Sea Pines Country Club on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, has selected golf course architect Phil Smith to create a master plan for renovations to its Club course.

Smith is analysing tees, fairways, bunkers, greens, cart paths, irrigation and the club’s practice facility. Once the plan is complete, renovations will begin on the practice facility, and then the 18-hole course.

“Our goal is to complement the existing Club course characteristics and enhance the world class golf experience already enjoyed by Sea Pines Country Club members,” said Smith. “Respecting the unique Lowcountry setting will be at the heart of any proposed renovations.”

The course was originally designed by Arnold Palmer in 1973 and renovated by Clyde Johnston in 2001. It has narrow, tree-lined fairways, doglegs and small greens, like nearby Harbour Town Golf Links. The layout features lagoons and marshes, with the par-four eighteenth located along Lowcountry tidewater.

“Phil Smith is one of the top names in golf course design, and we are thrilled to work with him on the master plan for our Club course,” said Robbie Ames, general manager and COO of Sea Pines Country Club. “Sea Pines is committed to maintaining a top-rated golf course and facility for our members.”

The private club features golf, tennis, multiple swimming pools and a fitness centre.

In 2016, club members approved a ‘Vision 2020 Facility Enhancement Plan’. The clubhouse was modernised in 2017 as well as the indoor and outdoor pool complexes. There fitness centre is scheduled to be renovated and expanded by summer 2019.