Our Story
Our
Story
Our Beginning
In 1999 the concept of Champions Retreat was born. Sculpt 27 holes of championship golf from 365 acres of skyward Georgia pines, long-standing hardwoods and wetlands. Sprinkle in luxury accommodations to include hardwood flooring, charming fireplaces and welcoming porches and create a unique golf environment down the road from the Augusta National. Gary Player chose the Masters Champions Dinner in 1999 as his setting to recruit Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer to share in the creation of this dream.
As the Big 3, they were the most iconic figures to ever play the game. Between them, 13 green jackets, 34 Major victories and 159 tournament wins. Never before had these three each created their own individually designed course at one property, making Champions Retreat a singularly unique experience in the world of golf and their collective efforts by 2005.
“The Island Nine is flanked on one side by the broad Savannah River and on the other side by the Little River. The spectacular hardwoods and pines along the river bank have been saved and the fairways have been raised to take advantage of the beautiful vistas out in the rivers. There is not a better setting for golf in the South.”
- Arnold Palmer
“This is a nice, rolling piece of property
with mature pines throughout. Very little
dirt has been moved, which means the
course fits nicely with the existing terrain
and its surroundings. This is the kind of
site that provides you the opportunity
to design a golf course that on opening
day will appear as if it’s been there for 50
years. There is a great deal of variety in
the routing, with this nine featuring uphill
and downhill shots, as well as a balance of
right-to-left and left-to-right holes.”
- Jack Nicklaus
“The site for the Creek Nine at Champions
Retreat offered so many opportunities
for a wonderful golf course. The opening
four holes play a beautiful wetland area
while the remaining holes move upland
through native hardwood tress. The ninth
dramatically plays over and around a
large lake on the right. All level players
will finish the nine with a variety of shot-
making challenges.”
- Gary Player
Our Future
Champions Retreat Golf Club stands alone as the only property in the world featuring individually designed courses by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player — three kings of the game whose legacies are woven into every round played here.
Since its acquisition by Arcis Golf in 2023, Champions Retreat has embarked on a multi-million-dollar transformation designed to match the caliber of its courses with an equally exceptional club experience. Phase One is complete, delivering reimagined dining and social spaces within the Grille House, a new concierge and cottage check-in experience, and refreshed amenities throughout the property. Phase Two — targeting fall 2026 completion — will bring bunker renovations across all three nines, a Trackman-equipped driving range with covered hitting bays, a new short-game area, putting greens, a halfway house, and an indoor racquet sports facility.
The championship pedigree runs deep. Champions Retreat has served as the host site for the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, with Jennifer Kupcho’s inaugural victory and Tsubasa Kajitani’s 2021 win cementing the club’s place in modern golf history. Six touring professionals representing the PGA, Champions, and Korn Ferry Tours call Champions Retreat home.
Some clubs rest on their legacy. Champions Retreat is busy building the next one.
Augusta National Women's Amateur Champs
Professional Members
Vaughn Taylor
Born in Roanoke, Virginia and raised in Augusta, Georgia, Vaughn Taylor turned professional in 1999. In 2004, Taylor played his first full year with a PGA Tour card. He claimed his first tour victory after a four-way playoff at the 2004 Reno-Tahoe Open. He now holds three PGA tour victories and one Korn Ferry Tour victory.
Henrik Norlander
A native to Sweden, Norlander currently resides in Augusta, Georgia. Norlander turned professional in 2011 and in the same year graduated with a Business Marketing degree from Augusta University. At this time, he holds two Korn Ferry Tour Victories, the 2015 Hotel Fitness Championship and the 2019 Wichita Open.
Luke List
A resident of Augusta, Georgia, List turned professional in 2007 after graduating from Vanderbilt University. He currently holds one PGA Tour victory and two Korn Ferry Tour victories. In the 2021-22 season, List earned his first PGA Tour title at the Farmers Insurance Open. He comes from a family of swimmers as both of his parents were All-American swimmers at the University of North Carolina while his sisters were also collegiate swimmers.
Matt Atkins
Born in Pennsylvania, Atkins played golf at Henderson State University for one year before transferring to the University of South Carolina Aiken. He turned professional in 2013 and currently holds one Korn Ferry Tour victory from the 2017 El Bosque Mexico Championship by Innova. He secured his spot in the PGA Tour during the 2017-18 season.
Scott Parel
An alumnus of the University of Georgia, Parel turned professional in 1996 and currently holds three PGA Tour Champions Victories and one Korn Ferry Tour victory. After his win at the 2020 Chubb Classic, Parel moved to no. 1 in the Charles Schwab Cup for the first time.
Shad Tuten
Born and raised in Augusta, Georgia, Tuten turned professional in 2016. In the same year, he won the Georgia Open where he finished at 15-under for a three-shot win. Tuten joined the Korn Ferry tour in 2020 and the PGA Tour Latinoamérica in 2017. He currently resides in Naples, Florida and has been a Member of Champions Retreat since 2017.