A new public golf destination is taking shape in the South Carolina Sandhills that could become the Southeast’s most significant multi-course destination for everyday golfers — no membership required. Candyroot Lodge, developed by brothers Aaron and Ethan Oberman on 1,210 acres of rolling aeolian sandhill terrain in Chesterfield County, is designed as a walkable, accessible retreat an hour from both Columbia and Charlotte.
The first 18-hole course, designed by architect Mike Koprowski, is scheduled for preview play in Q4 2026 with a grand opening set for spring 2027. Koprowski previously designed Broomsedge Golf Club in Rembert, SC, approximately 30 miles south — a course that drew national attention to the Carolina Sandhills as a legitimate golf destination when it opened. Candyroot builds on that momentum with a design rooted in the land’s natural character: no dirt hauled in, fairways shaped by existing contours, and greens intentionally small and tilted to reward imagination and trajectory control over raw power.
The master plan extends well beyond a single course. According to Sports Illustrated’s reporting on the project, Candyroot’s vision includes up to four full-length layouts designed by next-generation architects, a par-3 course with night-play lighting, on-site lodge accommodation, wellness amenities including cold plunge and sauna, and connected walking and cycling trails. We’re excited to offer a timeless retreat where guests can play, recharge and make memories for generations to come,
proprietor Ethan Oberman said.
For Upstate SC golfers, Candyroot fills a gap. The Spartanburg-Greenville area has solid golf infrastructure, but a destination retreat of Candyroot’s ambition — publicly accessible, multi-course, with overnight lodging — has not existed at this proximity outside of the Myrtle Beach corridor. The Chesterfield County site is approximately two hours from downtown Spartanburg via I-85 and US-1, positioning it as a viable weekend getaway for Upstate players seeking something beyond their familiar local courses.
Preview play at the first course is expected to begin November 2026, operating on a public pay-and-play basis. On-site lodging is planned but not expected to be available at full scale until approximately 2028. Golfers interested in early access can follow Candyroot at candyroot.com or reach the team at [email protected]. The project represents a genuine addition to South Carolina golf worth tracking.
What’s Happening in Spartanburg
- What is Candyroot Lodge and where will it be located?
Candyroot Lodge is a planned public golf retreat in the SC Sandhills region, designed as a destination resort with multiple courses accessible to everyday golfers, not just private members. - What makes this project noteworthy for SC golfers?
Public-access golf resorts of this scale are rare in South Carolina outside of the Myrtle Beach corridor, making Candyroot a potentially significant addition for Upstate and Midlands golfers. - What is the development timeline?
Developers have announced plans but construction timelines depend on permitting and financing; a groundbreaking is expected within 18 months if all approvals proceed on schedule.
