In the rolling Carolina Sand Hills, an ambitious project is underway by 21 Golf Club to interpret one of golf’s more storied designs. The Club’s MacKenzie Course is inspired by Alister MacKenzie’s plans for El Boquerón, a bold concept he envisioned nearly a century ago. The course, however, was never built. Guided by extensive research and a deep respect for MacKenzie’s philosophy, 21 Golf Club – located near Aiken, S.C. – aims to honor MacKenzie’s vision while adapting it to the natural beauty and challenges of its new home.
MacKenzie’s portfolio includes several courses considered among the game’s very best, including Cypress Point Golf Club, Crystal Downs, Lahinch, Augusta National, and Royal Melbourne.
El Boquerón was one of MacKenzie’s bolder concepts -a layout for an estancia in Argentina featuring nine massive double greens and a strategic routing designed to challenge players’ creativity and decision-making. While the plans for El Boquerón were shelved and thought lost for decades, their rediscovery reignited interest among historians and architects alike.
21 Golf Club’s new project is not about recreating history exactly but about reinterpreting MacKenzie’s vision in a way that reflects his timeless principles while embracing the unique characteristics of the South Carolina Sand Hills.
The creation of The MacKenzie Course has been guided by years of research, collaboration, and an unwavering respect for the game’s traditions. A team, including the MacKenzie Architectural Committee and architect Brian Zager, has studied every available detail – MacKenzie’s original plans for El Boquerón, his writings, and the features of every course he designed.
“We understand the responsibility that comes with undertaking a project like this,” said Wes Farrell, founder of 21 Golf Club. “Our goal is to honor Alister MacKenzie’s vision. We’ve put immense care into studying not only MacKenzie’s designs but also the topography of the original El Boquerón site and our property here in South Carolina.
“This is not just about building a golf course; it’s about preserving a piece of golf’s history, exploring its possibilities, and sharing that journey with others. We look forward to releasing a detailed analysis of our process and the thought behind this design in the coming months.”
The MacKenzie Course, Farrell said, will include a faithful interpretation of the original routing for El Boquerón, along with an expanded championship layout for modern play and a hybrid option that combines the two. Its nine double greens, averaging 30,000 square feet, promise a strategic and visually striking experience.
With its shared greens and interconnected routing, the course offers a sense of intimacy rarely found in modern golf. Players will be able to see multiple greens from nearly every location, fostering a sense of camaraderie and connection that MacKenzie championed in his designs.
“Our goal is to create a course that challenges the mind, rewards creativity, and provides joy to golfers of all abilities,” Farrell said. “We hope the intimacy and interactivity of this layout will make it a truly memorable experience.”
The MacKenzie Architectural Committee was formed to oversee every detail of the project, bringing together experts in MacKenzie’s work, classic course modeling, and modern construction techniques. Zager worked with Tom Doak to recreate The Lido at Sand Valley Resort in Central Wisconsin. The Lido was a “lost course’ designed by C.B. Macdonald on Long Island in 1917. Doak painstakingly brought it back to life and to rave reviews, particularly among connoisseurs of the Golden Age of golf course design.
Zager’s aim is to do the same with the MacKenzie Course.
“Our approach has been one of respect and curiosity,” said Zager. “We’ve worked to understand MacKenzie’s intentions and adapt them to this extraordinary site. The rolling sand hills give us an incredible canvas, and every decision we make is informed by MacKenzie’s principles and the natural beauty of the land.”
Joining The MacKenzie Course, 21 Golf Club is planning a second 18-hole golf course designed by King Collins Dormer, dedicated to match-play competition and specifically the game Hammer. It also will include a practice and performance center developed in cooperation with Black Cat Design, as well as a short course.
Surrounding the practice facility and short course will be a collection of member-owned entertainment cottages for extended visits by members and guests.
“For me, a great club comes down to the people,’’ said John Bannon, the first president of 21 Golf Club. “From the members to the staff to the guests, it’s all about the people. The golf, the architecture, the experience are all going to be world-class, but what will make 21 special is our commitment to only invite and involve those who embody and celebrate the values of the game.”
Membership is by invitation only. For more information, visit 21golfclub.com.
Photos Courtesy of 21 Golf Club