The original Big Cat Course at Ocean Ridge Plantation – Lion’s Paw Golf Links – continues to leave golfers purring with delight.
A Willard Byrd design, Lion’s Paw paved the way for the other three spectacular courses at Ocean Ridge and, 25 years after its opening, still has plenty of “bite”, highlighted by four sets of tees that stretch as far as 7,003 yards.
The secret to successfully taming this magnificent beast? Find the fairway, particularly on the par 4s, where trouble often lurks in the form of water features and natural wetlands. Playing from the short grass will position you to attack the MiniVerde greens with gusto.
Playing from the white tees – 6,457 yards – you will have ample opportunity to Chase Birdies with this Big Cat, as only one of the four par 5s plays in excess of 500 yards.
Conversely, the stout par 3s collectively represent the layout’s toughest challenge, as three of the four holes play at least 175 yards. Speaking of par 3s, the equally striking 3rd and 17th holes are among the course’s most memorable.
The third hole features a forced carry over a large lake to a wide, shallow green crowned by three small round bunkers, giving it the appearance of being a giant Lion’s Paw print. The 154-yard 17th features a tiny green surrounded on three sides by water, for a virtual island green effect.