21 Golf Club, the highly anticipated private golf club currently under development in the Carolina Sand Hills in Aiken County,S.C., near Augusta, GA., has named Jordan Spitler Director of Agronomy.
Spitler, whose career has included posts at some of the nation’s more prestigious private clubs, including Augusta National Golf Club, Secession Golf Club, and Eagle Point Golf Club, was selected for the role following a nationwide search led by legendary PGA Professional Bob Ford and his team at GBN.
“We are thrilled to have Jordan on our team,” said Wes Farrell, founder of 21 Golf Club. “His journey has provided him with incredible experience, and he shares our belief that agronomic conditions are critical to the experience at 21. With him, our golf courses will not only look beautiful, but play with the world-class, firm-and-fast conditions our members and guests will appreciate.”
Described as a “haven for golf geeks’’ who share a passion for the game, its values, its history, and the camaraderie that comes with a great membership, 21 Golf Club is quietly assembling a world-class team to lead the club. This includes golf luminaries such as Ford, Dennis Satyshur and John Bannon, the club’s first president. The architectural committee includes golf course architect Brian Zager, known for his work with Tom Doak on the Lido (Sand Valley) and the Keiser Family (Bandon Dunes, San Valley) on various projects; Eric Iverson of Renaissance Golf, whose resume includes Old MacDonald, Tara Iti, Streamsong, Ballyneal and many others; and Connor Lewis, a respected golf historian and founder of The Society of Golf Historians.
“I am thrilled to be part of this team,” Spitler said. “Something very special in the world of golf is taking place at 21, and we’re just getting started. I can’t wait to watch the club mature and grow.”
As assistant superintendent under Brad Owens at Augusta National for more than four years, Spitler developed an understanding of superior golf course management and conditioning, and he continued to hone his craft at Secession and Eagle Point, two of the more highly respected clubs in the nation. Most recently he directed all greens and grounds operations at Princess Anne Country Club, where he created what many consider the finest course playing conditions in Virginia.
At 21 Golf Club, Spitler is responsible for overseeing the grow-in process and maintenance of the club’s golf facilities and grounds, ensuring they meet the highest standards expected by members and guests.
The club recently broke ground on its first golf course. Named The MacKenzie Course, its design is Inspired by the fabled Lost MacKenzie of El Boquerón in Argentina and will be a modern interpretation and bold revival and celebration of Alister MacKenzie’s concepts. Construction is underway now and Grassing will begin soon.
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 state-of-the-art 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 limited collection of member-owned entertainment cottages and estate homesite for extended visits by members and guests.
Photo: Jordan Spitler (21 Golf Club)