3rd Annual Golf Tournament Registration & Info
3rd Annual Gamecock Bourbon Society Golf Tournament
May 3, 2025 @ the Aiken Golf Club
10:00 Shotgun start
Back in the fall of 2022, I had the wild idea to put together a bourbon/Gamecock inspired golf tournament. Little did I know that it would become the most looked forward to event that the Gamecock Bourbon Society has each year. It’s rewarding to know that volunteers ask to come back before I can even tell them the date of the next one. Even more rewarding is seeing so many golfers come back for the 2nd tournament. That says a lot, and when you get that kind of feedback, you consider it your duty and a challenge to continue to improve on what is already a great day.
I’m pleased to announce this year’s tournament is being held once again at the Historic Aiken Golf Club on May 3 and reservations for your foursome are available! Sign up at: https://gamecockbourbon.com/
I can be a little information driven when it comes to the golf tournament newsletter, for better or worse, so bear with me.
-The Prizes-
· Winning team (Low Score)
· Closest to the Pin
· Long Drive Challenge
· Best Dressed (judged by volunteers)
· Worst Team (High Score)
· Hole-In-One (still searching for sponsor)
-The greens fee at Aiken G.C. have gone up $10 per player since we last played, but I’m keeping the price the same as last year at $150 per person.
-This year, I’m bringing 30-40 opened and unopened bottles of some of the most unique bourbons and ryes that I’ve ever shared. The leading historian of Wild Turkey whiskey is David Jennings; he and I have a relationship, and he has given me multiple bottles of rare Single Barrels that you and I would never be able to obtain. I’ll be bringing those to share with everyone, and there will be PLENTY. I’m even bringing the rest of my Chicken Cock Cotton Club 20 yr old Rye that runs $499.00 per bottle. It was given to me by Chicken Cock two years ago, and it’s time to share the rest.
-Guests and Potential guests: Over the past 2 years, I have been fortunate to have 12 current Gamecock football players and a couple former Gamecock athletes from golf to football compete with us. This year I have reached out to Grayson Greiner, Kai Kroeger, Mike Davis, Stephen Garcia, and Patrick DiMarco about playing with us. Each of them said they would love to if they didn’t have something going on that weekend, so I’ll continue working hard on getting them and/or some former players to come have a day with us.
In addition to them, and for those of you on social media, there will be some great Gamecock accounts coming to play. Cornbread Cowboi, Cocksby90, FaithAnne Floyd, Mrs. Hopkins, and Famously Garnet Sports. I’ve gotten to know each of them personally, and they are even better people than the accounts they run.
-When you get to the course, there is limited street parking; however, they do have a gravel parking lot that will accommodate all our cars. Once you park, walk over to sign-in your team and grab your scorecards and find your golf cart. There is no driving range at Aiken Golf Club, but they do have a new chipping and putting area that was not fully completed last year. Take advantage and feel the greens out.
-I recommend you begin to arrive around 9:00. Not only to settle in and get ready for a 10:00 sharp shotgun, but also to meet some great people that we have gotten to know over the last couple of years.
-I’ll have bottles of water in each cart, a sleeve of golf balls (per person), & cold beers on ice for you. We have some awesome volunteers who will be making a couple of loops around the golf course with cold beer and water as well.
-Lunch will be served on the course as there isn’t enough seating to accommodate all of us post tournament, and each player will get a commemorative crystal rocks glass with tournament logo to enjoy the whiskey during the awards ceremony. I plan to have the awards ceremony as soon as possible, so that anyone travelling a long distance can participate and still be on the road at a decent hour.
-If the Gamecock Bourbon Society Buffalo Trace Barrel has been released by tournament time, there will be opportunities to win one of those highly sought after bottles!
Further Suggestions for attendees:
-Convenient Hotel Options-
1. The Willcox Hotel - Located 3 minutes from the golf course at 100 Colleton Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801 and is one of the nicest boutique hotels in the world. They have the awards from publications like Conde Naste Travel Magazine & Southern Living to prove it. Call in advance for Vacancy at (803)648-1898
2. The Carriage House Inn – Located 3 minutes from the golf course at 139 Laurens Street NW Aiken, SC 29801. A great option for people who want to walk and wander downtown without worrying about driving. Their number is (803)644-5888
-Restaurant Options for those that want to have a bite before you leave, or for those staying in town.
1. Prime Steakhouse – Aiken’s only downtown Steakhouse has been a staple since 1999. Under new ownership and I haven’t been since the switch. It was always great before, so I can only hope for continued quality. Call for reservations at (803) 642-4488
2. Legend’s Grille- Located on premises of the Aiken Golf Club, this new establishment has everything you need to go along with convenience before you head home post tournament. (803) 226-0137
3. Macaluso’s- An experience of dining in an older Aiken home downtown by a world-renowned chef. Some of the best meatballs I’ve ever had in my life. Open air kitchen and give off a European dining experience with table close together. 10/10 on all my experiences there. (803) 262-5334
4. Mellow Mushroom – Quick and easy with a great pint list. Located less than 2 minutes from the golf course, or a 7-10 minute walk. (803) 474-8454
5. Malia’s – a staple in downtown dining in Aiken for close to 30 years, you cannot have a bad meal here. White Tablecloth. Malia and her husband own and operate this gourmet, fresh, farm to table restaurant. Reservations are likely needed, so call (803) 643-3086
Let’s make this a fun and memorable day in Aiken and on the course! If you have any questions, email or text Paul Miles at (803)270-6517 or PaulMiles@gamecockbourbon.com
*** Do not drive if you have consumed too much alcohol. We have people that can help get you to a hotel or to a place where you can sober up while still enjoying yourself. Make the right decision.***