ARCHITECTS
Course info
Score
Difficulty
Weather
Price
Course Report
Ocean Forest Golf Club became the youngest club ever selected to host the Walker Cup, just six years after opening, in 2001.
About
Ocean Forest Golf Club, opened in 1995 on the northern tip of Sea Island, Georgia, is an exclusive championship course designed by Rees Jones. The club is recognized for its dramatic links-style back nine along the Atlantic Ocean, challenging coastal winds, and routing through natural dunes, marsh, and forest. Revered for hosting top amateur events and offering elite exclusivity.
Caddie Tip
Respect the shifting coastal winds, especially on the back nine. Tee shots require precise placement—favor the safer side of fairways, especially into the wind. Greens are subtly contoured, so stay below the hole. On finishing holes, club selection varies significantly with the sea breeze. Conservative play often yields better results than aggressive lines.
The Main Challenge
Ocean Forest’s biggest challenge is its exposure to coastal winds, which demand creativity and precise shot-making, especially on the back nine. Strategic bunkering, tight landing areas, and firm, fast greens raise the stakes throughout. The finishing stretch along the Atlantic requires courage and careful club selection, testing players at every level.
The Good
Golfers rave about the final three holes along the Atlantic, with windswept dunes and dramatic ocean views. The routing seamlessly blends forested stretches with open, seaside links terrain, culminating in a thrilling and memorable finish. The exclusivity and pristine conditioning also make every round feel like a privilege.
The Not So Good
Access is extremely limited, and non-members or resort guests rarely get playing privileges, which disappoints those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime coastal round. Some players find the course extremely penal in windy conditions, especially with firm greens and thick marsh beyond fairways. Practice facilities, while quality, lack the scope of larger resorts.
Signature Hole:
#
18
The 18th hole, a par 4 of 480 yards, plays dramatically along the Atlantic coastline as the course’s final crescendo. A tee shot must carry a small ocean inlet, then navigate a fairway sloping away from the ocean, with a bunkered landing zone and a small, challenging green. The stunning ocean setting and wind make this an unforgettable finisher.
Clubhouse
The clubhouse features refined dining, luxurious locker rooms, and member lounges with sweeping ocean views. Service is attentive and discreet. Additional amenities are tailored to member comfort, focusing on privacy and exclusivity rather than resort-scale offerings.
Practice Facilities
Expect a full-length driving range, short game area, and putting greens maintained to championship standards. Facilities cater to serious players and club members, ensuring a private, uncrowded environment for practice. Instruction is available by appointment, but there are no large-scale public clinics or group events.
Dress Code:
Prestigious
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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