Quixote Club

Quixote Club opened in 2020 on the site of the former Sunset Country Club in Sumter, South Carolina, representing a complete £10 million ($13 million) transformation that has earned recognition as one of America's finest new golf courses. This private members' club combines world-class golf with a philanthropic mission supporting local education.

Why Play Quixote Club?

Experience a masterful redesign by Jack Nicklaus II of Nicklaus Design and Kris Spence Golf Design on sandy Sandhills terrain similar to Pinehurst. The club's unique philanthropic mission funds Liberty STEAM Charter School, making every round contribute to educational advancement in rural South Carolina.

History of Quixote Club

The story begins with Sunset Country Club, which opened in 1922 as one of the oldest golf courses in the Santee region. Brothers Greg and Lewis Thompson, owners of Thompson Construction Group, acquired the property in December 2019 with an ambitious vision extending far beyond golf.

Named after Don Quixote, the literary character who dared the impossible, the club reflects the Thompson brothers' commitment to community transformation. Proceeds from the Quixote Club are reinvested into Sumter STEAM Charter School, which serves nearly 600 students across grades K-3 and plans expansion through high school to accommodate 2,000 students.

The original course underwent complete reconstruction beginning in January 2020. The course was closed for redesign on January 2, with Phase I renovations projected for completion by the end of 2020. The £10 million investment included all greens, tees, fairways, total rerouting of the back nine, and complete clubhouse renovation.

The architectural collaboration between Spence and Nicklaus II began with several on-site visits and the evolution of a new course routing. Spence rerouted the entire back nine to continue the look of holes carved out using horses and ploughs, whilst preserving some front nine characteristics reminiscent of golf's golden age.

Course Layout & Playing Experience

The 6,800-yard par-70 layout spans 169 acres, taking full advantage of the property's sandy soil composition that attracted Spence's attention. The architect called it 'fairly rare' to find such opportunities, comparing the sandy soil to Streamsong and other highly regarded courses.

Quixote Club features strategically placed bunkers and landing areas, with each approach shot calculated. The design philosophy emphasises firm and fast playing conditions typical of classic American golf architecture. Majestic red oaks create a stunning backdrop for play, with wide fairways and long vistas inviting aggressive tee shots, whilst complex green surfaces demand exceptional short-game skills.

The routing maximises the property's natural topography, with the 11th green and 12th tee representing the property's highest point, offering views across most of the golf course. The design incorporates natural waste areas and exposed sand that give the course its distinctive Sandhills character.

Notable architectural features include strategically positioned oak trees that shape several holes, requiring precision off the tee and careful shot selection. The greens are subtly crowned, making approach shots particularly demanding and putting a true test of skill.

National Recognition

Derek Duncan, Golf Digest's architecture editor, praised the architects' approach: "The architects went in and redeveloped the site and treated it as a new course... they kind of scrubbed away a lot of the turf and exposed the sandy soil, so it has a little bit of that Pinehurst feel."

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Travel & Planning

Regional Golf Context

Within 30km (19 miles): Beech Creek Golf Club sits 16km (10 miles) from Quixote Club via US 261, approximately 15 minutes driving between Sumter and Camden. This public course offers accessible golf on the historic site of the Battle of Beech Creek. Shannon Greens Golf Club in Manning provides semi-private access 29km (18 miles) away, roughly 25 minutes via Highway 521.

30-60km (19-37 miles): Columbia's golf offerings lie 72km (45 miles) west via I-20, approximately 1 hour driving time. This provides access to multiple championship venues and resort courses in the state capital region. Camden Country Club, renovated by Spence in 2013, sits 42km (26 miles) north via US 521, roughly 35-minute drive.

60km+ (37+ miles): Charleston's renowned golf scene awaits 171km (106 miles) southeast, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes via I-26. The new Broomsedge Golf Club offers another high-end option when completed.

Consider Columbia as your accommodation base for multi-course itineraries, offering easy access to both Quixote Club and the state capital's diverse golf portfolio.

Practical Planning

Advance booking is essential for this private members' club. The club provides concierge services for corporate events, weddings, and private gatherings, including coordination of on-site cottage accommodation and dining arrangements.

The club's philanthropic mission attracts generous, philanthropic-minded individuals from across the country. Membership sales and corporate sponsorships directly support the Liberty STEAM Charter School initiative.

Transport Information ✈️

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE): 80km (50 miles), approximately 1 hour 7 minutes driving via I-20 West and I-26 East. Major car rental facilities with direct motorway access via I-26 to I-20 East.

Florence Regional Airport (FLO): 65km (40 miles) for regional connections, approximately 1 hour via US 76 and Highway 261.

Charleston International Airport (CHS): 186km (115 miles) for international connections, approximately 2 hours via I-26 and I-20.

Private Aviation: Sumter Municipal Airport accommodates private aircraft 8km (5 miles) from the club.

Ground Transport: Primary access via I-20 to Exit 116 (US 378), then US 261 south to Pinewood Road. Well-signposted final approach through residential areas.

Seasonal Timing

Spring: Optimal playing conditions emerge mid-March through May, with moderate temperatures and firm course conditions. Advance booking is recommended during the peak spring months.

Summer: Peak season runs June through August with warm, humid conditions typical of South Carolina's Sandhills region. Early morning tee times are advisable.

Autumn: Outstanding shoulder season from September through November offers excellent conditions and stunning foliage from the course's red oaks. Popular period requiring early reservations.

Winter: Year-round play available with mild winter temperatures. Course maintenance is typically scheduled during the January-February dormancy period.