Membership Expectations

Given the stunning, natural and unique landforms on the site, and the team assembled, I have very lofty expectations for the golf course. That said, I have even higher aspirations for the Membership at New Holland Golf Club. The many applicants and Members who I have corresponded with via email, telephone, zoom and onsite visits have confirmed that we are indeed onto something special. There is a HUGE demand for golf where the land is the star, particularly at a simple place revolving around the game, the club members, and the local community, 

Upon reviewing our current Membership roster, NHGC Members hold memberships at some of my favorite courses in the world.
High marks indeed, not only for their amazing resumes(diverse /unique clubs, cultures and courses) but also for their thoughtful and caring responses re: the vision and proposed culture at New Holland Golf Club.
Despite applications from Members at some of the finest clubs, courses and cultures in US golf, the club mentioned most often on the applications was Brora, located just outside Dornoch in the Scottish Highlands—the epitome of low key, lay of the land golf.

Culture

1.While there are those who may not be a good fit for New Holland Golf Club, this is not, nor will it be described as, an “Exclusive” Club, based on perceived position in life or connections.

I cringed at every attempt by well intentioned friends to use Ai to rewrite my initial pdf titled “notes on the project”. Nearly every AI rewrite used the word “Exclusive”.

 If you play at an appropriate pace, are kind and considerate to others, invite single and two ball players to join your smaller group(and vice versa), consistently observe proper etiquette and care of the course, have fun when you play and use appropriate channels to politely express legitimate and infrequent concerns, you will never be “excluded” at New Holland Golf Club.

My expectation is also that Members will not exclude others(who meet the above criteria) as well as treat all approved “guests” as if they are members.

While I’m confident that New Holland Golf Club is going to be a highly regarded course, with a charming clubhouse and a welcoming culture, it is not our intention for anyone to bring a guest to impress them, but rather to share the course and culture with them.

Walking

Outside the summer months, walking will be the mode of play. Caddies will not be mandatory, but with advance request, we will make our best efforts to provide them when available. Also, by advance request, carts will be available for those aged 70 and over, and for those with a permanent medical disability.

Two Balls

During Peak season, Two balls and “Foursomes”(alternate shot)will command the earliest tee times. I understand “Foursomes” are an acquired taste in the US-We will have multiple events to promote and highlight their advantages.

Note: Foursomes, properly played, are faster than two players playing their own ball and along with early two balls, will add capacity and flow to the club in Peak periods..

Monthly Medals

We will have “Monthly Medal” Events, where the entire membership will have an opportunity to compete and experience the joy(and terror) of maintaining a real score and a real handicap index; thereby making it possible to gauge improvement, and allowing fair and spirited competition in handicap events. Participation in a Monthly Medal, as well as a current, updated handicap will be required before competing in a handicapped “Major” Club Handicap Event(Member-Guest, Member-Member)

As onerous as this sounds, Monthly Medals are an extremely common and popular thing at nearly all clubs in the UK, and a great way to meet people and create camaraderie.

It certainly will toughen us up for our Interclub and Travel matches;)

4 PM Loops-Post round Sunset Magic

One of the huge advantages to NHGC’s routing are the multiple short  “whiskey loop” routings originating from the clubhouse. These are best utilized late in the day starting on #1, or later #10, to avoid traffic finishing up on daylight shortened days. We’ll have Sunday bags available to play the multiple 3-7 holes afternoon loops with a half set or even less clubs to increase the fun and lighten the load, and leave free hands for adult beverages. Or take your whole set-just have fun. Varying tees from your earlier round can make the loops even more enjoyable. No doubt staff will be available to join in and liberate you of your hard earned dollars.

Access via UK Model

Although New Holland Golf Club is a private Club, we will allow non-Member access on a limited basis via Member Introduction,and,on a more select and seasonal basis, via a written letter of introduction from the non-Member to the Club Manager.

It is the expectation that Members and staff will treat all guests as Members, and that all guests will conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the traditions of golf, as well as in line with the policies of New Holland Golf Club.

It is also expected that Members and Management will inform their guests of these policies in advance of their visit.

Outside the summer months, New Holland Golf Club is walking only, with carts available only for those over age 70 or a documented Medical condition.

Caddies are available via advance request, but are not mandatory.

Summer "Bonus" Golf at New Holland

Once we are fully operational (projected September 2027), we intend to be open year-round, with periods of brief interruption for maintenance.

Compared to many National Clubs in the Southeast, this is a 6-12 week addition of "Bonus" golf, not only for Summer Members, but for all Members and guests of New Holland Golf Club

The summer affords the best and healthiest turf of the season and the summer foliage season is a beautiful, vibrant tapestry of healthy colors.

Turf permitting, we will allow carts during the height of summer; however, to encourage walking, and/or taking a caddie, carts will be priced competitively with caddies.

Interclub and Travel Events

Like many of you, I have been fortunate to play hundreds of rounds in the UK/Ireland, and I have developed contacts all over the world. We will be hosting and arranging multiple Member Travel Events, and visiting some of the most special and authentic “under the radar” clubs that exist, as well as local matches against nearby Clubs in the Aiken area.

With all that in mind, I would like to thank all of you for your incredible interest, support and patience. It has been great getting to know many of you for the first time, and rekindling old friendships from years past with many others. 

I am so pleased and frankly pleasantly surprised at the number of people who share the same ethos regarding golf, its traditions, and what a course and club should be.

It has been particularly gratifying to see the interest in New Holland from many in the golf industry, including multiple current and former golf Professionals/Superintendents, as well as multiple individuals who previously worked with and for me at various clubs. This includes many former caddies who worked at The Bridge in their high school and college years.

I look forward to teeing it up with you all for many years to come at New Holland Golf Club.