It all started at a little nine-hole track in Jackson, SC

A watercolor illustration of two children on a golf course. One child is preparing to hit a golf ball, while the other, carrying a Wilson golf bag, is watching.

We grew up playing Jim & Lilie Golf Club, a now shuttered little nine-holer outside of Augusta that had more hardpan than grass but that we still called home. We spent childhood summers out there, from dawn to dusk, playing loops with farmers, construction workers, veterans, and retirees. At the turn we'd eat terrible rotisserie hotdogs and plain Lays chips, and we’d drink Gatorade from cans and water from the hose.

It was the absolute time of our lives.

Old Charlie is built on those memories. We're creating a place where our members can experience the same joy, camaraderie, and love for the game that defined our summers at Jim & Lilie.

Only this time with much better golf, and maybe better hotdogs too.

Two young men sitting in a green golf cart, one holding a beverage, with a golf club bag attached to the back, in a rural area with trees, houses, and a sign that says "NOT TOWER USED CARTS."
A person playing golf on a course during winter or early spring with bare trees and some green grass.
Two children playing miniature golf outdoors on a sunny day, with trees and a grassy field in the background.

Scenes from a childhood at Jim & Lilie Golf Club.

Golf is a game. It’s meant to be enjoyed.

At Old Charlie, we honor the traditions that elevate the game: respect for the course, fair treatment of fellow players and staff, camaraderie, competition, and fun.

We take our golf very seriously. But ourselves? Not so much.

This is a vacation club. It should feel like a vacation. You won't be asked to take your hat off indoors. You can change your shoes in the parking lot. Play the music. Wear the hoodie. Play that emergency barefoot nine at twilight with your buddies.

We didn't grow up fancy, and we won't pretend to be now. There are no trophy rooms, no mahogany lockers, no coat-and-tie dinners. Our only goal is to create an unforgettable golf experience for our members.

We're not here to impress. We're here to facilitate joy.

A person sitting in a chair outdoors at night, watching fireworks in the sky, with string lights hanging above and a wooden fence in the background.
Group of men playing miniature golf indoors, with one man taking a shot while others watch.
Night view of a golf course illuminated with bright lights, with a fenced patio area in the foreground containing chairs and a barbecue grill.
A man playing golf on a tee box, preparing to hit a golf ball with a golf club, with trees and a golf course in the background on a clear, sunny day.
A man with sunglasses on his head is pouring a dark amber beverage into small glass cups on a wooden table. There are white and blue bags, a cardboard box, a white mug, papers, and a cellphone on the table, with a rural outdoor background.
An electric bicycle parked on a paved road, with golf clubs and colorful hats secured on the handlebars, surrounded by a lush green golf course with trees and a distant golf cart.

The name honors two legends…

Old Charlie is named for two important Charlies in our lives:

Mr. Charlie Steed, founder of Jim & Lilie Golf Club in Jackson, SC. He built the course in 1955 on 65 acres granted by his parents. For decades, Jim & Lilie was a Jackson institution: affordable, accessible, and responsible for introducing countless working-class kids to the game. We owe him everything.

"Cove" Charlie McKinney of Altapass, NC, and our direct ancestor. A legend who had at least four wives, fathered at least 48 children, maintained an apple orchard, made whiskey and apple brandy, and went to church every Sunday with all the wives and kids. By all accounts, he got along well with just about everyone.

Old Charlie is our tribute to both men. One gave us the game, and one gave us our name.

Mr. Bill Carson talks about Old “Cove” Charlie McKinney.

Who’s building it

Cliff McKinney, Founder

I spent fifteen years in finance and helped build power plants around the world. Before that, I did almost every job on a golf course—from cart boy to club pro.

I'm building Old Charlie because I love this game and the joy it brings when shared with friends. And I’m getting a ton of help from some of the folks in these photos, and plenty of folks who aren’t.

This is a club for people who like to joke, gamble, play emergency nines, and hang around all day. If that sounds like you, we'd love to have you.

Reach out: cliff@oldcharliegc.com

Design/Build: Rhebb & Johns | rhebbandjohns.com

Engineering: O'Connell Engineers | oconnellengineers.com

Two men outdoors on a sunny day, wearing sunglasses and patriotic-themed shirts, with a scenic background of hills and blue sky.
Two men wearing sunglasses standing outdoors beside a large piece of construction equipment with a small flag and trees in the background.
Group of five men standing on either side of a statue of a golfer striking a ball, in front of a large house with columns, plants, and flowers, on a sunny day.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the party.

Routing starts soon. The course opens in 2028. Founding memberships are available now.

Old Charlie isn't just built on land. It's built on memories. Make it the club you return to.

Join us.

Become a Member