Aiken, South Carolina, September 16, 2025
News Summary
USC Aiken golf coach Michael Carlisle has been selected for induction into the South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame, becoming the 80th member. With 34 years of coaching, Carlisle led the Pacers to three NCAA Division II national championships and 31 NCAA Tournament qualifications. The official induction ceremony is set to take place at the Forest Lake Club in Columbia, SC. As a local Aiken native, Carlisle has also enjoyed success as an amateur golfer. The golf community in South Carolina continues to thrive with upcoming events and tournaments.
Aiken, South Carolina – USC Aiken golf coach Michael Carlisle has been selected for induction into the South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame, becoming its 80th member. The official induction ceremony is scheduled for January 17, 2026, at the Forest Lake Club in Columbia, South Carolina.
With a remarkable coaching career spanning 34 years, Carlisle has been at the helm of the University of South Carolina Aiken Pacers. Under his leadership, the Pacers have achieved considerable success, winning three NCAA Division II national championships and qualifying for the NCAA Tournament 31 times. These accomplishments underscore his impact on collegiate golf and his dedication to developing young talent.
A native of Aiken, Carlisle has deep roots in the community. He walked onto the Clemson golf team, where he earned three varsity letters. In 1980, he contributed to the Clemson team that marked a historic milestone by being the first to qualify for the NCAA Championships. In addition to his coaching achievements, Carlisle has also seen success as an amateur golfer, recording several notable victories, including:
- 1983 Carolinas Amateur
- 1993 South Carolina Mid-Amateur
- Palmetto Amateur Championships in 1983, 1997, and 1998
He showcased his skill at the national level by participating in the U.S. Amateur Championship in both 2000 and 2001. His contributions to the sport, both as a competitor and as a coach, have cemented his reputation within the golf community.
Meanwhile, the golf scene in South Carolina continues to thrive. On September 8, 2025, golfers Connor Doyal of Charleston and Michael Sims of Lexington qualified for the 2026 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball, while the medalists at the qualifying event, brothers John Hilliard Catanzaro and William Catanzaro, finished with a score of 61. Doyal and Sims secured their spot with a qualifying score of 63. The first alternates for this event are Hayes Brown and Jack Larkin Sr. of Atlanta, while Luukas Alakulppi and Alexander DeRosa from Charleston shot 64 to become the second alternates. The 2026 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball will take place from May 16-20 at the Desert Mountain Club in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Additionally, golf enthusiasts in the state can look forward to the inaugural Charleston Gamecock Classic golf tournament on September 17 at Rivertowne Country Club. Proceeds from this event will support the Charleston Area Scholarship endowment, further promoting education and opportunity within the community.
Aiken, known for its vibrant golf culture, has been recognized as one of the best little golf towns in America. Its golf community is enriched by historic courses and a friendly atmosphere, making it a desirable location for golfers and enthusiasts alike. Notably, Jim McNair Jr. has made significant updates to the Aiken Golf Club, ensuring affordable access to golf with green fees ranging from $25-30.
As the community rallies behind its golf initiatives and celebrates local talent, the future of golf in Aiken and South Carolina continues to shine brightly, driven by dedicated individuals like Michael Carlisle and the passionate golfers of the region.
FAQ
- Who is Michael Carlisle?
- Michael Carlisle is the golf coach at USC Aiken, known for his long-term coaching role and significant contributions to collegiate golf.
- When will Carlisle be inducted into the South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame?
- Michael Carlisle will be inducted on January 17, 2026.
- What are some of Carlisle’s coaching accomplishments at USC Aiken?
- Under Carlisle’s coaching, the USC Aiken Pacers have won three NCAA Division II national championships and have qualified for the NCAA Tournament 31 times.
- What notable victories does Carlisle have as an amateur golfer?
- Michael Carlisle won the 1983 Carolinas Amateur, the 1993 South Carolina Mid-Amateur, and three Palmetto Amateur Championships.
- What upcoming golf events are taking place in South Carolina?
- Key events include the 2026 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the inaugural Charleston Gamecock Classic on September 17.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Induction Ceremony | Scheduled for January 17, 2026, at Forest Lake Club, Columbia, SC. |
| Coaching Tenure | Carlisle has coached USC Aiken Pacers for 34 years. |
| Championships | Three NCAA Division II national championships under his leadership. |
| Qualifying Events | USC Aiken golf team has qualified for the NCAA Tournament 31 times. |
| Local Golf Culture | Aiken recognized as one of the best little golf towns, affordability and accessibility enhanced by updates to local courses. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Golf Digest
- Google Search: Aiken South Carolina golf
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf History
- GolfWRX
- Google News: Aiken golf events
- The Fried Egg
- Google Scholar: Michael Carlisle golf
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
