Fripp Island is one of the Lowcountry’s best-kept secrets for golfers. This private barrier island combines stunning coastal scenery with championship-caliber courses, making it the ideal destination for a relaxing yet challenging golf getaway. We recently had a Fripp Island golf weekend and took in a round at the beautiful Ocean Point course. We know a lot of golf-lovers, so we thought we’d put together a guide to golfing on this gorgeous barrier island in South Carolina.
The Golf Courses of Fripp Island
Fripp Island boasts two 18-hole courses designed by legendary architects. Both courses offer driving ranges, practice greens, and short-game areas. Private lessons, clinics, and junior programs are available through the island’s golf professionals, making it easy to tune up your game or introduce new players to the sport.
Ocean Creek Golf Course
Designed by Davis Love III, this course winds through salt marshes, freshwater lagoons, and maritime forest. It offers a more modern challenge with risk-reward holes and dramatic vistas.
- Links-style layout that hugs the coast: five holes directly along the Atlantic Ocean and Fripp Inlet.
- Wider fairways, larger greens with slope and undulations, water hazards and wetlands in play.
- Scenic touches: tidal marsh lines, wooden walkways, rolling dunes, and areas that feel much more natural and less structured than some resort courses.
Ocean Point Golf Course
This course features sweeping Atlantic Ocean views on multiple holes. Its classic seaside layout rewards accuracy and shot-making.
- Originally designed by George Cobb (1964), recently renovated by Dye Designs Group. The many enhancements aimed to update the architecture while preserving the classic George Cobb design aesthetic.
- Ocean Point’s Hole 9 and Hole 18 are often pointed out for dramatic ocean views and finishing holes with character.
- Features elevated tees, rolling dunes, well-protected greens, and tight approach shots. Wind plays a big factor.
- Recent improvements: 50+ bunkers reshaped, new fairway waste areas added, tee boxes leveled, native dunes planted.
- Ocean Point also has an irons-only practice area, helping sharpen precision for short game work.
- Early morning or twilight tee times are ideal (cooler, calmer winds) especially on Ocean Point.
- Check wind forecasts; ocean breezes can shift difficulty substantially. Bring club options accordingly.
- Book in advance during peak summer and holiday weekends. Less crowded in spring or fall.
Fripp Island Golf Course Prices
To play either course, you must be a member or be staying on the island. Fees can vary by time of day and course of choice. Prime tee times, such as early mornings, come at a cost of $190 in peak season. Afternoon tee times and other times of the year can drop as low as $85.
Note: Ocean Point can play longer than its yardage suggests, especially when ocean wind picks up. It was very windy on the day of our visit but I enjoyed having an excuse when my ball found its way off the fairway!
Why Choose Fripp Island for Your Golf Weekend
- Two distinct styles of golf in one resort: seaside, traditional with Cobb (Ocean Point) and marsh/woods with Love III (Ocean Creek).
- Beautiful scenery: ocean, marsh, deer, wildlife – this adds to the experience, not just the scorecard.
- Well-maintained courses, recently upgraded infrastructure.
- Relaxed environment: after your round, beach or nature, good food, leisure – it’s a laid back vibe.
The Best Accommodation For a Golf Weekend on Fripp Island
The island has a variety of vacation rentals, including villas and houses right on or near the courses. Many have golf cart access, so you can zip straight to the first tee.
The 5 bedroom home where we stayed overlooked the Ocean Creek course. We didn’t have a chance to play that course but it would have been very convenient.
When choosing a rental home for your stay, there is an advanced search option to choose a home on one of the courses. If you are visiting Fripp Island for a family vacation, you can search for larger homes or for certain facilities.
Fripp Island Golf Cart Rental
Golf cart rental on Fripp Island isn’t just for golfers – it’s the best way to get around the island!
We loved parking our car upon arrival and exploring all weekend by golf cart. The open air mixed with the abundant wildlife made every outing an adventure.
You can prearrange your rental ahead of time or rent one upon arrival. Fripp Island Resort Carts is on your right as you enter the island.
Fuel up on Fripp – Golf Eats
Ocean Point Grill is located on the Ocean Point Golf Course making it the perfect place to grab breakfast, brunch or lunch before hitting the greens. We enjoyed the eggs Benedict, omelets, and grits. They are open until 2pm each day.
On the opposite end of the island you will find the Cabana Club adjacent to the Ocean Creek course. Our lunch included wraps, fried pickles and shrimp salad. You can choose from indoor or outdoor seating, both with a casual atmosphere.
There are also options mid island that include the Bonita Boathouse, the Beach Club, Hightide Pizza, and Island Bites for grab and go options.
Sample Itinerary for a Fripp Island Golf Weekend
- Friday: Arrive, warm up with twilight round on Ocean Point, dinner at the Beach Club at the Fripp Island Golf Resort, overlooking the coast.
- Saturday: Full round at Ocean Creek in the morning, lunch at the Clubhouse, afternoon beach or practice, evening round #2 at Ocean Point or twilight.
- Sunday: Optional 9-hole game or early round, depart.
Who is this Golf Weekend for?
Golfers who want scenic variety, not just manicured fairways, course architecture and environment will love a golf weekend on Fripp Island. Players who enjoy strategic play (managing wind, approach shots, smaller greens) as much as par or birdies.
Fripp also offers a great mix for groups where some want hardcore golf and others might enjoy beach/relaxation – there is lots to do here. The Fripp Island golf courses offer a range of plays and some challenges for those who want them. And the beauty of the scenery around the courses certainly adds to the overall experience.
We absolutely enjoyed our visit to Fripp Island. The laid back vibe was exactly what we were looking for. The golfing is fantastic. And there are also sunset cruises, dolphin cruises, pickleball, tennis, pools, nature trails and activities for all ages.
Check out our family vacation guide to Fripp Island for all the details!
A Fripp Island Golf Weekend
Fripp Island has now become our favorite Lowcountry getaway. It has everything the more commercialized islands offer without the hustle and bustle of the big crowds. The hospitality was true southern fashion and the food was delectable.
It is perfect for a golfing weekend with friends, or as a family vacation where activities for a range of people is needed.
It feels like a step back in time to a simpler life where families bond and memories are made. The Spanish moss hanging from the large oaks, the golf cart rides at sunset, the expansive marsh views, the wide stretches of sand and the incredible wildlife made it easy to stop, take a deep breath and be present.
Let us help you plan your trip to Fripp Island
with our full service Travel Agency!
Copyright © Endless Family Travels – all rights reserved. Photos and content cannot be used without express permission.
Endless Family Travels is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
