Team - 21 Golf Club

ARCHITECTURE COMMITTEE

Brian Zager

Architect, The MacKenzie Course

Brian is a skilled architect whose contributions include collaborations with Tom Doak and the Keisers, and the celebrated recreation of The Lido. His expertise in topography, routing, and classic design principles has played a key role in adapting MacKenzie’s vision to this site.

“Our approach to the Mackenzie Course has been one of respect and curiosity,” said Zager. “We’ve worked to understand MacKenzie’s intentions and adapt them to this extraordinary site. The rolling sand hills give us an incredible canvas, and every decision we make is informed by MacKenzie’s principles and the natural beauty of the land.”

Eric Iverson

Renaissance Golf, Architect and Shaper, The MacKenzie Course

Eric is an artful course designer and shaper and is considered among the best in the world at his craft. His prolific resume includes world famous courses such as The Valley Club of Montecito, Old MacDonald, Tara Iti, Streamsong, Cape Kidnappers, Ballyneal, Sebonack, Rock Creek Cattle Company, Barnbougle Dunes, and many more. His ability to sculpt land in a way that feels entirely natural is invaluable in ensuring that The MacKenzie Course remains true to the principles and philosophy to which MacKenzie aspired.

Connor T. Lewis

Founder, The Society of Golf Historians and Host of Talkin Golf History Podcast

One of golf’s most respected historians, Connor became obsessed with golf history in 2007. His Society newsletter is a virtual compendium of the history of golf course design and its ties to the modern game.

“MacKenzie’s plans for this course were unlike anything else—nine massive double greens, a routing full of strategic options,” said Connor. “It was bold, it was creative, and then it was lost.” He will be critical to 21 Golf Club, helping to ensure the adherence to Dr. MacKenzie’s timeless principles and philosophy and documenting bringing 21 Golf Club to life.

Wes Farrell

Founder, 21 Golf Club

Wes is passionate about reinterpreting MacKenzie’s vision in a way that respects his timeless principles while embracing the modern game and the unique characteristics of the South Carolina Sand Hills. His vision is guided by years of research, collaboration with renowned experts, and an unwavering respect for the game’s traditions.

“MacKenzie’s vision for this design was thoughtful, strategic, and unlike anything else,” said Wes. “We’ve taken great care to honor his principles while adapting them to our land.”

Chris Jones

Director of Operations

Chris Jones, 21 Golf Club’s Director of Operations, attended Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he completed the Professional Golf Management program and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and achieved Class A PGA status.

Working in the golf industry for more than a decade, Chris has proven himself to be a capable leader, overseeing not just golf operations but staff training, event planning, financial management, agronomics management, course renovations, and member retention and relations. His career includes leadership roles at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grand Vista Golf Club and Marriott Golf Academy, and Hawk’s Landing Golf Club.

Most recently, Chris served as General Manager of Vinoy Club, a private club established in 1925 in St. Petersburg, Florida with 1,400 memberships. As General Manager, he led a team of more than 140 staff members and was responsible for every aspect of the operation, including golf, tennis, spa, marina, fitness, and food and beverage to ensure consistent quality, financial stability, and member satisfaction.

“Chris is an invaluable member of the 21 Golf Club team and helped us navigate endless challenges with ease, said Wes Farrell, founder 21 Golf Club. “His work ethic, integrity, and attention to detail are unmatched and have helped shape every aspect of what we are creating. I am so thankful to have him supporting 21 Golf Club and our membership in such an important role.”

AGRONOMY

Jordan Spitler

Director of Agronomy

Jordan Spitler, 21 Golf Club’s Director of Agronomy, is a skilled and respected turfgrass professional, who has served on elite agronomy teams at some of the nation’s most celebrated golf clubs.

During his career, Spitler participated in several major projects and course renovations, including complete bunker, irrigation, tee, landscape, and drainage installation. He also has proven himself to be a collaborative and effective leader, capable of directing teams ranging in size from 12 to 100 members. At 21 Golf Club, Spitler is responsible for overseeing the grow-in process and maintenance of the club’s golf facilities and grounds, ensuring they meet the highest standards expected by members and guests.

At Augusta National, Spitler served as assistant superintendent under Brad Owens for more than four years. He then continued to hone his craft at Secession and Eagle Point, two of the most highly respected clubs in the nation. Most recently he directed all greens and grounds operations at Princess Anne Country Club where he created what many consider the finest course playing conditions in Virginia. During his career, Spitler participated in several major projects and course renovations, including complete bunker, irrigation, tee, landscape, and drainage installation. He also has proven himself to be a collaborative and effective leader, capable of directing teams ranging in size from 12 to 100 members.

At 21 Golf Club, Spitler is responsible for overseeing the grow-in process and maintenance of the club’s golf facilities and grounds, ensuring they meet the highest standards expected by members and guests.

Green Tee Golf

Course Construction

Green Tee Golf has played a role in enhancing some of the most well-known, respected golf courses in the country. Earl Sanders, President of Green Tee Golf, has been a leader in the golf industry for over 35 years. Sanders and Green Tee Golf have built or renovated courses where more than 40 major tournaments have been held, including all three U.S. majors in 2024. Several new courses built by Sanders and Green Tee Golf have been awarded Golf Digest’s Best New Golf Course, including Congaree Golf Club, which was also named Golf Digest’s Best New Course of the Decade.