Candyroot Lodge, described by proprietors Aaron and Ethan Oberman as an “elevated golf retreat,” is an ambitious public golf project situated in the Sandhills of Jefferson, South Carolina. While the first of four planned courses, designed by Mike Koprowski, is slated for a full opening in 2027, the destination, located an hour from Charlotte, N.C., and Columbia, S.C., is already generating significant anticipation.
Adding to its allure, U.S. Women’s Open Champion Michelle Wie West will design her inaugural golf course at Candyroot Lodge. Titled “Sweet Tooth,” this par-3 layout is being developed in collaboration with Koprowski.
Aaron Oberman, a former college athlete and software executive, shared insights into the lodge’s inception and future:
What defines an “elevated golf retreat”?
Oberman explained that for them, an “elevated golf retreat” signifies an exceptional experience from the moment a tee time is secured until guests depart. They aim to bring the comfort and warmth of a private club to public golf, ensuring every guest feels valued and cared for, enhancing the overall experience through superior hospitality.
Land Acquisition and Vision
Following the sale of his business in 2023, Oberman was inspired by his involvement with Broomsedge, a private golf club. Mike Koprowski, who designed the Broomsedge course, presented him with a nearby parcel of land in the Sandhills, believing it ideal for an exceptional golf course. This led Aaron and his brother Ethan to acquire the surrounding 1,200 acres, forming Candyroot Lodge. They identified a significant gap in high-quality public golf access, especially with strong demand near Charlotte and Columbia.
Guest Experience Goals
The Obermans want guests to remember Candyroot Lodge as a place that is seamless, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed. The objective is to create a connected and relaxed experience, from course layout to the flow between golf, practice areas, and amenities. They are intentionally developing a public golf destination that reflects the evolving nature of the game, offering a timeless retreat for relaxation and memory-making across generations.
Development Timeline and Public Access
The vision for Candyroot Lodge began to materialize in 2025, when Mike Koprowski presented the initial 350-acre parcel. The concept rapidly expanded, with preview play scheduled for November. The decision to make the golf course public was integral to their vision from the start, aiming for accessibility and openness for all golfers. The strong demand for quality public golf in the Carolinas, coupled with the lodge’s accessible location, positions it as a key destination for both regional players and international travelers.
Currently, plans are for the first three courses to be public, with potential for more depending on demand.
Mike Koprowski’s First Course
Oberman expressed excitement about golfers experiencing the natural character of the Sandhills through Koprowski’s design. The first course emphasizes natural movement and variety with serpentine fairways, ridgeline greens, and a focus on ground game strategy. The design is deeply connected to the land, allowing terrain to dictate strategy. The course features small, intriguing greens, minimal bunkering, and natural landforms that add visual deception and strategic depth, creating an old-school, thought-provoking golfing experience.
Wellness Integration
Wellness at Candyroot Lodge is envisioned as a natural extension of the overall experience. Future amenities will include hot-cold therapy, strength training facilities, and interconnected trails, offering guests opportunities for recovery, movement, and connection with nature, complementing world-class golf.
Opening and Future Development
Preview play for the first course is slated to begin in November 2026, with a formal opening in spring 2027. While lodging is a long-term plan, its development will depend on demand. Construction of the second course is planned for late 2027, though the immediate focus remains on completing the first course and ensuring an exceptional guest experience from day one.
