St. Simons Island, Georgia
Elevated by a dramatic 2019 Golden Age–inspired restoration, Plantation at Sea Island is a premier regional play sporting strategic interest, pristine conditions, and a closing stretch worthy of the PGA Tour. It may play second fiddle to Seaside in the rankings, but you’ll find a true test of placement, boldness, and nerve, especially where the marshes and live oaks close in.
Plantation is a masterclass in marrying Golden Age inspiration with Lowcountry beauty and modern playability. The routing transitions from moss-draped oaks and tight corridors on the front to marshland panoramas and wind-exposed holes on the back. The Love/Sherman redesign delivers classical features—deep coffin bunkers, bold plateau greens, squared and bulkheaded edges, and a strategic mix of risk-reward options that force choices from every tee. It’s a course where choosing your angle matters as much as pure length, and where every approach is framed by clever hazard placement and visually striking landforms.
Davis Love III’s love for classic design and site-specific touches ensures every element feels both historic and relevant to modern play.
One of the main scoring chances on Plantation, this reachable par 5 offers dramatic risk-reward. Your second shot tempts a big play over water and bunkers, but the angled green is protected by deep hazards.
Long hitters can attack in two, but smart positioning off the tee and careful layup pay dividends for safer birdie attempts.
Water left, deep bunkers, and an awkward approach angle can derail aggressive plans in a heartbeat.
Immaculate, tour-level surfaces and crisp presentation year-round.
Relaxed resort speed, usually 4–4.5 hours, with attentive service and caddie options.
Classic luxury resort atmosphere—polished, welcoming, and quietly prestigious.
Collared golf shirts, proper shorts/slacks, and soft spikes—Sea Island resort standard.
The greens reward precise yardages and spin control; short game tune-up is key to scoring.
Back-nine holes play much tougher with coastal breezes—adjust shot selection accordingly.
Sea Island expects collared shirts and golf-appropriate clothing—don’t show up underdressed.
Take advantage of the walking/caddie program to enjoy the course’s finer details and improve course management.
Land purchased by Tom Hitch for Sea Island resort
Plantation Course opens as original nine by Walter Travis
Second nine debuted, designed by Dick Wilson
Course dramatically reimagined by Davis Love III, Mark Love, and Scot Sherman
Plantation once lived in the shadow of its more famous Seaside sibling, but the 2019 Love-led revival gave it an identity all its own—with Travis/Raynor-inspired bunker lines and bold green sites that now make it a highlight of any Sea Island stay.
Davis Love III, a Sea Island resident, brought a personal touch to the 2019 redesign—blending respect for Travis and Wilson with contemporary flair, ensuring the course feels authentically rooted in the island’s landscape and golf heritage.
The closer you get to the marshes, the more the stakes rise—nowhere more so than at the 18th, where the RSM Classic’s drama often plays out beside a slithering water hazard that tempts heroics and punishes greed.
Though Walter Travis tragically did not live to see all his original plans unfold, his philosophy—precision, strategic angles, and artful challenge—now echo throughout every bunker and swale on the modern Plantation.
Walter Travis’s original nine was his final design before his passing.
The 2019 Love redesign featured coffin bunkers influenced by Macdonald/Raynor imagery.
Plantation and Seaside co-host the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic—a rare two-course setup.
Live oaks, Spanish moss, and marsh eco-systems define the visual look and challenge.
The closing stretch has produced playoff drama and late-round heroics during Tour events.
The signature course of the resort, true links-inspired test, tour host, and a must for bucket-listers.
A third full championship 18, provides a unique parkland experience with strong design variety.
Best widely bookable public option in the area—solid layout, classic coastal Georgia feel.
Public coastal option with marsh views and a relaxed, less crowded vibe.
Stay at Sea Island or in St. Simons Village to access all resort courses and enjoy premier dining and coastal scenery.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: If Sea Island Plantation Course is your kind of course, Firestone Country Club (West Course) is worth a look because it puts the same premium on presentation.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Manufacturers’ Golf & Country Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Sea Island Plantation Course.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Oasis Golf Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Sea Island Plantation Course.
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