






June is here (already), and this month at Aiken City Lifestyle, we’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on the gentlemen who inspire, lead and shape our community. From entrepreneurs and mentors to artists and adventurers, the men of Aiken remind us that strength comes in many forms—often with a heart full of purpose. In this special Gent’s Issue, we celebrate their stories, their passions and the lasting impact they make every day.
With a guitar in hand and a voice full of soul, Luke Moore is carving his place in Aiken’s growing music scene. His blend of country, rock and Motown vibes is winning over local crowds—and you’ll get to meet him inside this issue.
Get a sneak peek at BetterMan which is coming to Cedar Creek Church this fall. It is a six-week chance to slow down, connect with other guys and dig into what the Bible says about leading, loving and living well. Think honest conversations, not lectures.
For George Bryan IV, golf has always been more than a game—it’s been a way of life. From growing up on the course to building Bryan Bros Golf into a YouTube sensation, Bryan’s journey blends talent, heart and a deep love for the sport. Meet the Aiken local who's bringing new energy to golf inside this issue.
This month also meet Chris Williams, a former Aiken public safety officer who found new purpose—and serious talent—in the world of custom detailing. His heart for service never wavered; it just found a new way to shine.
I am writing this letter in the car on the way home from a gathering of my dad’s side of the family at the wedding of my cousin’s son. My dad was one of five boys (the oldest two still living), and it was wonderful reminiscing with my cousins about what selfless providers they were and how they all spoiled their daughters. My husband was a perfect and attentive date to this occasion (as always) and is driving while I write. We will stop in Atlanta on the way home to spend a little time with our son Austin, the other man in my life. All in all, a great day to appreciate the blessing of being surrounded by good men. Make sure you take some time this month to celebrate the men in your life!
See you next month!
PUBLISHER
Gayle Bryan | gayle.bryan@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Nikita Hanif | nikita.hanif@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Carolyn McAvoy | carolyn.mcavoy@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Ashley Elvis
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Nikita Hanif, Jessica Crandall Lawrence, Ashley Elvis, Sam Radford
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Rebecca Judy
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
GAYLE BRYAN, PUBLISHER
A
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1: Staying hydrated for Earth Day festivals with drinks from Elevate Aiken. 2: The staff at Rhumba celebrating their first anniversary. 3: Ellen Luton was so excited to pass out medals as the runners finished their races. 4: Southern Pickleball Academy at the Earth Day Celebration. 5: Double the smiles and double the fun for these boys at Run United. 6:
Farken brightened the room with her stunning smile at Aiken Medical Aesthetics’ Anniversary Celebration. 7: Nick Bertelli and Ian Liston enjoyed celebrating Rhumba’s one year anniversary downtown!
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15: Dr. Britta Martin manning the champagne station at Aiken Medical Aesthetics’ Anniversary Celebration. 16: Lisa Adams had a great helper during BATT in Miss Gregory. 17: Marie Durrett led another successful fundraiser to support local pancreatic cancer patients! 18: This floral princess enjoyed getting her face painted at the Earth Day celebration. 19: These boys were excited to see the animals the Savannah River Ecology Lab brought. 20: Kevin Ard and his daughter, Alyssa Ard made Run United a family affair. 21: Mayor Teddy Milner was ecstatic to see the support of the downtown Aiken community! Photography by Nikita Hanif and Gayle Bryan
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BY REBECCA JUDY
A golden South Carolina sun cast shadows over the first tee as a group of Aiken’s local business owners gathered for their men’s day out at the beloved Aiken Golf Club. These gentlemen from all walks of life and professions came together at one of their local favorites for golf. Laughter and friendly banter quickly filled the warm southern air. Club owner Jim McNair Jr. joined right in, greeting each man by name and cracking a joke or two before they teed off and started their day. The Aiken Golf Club makes remarkable use of its 90 acres. It’s hard to believe this gem is within just a few swings of the heart of downtown Aiken. Surrounded by
towering, stately pines and bordered by Hitchcock Woods, the course feels like a serene escape despite being so close to everything. With clubs in hand and grins on their faces, the men set out, ready for a day of camaraderie and competition.
As the group worked through the front nine, they admired the history around them. The Aiken Golf Club is over a century old, first opened in 1912 as Highland Park Golf Club. Over the years, it evolved into a Golden Age treasure and is now rated the 7th best classic golf course in South Carolina among public and private courses. “Hard to believe we have this kind of course right here
in our backyard,” one golfer mused. McNair chimed in with a bit of club lore, sharing how his father bought the course and saved it from an uncertain future in 1959.
The 90-acre course offers a delightful throwback experience. At about 5,800 yards, the course isn’t long by modern standards, but it’s overflowing with nostalgic character. Small greens and strategic bunkers kept the men on their toes, leading to plenty of good-natured ribbing after missed putts. As they strolled down the tree-lined fairways, the old-world charm of the course was palpable. This was golf in its purest form, a walk through history that feels just as welcoming today.
After finishing the 18th, a picturesque one-shot hole with the clubhouse in view, the group first visited the pro shop and then climbed the recognizable stone staircase to the restaurant. The shop, filled with the echoes of golfers past and the latest gear, is as inviting as the course. Upstairs, The Legends Grille welcomed them with the smell of burgers and cold local brews. Open to the public, the clubhouse has become a favorite hangout not just for golfers but for anyone who appreciates a relaxed atmosphere and delicious food.
Over plates of food and glasses of beer, the men swapped stories, each one growing a little taller with every telling. McNair sat among them, grinning and listening, the perfect host. His pride shines through in every detail, from the immaculate greens to the welcoming staff. He has been a tireless steward, carrying on the McNair family’s legacy with passion and care. McNair often says, “We want people
“The Aiken Golf Club is over a century old. Over the years, it evolved into a Golden Age treasure and is now rated the 7th best classic golf course in South Carolina.”
to come and enjoy the history of this golf course. We want this course to feel like a second home not only for our local golfers but our visitors as well.”
That spirit was unmistakable. As the stars dotted the sky and the final laughs echoed, the men left with more than memories of a great round, they carried with them the feeling of being part of something timeless, lovingly preserved by McNair and his team. At the Aiken Golf Club, it’s not just about golf, it’s about the friendships and memories made along the way.
“We want people to come and enjoy the history of this golf course. We want this course to feel like a second home not only for our local golfers but our visitors as well.”
Aiken’s Chris Williams
Transforms his Passion into First Class Detailing
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY
Chris Williams has called Aiken home since he was a small child. His father moved their family here to pursue a career in law enforcement and from an early age, Williams felt the same calling. After graduating from high school, he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Aiken County Sheriff's Office at just 21 years old. Over the next 15 years, he dedicated himself to serving the community he
loved, working across law enforcement, fire and EMS and even spending time as a SWAT officer. Protecting the public was not just a job for Chris, it was a purpose.
But even the strongest hearts can be shaken. After the tragic deaths of two fellow officers he had worked closely with, Williams found himself battling deep sadness. It was a season of grief and questioning, and he realized he needed to make a change to heal. That search for peace led him somewhere unexpected: the world of custom detailing. What began as a way to clear his mind and find focus quickly turned into a true passion.
Williams has always believed in the power of education and training, no matter the career. As he ventured into detailing, he dove headfirst into learning everything he could. His pursuit of excellence took him to Raleigh, North Carolina, for a training event where he first heard about Renny Doyle, a legendary figure in the detailing industry. Without hesitation, Williams packed up and traveled across the country to Big Bear, California, in May 2019 to train under Doyle directly. It was there that he learned not just the intricate techniques of detailing, paint correction and ceramic coatings, but also the values of doing business the right way through quality, integrity and service.
During his training, Williams discovered The Detail Mafia, a professional group founded by former law enforcement and military personnel who took their experiences and disciplines into the world of detailing. For Williams, joining this brotherhood felt like coming home. The Detail Mafia operates under a strict code of ethics, and becoming a member is no small feat. Chris was inducted into the group in November 2020 during a virtual ceremony due to COVID-19. In June 2021 a particularly special moment came when he was presented with a skull bracelet that had originally belonged to Renny Doyle, passed down through trusted hands and eventually gifted to Chris, a symbol of trust, mentorship and new beginnings.
Williams didn’t stop there. By 2021 he became a board member of The Detail Mafia, and in 2024 he was named President, a role he still holds today. With only 175 members worldwide, the Detail
Mafia’s standards are among the highest in the industry, and Williams’s leadership has helped continue that proud tradition.
His passion for service remains just as strong outside of detailing. Chris gives back to his community by serving on the Burnettown City Council and has been instrumental in disaster relief efforts, most notably helping with cleanup and food distribution after Hurricane Helene. His heart for service never wavered; it simply found new ways to shine.
One of Chris’s proudest achievements came in 2021 when he was selected to join the Air Force One Detailing Team at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington. Working on the original Air Force One Boeing 707-120 and the historic WWII B-29 Super Fortress Bomber was a dream come true.
Every year since, he has been invited back to help preserve these national treasures, an honor he holds dear.
Today, Williams runs East Coast Custom Detailing & Ceramic Coatings in Aiken with the same dedication, precision and heart that defined his earlier career. His clients know they can trust him not only for impeccable results but for a first-class experience built on integrity. Chris often says that detailing saved his life, and his passion for the work shines through every vehicle he touches.
If you’re looking for a world-class detailer with smalltown heart and big-league skill, look no further than Williams. Experience the pride, professionalism and pure passion that make his work and his story something truly special.
ARTICLE BY JESSICA CRANDALL LAWRENCE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY
MEET LUKE MOORE, THE VOICE OF A NEW MUSICAL GENERATION
At just 25 years old, Luke Moore is carving out a sound that’s as soulful as the South he calls home. Moore is a rising talent in the Aiken music scene, blending gritty southern rock, heartfelt country and smooth Motown influences into a style that’s uniquely his own. With a guitar in hand and stories in his songs, he’s capturing hearts—and turning heads—with every performance. Whether he’s playing a smoky backroom bar or crooning at an upscale vineyard, Moore’s music feels like a road trip through America’s musical heartland, equal parts nostalgia and fresh discovery.
“The Aiken community’s been so welcoming, and they seem to connect with my sound.
The music scene is growing. It’s exciting to be part of that.”
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
I got my start in Columbia by taking guitar lessons at Freeway Music. As a teenager, I played places like Beef ‘O’Brady’s and Tin Roof. Music has always been the one thing I’m truly passionate about. Funny enough, during my first performance I ran off the stage three times before I finally got through my first song. I’ve been at it for ten years now.I initially tried to play guitar left-handed but struggled until Don Russo, the owner at Freeway, helped me switch to right-handed. That made all the difference. I’d watch and mirror him. I also studied voice with Jessica Sims. She’s part of the duo, Prettier Than Matt.
Do you remember your first musical inspiration?
My grandmother was a huge Elvis fan. She had movies like Double Trouble and Roustabout on repeat when I was growing up. Watching him and listening to groups like The Temptations sparked something in me.
How would you describe your musical style or genre?
My sound is a blend of southern rock, country and Motown. I try to bring a little soul into every set.
What’s your songwriting process like?
I prefer writing with a partner—it helps to have someone to bounce ideas off. My buddy, Bill Simpson, in Alpharetta, Georgia, has a studio in his basement where we recorded my album Making My Way. It’s available on iTunes and Spotify.
What are your aspirations for the upcoming year?
I’m focused on getting back to playing with a full band. There’s a different energy when you’ve got a group behind you. You can catch me at Southbound Smokehouse, The Alley in downtown Aiken, Three Star Vineyard in Johnston, Local Junction on Whiskey Road, Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans and Doc’s Porchside in Grovetown, Georgia.
What is it like performing locally?
Aiken’s been great to me. The community has been so welcoming, and they seem to connect with my sound. The music scene is growing. It’s exciting to be part of that.
Their shared passion for the game created a bond that would later fuel an unexpected venture, one that would ultimately help Bryan achieve his PGA Tour dream.
For George Bryan IV, golf has always been more than just a game; it’s been a part of who he is since he was a child. Growing up in a golf-centric family with a father who played professionally and ran a golf academy, Bryan’s path seemed destined from the start. Working alongside his father and spending countless hours around the game, he naturally gravitated toward the sport. Golf wasn’t just something he did; it was something he loved.
At seven years old, Bryan competed in his first tournament. He had fun learning the game, but when he won his first major tournament at age 12, something inside him shifted. The thrill of competition and the rush of victory lit a fire that would drive him forward. Bryan realized he didn’t just want to play golf; he wanted to make it his career. From that moment, he began dedicating more time to practice, focusing on improving and competing at a higher level.
Bryan’s journey continued through junior tournaments, into college golf and onward toward his dream of competing professionally. Along the way, he spent countless hours on the course with his father and brother, Wesley. Their shared passion for the game created a bond that would later fuel an unexpected venture, one that would ultimately help Bryan achieve his PGA Tour dream.
In 2013 George and Wesley noticed people posting golf trick shots online. Inspired, they decided to film a few trick shots of their own and share them on Instagram for their friends and family. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Their videos quickly gained traction, and what began as casual fun evolved into a new opportunity: content creation.
Together, George and Wesley launched Bryan Bros Golf on YouTube, creating content that showcased their skills, personalities and love for the game.
Bryan describes this season of life as a blessing. Being able to work alongside Wesley and blending their different personalities into entertaining and inspiring content was a dream-come-true. The brothers’ chemistry, combined with their natural talent and creativity, quickly attracted a dedicated following across YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. Their fun-loving approach to golf resonated with viewers of all ages, bringing new energy and excitement to the sport. Amidst their YouTube rise, another major life change was on the horizon.
In 2015, thanks to some behind-the-scenes efforts by Wesley and their pastor Matt Steelman, Bryan met Mills, the KidSpring Director at NewSpring Church in Aiken, South Carolina. They met on Halloween and instantly connected. Bryan knew at once that Mills was the one, and in 2017 they were married.
Settling in Aiken was an easy decision. Bryan loved the town’s simplicity, charm and the incredible golf community. Now, Bryan and his wife are raising two children, and Bryan often talks about spending afternoons with his kids at Aiken Golf Club, sharing his passion for the sport with them.
The Bryan Bros Golf channel continued to grow and evolve. In 2020, when the PGA Tour went on hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, George and Wesley started filming head-to-head matches against each other. This series filled a void for golf fans during uncertain times and propelled their following
“ ”
Beyond personal achievements, Bryan takes immense pride in how their platform inspires individuals of all ages to embrace golf.
even further. Their ability to adapt and innovate kept viewers engaged and excited about golf.
In 2023 Bryan’s lifelong dream came true. He played in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship on the PGA Tour and made the cut. The moment was a testament to the years of hard work, passion and persistence that began when he was just a boy swinging a club beside his dad.
One of Bryan’s favorite projects is the YouTube series titled The Major Cut where he, Wesley, and fellow golfer, Grant Horvat, take on major championship courses. Their goal is to match or beat the previous year’s cut line over two days of play. This series masterfully blends competitive spirit, engaging storytelling and a
deep-seated love for golf, offering viewers a unique and rewarding experience.
Among the iconic courses played, Bryan holds Augusta National in high esteem, describing it as his favorite course played to date. Beyond personal achievements, Bryan takes immense pride in how their platform inspires individuals of all ages to embrace golf. He cherishes the sport’s lifelong appeal and is passionate about sharing its joys with others.
Today, George Bryan IV looks forward with excitement, both for the future of his family and the future of Bryan Bros Golf. He believes that social media has not just changed his life; it has changed the game itself, making golf more accessible, fun and inspiring for a whole new generation.
He believes that social media has not just changed his life; it has changed the game itself, making golf more accessible, fun and inspiring for a whole new generation.
Cedar Creek Church is providing a clear path through a faith-driven movement helping men live life in a Christ-centered way.
In today’s world, masculinity is often misunderstood or misrepresented. With so many competing voices, it can feel overwhelming to discern what it truly means to be a man. This fall, Cedar Creek Church is offering BetterMan, a group designed to help men find clarity and purpose.
BetterManis more than just a group—it’s a movement. This series offers a clear, biblical definition of manhood that transforms every area of life. Whether striving to be a better husband, father, leader at work, or simply seeking to grow in faith, BetterMan provides the tools needed. One group member, Noah, says, “BetterMan is where men can escape the hustle of life and connect eye-to -eye with others. We all get to see that we aren’t the only ones who have struggles in life. It’s a place to sit back, relax and reflect.”
Each week, men gather for video teachings and group discussions that dive into essential topics like leadership, responsibility and spiritual growth. It’s a safe space to ask questions, share experiences and grow alongside other men who are on the same journey. Wally, another group member, says that “BetterMan was a great experience for me because it gave me a chance to speak with other men about topics that men usually shy away from. Men often have a hard time opening up and discussing where they feel they fall short as a spiritual leader.” Having others who feel this same way offers a genuine experience to open up and talk.
At its core, BetterMan emphasizes multi-generational discipleship while bringing men of all
ages together to encourage and challenge each other. Biblical masculinity isn’t about being tough or distant; it’s about leading with courage, living with integrity, and loving with compassion. When men embrace these qualities, it changes their marriages, parenting styles, work-life relationships and friendships.
Over the course of six weeks, BetterMan walks through biblical principles of manhood, from unpacking your past to planning your future. Group participants learn how to live with greater purpose, lead with confidence and love with a Christ-centered heart.
This isn’t just a surface-level study. It’s a deep dive into questions like:
• Who am I as a man?
CONTINUED >
• What does it mean to live with integrity and purpose?
• How do I lead in my home, workplace and community?
Two generations ago, men were confident in their manhood. One generation ago, many began to compromise. Today, countless men feel confused about their role. BetterMan is a clarion call—calling men back to God’s timeless and good design for manhood.
“TWO GENERATIONS AGO, MEN WERE CONFIDENT IN THEIR MANHOOD. ONE GENERATION AGO, MANY BEGAN TO COMPROMISE. TODAY, COUNTLESS MEN FEEL CONFUSED ABOUT THEIR ROLE. BETTERMAN IS A CLARION CALL— CALLING MEN BACK TO GOD’S TIMELESS AND GOOD DESIGN FOR MANHOOD.”
Each session includes engaging video teaching, open discussion and practical takeaways, all designed to equip men to live out their faith in everyday life. Mike Johnson agrees and shares his testimony to the impact of BetterMan saying, “As a young Christian husband and father this series could make a huge difference in your role as a husband, leader of your home, and father to your children I would highly recommend it to any one of any age, single or married. Men seeking to grow and know Jesus need continued fellowship and discipleship. The BetterMan series has shown me how I can be a mentor, grow myself and be an encourager in God’s Kingdom.”
Take the next step in becoming the man God has called you to be. Make space this fall to invest in your spiritual growth and build lasting connections with other men. Affiliation with Cedar Creek Church is not required. All are welcome!
BetterMan will meet at Cedar Creek Church’s Banks Mill Campus on Monday evenings starting October 6 and running through November 10 from 6:30-8:00 PM
For more details or to sign up, visit cedarcreekchurch.net/betterman.
SCHUBERT • TCHAIKOVSKY • MENDELSSOHN
BEETHOVEN • SIBELIUS • BRAHMS • SCHUMANN
All MasterWorks Concerts held at the Etherredge Center
Friday, October 17, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
TCHAIKOVSKY & SIBELIUS
Isabel Ong, violin
Saturday, January 24, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
MENDELSSOHN’S ITALIAN SYMPHONY
Laurie Baynard, flute
John Wickey, harp
Friday, February 13, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
FIFTHS OF BEETHOVEN
Albert Cano Smit, piano
Sunday, May 3, 2026 @ 3:00 PM
BRAHMS & SCHUMANN
Risa Hokamura, violin
All Chamber Concerts held at the Amentum Center for the Performing Arts
Friday, September 19, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
FROM AIKEN TO VIENNA AND BACK
Daniel Adam Maltz, fortepiano
Sunday, November 2, 2025 @ 3:00 PM
SCHUBERT’S OCTET
All Pops Concerts held at the Etherredge Center
Friday, December 12, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Saturday, March 28, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
MOVIE NIGHT!