Ocean Ridge Plantation has certainly earned its spot among the premier multicourse facilities in the Carolinas, and Tiger’s Eye Golf Links was the layout that solidified its ascent to prominence.
Tim Cate’s work was long admired locally, but Tiger’s Eye shined a national spotlight directly on Ocean Ridge and Cate. This spectacular course opened in 2000 and was immediately recognized as one of the top 10 layouts in North Carolina and Golf Digest even ranked it among “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses.”
Stunning water features, sweeping waste bunkers and Cate’s signature use of massive coquina boulders provide Tiger’s Eye with stunning visual appeal, but the course doesn’t overwhelm players with its difficulty. The fairways are generous, so assuming you play from the right set of tees – there are six options – it’s very manageable, but you better be ready for the large, undulating bentgrass greens.
The par 3s, highlighted by the 11th, which features a circular green surrounded on threes sides by water and ringed by coquina boulders, are outstanding, but what makes this course truly special are the variety of intriguing par 4s. These memorable two-shotters range in length from 356 to 452 yards and always have players looking forward to the next one.
Tiger’s Eye Golf Links is one of the area’s very best layouts.