The transformation of The King & Prince Golf and Beach Club continues, as the Beau Welling-designed golf course on St. Simons Island, GA., remains on schedule for its anticipated November opening.
With turf beginning to mature, bunkers taking their final form and signature design features emerging across the property, the future member experience is becoming increasingly visible. MacCurrach Golf continues to lead construction ,while Welling and his design team make regular site visits to oversee execution and ensure the finished product reflects the project’s original vision.
Recent construction milestones include:
● Shaping of every bunker has been completed
● Installation of bunker drainage systems and liners is progressing
● Sprigging of the TifEagle bermudagrass putting greens has begun
● Sodding of green surrounds is approximately halfway complete
“Watching a course evolve from construction plans into finished golf holes is always rewarding,” Welling said. “MacCurrach Golf has done an outstanding job bringing our vision to life. As the turf begins to establish and the strategic features become more defined, you can truly appreciate how the course fits naturally within this remarkable setting.”
The reimagining of the golf course – and original Joe Lee design – is focused on enhancing the course’s natural character while introducing greater strategic variety, playability and long-term sustainability. Improvements include entirely rebuilt green complexes, redesigned bunkering throughout the course, reconstructed teeing grounds that create expanded playing options, improved sightlines that highlight the property’s coastal marshes and removal of hard surface cart paths in favor of sandscaped edges to holes that blend naturally into the Lowcountry landscape.
Across the property, Celebration Bermuda has been selected for the tees and fairways, while TifEagle bermudagrass will promote fast, consistent putting surfaces. Sandy soil, ideal for optimal course conditioning, remains a defining element throughout the property, with the renovation preserving and showcasing this enviable natural feature.
The new look on The King & Prince includes Celebration Bermuda on the fairways
The project also reflects a thoughtful environmental approach. By refining the golf course’s maintained footprint, irrigated turf will be reduced by approximately 20 percent, improving water efficiency without compromising playability and visual appeal.
Remaining true to its original routing, the par-72 course winds beneath a canopy of live oaks before emerging to sweeping marsh vistas and finally returning inland for a memorable finishing stretch. Once complete, it will measure more than 6,600 yards from the back tees.
The project remains on pace for a November 2026 opening, representing another significant milestone in owner South Street Partners’ vision to establish The King & Prince as one of the Southeast’s premier private coastal golf and social clubs.
“Our vision has always been to create an exceptional private club experience anchored by an outstanding golf course,” said Chris Randolph, Managing Partner at South Street Partners. “Every milestone reinforces that we’re on track to deliver something truly special for our members. The craftsmanship being demonstrated by MacCurrach Golf, together with Beau’s thoughtful oversight, gives us tremendous confidence as we look toward opening in November.”
Work also continues on the Club’s practice facilities, where members will enjoy a rebuilt driving range, short-game area and putting green.
A reimagined clubhouse featuring enhanced dining, upgraded locker rooms, an expanded golf shop and inviting indoor and outdoor gathering spaces is also underway. Updates complement the evolving golf experience, with focus on cultivating a relaxed atmosphere that captures the overall vibe of St. Simons Island. Construction is underway on a new club room, outdoor terrace with covered dining and gathering space, and upgraded locker rooms and pro shop.
The King & Prince Golf and Beach Club is a reimagined private club experience on St. Simons Island, Georgia, offering a relaxed and welcoming approach to modern coastal golf. Set among tidal marshes and ancient oaks, the Club is designed for connection, playability and time well spent on and off the course. Ahead of its 2026 reopening, the Club is undergoing a full transformation, including a redesigned course by Beau Welling Design and a reimagined clubhouse. Members enjoy access to the Club and The King & Prince Beach and Golf Resort, both of which were acquired by South Street Partners in 2024.
South Street Partners is one of the largest owners and operators of private residential club and resort communities in the United States – including Kiawah Island, Palmetto Bluff, The Cliffs, Barnsley Resort, The Beckwith-Crested Butte, The King & Prince Beach and Golf Resort, PGA National Resort, Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa, Naples Grande, Crystal Springs Resort, Sole – Miami, and Residences at Salamander. It is a private equity real estate investment firm headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and Charleston, S.C.
Beau Welling Design is a full-service golf design and land planning firm based in Greenville, S.C. Utilizing a holistic approach, BWD’s client-focused design team has more than 60 years of experience. BWD has assisted in the creation and development of more than 135 golf courses around the world, including Fields Ranch West at Omni PGA Frisco, Travis Club, and Freestone Golf Club, along with notable course renovations such as Atlanta Country Club, Pelican Golf Club, Oak Marsh Golf Course at Omni Amelia Island, and Ocean Forest Golf Club.
Feature Photo: The fourth hole at The King & Prince Golf and Beach Club
Photos Courtesy of The King & Prince Golf and Beach Club