Golf Course Scouting Report: Sea Island Golf Club (Seaside Course)

Okay, I was all ready to rip Sea Island Golf Club to pieces for being unworthy of a PGA TOUR stop; I have cooled off on that a little bit, but I still find this to be one of the least interesting venues on the PGA TOUR schedule.

As I discuss on my podcast, Linksworms, the first two rounds of the RSM Classic are played on both the Seaside Course and the Plantation Course (which I believe to be far superior) at Sea Island Golf Club, but this article focuses on the former as it is the sole host for the weekend rounds.

Overall: 5.00 - The Seaside Course at Sea Island Golf Club is extremely scenic but possesses few special qualities to give it merit as a host for the best players in the world.

Memorable Holes: 5.0

Despite the beautiful natural marshlands, tropical scenery, and legendary design pedigree, this Harry Colt/C.H. Alison design (renovated by Tom Fazio) doesn't have much to offer in the way of standout holes. The par threes are solid, which we'll get to later, and there are a couple holes on the back nine that inspire excitement; in particular, the 13th and 14th are both par fours that hug the wetlands to the left, creating stressful tee shots and approaches. Beyond that, there isn't much to write home about.

Interest: 5.0

From an intrigue standpoint, the Seaside Course is very average. There aren't many exciting or unique shots throughout the course of a round. The track does possess a couple traits, however, which help make things a bit more interesting. The bunkers are large, sand-faced, and somewhat deep (some of them, anyway), and several greens are bordered by tightly-mown runoff areas. The 582-yard par-five seventh is a particularly interesting hole as it features water down the right side off the tee with more water tight to the right and back of the green.

Par Threes: 6.0

The short holes are the strength of the Seaside Course as they at least pose some challenge. The 204-yard third plays to a raised green with shaved runoffs on all sides. A bunker guards the front and there is water to the left. Measuring 179 yards, the sixth is similar to the third - it features a plateau green with a bunker guarding the front. The 223-yard 12th is yet another plateau green with shaved runoffs on all sides; a bunker guards the right and water lurks at the front left. The 192-yard 17th is arguably the best of the bunch; it has a very shallow green with two enormous bunkers guarding the front and a steep closely-mown runoff behind.

Difficulty: 4.0

This golf course does not create much of a challenge for professional golfers. It is short at barely over 7,000 yards, yet it does not present the strategic challenges and stiff penalties for inaccuracy the way other short TOUR courses do, such as the nearby Harbour Town Golf Links. Forecasted windy conditions during the first two days may provide some defense, but if the wind lays down, we may see someone approach the record-breaking 29-under par posted by Ludvig Aberg last year.

Finish: 5.0

The final three holes on the Seaside Course aren't terrible but they don't offer anything special. The 407-yard 16th is a somewhat interesting par four that features a carry over water that may come into play if players use less than driver off the tee. The shallow green is angled almost horizontally to the fairway and is guarded by a large bunker in front and tightly-mown runoffs on all sides. The aforementioned 17th is a legitimately solid par three late in the round. The 18th is a difficult 470-yard par four. The fairway is generous, but the green is narrowed and tightly guarded by a bunker on each side. The hole has a unique semi-blind tee shot to a camel's-back landing area and provides a moderate challenge at the finish.

For the criteria used to determine these ratings, please click here.