Old Barnwell Secures 2031 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship
The 2031 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship was chosen by the USGA to be played at Old Barnwell.
AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 29: Katie Stephens of Charleston Southern University tees off in the second round of the ANNIKA More Than Golf Invitational at Old Barnwell in Aiken, South Carolina.
(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)The U.S. Golf Association picked Old Barnwell on March 4 to host the 2031 U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball Championship. This marks the 22nd USGA championship in South Carolina.
The par-73 course opened in 2023 and sits in Aiken. Brian Schneider and Blake Conant designed it, working with sandy soil and rolling hills that shape the 575 acres of property. Their plan blended strategic, modern ideas with touches borrowed from classic golf architecture. A 15-hole kids' course also operates there. The Gilroy, a third course, will open in 2027.
The club has pursued charitable work since it started. It works with the ANNIKA Foundation, the Evans Scholars Foundation, and local historically Black colleges and universities. These programs aim to help communities that haven't had much access to golf.
Old Barnwell has hosted several NCAA events. The University of South Carolina's Derby Matchplay happened there, as did the More Than Golf Invitational. NCAA Regionals arrive in 2027, and the Western Women's Junior Amateur comes in 2028.
“Hosting a USGA championship is a tremendous honor for Old Barnwell, and one that aligns closely with our mission,” said Nick Schreiber, founder of Old Barnwell, in the USGA release. “We are proud to welcome this group of players to Aiken and to partner with the USGA in delivering a championship that reflects our values, our community and our commitment to the future of the game.”
South Carolina last hosted this championship in 2017 at Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach. Alice Chen and Taylor Totland beat Sammi Lee and Mary Ellen Shuman, 4 and 3.
Sixty-four sides compete, which equals 128 players. They play two rounds of stroke play. The low 32 sides advance, or 64 players. Match play follows, with five 18-hole rounds deciding the winners. Champions earn exemptions into that year's U.S. Women's Amateur and other USGA amateur competitions they qualify for.
Daniel Island Club in Charleston hosts the 2026 championship from May 2 to 6.
