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St. Simons Island, Georgia

Sea Island Golf Club - Seaside Course

Golf Digest Top 100 Public·#40

A legendary Scottish links where wind, ocean views, and pristine conditioning create pure golfing theater on Georgia's Atlantic coast.

About the Course

Sea Island's Seaside Course is a masterpiece of timeless links golf, reimagined by Tom Fazio in 1999 from the original 1929 Harry Colt and Charles Alison design. This 18-hole oceanside gem winds through towering longleaf pines, tidal creeks, and sweeping dunes overlooking St. Simons Sound and the Atlantic, creating an experience that feels like stepping back into golf's golden age—complete with basket pins instead of flags, a throwback detail shared only with Merion.

What makes Seaside truly special is how it demands respect without feeling punishing. The back nine is nothing short of spectacular, featuring holes 13-16 that hug the wetlands and coastal sound with dramatic doglegs requiring strategic shot-making. The wind here isn't an afterthought; it's a character that fundamentally reshapes the course day-to-day. Playing an 18-hole round with a caddie who understands these nuances transforms the experience from a round of golf into an education in links golf mastery.

The course is meticulously maintained and routinely ranked among America's top 100, hosting the PGA Tour's RSM Classic every November. Yet despite its PGA Tour pedigree, the course remains remarkably playable for golfers of all skill levels. Elevated greens offer runoff areas for bounce-in approaches, and the generous fairway widths reward good drives while maintaining tension on every shot.

Important note: The course will be closed May through October 2026 for a thoughtful restoration led by Love Golf Design, preserving its legacy while introducing subtle enhancements.

Why It's Great for Groups
  • ✦Authentic links golf on the American coast—massive clamshell bunkers, native dunes, exposed saltmarsh, and Atlantic Ocean vistas create Scottish links atmosphere in Georgia
  • ✦PGA Tour host venue (RSM Classic) that proves the course is championship-worthy while remaining accessible for recreational golfers of varying skill levels
  • ✦Caddie culture is paramount here; experienced caddies provide invaluable guidance on wind effect, strategy, and club selection on this exposed, windswept layout
  • ✦The back nine (holes 13-16) is among the most memorable and visually stunning stretches of golf anywhere, with constant water and marsh views from dramatic doglegs
  • ✦Unique atmosphere and amenities—basket pins, a historic cemetery on the 9th, impeccable course conditions, and Forbes Five-Star on-property lodging options make this a complete golf destination
Courses on Property
⛳
Seaside Course18 holes · Par 70

A Tom Fazio redesign of the classic 1929 Colt & Alison layout, blending original and Marshside nines into 18 matchless holes of oceanside links golf.

⛳
Plantation Course18 holes · Par 72

A Rees Jones redesigned course winding through marsh and forest with ocean and oak vistas, co-hosting the PGA Tour's RSM Classic with Seaside.

⛳
Retreat Course18 holes · Par 72

A Davis Love III and Mark Love design offering dramatic and challenging golf surrounded by Georgia Longleaf pines and native oaks.

✦
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Key Details
💰
Green Fees
$310–$425/person est.
🚶
Walking Friendly
Yes
🎒
Caddies Available
Yes
📅
Best Time to Visit
October-November and March-May offer ideal conditions: comfortable temperatures (high 70s-low 80s), lower humidity, and manageable crowds. October-November is prime season for Seaside's PGA Tour RSM Classic and features pleasant fall weather. Avoid summer (June-August) due to heat and humidity exceeding 85°F with frequent afternoon storms, and avoid the course May-October 2026 due to restoration closure. Winter (December-February) offers quieter play with mild temps (60s daytime), though wind can be fierce and green fee rates are lowest January-February.
LinksOcean ViewsBucket ListCaddies AvailableResortChampionshipPGA TourMajor VenueWaterfrontHistoric
Stay on Property
Sea Island Resort offers multiple on-property lodging options: The Lodge (Forbes Five-Star boutique hotel with 24-hour butler service, nestled between Plantation and Seaside courses), The Cloister (beachfront Spanish Mediterranean-style resort with spa and beach amenities), Sea Island Cottages (six golf cottages with 14 rooms overlooking Sound and Ocean), and off-property The Inn (85-room casual hotel with heated pool, breakfast, and Topgolf facility, 10-minute drive away).

Sea Island Resort offers multiple on-property lodging options: The Lodge (Forbes Five-Star boutique hotel with 24-hour butler service, nestled between Plantation and Seaside courses), The Cloister (beachfront Spanish Mediterranean-style resort with spa and beach amenities), Sea Island Cottages (six golf cottages with 14 rooms overlooking Sound and Ocean), and off-property The Inn (85-room casual hotel with heated pool, breakfast, and Topgolf facility, 10-minute drive away).

Nearby Lodging