(ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga.) – The King & Prince Golf and Beach Club today announced the launch of its new membership program, marking a defining milestone in the Club’s transition to a fully private model.
The membership release coincides with a comprehensive $7 million transformation of the Club’s golf course and practice facilities, led by acclaimed designer Beau Welling. The project reflects a broader vision by owner South Street Partners (South Street) – one of the largest owners and operators of private residential club and resort communities in the United States, including Kiawah Island, Palmetto Bluff, PGA National and The Cliffs – to reestablish The King & Prince as one of the Southeast’s premier coastal golf and social club experiences. The course and its redesigned clubhouse are expected to open in late fall 2026.
Welling and Senior Design Associate Chase Webb are leading the design efforts where adjustments are focused on elevating the course’s natural character while introducing greater strategic variety and playability.
“The course has incredible bones, and our goal has been to respect the original design while refining strategic elements that will make the course more engaging day-to-day,” said Welling. “We aim to deliver an experience that rewards thoughtful play while offering a memorable experience on every hole.”
The renovation includes a complete reworking of all green complexes, redesign of fairway bunkering throughout the course, rebuilding of tees to create additional teeing options with new forward tees as well as longer back tees to extend overall yardage, opening of sightlines and enhancement of playing corridors, and conversion of cart paths from concrete to crushed gravel for a more natural aesthetic.
The par-72 routing will remain unchanged, tacking through a lush canopy of live oaks for its first 11 holes before emerging to expansive coastal views on holes 12 through 15. The spirited closing stretch then heads back inland for short- and medium-length par 4s, respectively, capped off by a reachable closing par 5. With the updates, the course will now measure more than 6,600 yards from the back tees.
“Through strategic adjustments to the greens and bunkering, the course will take on a renewed feel, further enhanced by opening up striking sightlines to showcase the area’s spectacular marsh views and Lowcountry setting throughout the round,” said Welling, whose Lowcountry credits include recent renovations at Ocean Forest Golf Club in Sea Island, Georgia and Oak Marsh Golf Course in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
A standout example is the reimagined par-5 third hole. Welling and team have shifted the recontoured green site back 17 yards, adding length while bringing the surrounding marsh more into play. The newly shaped putting surface features bold contouring, highlighted by a distinct ridge through the middle that slopes toward both the front and rear of the green. The adjusted design places a premium on precise shot placement, while still remaining receptive to the ground game.
“Across all 18 holes, we have sought to reward thoughtful shotmaking while ensuring each hole has a unique character that makes it memorable in its own right,” said Welling. “The third hole really illustrates our efforts to improve visuals and bring the amazing setting more into play, but also to implement design changes that elevate and calibrate strategy while maintaining playability.”
In parallel, the Club’s practice facilities are being fully upgraded, including a rebuilt driving range, short-game area and putting green, that can be tailored to support a wide range of skill levels.
A Club Experience Designed for Connection
Beyond golf, The King & Prince is undergoing a broader transformation to create a more social club environment reflective of St. Simons Island’s relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Planned enhancements include a redesigned clubhouse with a new club room, an outdoor terrace with covered dining and gathering space, upgraded locker rooms and pro shop experience, and a new outdoor halfway house and dedicated pre- and post-round hangout area designed to serve as a social hub for members.
Members will also enjoy access to The King & Prince Beach & Golf Resort, which is being enhanced alongside the Club with future upgrades planned across guest rooms, dining, pools, beach amenities and event spaces.
With golf at its foundation, The King & Prince reflects the spirit of great clubs while offering a more relaxed and welcoming environment for family and lasting social connection. It will not be just another private club; instead, it will be a place where golf and island life mingle in a way that feels both timeless and newly energized.
A Strategic Repositioning
South Street acquired The King & Prince in 2024 with a long-term vision to reposition the property as a leading coastal club destination. South Street’s investment, development and club experience in the luxury marketplace provides the opportunity to impact and improve every aspect of the project. The new course and club renovation is part of a slate of unique programs and amenities South Street is integrating to augment the incredible lifestyle and offerings The King & Prince is known for.
Northview Hotels & Resorts was subsequently introduced to lead project management and operational execution across the broader repositioning.
“From day one, we saw the opportunity to thoughtfully reinvest in The King & Prince and restore it to its full potential,” said Chris Randolph, managing partner at South Street. “This is about creating a club that feels both elevated and approachable — one that reflects the character of St. Simons while delivering a best-in-class member experience.”
Membership opportunities are now available. For information, please visit kingandprincegolfclub.com.
