Candyroot Lodge, the highly anticipated 1,210-acre public golf retreat under development in the Carolina Sandhills, has appointed Carson Shaw as Golf Course Superintendent, a key leadership addition as the destination’s first championship course advances into its critical grow-in phase ahead of preview play this fall and its official Spring 2027 debut.
A North Carolina native with extensive experience in championship golf course development and maintenance, Shaw joins Candyroot at a pivotal stage in the project’s evolution. Shaping of the property’s inaugural golf course, designed by acclaimed architect Mike Koprowski, is now complete, and Shaw will oversee the establishment and conditioning of playing surfaces as well as the broader golf landscape.
In his role, Shaw will direct golf course construction activities, lead the grow-in process, manage agronomic and infrastructure decisions, and build the team responsible for maintaining course conditions and delivering a world-class golf experience.
Shaw earned degrees in Turfgrass Management and Agribusiness Management from North Carolina State University. Most recently, he served as Assistant Superintendent at the renowned Quail Hollow Club, host of major championships and one of the country’s most respected golf venues.
“Carson’s expertise and deep understanding of the Sandhills environment make him an exceptional addition to our team,” said Candyroot Lodge leadership. “His experience developing and maintaining championship-caliber golf courses will be invaluable as we prepare to welcome golfers to Candyroot.”
Located approximately one hour from both Charlotte, North Carolina, and Columbia, South Carolina, Candyroot Lodge is being developed as a public golf destination rooted in the natural beauty of the Carolina Sandhills. Named after a native flowering plant known for its resilience and deep roots in sandy soil, the retreat is designed to celebrate the region’s distinctive landscape and golfing heritage.
The master-planned destination will ultimately feature four championship golf courses, a par-3 course with night play designed by U.S. Women’s Open Champion Michelle Wie West, design-forward lodging, and a comprehensive wellness program. The project is being guided by internationally recognized architecture and planning firm Hart Howerton, with golf courses designed by a new generation of innovative golf architects.
Candyroot’s first course embraces a minimalist design philosophy that allows the land to dictate the experience. The routing follows natural sandy ridges and gullies, utilizing the property’s dramatic topography rather than reshaping it. Small, strategically contoured greens, restrained bunkering, and native grasses are intended to create a thoughtful, old-school test of golf that rewards creativity and imagination.
Beyond golf, Candyroot Lodge is envisioned as a place where guests can reconnect with nature, recharge through wellness-focused amenities, and enjoy an authentic Sandhills experience. Plans include restorative offerings such as saunas, steam rooms, hot-and-cold therapies, fitness facilities, and miles of connected walking trails.
Preview play on the first course is scheduled to begin in November 2026, with the official opening of Candyroot Lodge planned for Spring 2027.
For more information, visit Candyroot Lodge at www.candyroot.com.
About Candyroot Lodge
Candyroot Lodge is a new public golf retreat under development on 1,210 acres of naturally sandy terrain in the Carolina Sandhills of South Carolina. Designed as a walkable golf destination that blends championship golf, wellness, lodging, and outdoor recreation, Candyroot Lodge will feature multiple golf courses, a par-3 course, and immersive guest experiences that honor the character and natural beauty of the region.
