Leopard’s Chase Golf Course

The latest of four golf courses at acclaimed Ocean Ridge Plantation, the Tim Cate designed Leopard’s Chase measures 7,155 yards from the tournament tees but a more manageable 6,165 yards from the whites.

Opened in 2007, it’s generally regarded as more difficult than it’s three sister courses – Tiger’s Eye, Lion’s Paw, and Panther’s Run – and features lots of sand and water, undulating greens and small fairways. And while it might seem like a short course, yardage tells only a small bit of the tale, with the course’s slope rating of 130 being a truer measure of its difficulty.

The course features five each of par 3s and par 5s, with a premium put on driving accuracy. If you’re driving straight on this course, great. If not, best to fall back on a 3-wood or other club to keep in the fairway. And while many Grand Strand courses have their share of difficult holes, this course is different with none of its holes allowing you to relax and collect yourself.

It’s obvious that a great deal of thought was given the placement of every hazard and if there ever was a thinking man’s and shot maker’s course, this is it. For instance, with many of the approach shots, you have the choice of a water carry or having the wind take your shot away. That’s just one of the many subtle and not so subtle touches that make this course such an experience. There’s a putting green, chipping area and driving range along with a fantastic clubhouse and pro shop.