News

Aiken, SC: Augusta National’s neighbor to the north

Published

1 year ago

Apr 8, 2025

In my 14 trips to The Masters, I’ve stayed at all kinds of places, but none has been as quaint as this nifty little bungalow attached to a garage in Aiken, South Carolina. It sits on the land for a future retirement home of a good friend, Wayne Talsky, whose sons I have taught the game of a lifetime to for many years.

The morning drive from Aiken to Augusta National takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. But that half-hour journey feels like traveling between two different worlds. Augusta, with its bustling tournament atmosphere, gives way to Aiken’s genteel Southern charm – a place where horse-drawn carriages still clip-clop down oak-lined streets, and locals greet you with genuine warmth that feels increasingly rare in our hurried world.

“Aiken is a town; thus, it retains all the charm and warm, neighborly vibes,” Wayne tells me as we chat back in Orlando before my trip. It has that unique Southern charm and character. Basically, it’s the folks that make it special.”

He’s right. While Augusta becomes the center of the golf universe for one glorious week each April, Aiken maintains its unhurried pace, offering Masters patrons a peaceful retreat from the tournament crowds. The town’s rich history as a winter colony for wealthy Northerners in the late 19th century has left it with stunning architecture, manicured gardens, and a deep appreciation for equestrian pursuits that rivals its love for golf.

Hopelands Gardens exemplifies this heritage with its 14 acres of meandering paths, ancient oaks, and a serene labyrinth tucked away for quiet reflection. Walking these grounds, you’d never know you’re just miles from one of sport’s most electrifying events. The contrast is part of what makes an Aiken-based Masters experience so special.

Downtown Aiken centers around The Alley, a charming pedestrian area that comes alive during tournament week. “If you are in town for the week, I would visit The Alley, located in downtown Aiken,” Wayne suggests. “The area hosts incredible eateries and a few fantastic local watering holes.”

The Alley Downtown Taproom offers 48 taps of craft beer, cider, wine, and more, with a pay-by-the-ounce system that allows you to sample widely. Nearby restaurants deliver food directly to your table, creating a communal atmosphere where golf stories flow as freely as the beverages.

The Willcox Hotel, Aiken, SC

For those seeking more refined accommodations, The Willcox stands as Aiken’s crown jewel. “I highly suggest getting a cocktail or dinner at The Willcox, the only 5-star hotel in the area,” Wayne says. “The main lounge/bar is one of the swankiest hangs in Aiken!”

This historic hotel has hosted presidents and celebrities since 1898. Its white-columned facade and rocking chair-lined porch embody Southern hospitality at its finest. During Masters week, you might find yourself sharing the lobby with golf royalty, seeking refuge from Augusta’s spotlight.

Of course, many visitors can’t resist playing a round themselves while in the area. “In terms of golf, obviously, after walking the grounds of ANGC, most courses can’t compare,” Wayne acknowledges. “The choices for golf in and around Aiken and Augusta are still fantastic.”

For those with connections, the private options are exceptional. Palmetto Golf Club, designed by Alister MacKenzie (who also designed Augusta National), offers a glimpse into golf’s golden age with its strategic bunkering and subtle greens. Sage Valley provides a modern masterpiece with Augusta-like conditions, while Augusta Country Club sits literally adjacent to Augusta National, sharing a property line with its famous neighbor.

Two newer additions to the private scene have golf aficionados buzzing: Tree Farm and Old Barnwell. Both showcase contemporary minimalist design that works with the natural sandhill terrain rather than against it.

Aiken Golf Club

For public access, Wayne recommends Aiken Golf Club, a historic gem dating to 1912 that underwent a loving restoration. Mount Vintage and Cedar Creek offer solid alternatives with distinctive layouts that showcase the region’s rolling topography.

The future looks bright for golf in the area as well. “There are also some cool soon-to-come offerings,” Wayne mentions, “including The 21 Club and a resort to be built in SC on the Savannah River designed by Tom Watson.” The latter, known as Cypress Shoals, sits just 4.5 miles from Augusta National and promises to be another jewel in the region’s golfing crown.

For those enchanted by Aiken’s blend of sporting heritage and small-town charm, the real estate market offers everything from historic downtown cottages to sprawling horse properties. Danny Minolfo at ERA Wilder Realty specializes in helping newcomers find their piece of this unique community.

As another Masters week is now here, I look forward not just to the roars at Amen Corner but also to the quiet evenings in Aiken, where the pace slows, the tea is sweet, and the hospitality is genuine. In a world of increasing homogeneity, this corner of South Carolina remains refreshingly, defiantly itself – the perfect complement to its more famous neighbor to the south.

PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out this week’s “The Starter” on RG.org.

Editor’s note: “My Take” is an ongoing series where Brendon shares his thoughts and opinions on various aspects of the game and industry. These are Brendon’s opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of GolfWRX, its staff, and its affiliates.

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Brendon Elliott

As a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, Brendon Elliott covers premier tournaments including the PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, the Masters Tournament, and the PGA Championship. He has conducted notable interviews with golf legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Annika Sorenstam, and modern greats like Keegan Bradley. Elliott's media career spans multiple prestigious platforms, with current affiliations including PGA.com and PGA Magazine (since 2018), GolfWRX (since 2018), MyGolfSpy (beginning in 2025), and RG.org (since 2024). Through his One More Roll Golf Media company, he works as a premier freelance golf writer while consulting with golf start-up companies. Elliott's distinguished career as a PGA Professional has focused on developing junior golfers. In 2017, he was named the PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner and has been recognized multiple times as one of the best golf instructors regionally and nationally. In 2008, Elliott founded Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy, and in 2010 expanded with a sister nonprofit organization for children of all abilities. While he sold Little Linksters Academy in December 2024, he continues as Executive Director of the nonprofit and launched the BE A GOLFER Academy for competitive teen golfers in January 2025. Elliott's combination of teaching experience, business acumen, and journalistic expertise positions him as a comprehensive authority in the golf industry, bridging instruction and media for golf enthusiasts, industry professionals, and aspiring players.

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open

Published

3 hours ago

Jun 3, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

GolfWRX Tour Photographer made the trip from the Memorial Tournament across the country to the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera. Check out links to all the photos below!

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 Memorial Tournament

Published

2 days ago

Jun 1, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

GolfWRX is on site this week at the Memorial Tournament, with both Alistair Cameron and Tour Photographer Greg Moore on the ground in Dublin, Ohio, where a strong field is assembled to pay homage to the Golden Bear.

In addition to WITB galleries, we’ve already been treated to an in-hand look at Tommy Fleetwood’s new TaylorMade Spider putters.

Check out links to all our photos below.

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

News

Tour Tech Rundown: Heroic Henley

Published

3 days ago

Jun 1, 2026

Ronald Montesano

Around the world, the golf wheel spun this final week in May of 2026. From New Jersey to Austria, with stops in Korea, Texas, and North Carolina (don’t let me route your next trip) the world’s finest put their golf games on display. There were three playoffs, some known commodities and some new talent. It was the sort of week that we hope to have at this point in the seasons. June and July afford double-digit major events, and perhaps, one of this week’s champions will use this success as a springboard to new heights. Time to run it all down, tech style, in this week’s Tour Tech Rundown.

Thanks to WITBHub, Today’s Golfer, GolfWRX, and Inside Tour Golf for initial research into equipment.

PGA Tour @ Charles Schwab Challenge: Heroic Henley denies Cole

Eric Cole did nearly everything that a fellow can do, to secure a first PGA Tour title. He stayed one shot clear of Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin. He kept US Open champion Gary Woodland and wunderkind Michael Brennan two shots distant. He posted 70 on day four to reach twelve under par. And then, Russell Henley revealed his Dr. Strange cloak. Henley made 47 feet of birdie putts on holes 16, 17, and 18, to jump from minus-nine to twelve-deep, and secured a spot in a playoff with Cole. The duo returned to the final tee, and put on a stripe show.

Both golfers found the fairway off the tee, and Henley improved on his regulation play with an approach to four feet. Cole did himself proud, tucking an iron to a dozen feet, but he was unable to convert the putt for three. Henley is one of the best putters on tour, and he proved it once more by draining a putt for a fourth consecutive birdie, and a sixth PGA Tour title. For Eric Cole, that first victory should come, and soon. He has done everything necessary to earn the chalice lift.

Henley’s Suitcase

Driver: Titleist TSi3 at 10 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70g 6.5 TX
Metal: Titleist TS3 at 16.5 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX
Hybrid: Titleist TSi2 at 21 degrees. Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT hybrid 100 TX
Iron: Titleist T250 4-iron. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
Irons: Titleist T100 5-6 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
Irons: Titleist T100 7-9 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 48 and 50 degrees. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 54 and 60 degrees. Shaft: rue Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue S400
Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron T5 Tour Prototype

LPGA @ Shoprite LPGA: Welcome back, Celine!

Soo Bin Joo had her eyes on a maiden LPGA title. She held the lead after two rounds, then hit a red light at the intersection of can-I and how-To. Joo posted plus-two on day three in New Jersey, and dropped to a T4 finish, which was still a career-best for the young Korean golfer. Instead of a new face, a familiar face returned to the top of the podium.

Celine Boutier was the It Girl in 2023. She collected four victories, including a major title at Evian. Boutier reached world number one status, then simply faded into the background. No wins came her way over the next 30 months. On Sunday, she collected LPGA victory number seven, at the same trace as LPGA victory number two.

Day three saw Boutier manage the windswept Seaview Bay course with six birdies and a bogey. She was challenged in the end by Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol, who signed for a 66 of her own. Yubol came up one shot shy of the top ladder rung. Finishing in third place at -7, two back of the winner, was Ireland’s Lauren Walsh.

Celine’s Suitcase

Driver: PXG 0311 Black Ops Tour-1 at 9 degrees. Shaft: Graphite Design AD IZ-5
Hybrid: PXG 0311 Black Ops at 19 and 22 degrees. Shaft: KBS Hybrid Prototype
Hybrid: PXG 0311 Gen5.
Iron: PXG 0311 P Gen 4 5-9 irons
Wedge: PXG 0311 T Gen 4 PW
Wedges: PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II at 50, 54, 58 degrees
Putter: Bettinardi Studio Stock 3 DASS

DP World Tour @ Austrian Alpine: KK? KK!

Kota Kaneko has a rhythmic name. It has strong vowels and a run of voiceless stops in its crunchy K sounds. On Sunday in Austria, Kaneko put a stop to a challenge from Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and everyone else, and claimed a first-ever title on the DP World Tour. Gouveia did well to reach 16-under par over four days, but Kaneko held firm, two shots in the clear.

Davis Bryant of the USA also forged a strong challenge for the win. He ended in a tie with Gouveia for second place. Kaneko began and finished his final round in a bit of a malaise, but he caught fire midway through. Birdies at 10, 12, and 13 provided the necessary cushion to cruise to the finish line without breaking a serious sweat.

Kaneko’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping Max G440
Metals: TaylorMade Qi4D at 15, 16.5, 21, and 24 degrees
Irons: TaylorMade P760 5 and 6 irons
Irons: TaylorMade P7TW 7-9 irons
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design at 46, 52, 56, and 60 degrees
Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Arm Lock #7

Korn Ferry Tour @ UNC Health Championship: Improbably Alvaro

Alvaro Ortiz may have had a bit of scare on the outward nine on Sunday, but he came through in clutch fashion in the end. Ortiz began the day bogey-double, and added another double bogey at the 11th hole. He was mired in a downward trend, spiraling away from the top of the leader’s board. Ortiz found hope at the 14th, where his first birdie of the day tumbled home. Inspired, he closed with birdies and 17 and 18 to catch Ross Steelman at 10-under par, and the duo returned to the 18th deck for overtime.

The extra session concluded in brief time. Ortiz, buoyed by his newly-retrieved confidence, hit the fairway with driver, then approached to six feet and drained the putt. Gobsmacked, Steelman could do little more than smile and applaud, as his run at the top came to a close. The victory was the first for Ortiz on the KFT, and will implant him squarely in the chase for a PGA Tour promotion.

Alvaro’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping G430 MAX driver at 9 degrees loft
Metal: Ping G430 MAX 3W
Iron: Ping iDi Driving Iron
Irons: Ping Blueprint S irons
Wedges
Putter: Scottsdale TR Piper C

A party on the green!

Alvaro’s time comes in Raleigh with his first win @UNCHealthChamp ? pic.twitter.com/2dmtZdbSzk

— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) May 31, 2026

LIV @ Korea: Me llamo Joaquin

Chile’s Joaquin Niemann had been away from the LIV winner’s circle throughout all of 2026. This week in Korea, he reminded us that he is still a force to consider. Niemann chased down Taylor Gooch over the closing holes at Asiad Country Club, then claimed victory with a hole-one birdie in extra time. Bryson DeChambeau claimed solo third, one shot in arrears at minus-eleven. Dustin Johnson finished on fourth, one putt farther back.

Niemann’s Suitcase