Tournament: The RSM Classic – Sea Island Resort (Seaside), Sea Island, GA
Hole: 18th – Par 4, 370 Yards
Architect(s): Harry Colt & Charles Alison – 1929
Tom Fazio (Renovation) – 1999

Architectural Summary:

The finishing hole on the Seaside Course measures 470 yards and emphasizes accuracy from the tee as competitors must navigate the fairway bunkers flanking either side of the long par four’s landing area. From the tee, competitors will also look to avoid tidal marsh to the right of the fairway as well as a lake to the left that spans nearly the entire length of the hole. The three fairway bunkers span from 230 to 280 yards which will be in play for any players taking less than driver from the tee. Longer hitters may carry the fairway bunkers, but must avoid the native sand areas beyond the cart path crossing at 325 yards. Competitors will target the right side of the fairway to achieve the optimal angle of approach into the well-protected green. Beyond 350 yards the fairway constricts to less than 20 yards in width as native sand areas and the large lake cut into the playing area. On the approach, players will look to evade the two greenside bunkers protecting the front half of the putting surface on the left and right. The green measures 36 yards deep by 21 yards wide and slopes from back-to-front. Overall, the 18th hole will require precision from tee to green for a chance at a scoring opportunity to close the round.

Statistical Analysis:

During the 2016 RSM Classic, the 18th hole yielded a scoring average of 4.01 (50 Birdies, 212 Pars, 36 Bogeys, 6 Double Bogeys, and 2 “Others”).

Fun Facts:

• A five-man playoff was required to crown Mackenzie Hughes the RSM Classic champion on Monday morning last year. Hughes prevailed on the third playoff hole to become the first PGA Tour rookie in 20 years to go wire-to-wire for his first Tour title.
• Sea Island’s original name was Fifth Creek Island.
• The Seaside course is located on the site of the former Retreat Plantation. The course features some unique historic qualities due to the site’s history, including a cemetery where former plantation workers are buried to the left of the 9th green.