Four Itchy Feet

April 28,2025. Kingsland, Georgia.

We woke up this morning to thunderous storms in St. Simons, Georgia. The plan was to drive to nearby Kingsland, Georgia, to play Laurel Island Links Golf Course. The thunder subsided, but rain continued falling throughout our drive to the golf course. We arrived early for our tee time, and the rain had stopped, but by the third hole, it began falling again. We sought shelter for a few minutes and were rewarded with wonderful weather afterwards.

I had played the course many years ago but did not remember it being in such great shape. The fairways were pristine, and the greens were in excellent condition. The staff has certainly worked hard to maintain the course in such great repair. All the staff members were very friendly and welcoming. A calming and inviting atmosphere flows seamlessly between the pro shop and the adjacent restaurant.

Opened in 1996, Laurel Island Links boasts unique natural features that make playing there a true South Georgia coastal experience. Magnificent marsh views flourish about the 18-hole links-style course, which features Davis Love III’s signature design. A key element of his design philosophy is providing golfers with choices on how to play each hole. This can involve risk-reward scenarios, multiple routes from the tee, and green complexes that reward well-placed approach shots. Laurel Island Links is a great example of this philosophy. Another element is to keep the approach to the greens simple and without the claustrophobic feeling of tightly wooded lined fairways. Instead, Love III brings complexity to and around the greens, making approach shots very important.

We had a memorable time at Laurel Island Links and encourage you to visit. The course offers a challenge for all levers of golfers with six sets of tees.  I found the white tees a proper challenge for my 21 handicap, tough but enjoyable.