The King & Prince Golf and Beach Club on St. Simons Island, Georgia, will reopen for member play Nov. 23 as the completion of the first phase of a multi-year renovation to the coastal property. The golf course was totally reimagined by architect Beau Welling.
The work to the course included rebuilt green complexes, redesigned fairway bunkering, fresh tees, expanded playing options and better sightlines across coastal marshes. Welling focused on enhancing the strategic variety, playability and long-term sustainability of the Lowcountry layout originally designed by Joe Lee, opened in 1989 and now owned by South Street Partners. Welling was able to reduce irrigated turf by 20 percent at the club.
The King & Prince Golf and Beach Club is primarily
private but does accept limited guest play from the nearby King & Prince Resort and Club, which also is receiving a renovation that will be complete in May of 2027.
“Working with South Street Partners and the entire King & Prince team on this project has been incredibly rewarding,” Welling said in a media release announcing completion of the project. “The property has wonderful natural features, from its live oaks and sandy soils to the marsh views that define this part of the Georgia coast. We wanted to build on those strengths while introducing more strategic variety and creating a course that members will enjoy playing and discovering for years to come.”
The work to the club’s golf offerings also included a rebuilt driving range, short-game area and practice green. The clubhouse also was updated, as was the restaurant in partnership with chef and restaurateur Ford Fry.
“We’re incredibly excited for our members to experience everything that has been thoughtfully planned at The King & Prince Golf Club,” Chris Randolph, managing partner at South Street Partners, said in the media release. “From the golf course improvements to the new practice facilities and the renovated clubhouse, this first phase captures our vision to create an exceptional private club in keeping with the character of St. Simons Island while delivering a truly unique member experience.”
Jason Lusk is Golfweek's travel and golf course architecture editor, as well as the print magazine's creative director. He has written for and designed Golfweek for more than two decades.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Coastal golf course with royal name wraps up renovation in Georgia
