The Bryan Brothers, the golf-loving duo known for their incredible skill and infectious on-camera personalities, have taken their passion for the game to a whole new level. They are part-owners and operators of the Solina Golf Course, located in their hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. This article will walk you through the story behind their course, the vision they have for it, and what their approach to golf can teach you about your own game.
Setting the Record Straight: The Bryan Brothers and Solina Golf Course
To be clear from the start, George and Wesley Bryan didn't purchase a world-famous resort or a high-end private club. Their investment is something far more personal and, arguably, more impactful for the everyday golfer. They are the proud part-owners and primary operators of Solina Golf Course, a nine-hole, par-3 track in Columbia, South Carolina.
This isn't just a business venture, it's a passion project rooted in their love for the game and their community. The course, formerly known as "The Spur at Northwoods" and "Par 3 West" before that, had fallen into disrepair. For the Bryan family, restoring it was a chance to give back and create a fun, welcoming hub for golf in the area where they grew up. Their father, a respected golf instructor, instilled in them a grassroots love for the game, and Solina is the physical embodiment of that philosophy. They are personally involved in everything from mowing greens to planning events, documenting their entire journey on their popular YouTube channel.
Why a Par-3 Course? A Genius Move for Golfers
As a golf coach, the decision to invest in a par-3 course is one I greatly admire. While many players dream of owning a sprawling 18-hole championship layout, the Bryans' choice is a masterclass in understanding what truly grows the game and helps players improve.
Here’s why a par-3 course like Solina is so valuable:
- It's Accessible for Everyone: New golfers can feel overwhelmed on a 7,000-yard course. A par-3 layout removes the pressure of hitting a 250-yard drive. It allows beginners to learn the fundamentals - grip, posture, alignment, and basic swing motion - without the intimidation of long holes.
- It Hones Scoring Skills: Golf is won and lost from 150 yards and in. A par-3 course forces you to focus exclusively on your iron play, wedge shots, and putting. For experienced players, it’s the perfect place to dial in distances, practice shot-shaping with irons, and sharpen the short game. You simply can't hide from your scoring clubs.
- It's Time-Friendly: One of the biggest obstacles for golfers is time. A full 18-hole round can take five hours. You can play nine holes at Solina in about 90 minutes. This makes the game more practical for people with busy family and work schedules.
The Bryan Brothers recognized that a well-maintained par-3 could serve their entire community, from the junior golfer hitting their first shots to the scratch player grinding on their wedges. It’s an inclusive model that puts fun and improvement at the forefront.
"The Bryan Method": Lessons from Their Approach to Course Management
Watching the Bryan Brothers transform Solina offers a fantastic blueprint not just for owning a course, but for approaching the game of golf itself. Their philosophy is less about creating an impossibly difficult test and more about engineering an enjoyable experience. Here are a few key takeaways you can apply to your own mindset on the course.
Lesson 1: Prioritize Fun and Playability
The very first thing George and Wesley focused on was improving the greens. They knew that no matter how good the layout, golf is demoralizing on bumpy, inconsistent putting surfaces. By investing in the quality of their greens, they made the experience more rewarding. A well-struck putt that rolls true reinforces good technique and makes the game more enjoyable.
Your Takeaway: Seek out courses that are fun to play, not just ones that are known for being difficult. Playing on well-maintained greens builds confidence. Just as importantly, adopt a fun-first mindset. The goal of a round of golf isn't just a score, it's to enjoy yourself. The Bryans' channel thrives because they are always laughing, trying creative shots, and competing in enjoyable formats. Bring that same energy to your weekend foursome.
Lesson 2: Focus on an Elite Short Game Practice Area
Alongside the course itself, significant effort went into building a top-tier short game area. They understood a fundamental coaching concept: meaningful practice is how golfers get better. A great practice facility allows players to work on the exact shots they’ll face on the course - chipping, pitching, and bunker play.
Your Takeaway: Your improvement is directly tied to the quality of your practice. Don't just mindlessly beat balls at the driving range. Spend at least 50% of your practice time on and around the green. Develop a routine: hit ten 5-foot putts, ten 30-foot lag putts, ten chips from a tight lie, and ten pitches over a bunker. This is the kind of focused practice that translates into lower scores, and it’s precisely the kind of work the Bryans are enabling golfers to do at Solina.
Lesson 3: Build a Welcoming Community
Solina isn't a stuffy, exclusive club with a strict dress code. It’s a place designed to feel like home. The Bryans have fostered a laid-back atmosphere where kids are welcome, music might be playing, and innovative event formats are encouraged. It’s a "come as you are" environment built on a shared love for the game.
Your Takeaway: Golf is better when shared. Find a group of players who you genuinely enjoy spending time with, regardless of their skill level. Don't be afraid to break from traditional stroke play. Try a two-person scramble, a best-ball match, or even one of the wild challenges the Bryan Brothers popularize. Creating a supportive and low-pressure environment for yourself and your playing partners is one of the best ways to stay passionate about the sport.
Who Are the Bryan Brothers?
For those less familiar with their backstory, George and Wesley Bryan are more than just golf course operators. They rose to internet fame through their self-titled YouTube channel, "Bryan Bros Golf," where they showcase their phenomenal skills in a series of trick-shot videos, challenge matches, and vlogs.
Both brothers are exceptionally talented. Wesley Bryan played his way through the ranks and onto the PGA Tour, winning the 2017 RBC Heritage. He’s known for his incredible hand-eye coordination and an unorthodox, self-taught swing. George, equally skilled, has competed professionally on various mini-tours and continuously documents his journey to reach the highest levels of professional golf.
Their online success stems from their authenticity. They are relatable, funny, and incredibly open abouttransparent about the highs and lows of playing golf for a living. Their decision to purchase and renovate Solina Golf Course is a natural extension of who they are: two guys who truly love golf and want to share that passion with as many people as possible.
Final Thoughts
The Bryan Brothers are part-owners and hands-on operators of Solina Golf Course in Columbia, South Carolina. Through this project, they are revitalizing a community gem and championing a vision of golf that is fun, accessible, and focused on helping players improve their scoring skills.
Just as the Bryans have broken down the barriers to a well-maintained, enjoyable round of golf, our mission is to break down the walls to expert golf knowledge. With Caddie AI, you have an expert caddie and coach in your pocket, 24/7. When standing on a new tee, you can get a simple, smart strategy for the hole. If you find yourself in a tough lie in the rough, you can even snap a photo, and I'll analyze the situation to tell you the best way to play it - taking the guesswork out of the situations that cost you the most strokes.