Kawonu Golf Club

Kawonu Golf Club: A Sanctuary for the Game ⛳️🌿

Kawonu Golf Club is an invitation-only, “golf-only” sanctuary currently under construction in southern Greenville County, South Carolina, at 3801 Fork Shoals Road in Simpsonville—just 10 minutes from 320 Terry Road. Spanning 290 acres along the Reedy River, it represents the first new private club to open in the Upstate in over 30 years.

The Vision & Design 🎯

Designed by world-renowned architect Andrew Green—renowned for his restorations of Oak Hill and East Lake—Kawonu is a rare, from-scratch original design.

The par-72 course is thoughtfully shaped to follow the natural, rolling terrain of meadows and hardwood forests. In keeping with its name—the Cherokee word for “duck”—the club honors the land’s history as a former hunting preserve, with one-third of the property remaining a protected nature preserve. 🦆🌳The Experience 🍃

Kawonu is intentionally free from the distractions of a traditional country club. There are no tennis courts, swimming pools, or residential developments—only a pure, refined focus on golf and camaraderie.

Amenities include:

• An intimate clubhouse with elevated dining and six overnight rooms 🏡

• Private on-site cottages (four-bedroom cabins) for members and guests 🛏️

• The “Golf House,” a state-of-the-art practice and instruction facility 🎯

• A fishing pond and private cabin for quiet recreation 🎣

Membership & Timeline ⏳

Membership is strictly by invitation and intentionally limited (reportedly around 500 members), with Resident, Regional, and National categories.

Following its 2025 groundbreaking, the club is on track for a grand opening in Spring 2027.

Sources 📚

• Official Website: Kawonu Golf Club

• Project Coverage: Greenville Journal — “A course in waiting: Kawonu Golf Club takes shape”

• Industry Insight: Golf Course Architecture — Andrew Green course at Kawonu (2027 timeline)

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Is Kawonu Golf Club open to the public?
No. Kawonu is a private, invitation-only club designed exclusively for members and their guests.

Who designed the course?
Andrew Green, known for restoring legendary courses like Oak Hill and East Lake, created Kawonu as one of his few original designs.

What facilities are available?

• 18-hole championship course (Par 72) ⛳️

• “Golf House” for advanced practice and instruction 🎯

• Intimate clubhouse with dining 🍽️

• Four-bedroom cottages for overnight stays 🏡

What does “Kawonu” mean?
“Kawonu” is the Cherokee word for duck, honoring the area’s natural heritage and history. 🦆

When will it open?
The club is scheduled to open in early 2027 following its 2025 groundbreaking.

How many members will there be?
Membership is capped (around 500) to ensure a private, uncrowded experience.

Are there homes on the property?
No. There are no residential homes. The cottages are reserved exclusively for members and guests, preserving the club’s quiet, natural setting.

Primary Sources

• Official Club Website: kawonugolfclub.com

  • The Vision & Design Philosophy

  • Project News & Construction Updates

  • The Course & Amenities Details

• Greenville Journal: A course in waiting: Kawonu Golf Club takes shape

• Golf Course Architecture: New Andrew Green course at Kawonu on track for 2027