5 Things to Know: Tiger’s Eye Golf Links
With a few notable exceptions, the profile of a golf course ebbs and flows over time, and Tiger’s Eye Golf Links is no exception.
The third of Ocean Ridge Plantation’s four Big Cats courses, Tiger’s Eye opened to great acclaim in 2000 and was widely recognized as one of the nation’s premier new layouts.
The Tim Cate design was even ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest, so it’s not as if its quality went unrecognized. In the ensuing years, the four layouts at Barefoot, Grande Dunes and its sister course, Leopard’s Chase, opened, inevitably deflecting attention from Tiger’s Eye, but the spotlight has started to return to the North Strand favorite.
Here is why.
New Greens Bring New Life
Tiger’s Eye installed new TifEagle Bermuda grass greens in the summer of 2017, ensuring the course’s putting surfaces were equal to the quality of the layout. The new greens were well received from the jump, and after more than six months to begin maturing, should be in pristine condition for the area’s peak spring season.
Visually Stunning And Playable
With water on nearly every hole and Cate’s trademark use of locally harvested coquina boulders and waste bunkers, the course is beautiful. Best of all, the hazards that create the visuals aren’t overwhelming. Tiger’s Eye, which has generous fairways and large greens, is exceedingly playable. If you are looking to play a highly regarded course that provides a chance to score, this is it.
Best on the Beach?
The collection of par 3s at Tiger’s Eye are among the Grand Strand’s best. Water comes into play on three of the four, highlighted by No. 11 and No. 17. The 11th requires a carry over water and it is the course’s most photographed hole, while No. 17 plays a beefy 165 yards from the white tees and has decided more than a few matches. Taken as a group, the par 3s provide the perfect combination of challenge and charm.
Big Cats, Big Value
If you want to play Tiger’s Eye this spring, play it for free as part of the Big Cats Package from NorthMyrtleBeachGolf.com and challenge all four courses at Ocean Ridge. The 4-round deal includes the free round at Tiger’s Eye when you pay for rounds at sister courses Lion’s Paw, Panther’s Run and Leopard’s Chase. Spring season pricing ranges from $211 to $268.
From Felines to Fish
Located just across the state line in Brunswick County, N.C., golfers tend not to be as familiar with the off-course activities surrounding Tiger’s Eye, but that’s what we are here for. After finishing up at Tiger’s Eye, head to the Waterfront Seafood Shack and have the flounder. The restaurant is owned by the Calabash Fishing Fleet, and the fish goes straight from the boat to your plate, save for a quick stop for preparation at the shack. You eat outside along the water, the food is outstanding and the setting can’t be beat.
