Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort announced plans on Tuesday to implement a multi-million dollar renovation initiative for its Ocean Point golf course, an award-winning design by famed architect, George Cobb. The Resort has contracted with the Dye Designs Group (DDG) to oversee the project, which is scheduled to begin in June 2024.
The DDG was selected for its experience designing world-class courses, innovative approach, and commitment to sustainability. The planned renovations will modernize the classic Ocean Point layout to elevate the overall playing experience for golfers of all skill levels while paying tribute to the course’s original designer. A key objective of the project is to incorporate several Cobb design elements throughout the course. DDG reviewed original Cobb design plans from multiple courses to gain inspiration for the Ocean Point project.
To maximize the natural coastal beauty of the course and create an interesting design element, over 200,000 square feet of grass will be converted to sand-based waste areas. This is a common Cobb design element and a feature the DDG has used to elevate the aesthetic of premier Lowcountry courses.
The full scope of the renovations will enhance both the course design and the surrounding facilities. Bunkers on all 18 holes will undergo substantial reconstruction, with many being completely reshaped. The DDG will also be replacing most of the cement cart paths with crushed limestone that ties into the natural elements of the area and will add to the coastal charm of the course, as well as the leveling of several tee boxes. The project also includes the purchase of several new state-of-the-art course maintenance equipment units, and a refresh of the Ocean Point clubhouse interior.
The extensive modernization of Ocean Point is the latest in a series of investments announced since Seascape Hospitality Group purchased Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort in 2023.
“This project is one of many significant capital improvements planned for the entire Resort, with several already underway,” says John Scappatura, Chief Operating Officer of Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort. “These renovations will significantly enhance the overall golf experience for our members and guests to enjoy. The totality of the facilities upgrades underway embody our unwavering commitment to this area. We couldn’t be more excited about the future of Fripp Island.”
The approved renovation plans were completed by the world-renowned Dye Designs Group, led by Cynthia Dye who is following in the footsteps of her late uncle and distinguished golf course architect, Pete Dye, as well as her father, Roy Anderson Dye. The firm also includes Cynthia’s son Matthew McGarey, who has over 20 years of golf course design and construction experience. The mother and son duo are both personally engaged in the Fripp Island Ocean Point project.
Since 1922, the Dye family of golf course architects has designed, built, and renovated more than 250 golf courses worldwide, spanning 28 countries and five continents. The Dye family of experienced golf course architects is a leader and innovator in sustainable golf course design and construction. Cynthia has more than 45 years of experience as a golf course architect plying her trade worldwide and is a full member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects.
“With five holes of unobstructed oceanfront views, Ocean Point golf course is undoubtedly an architect’s playground,” says Cynthia Dye, Lead Architect, Dye Designs Group. “The premier course location coupled with its natural Lowcountry elements provide a solid foundation for our design team to elevate. We’re excited to bring our modern course vision to life while preserving historic elements inspired by Cobb’s original design.”
The completed project will further elevate the golf quality Fripp Island’s members, guests and stay and play visitors enjoy. The Resort also features the Davis Love III designed Ocean Creek course which features a modern design where five holes are edged by marsh, and another six incorporate interior wetlands, preserved and connected to the course through a network of wooden walkways and bridges.
The late George Cobb Sr. was known for his work particularly shaping many courses in the Carolinas, earning him a spot in the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2019. Among his most notable achievements is the nine-hole Par 3 course at Augusta National, designed in 1958.
Ocean Point was recently named one of the Best Classic Courses in South Carolina for 2024 by the members of the SC Golf Course Ratings Panel. The routing takes advantage of the stunning coastline of the island, earning it additional recognition as a top five golf course in South Carolina by GolfPass.
