Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort

The 1997 PGA Champion and his golf course design firm represent one of America’s most underrated such concerns, and they have been producing high-quality work for three decades going back to this, their first layout on the west side of Fripp. The first dozen holes here are splendid, highlighted by the marshy 6th through 8th and a bona fide drivable par 4 at number 4 (just 275 yards from the tips).

The final third of the course sags ever so slightly with some pedestrian holes, but there is nothing offensive here and like its sibling golf course, plays much longer than its posted yardage from all tees.

Cynthia Dye McGarey and her son Matt took on the task of refreshing this George Cobb original design, and succeeded in tying the golf course cleverly to its partially oceanside setting. Holes move between forest and beach relatively effortlessly, with exposed sandscapes providing aesthetic continuity in both parts of the property.

One impressive aspect of Ocean Point: it might be the longest 6,500-yard course in America, as the prevailing breeze tends to make the long holes play longer. The par 5s are short, so the par 3s can be bearish and the par 4s are sneaky-long because of this. The par-4 9th and par-5 18th holes, each playing along the beach, provide satisfying endings to each nine.

This was one of the best and most scenic (ocean and sound views, deer everywhere, etc) golf courses I’ve played. Fantastic layout, but very narrow in spots with small greens. Plenty of target golf required, but still fun and a fair test. All aspects were of the course were incredibly well maintained and playing it for $80 was a steal. Staff was first class and genuinely wanted you to have a first class experience. Course probably doesn’t get the attention it deserves because Fripp Island is so isolated.

I have played this course numerous times. It is a great ocean side course in a laid back resort community. Easily walkable if you desire. The course is in great condition, which is particularly impressive when you consider they have had 2 hurricanes in the past 3 years. The grass is paspalum Bermuda which was developed at Ponte Vedra for oceanside courses. Although it is a resort course, it was not built to sell more lots; it feels as though the lots were laid out after the course was routed. No long hikes between one green and the next tee. 5 holes are on the ocean or sound including the 18th which is one of my favorite holes I have ever played. For the money, this is a great value, especially in the spring or fall. Winter is usually playable but you have to expect wind.

Great layout that meanders throughout the marshland. Exceptional collection of par3s and always in perfect condition.

Great layout in perfect condition. Lots of challenging holes, but nothing unfair or gimmicky. Lots of wind too.

While vacationing at Fripp went over to see about playing. Explained to pro at the counter that I would like to play but don't enjoy playing alone. He told me if I wanted to hit some balls at the range he would see if he could get me a game as players came in.

Within a short time he came to the range to tell me I could join one of their members and his guest if I wanted.

Joined these two guys, great guys, really enjoyed playing with them.

Course was in pristine condition from the first tee to the last green. Views on most every hole of some type. Wildlife saw included deer, alligators and many birds.

Layout of course didn't seem extremely difficult to me but the other two guys seem to struggle a bit, this was due more to their golf ability than to the course layout.

The course is in great shape and is a fun an fair layout for different skill levels. They have "Wee Links" tees set up for junior golfers, which made it fun for the two kids in our group.

Yes this course is by the ocean and has some fantastic views from the 9th tee, 9th green and 18th green but if you expect pot bunkers and tight fairways (says a English links purist!) this ain't it. What is it? A great course that will challenge your game and reward you with wonderful views. It is not the longest course but don't be tempted to run straight for the tips, the holes are tight and greens tiny. Conditions are always great due to lower volume of play which also means pace is usually good too. You need to be staying on the island and need your passes to get on and at $100 it's a little overpriced but not too far off the mark. The front nine dances around a lake, moves into tight pine lined holes before coming back to the same lake and ocean front. The back nine moves inland at first, touches the coast at 14 and finally cuts through the trees to come out the ocean on 18. Great little course. And watch out for the Gators!