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Beaufort CoursesCountry Club of Beaufort at
Pleasant Point Russell Breeden designed this 18-hole course in 1970. The private sea-island community is set among lakes, saltwater marshes and a deepwater river just a few miles from the historic city of Beaufort. Fairways and greens are bermudagrass. Nature is on display here with occasional young marsh deer bounding along and almost 100 acres of lakes and wide salt marsh adding to the beauty and difficulty of play. Five- to 15-foot elevations sometimes bring a big surprise between tee and green. The signature hole is the 18th, a slight dogleg left with a lagoon on the right and oaks on the left--a beautiful and difficult par 4 that returns to the clubhouse. The 7th hole requires a carry over water on the right and offers a special challenge to a golfer who needs the roll. Some of the long par 4s are favorites for the long hitters, such as 10, where the drive should go straight and narrow followed by a creative approach shot that must avoid the sand traps and oak trees. A driving range and a putting, chipping and sand practice area are available. You'll also find club rentals, a pro shop, bar and snack bar. Walking is allowed. Rates begin at $30 for summer afternoon play, including cart. Ocean Creek Golf Course This fabulous 18-hole course, which opened in October 1995, was the first signature course design of Davis Love III. The rolling dunes and marshlands are on the southern tip of Fripp Island, just past the Ocean Point course. Encompassed within the course are the sites where scenes of the movies Forrest Gump and Jungle Book both were filmed. You won't recognize either, especially the 5th hole, where Forrest Gump's Vietnam scenes were shot. (The movies preceded the golf course.) Greens are tifdwarf, and fairways are 419 bermudagrass. Wooden bridges and walkways connect the fairways, and five holes line the marsh. No. 1 is a par 5, a dogleg left of 495 yards where you play up to a small hill. From that point, you are about 175 yards to the pin on an undulating green, guarded on the front by a large trap. No. 3 is a 159-yard par 3 where you must shoot over a small creek, and its green is undulating and guarded by the obligatory traps on the left and right. The water will only come into play if you have a short slice. It's a beautiful hole with palm trees in the back, and all the fairways are bordered by a mixture of palms, pines and old oaks; bunkers are clean white sand. No. 4 is another great hole. It's 260 yards, and you can expect a crosswind. No. 6 is considered the signature hole, a par 3 surrounded by natural vegetation and salt marsh. The clubhouse is done in tropical colors of melon and green like a splash of summer sherbet flavored in the Caribbean and flung across the South Carolina landscape. Palm trees and hibiscus wrapped around the course lend it the vacation air. Fripp Island is private, but tee times are available to resort guests far in advance. Don't be intimidated by the guard because you can visit the welcome center for a daily pass to the golf course. A driving range, putting green and beverage cart are available. Walking is allowed. Approximate greens fees with cart range from $45 to $50--a deal for a premier course. Ocean Point Golf Links The 18-hole George Cobb course was built in 1964. It was closed during the winter of 1996 for rebuilding and returned for the late 1996 and 1997 seasons in great shape. Mounding was added along with an emphasis on the views of the dunes along the Atlantic Ocean. It's a private course open to resort guests, and attractive golf packages are available for every season. (See our Close-up in this chapter about booking a family vacation on this resort.) Greens are tifdwarf and fairways are 419 bermudagrass. The 18th, a 486-yard par 5, is the signature hole. It's right on the ocean, bordered by the Fripp Inlet. Typical of an oceanside hole, it's usually windy here. Another classic hole is the 9th, a 365-yard par 4 that also borders the beach; you can expect the ocean breeze to affect the flight of your golf ball. Tight fairways are sandwiched by generous water and woods. Many of the holes have ocean views so beautiful they are a potential distraction to the golfing, but your best judgment is required to succeed on this course. A practice green, driving range, rental clubs, pro shop, bar, restaurant and beverage cart are available. Private and group lessons are offered by the director of golf, the head professional and first assistant or by the second assistant, at varying price ranges per lesson or for a package of six lessons. Video and playing lessons also are available. Call for information about custom fitting also. Walking is allowed. Approximate greens fees, including cart, range from $45 to $60. Ask about a summer afternoon delight--golf related. On Fripp Island, tennis, boating, beach activities and fine dining are all within easy access, so you won't need to venture off the island unless you are easily bored by one of the world's most gorgeous exclusive golf resort experiences. You'll drive through Beaufort on the way here, and you'll notice additional dining and touring available for anytime before or after your island adventure. Royal Pines Golf & Country
Club Pines Course The 18-hole Pines Course, built in 1969, winds through tall pine trees mixed with moss-draped native trees. It is notable for its par 4 doglegs, and the layout stretches to near 6900 yards from the blue tees. The starting hole is the signature, a 90-degree dogleg left. While the Pines Course is one of the region's challenging layouts, it is not demanding, and players of all levels can enjoy their round. Walking is allowed. Approximate greens fees including cart are $22 during afternoons and $25 during mornings. Marsh Course The Marsh Course is noted for its beautiful old live oaks and Spanish moss. Numerous lagoons and ponds dot the course lending charm and some challenge to the idyllic natural setting. It's not a demanding layout, and the average golfer can score well on this fun course, which was built in 1955. No. 18 is a great finishing hole with a well-bunkered elevated green. Both courses at Royal Pines were designed by Southern Turf Nurseries with bermudagrass fairways. The club requires advance tee times of 48 hours for both courses. Amenities include practice greens, driving range, pro shop, club rental, restaurant for lunch and dinner and a lounge. Walking is allowed. Approximate greens fees including cart are $30 afternoons and $35 mornings.
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