---
title: "New Public Golf Retreat Candyroot Lodge Planned for SC Sandhills"
url: https://www.herespartanburg.com/new-public-golf-retreat-candyroot-lodge-planned-for-sc-sandhills/
date: 2026-04-22T08:27:27-04:00
modified: 2026-04-22T15:45:40-04:00
author: "Tionna M. Cardenas"
categories: ["Uncategorized"]
site: "HERESpartanburg"
attribution: "HERESpartanburg"
---

# New Public Golf Retreat Candyroot Lodge Planned for SC Sandhills

> Candyroot Lodge, a new public golf destination in the South Carolina Sandhills, could become the Southeast's most significant multi-course destination for everyday golfers — no membership required.

*Source: [HERESpartanburg](https://www.herespartanburg.com/new-public-golf-retreat-candyroot-lodge-planned-for-sc-sandhills/) — April 22, 2026 by Tionna M. Cardenas*

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](https://www.candyroot.com), 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](https://www.si.com/golf/travel/carolina-sandhills-candyroot-public-golf-getaway) 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](https://www.candyroot.com) or reach the team at hello@candyroot.com. 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.