Fripp Island has always held a special place in my heart. I’ve been coming here with my family since I was less than a year old, and this year marked 49 consecutive summers that my grandparents — and now generations of us — have made this island our getaway. When I think of Fripp Island, I think of quiet mornings on a South Carolina beach, family golf cart rides, playgrounds, and two golf courses tucked into some of the most beautiful land God ever made. It is, simply put, my happy place.

In my previous Sweet Tees article, I reviewed Ocean Point — the older of the two golf courses at Fripp Island Resort. Today, I’m diving into the younger but equally beloved sibling: Ocean Creek Golf Course. Built in 1995, Ocean Creek offers a different kind of beauty and challenge — one defined by winding marshland, sunsets over tidal creeks, and meticulous design from PGA champion Davis Love III and architect Paul Cowley.

Ocean Creek is the newer of Fripp’s two courses, opening in 1995. Designed by Davis Love III and Paul Cowley, the course stretches 6,392 yards and plays as a par 71. It’s not long by modern standards, but don’t let the scorecard fool you — this course demands accuracy, strategy, and nerve.

Five sets of tees make it playable for a variety of skill levels, but from the tips, it carries a 72.1 course rating and 139 slope — a clear indication that trouble lurks in every direction. Saltwater marshes, freshwater lagoons, thick vegetation, and sunbathing alligators are all part of the Ocean Creek experience.

What sets Ocean Creek apart is its scenery. Many holes open up to sweeping views of South Carolina’s inland marshes, stretching for thousands of yards. If you catch it near sunset, with the light settling over the water and spartina grass, it feels otherworldly.

Fun Fact: While construction was underway in 1994–1995, the production of Forrest Gump used areas of the building site to film the Vietnam war scenes. Explosions, jungle set pieces — all came to life where fairways now sit. Today, a bench on the 5th tee box marks this bit of Hollywood history.

Ocean Creek is built for the straight hitter, not the long bomber. At 6,392 yards, length won’t beat you — mistakes will. Marshland, water carries, thick trees, perfectly placed bunkers, and tight landing areas make every shot matter.

Compared to Ocean Point, the greens at Ocean Creek are larger and offer more pin locations. Hitting the green doesn’t mean safety — three-putts are common if you’re on the wrong tier. Wind is less of a factor than Ocean Point, but swirling breezes over the marsh still influence approach shots.

This course is not a laid-back resort round from the back tees. The bogey golfer will find headaches. The scratch golfer will find a worthy test. Play it forward, though, and it becomes fun, scenic, and fair.

⛳ Hole 4 – Par 4, 274 yards
A short but thrilling risk-reward hole. Water guards the entire right side, while trees crowd the left. The green features one of the most unique complexes in South Carolina — a massive bowl covering 60–70% of the green with a raised flat tier on the upper left. With the pin in the bowl, it's drivable and one of the best chances you’ll ever have at a hole-in-one on a par 4. With the pin up top, you’re facing a 10+ foot elevation difference. Gamble carefully.

⛳ Hole 6 – Par 3, 149 yards
Maybe the most picturesque hole on the course. Teeboxes sit alone on the edge of a tidal marsh. You’re hitting a full carry to a bean-shaped green surrounded by marshland and a small runoff collection area to the right. It's peaceful, intimidating, and beautiful — pure Lowcountry golf.

⛳ Hole 11 – Par 4, 386 yards
The tee aims you straight at water — a visual intimidation that never gets easier. The fairway runs to the right, narrowed further by a looming tree about 50 yards from the green. Too far left and you're wet; too far right and the tree blocks your approach. A well-hit controlled cut is the play — easier said than done.

⛳ Hole 18 – Par 5, 514 yards
A finishing hole unlike any other — a “boomerang” par 5 that sweeps left to right around marshland. The tee shot carries 30 yards of marsh. The second shot is partially blind due to a large mound 150 yards out. The elevated, two-tiered green is heavily guarded by bunkers front-left and along the right side. A true risk-reward finisher beside the clubhouse patio.

Like Ocean Point, this course is consistently immaculate. Fairways are lush, bunkers are filled with white South Carolina sand, cart paths are smooth, and greens roll true. One thing I love: the membership and maintenance crew take serious pride in divot repair and fixing ball marks — it shows.

The marsh views? Some of the best in the world. For the price point, Ocean Creek might be one of the best values in the entire Southeast.

Fripp Island is private — you can’t play unless you’re staying on the island. But to me, that’s part of the magic. It keeps crowds low, pace of play relaxed, and the island’s peaceful atmosphere intact.

The Ocean Creek clubhouse looks like a luxury beach house — airy, coastal, and charming. There’s a grill with excellent food, a pro shop, and a back patio overlooking the 18th and 9th greens — the perfect spot for a post-round meal or to watch players finish.

Value-wise? It's one of the best two-course stays you can experience in South Carolina.

Ocean Creek isn’t just another resort course — it’s personal. It reminds me of summers spent playing golf with my dad, brother, grandfather, and uncle. It’s family. It’s tradition. It’s marshland sunsets and risk-reward golf that keeps you coming back.

If you love Lowcountry golf, Ocean Creek is a must-play. And if you want to experience it the right way — Fripp Island is a must-stay.