Ocean Forest GC nears finish line of major project

Ocean Forest Golf Club is nearing completion of a significant enhancement project handled by Landscapes Unlimited in collaboration with Beau Welling Design.

Located in Sea Island, on Georgia’s southeastern coast, the private Ocean Forest is re-constructing all 18 tee and green complexes with more than 37 acres of new grass surfaces, as well as reimagining fairway bunkers. Installation of a new, wall-to-wall, state-of-the-art irrigation system will also conclude in July. The course will re-open this fall.

Landscapes Unlimited worked closely with club superintendent Lucas Walters, USGA agronomist Jordan Booth, and BWD Group Partners.

Owned by Sea Island Company, Ocean Forest’s restoration will enhance a stellar golf course: Many holes feature Atlantic Ocean views, some meander through woodlands, and fairways laterally traverse several rumples of dunes — some as high as 18 feet — through a pine-covered delta formed where the Hampton River flows into the ocean.

The 7,321-yard course opened in 1995, hosted the 2001 Walker Cup, and will host the 20th Jones Cup Invitational in 2024.

“The teamwork of Beau Welling and Landscapes Unlimited is, hands-down, all-star caliber,” Walters said. “They work with speed and precision on a design that prioritizes golfer enjoyment along with efficiencies for the maintenance crew.”

Landscapes Unlimited chief development officer Jake Riekstins added that, “Ocean Forest Golf Club is a spectacular club that defines the best in coastal Georgia golf and hospitality. Our company’s field teams take pride in a job well done at this prestigious club, which is foundational to partner referrals and re-engagements.”