Ocean Forest Golf Club

The course at Ocean Forest Golf Club was co-designed by Rees Jones and Greg Muirhead in 1995. It’s built on a wonderful parcel of Georgia land and it closely resembles a true seaside links. Some holes are routed alongside the Hampton River and the closing holes run down to the Atlantic Ocean. There are some spectacular views to drink and the fickle wind is an ever-present hazard.

With natural sand dunes and vast expanses of saltwater marsh, Ocean Forest is a challenging course that calls for each club in the bag. The doglegged par four 16th heralds the start of a great stretch of closing holes, playing through a narrow corridor of trees. If you pass the driving test, your approach shot will need to be from the top drawer in order to find the small green, which is heavily bunkered. The best hole is perhaps saved until last. This cracking par four plays tantalisingly alongside the Atlantic gradually leading you back to the welcoming clubhouse.

Ocean Forest will be remembered warmly by the Great Britain & Ireland team who secured a 15 points to 9 victory over team USA in the 2001 Walker Cup match.