Sea Pines Country Club unveils enhancement plan

(Photo: Sea Pines Country Club)

Sea Pines Country Club has approved a two-phase enhancement plan for its Arnold Palmer, Clyde Johnston golf course, including a greatly expanded practice facility, new designated short-game area and complete regrassing of all tees, greens and fairways.

Golf course architect Phil Smith, who recently completed a full masterplan for the 6,383-yard layout, is leading the project alongside Sea Pines Country Club General Manager/Chief Operating Officer Robbie Ames and Golf Course Superintendent Tom Metzger. Jacksonville, Fla.-based MacCurrach Golf will oversee shaping and construction.

Work on Phase I, comprising the practice facility, short-game area and re-grassing, will start May 1, 2021, and is scheduled for completion by Oct. 31, 2021. Phase II, slated for development and construction between 2028 and 2030, entails a full-scale renovation of the golf course coinciding with the installation of a new irrigation system.

“This is a significant period in the club’s history that will help create one of the best golf playing surfaces in the region and state-of-the-art practice facilities allowing our members to focus on game improvement,” Ames said. “The Phase II renovation will create a world-class golf experience for the next generation of Sea Pines Country Club members.”

(Photo: Sea Pines Country Club)

The practice facility expansion will lengthen the range floor by 50 yards, expand the depth and width of the tee area for additional hitting stations and double the size of the practice putting green. New target greens will be placed at various angles with yardage intervals ranging from 70 to 250 yards. The designated short-game area will feature a multitiered chipping green and two bunkers for honing sand shots.

Fairways and tees will be fully resprigged with Celebration bermudagrass, the PGA Tour-caliber turf used at neighboring Sea Pines Resort and at RBC Heritage host course Harbour Town Golf Links. Greens will be sprigged with TifEagle bermudagrass and putting surfaces restored to their original size, allowing for additional pin placements and improved approach shot receptivity.

“The leadership team at Sea Pines Country Club is fully committed to providing its members a world-class golf experience,” Smith said. “The 2021 upgrades will enhance the course agronomically while further elevating shot values and strategy. I’m honored to work with this amazing club to help them create a golf course and practice facility that will be maintained at the highest level.”

Sea Pines Country Club is a private, member-owned club within the gates of the famed 5,000-acre Sea Pines community on storied Hilton Head Island. The Club Course, updated in 2001 by Johnston, is a playable, 6,383-yard Low Country gem routed through Spanish moss-draped live oaks and towering Carolina pines. Its subtle doglegs and canopied corridors lead to green complexes flanked by lagoons and coastal landscapes.