Not only is it near the home of the Masters, but it's also close to the relatively new Champions Retreat, which features three nines designed by golf royalty Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. It's not clear who the designer of the second 18-hole course will be.
But securing Watson as one of the designers, just a few miles from where he earned two Masters titles, is certainly worth keeping an eye on. Cypress Shoals is going with the moniker Augusta Reimagined, and, surely, that is yet another bold proclamation. Regardless, more golf near Augusta just makes this a spot that seems to keep growing with more good golf.