Sunset Beach, NC ~ Angels Trace to be reconstructed, redeveloped

Angels Trace Golf Links will be converted from 36 holes into 18 through a major rebuilding and continue a trend of course redevelopment in the area by creating up to 1,100 single-family homesites around the course.

The 11-year-old facility will lose its name and become part of Ocean Ridge Plantation, just up the road from Angels Trace on N.C. 904.

Tim Cate, whose designs include Ocean Ridge courses Tiger’s Eye and Panther’s Run, will redesign the new course, which will be called Jaguar’s Lair and could open by fall 2007.

The loss of 18 holes at Angels Trace brings the total anticipated course closings in 2005 and ‘06 - spurred by diminished golf profits and the rising value of real estate - to 17.

Holes on both Angels Trace courses will be used for the new layout. The back nine of the South course will remain somewhat intact and become the front nine, though greens and bunkers may be moved and pars could be changed. Cate will create new holes on much of the property.

Every hole will be stripped and 419 Bermudagrass in fairways will be replaced by a higher quality TifSport Bermuda. The course will receive a new irrigation system, and new bunkers, greens and tee boxes will be built.

The clubhouse will also be renovated, and planned amenities around it include a tennis complex, indoor racquet facilities, swimming pool and fitness club.

Source: Alan Blondin, The Sun News, Myrtle Beach, SC