Interviews

Oakmont: An interview with Gil Hanse

With the 2025 US Open arriving at Oakmont, Richard Humphreys spoke with the architect, who renovated the course in 2023, about what to expect

Martin Ebert: Design journey

With a portfolio that includes eight of the ten Open venues, Mackenzie & Ebert occupies an enviable position in the golf design industry. Adam Lawrence spoke with principal Martin Ebert to learn how they got there

Designs for the big screen

Chad Goetz and Agustin Piza discuss their design decisions for the virtual holes that featured in the first season of TGL

Bob Harrison: Wizard of Oz

The Australian designer has had a long career and, like many of his countrymen, has spent much of it away from home. Adam Lawrence listened to his tales from the road

Ben Cowan-Dewar: Shock and awe

Golf development firm Cabot now has properties in six countries. Richard Humphreys speaks with co-founder and CEO Ben Cowan-Dewar about what makes a great site, selection of golf course architects, and more

Team building

Turfgrass has launched its US arm with the appointment of John Lawrence, Adam Moeller and Brad Owen. Richard Humphreys speaks with them, Turfgrass founder John Clarkin and director of agronomy Julian Mooney to find out more

Brian Curley: Life of Brian

The designer has surely clocked up more air miles than anyone else in the business. Adam Lawrence caught up with him in between flights to discuss his career and his new venture with Jim Wagner

Oakmont: An interview with Gil Hanse

With the 2025 US Open arriving at Oakmont, Richard Humphreys spoke with the architect, who renovated the course in 2023, about what to expect

Martin Ebert: Design journey

With a portfolio that includes eight of the ten Open venues, Mackenzie & Ebert occupies an enviable position in the golf design industry. Adam Lawrence spoke with principal Martin Ebert to learn how they got there

Designs for the big screen

Chad Goetz and Agustin Piza discuss their design decisions for the virtual holes that featured in the first season of TGL

Bob Harrison: Wizard of Oz

The Australian designer has had a long career and, like many of his countrymen, has spent much of it away from home. Adam Lawrence listened to his tales from the road

Ben Cowan-Dewar: Shock and awe

Golf development firm Cabot now has properties in six countries. Richard Humphreys speaks with co-founder and CEO Ben Cowan-Dewar about what makes a great site, selection of golf course architects, and more

Team building

Turfgrass has launched its US arm with the appointment of John Lawrence, Adam Moeller and Brad Owen. Richard Humphreys speaks with them, Turfgrass founder John Clarkin and director of agronomy Julian Mooney to find out more

Brian Curley: Life of Brian

The designer has surely clocked up more air miles than anyone else in the business. Adam Lawrence caught up with him in between flights to discuss his career and his new venture with Jim Wagner

Laura Hyde
/ Categories: News

New 12-hole course designed by Beau Welling to open at South Seas

South Seas resort on Captiva Island in Florida will soon open The Clutch, a new 12-hole course by Beau Welling Design.  

Built on the site of the resort’s previous nine-hole course, The Clutch is designed to appeal to both novice and seasoned golfers, with undulating greens that encourage experienced players to focus on precision, angles and shot values, while also having beginner-friendly short-cut surrounds that are playable with a putter. The coastal breeze will add to the challenge. 

“We are extremely proud of the course we have created at South Seas and look forward to unveiling The Clutch,” said architect Beau Welling. “The site is spectacular, and we were able to create a strategic and challenging, yet playable golf course that complements the beautiful surroundings with unobstructed water views on every hole. Working with South Seas, we were also able to create a unique and relaxed golf experience that promotes friends and families coming together through the game of golf to enjoy the stunning setting.” 

The course is walking-focused and holes have views of Pine Island Sound, Red Fish Pass, North Captiva and the Gulf of Mexico.   

The Clutch is part of an ongoing rebuilding process at the 330-acre resort following the devastation of Hurricane Ian in September 2022, which closed South Seas for almost a year. The course has been designed to improve storm water management for the north end of the resort and can withstand 20 inches of rain in a compressed time. The course’s three ponds provide water retention and the irrigation system is designed to minimise water usage. 

The Clutch has been landscaped with native plant species, including palm trees rescued from Hurricane Ian, nurtured at a tree nursery and replanted. 

The course, named after a turtle’s nest to represent the island’s diverse wildlife, has been laid out by Welling and his senior design associate Chase Webb. Clark Construction Company carried out the construction work during the seven-month project. 

“We’re thrilled to introduce our guests to this new golf experience,” said Shawn Farrell, South Seas general manager. “Our goal is to offer more than just a game; it’s about enjoying the popular sport in the most beautiful setting imaginable.” 

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  • South Seas
    South Seas Resort

    The new 12-hole course at South Seas resort will open next year

  •  South Seas
    South Seas Resort

    Beau Welling and associate Chase Webb have designed the course to appeal to both experienced and novice golfers

  •  South Seas
    South Seas Resort

    Three ponds provide water retention

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South Seas Resort

Laura HydeLaura Hyde

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