The Seaside Course – St. Simons Island, GA
My New Years resolution was to play more golf. As luck would have it, we started off 2022 on St. Simon’s Island to celebrate one of our dear friend’s weddings, and the weather was on our side. It’s hard to beat an 80 degree day in January, especially when your golf clubs are conveniently in the car and you happen to be staying at the Sea Island resort. Routinely ranked in the top 100 courses in the U.S., the Seaside Course at Sea Island is one of the three courses that are a part of the Sea Island resort, and the one I was able to play during our stay.
Originally designed in 1929 by Harry S. Colt and Charles Alison, Tom Fazio redesigned the course which ties in holes from the Marshside course and the original Seaside routing to create what is today the Seaside course. Annually, the Seaside course (as well as the Plantation course) hosts the RSM Classic on the PGA Tour. Speaking of, over 15 tour professionals like Davis Love III, Keith Mitchell, and Harris English choose to reside and train at Sea Island. I can’t blame them, 80 degrees in January is always a yes from me when golf is involved. Not only are the three courses here top notch, the practice and training facilities are second to none. While enjoying an afternoon beer, the putting course right by the clubhouse could occupy me for hours.
Expertly manicured fairways quickly run into sand dunes and native grasses, with massive Live Oak trees adding texture to the backdrop. I opted for a caddy during the round to optimize my chances at posting a respectable score, and luckily I did. A course on the ocean means some of the best views of the marshland and scenery, and it also makes the wind a large factor to the golf and club selection process. For example, the iconic par 4 13th hole plays directed towards to ocean. This day, we were directly into the wind. My caddy advised to add 2 clubs to my usual approach shot from 125 yards which I definitely would have underestimated on my own accord. I stuck the approach to ~ 4 feet to make the birdie. The routing of the course brings the wind into play on all the holes, whether that be helping, hurting, or crossing. Red wicker baskets sit on top the pin, so no reading the wind from a flag flapping in the breeze. I would like to play the other courses in addition to the Seaside course, however upon return this one would be hard to pass up.
The clubhouse and locker room are a golfers dream. Traditional is the word of the day here. An oversized locker room with pub tables, snacks and tartan bring you back to a different era. The abundance of oak and deep colors makes you feel right at home. The pro shop leaves nothing up to imagination with a large stock of essentials, gifts for those not on your trip, and of course things you didn’t know you needed but buy anyways.
Golf is only one of the amazing amenities of the island and the surrounding area, check out Hannah’s post for our off course adventures in the Golden Isles.
