21 Golf Club, a private golf club currently under development near Aiken, S.C., and Augusta, GA., is bringing on celebrated PGA Professional Bob Ford to serve on its advisory board and help guide 21 Golf Club towards its objective of becoming one of the leading modern golf clubs in the world.
“As we began to share our vision with the world, it became clear we faced a lot of important decisions to create the right culture, build a world-class hospitality program and identify members who share our vision,” said 21 Golf Club’s founder, Wes Farrell. “Bob Ford is a legend in the golf world, and no one is more respected or better understands what it takes to create a truly great private club.
“When we assembled a board of experienced advisors, Bob was the first member of that team. We’ll rely heavily on his vast experience and golf acumen to ensure we get all the details exactly right as we work to develop the club’s programming and character.
“In addition, we’ve been overwhelmed with support and interest in the early stages of the founding phase of membership, and the it’s the people who join who will ultimately make the club special. Bob and his team will be critical in helping assess prospective new members and assuring they align with the culture we are creating at 21 Golf Club.”
One of the golf industry’s true “nice guys,’’ Ford was the head golf professional at Oakmont (PA) Country Club for 37 years and at the equally prestigious Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, FL. for 21 years. During his career, Ford won numerous awards, including the Bob Jones award in 2017.
Ford has mentored approximately 50 young golf professionals who went on to create successful careers as head professionals at other clubs.
In addition to his reputation as the consummate PGA Pro, Ford is also known for his playing abilities, having won multiple Pennsylvania Opens. In the 1983 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, Ford placed 26th and is the last host pro to make the cut in the tournament. He was inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame in 2005.
The 17th hole at 21 Golf Club (21 Golf Club)
“We are thrilled to join forces with Wes Farrell and the founding committee and share in his vision to create one of the world’s leading clubs,’’ Ford said. “Stepping onto the land, I immediately recognized the potential of its unique elevation changes and natural beauty, providing the ideal canvas for the King/Collins design team to craft something truly remarkable that will leave a lasting legacy in the realm of golf.”
The founding members of 21 Golf Club view it as a modern private golf club created by golf fanatics for golf fanatics. The club and its members embody the values of the game and are passionate about sharing them with others in the most fun environment imaginable. With sophisticated southern hospitality, world class golf, a like-minded membership with a high golf IQ, and very few rules, 21 seeks to become a special place where today’s modern golfer will choose to spend their valuable time creating lasting friendships and lifelong memories.
The club will include two golf courses – one a dedicated match-play course created by King-Collins Golf Course Design, the second inspired by Dr. Alister Mackenzie’s original plans for El Boqueron (the famed Lost Mackenzie) in Argentina. Mackenzie original drafted the plans for the course – in the town of Mar del Plata – in 1930. But the course, which was to have nine double greens, was never built.
21 Golf Club will include a state-of-the-art practice and performance center developed in cooperation with Black Cat Design, as well as as ashort course. Surrounding the practice facility and short course will be a collection of luxuriously appointed and member-owned entertainment cottages for extended visits by members and guests.
Feature Photo: Bob Ford (Getty Images)