Anderson native brings more than 25 years of private club experience as Kawonu prepares to open in May 2027
Greenville, SC – Kawonu Golf Club has named Eric Williamson, PGA, its director of golf and operations. Williamson will lead golf operations and help shape the member and guest experience at the private, golf-only club. He will join Kawonu Jan. 1, 2027, to prepare for its anticipated May opening.
Williamson most recently served as director of golf at Charlotte Country Club. Before that, he spent 15 years in the same role at Shoal Creek Club in Alabama, where his responsibilities extended beyond golf to include member programming, caddie operations and on-site lodging.
That experience closely aligns with Kawonu’s vision for a private, golf-only club serving both local and national members.
“Eric’s years at Shoal Creek gave him firsthand experience with the golf-only club culture we’re building at Kawonu, where food, hospitality and lodging are an important part of the experience,” said Scott Ferrell, founding partner of Kawonu Golf Club. “He understands the different needs of local and national members and how to serve both. That experience, along with his leadership and connection to the Upstate, makes him an exceptional fit to help open Kawonu.”
Williamson began his career at Musgrove Mill Golf Club in Clinton, South Carolina, before joining Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte. His experience also includes working alongside architect Andrew Green’s team on a major course restoration at Charlotte Country Club, a connection he brings to Kawonu, where Green designed the 18-hole championship course.
“I could not be more excited for the next, and hopefully final, phase of my career to be at Kawonu Golf Club,” Williamson said. “The uncluttered vision to create a premier golf-only culture is squarely in my wheelhouse. I look forward to working with the outstanding team already assembled.”
A Presbyterian College graduate, Williamson has earned recognition for both his leadership and his play. His honors include the 2016 PGA Section Bill Strausbaugh Award and the 2008 PGA Section Private Merchandiser of the Year award. He won the 2013 Alabama Open and the 2022 North Carolina Open and competed in the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club.
Kawonu recently completed grassing across all 18 holes, bringing major course construction to a close. Director of Agronomy David Barrett and his team are guiding the course through the remaining grow-in period ahead of opening.
Situated on more than 290 acres near Simpsonville, Kawonu is the first private, golf-only club developed in the Upstate in more than 30 years. Plans include an 18-hole championship course, a golf house, main clubhouse and on-site lodging.
For more information about Kawonu Golf Club, visit www.kawonugolfclub.com.
Mary Catherine Strausbaugh
Hughes Agency
(864) 271 – 0718
marycs@hughes-agency.com
Bo Wood
Windsor Woods Consulting
obm.wood@gmail.com
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