History

Our History

Over a Century of Tradition

Since 1908, The Country Club of Spartanburg has stood as a proud symbol of tradition, perseverance, and Southern hospitality. From its founding vision to today’s championship pedigree, CCS has been shaped by generations of members committed to building something lasting. Rooted in golf, community, and connection, the Club’s story reflects a century of shared moments and milestones. From hosting LPGA legends to nurturing the next generation through the Bobby Chapman Invitational, CCS continues to honor its legacy while evolving for the future.

1908

Club Founded

In the summer of 1908, a group of civic-minded locals gathered at the home of A.W. Twichell to form a new kind of club for Spartanburg. Twichell’s home became the first informal clubhouse, and he served as the Club’s first president. The Country Club of Spartanburg was born from a shared vision for recreation, connection, and community that still guides it today.

1910

First Clubhouse

Two years after its founding, the Club completed construction on its first official clubhouse. Built for $7,000, the new building stood across from the first tennis courts and quickly became a central gathering place for members.

1924

The Ross Design

In December 1923, legendary golf course architect Donald Ross visited Spartanburg to survey the property and advise on the development of a new nine-hole layout. Following that visit, the Club formally retained Ross to design what would become the new front nine. His routing blended strategic bunkering, subtle elevation, and natural land movement, all signatures of a Ross design.

By July 1924, the fully expanded 18-hole course opened to acclaim. A local newspaper praised the updated layout and called Hole 6 the finest par three in the state of South Carolina. Nearly a century later, the Donald Ross Society officially recognized Holes 1 through 9 at The Country Club of Spartanburg as authentic Ross architecture.

1929

Current Clubhouse Completed

After a fire destroyed the original structure and much of the Club’s early memorabilia, members rallied to construct a new clubhouse. Completed in 1929, it became a new social center and remains the heart of the property.

1934

First Pool Built

In the wake of the Great Depression, The Country Club of Spartanburg was formally rechartered on October 1, 1934. This renewed legal and organizational foundation marked a turning point in the Club’s history, ensuring its stability and long-term growth.

That same year, the Club added its first swimming pool. Funded through the generosity of member Isaac Andrews, the pool expanded the Club’s appeal as a gathering place for families and set the tone for decades of all-ages recreation.

1953

Peach Blossom Invitational

The Country Club of Spartanburg became a national stage for women’s golf in 1953 with the launch of the Peach Blossom Invitational. Originally known as the Betsy Rawls Invitational, the LPGA event brought many of the game’s greatest players to Spartanburg over its 14-year run. Babe Zaharias won the inaugural tournament, setting a precedent for excellence that continued with champions like Mickey Wright, Carol Mann, Louise Suggs, and Betsy Rawls. Rawls, a Spartanburg native and honorary CCS member, would go on to win the event twice and leave a lasting mark on the Club and the game. The tournament elevated CCS to national prominence and deepened its legacy in championship golf.

1985

Course Renovation

As golf course architecture evolved, The Country Club of Spartanburg entrusted noted architect John LaFoy with its first major course renovation in 1985. LaFoy’s updates refined the layout, improved infrastructure, and elevated overall playability while maintaining the strategic character of the original design.

This project marked the beginning of a new era of stewardship for the golf course, setting the stage for future restorations that would blend classic design with modern standards.

1995

Bobby Chapman Junior Invitational

In 1995, The Country Club of Spartanburg became home to the Bobby Chapman Junior Invitational, now one of the most prestigious junior golf tournaments in the country. Created to honor longtime member Bobby Chapman, the tournament quickly gained national attention for both its competitive field and its commitment to hospitality.

Since its founding, the event has produced champions who went on to win major championships, including Dustin Johnson, Lucas Glover, and Bubba Watson. With the support of the South Carolina Golf Association and South Carolina Junior Golf Association, the Bobby Chapman has become a national proving ground for future stars.

2008

Restoration to the Ross Vision

In 2008, The Country Club of Spartanburg completed a significant course restoration led by architect Kris Spence. Drawing from historical records and the original routing designed by Donald Ross in the 1920s, Spence reintroduced the scale, angles, and subtleties that defined Ross’s architectural philosophy.

The project revitalized the front nine with restored green complexes, expanded fairway lines, and refined bunkering, all while enhancing course playability. The restoration honored the Club’s legacy and reconnected members to a rich design heritage nearly a century in the making.

2020

Pool Revitalization

In 2020, The Country Club of Spartanburg completed a major expansion of its pool complex, creating a more modern and accommodating space for families and social connection. The project included updated lounging areas, improved amenities, and enhanced capacity for member events and summer programs.

The revitalized pool quickly became a vibrant gathering place, reinforcing CCS’s commitment to offering multigenerational recreation at the highest level.

2025

BeOne Completed

The most transformative project in Club history reached completion in 2025. Known as the BeOne Project, this multi-year initiative was designed to enhance nearly every corner of The Country Club of Spartanburg and carry its legacy forward for the next generation.
Construction began in 2023, and over the next two years, the Club introduced a new golf experience, modern dining, and a state-of-the-art racquet sports facility. The Cupola, a vibrant new sports bar and social hub, opened in 2024 and quickly became a favorite gathering place for members. In early 2025, a newly configured set of golf holes debuted, blending Ross-inspired design with modern playability. By August, the new tennis facility was officially unveiled, featuring an expansive layout for tennis and pickleball with upgraded amenities for players and spectators.

2026

BMW Charity Pro-Am

In June 2026, The Country Club of Spartanburg is set to host the BMW Charity Pro-Am, a premier tournament on the Korn Ferry Tour. The event will welcome top professionals, celebrities, and spectators from across the country, offering a national platform to showcase CCS’s championship course, refined facilities, and signature Southern hospitality.

As the Club prepares to welcome this major event, the moment signals more than just a tournament. It reflects a continued rise in regional and national prominence for CCS.