12 holes with water views

South Seas on Captiva Island along Florida’s Gulf Coast is preparing to debut The Clutch, a 12-hole short course designed by Beau Welling that will open for play later this year. The new golf offering is part of the continued rebuilding process at South Seas following the devastation of Hurricane Ian.

Nestled between beach views and native landscapes, the short course has been designed with playability and enjoyment in mind. A homage to the diverse and prominent wildlife found on the island, The Clutch is named after a turtle’s nest and seeks to foster a love of the game in all ages and skill levels.

“We are extremely proud of the course that we have created at South Seas and look forward to unveiling The Clutch,” said Welling, president and founder of Beau Welling Design. “The site is spectacular, and we were able to create a strategic and challenging, yet playable golf course that complements the beautiful surroundings with unobstructed water views on every hole. Working with South Seas, we were also able to create a unique and relaxed golf experience that promotes friends and families coming together through the game of golf to enjoy the stunning setting.”

Featuring interesting and undulating greens, The Clutch will present a challenge for experienced golfers, focusing on precision, preferred angles of play, and shot values. The course will also offer a multitude of options for those newer to the game, utilizing short-cut green surrounds and slopes that will allow players to even play with just a putter.

Work was overseen by Welling and senior design associate Chase Webb. Clarke Construction Group served as the course builder.

Key features of The Clutch:

Innovative design

The course is a testament to modern golf design and the state of the game. It encourages players to employ a mix of skills while enjoying their surroundings and promotes optionality, even offering two unique choices on the ninth hole where players can opt to play two different holes, a 76-yard hole or the shortest hole on the course at 54 yards. 

Water views

Every hole offers vistas of Pine Island Sound, Red Fish Pass, North Captiva and the Gulf of Mexico, and the course is built around three ponds that serve as a highly functioning water drainage system while enhancing the views. The coastal breeze adds an extra layer of challenge and authenticity to the experience as wind direction will alter how many of the holes play in differing conditions.

Eco-friendly initiatives

Keeping in line with the resort's commitment to sustainability, The Clutch has been landscaped with native plantings, featuring palm trees rescued from Hurricane Ian nurtured at a tree nursery and replanted. The course was designed to help improve storm water management for the north end of the resort and can withstand 20 inches of rain in a compressed time – as evidenced by the recent effects of Hurricane Idalia.  A state-of-the-art irrigation system ensures minimal water usage while South Seas follows the Florida Best Management Practices ensuring the care and upkeep of the course is handled in an environmentally-sound manner.

The Clutch clubhouse

The course is complemented by the clubhouse with outdoor seating and expansive putting course. The setting provides an option for social gatherings to enjoy the golf landscape and ocean views.

“We’re thrilled to introduce our guests to this new golf experience,” South Seas general manager Shawn Farrell said. “Our goal is to offer more than just a game – it’s about enjoying the popular sport in the most beautiful setting imaginable.”

Available to resort guests and Club Captiva members, The Clutch is a walking-focused course, while golf carts are available for accessible play. Captiva Island is connected to Florida’s mainland via Sanibel Causeway and a small bridge over Blind Pass joining it to Sanibel Island. Tucked away at the northern end of the five-mile long, one-half-mile wide Captiva Island, South Seas is between Pine Island Sound and the Gulf of Mexico.