Thanks to two local brothers, Hilton Head Island’s first golf course has just received quite the facelift.
The Ocean Course at the Sea Pines Resort first opened on the South Carolina island back in 1962. While it may have been the first of its kind more than 50 years ago, there are now more than 30 courses on the 42-square-mile barrier island today.
The original design was created by George Cobb, but that design has long since been overshadowed by new additions like Sea Pines—Heron Point and Harbour Town Golf Links, with the latter of the two hosting the PGA Tour’s annual RBC Heritage tournament.
Yet the original 5,200-acre Sea Pines Resort has been in need of attention itself. In recent years it’s been updated with a beach club, a 23,000-square-foot clubhouse, and, most recently, a 44,000-square-foot clubhouse. However, all of those upgrades might pale in comparison to the all-new Ocean Course set to open later this year.
The new course was created by Love Golf Design, which is run by Mark Love and his brother, Davis Love III. If the latter Love brother sounds familiar, it’s because he won the RBC Heritage tournament five times during his PGA Tour career.
The redesign transitions the course toward a more forgiving resort-style play, and it will feature elevated edges on either side of the fairway and expanded landing areas. “It’s not nearly as intimidating for the average player,” said Mark Love.
One of the unique features of the course will stay the same, though, and that’s the 15th hole, as it’s one of only two holes on the entire island with an Atlantic-front green.