As a youngster, John Scappatura spent many family vacations at Wild Dunes, the barrier island resort on Isle of Palms, S.C. Those experiences were precursors, or sorts, to his job as chief operating officer at Fripp Island Golf & Beach Club, the popular barrier island resort near Beaufort, S.C., where family recreation is its calling card.
For example, this coming Easter holiday, more than 60 recreational activities – including golf – will be offered for resort members and guests.
The best part?
“Everything is right here within a 20-minute golf cart ride,’’ Scappatura said.
That “everything,’’ includes three miles of beach, food trucks (don’t pass on the pizza), live music, kayaking, boating, bicycling and golf the resort’s two courses – the recently renovated Ocean Point Links and Ocean Creek. A BBQ smoker has been added at the turn of the Ocean Creek course.
“Golf is really popular, but families are coming for everything,’’ Scapaturra said.
All told, Fripp Island Golf & Beach Club Resort features the two golf courses, five swimming pools, 10 restaurants and a 62-slip marina with boat rental options. Since acquiring the resort in January 2023 for an undisclosed amount, Seascape Hospitality Group. has invested millions, including the addition of Camelot Farms Equestrian Center to the resort’s offerings.
The Big Fripper
The resort’s new “Big Fripper’’ catamaran comes complete with a bar and offers a variety of cruise options, including stunning sunset sails.
“Every year we start thinking about what we can do that is better and different,’’ Scappatura said. “That’s our motto. We’ve recently put $10 million into capital improvements with such things as new kitchen equipment and new tables and chairs. And we’re renovating the Ocean Point Grill.
“We want everything to look fresh and neat. The goal is to create more space for people to have memories with their families.’’
The Ocean Point course, renovated this past Fall by Dye Designs, Scappatura said, is creating new memories.
“We have a lot more tournament groups interested in coming here. The renovation has lifted the entire area. Home prices have increased.
“Before the renovation, homeowners hadn’t seen the ocean for 15 to 20 years because of the overgrown trees. One of the big goals of renovation was to remove some of those trees for ocean views. Now you can see the ocean from the houses, which makes a big difference.’’
Photos Courtesy of Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort